The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1853-03-12

MIR. Gayarro's Work on Louisiana.
Charles Gayaue, for long time Secretary OF State Of
Louisiana, descendant of of the Oldest and most
noted families OF the Spanish and French settlers gen
tenan IN every respect high in character and reputation
has been, most OF readers are aware, for many
yeats engaged illustrating the history OF Louisiana in
series OF very able and interesting volumes
The first OF this series was published in 1885, in the
French language, when the author was quite young
man. but subsequent residence in France, and daily &C
10 the official records of the Colonial Office, justified
him in much more elaborate work, which IN the years
ls4o47 contributed TO the press in three volumes
also in The French language.
general desire being expressed for the translation OF
this work into English, Mr.. Gayane declined on the
ground that could better be written and eaanged IN
that language than translated and that he had come INTO
possession of much material in the shape OF French
and Spanish official manuscripts, obtained from abroad
through the munidcence of the legislature and OF pri-
vate individuals
la this spirit he took up anew the theme so iul oil ro-
mantle interest and instruction, and has already com
pleed two very eloquent and elaborate volumes, whilst
third and closing is in manuscript and very nearly
ready for the press This third volume will almost be in.
dependent OF the others, and will embrace the first au-
thentie history of the Spanish domination in Louisiana
from 1869 10 so3-a period in regard to which there has
been much and Misrepresentation. or the volume
Mr. Gayarre himself says Embracing entirely distinct
period OF history il will be different work from the pre-
cedng, much perhaps point of style and the other
eemeas of composition, with regard TO the character
isc features of the lords OF the land" We do not
doubt that its appearance will create sensation, and open
some new lights upon the subject of Louisiana pur
chase and the various ntrgues that preceded it.
We have not space for the purpose-and If we had,
this would not be the placeto enter into literary analy-
sis of Mr. Gayarre's work. the second volume Of which
is before US, but think may be allowed 10 say that
challenges position for ITSELF in elevation OF style,
in spirit, and in ruthfulness, among the most classical
productions OF our American historians
The reader will find interest at every page of his pro-
gress, whether in the stirring ecals OF Indian and
characters the graphic descriptions of natural scenery the
poraure of leading personages sent by the Spanish
king 10 take possession OF the colony the bold and fear
less proceeding of the coIonsts prevent it, and pre-
serve their nationality and their libertes the struggles
which ensued the trial OF the conspraiors-the terrible
and bloody tragedy which closed the chapter. Never
had historian such thrilling incidents, and never
have such incidents been worked up with more power
Boldly and goriousy said the patriot LafIenere, in the
hea, OF this struggle, eight years before the patriots OF
'7o had made their immortal declaration % la proportion
10 the extent both of and population is the
solidy OF thrones both fed by liberty and competi.
ton which are the nursing mothers OF the Sale OF which
the spirit of monopoly is the tyrant and step mother
Wfsu liberty there but fec virtues Despoiism breed
saiuity and deepens the abyss Of Man is con.
sdeed SHINING before God only because he retains his
free will" Well remarks Mr. Gayarre To appreciate
this bold language it must be remembered that
officially uttered by the attorney general OF absolute
king and that il intended TO reach the OF the
despotic government OF France"
"Thus was the revolution accomplished. A population
which hardly numbered eighteen hundred able 10
carry and which had IN ITS bosom several thousands
of black slaves, whom necessary 10 ntmdae into
subsection, had rebeed against the will OF France, had
flung the gauntlet at the Spanish monarchy, and was
boarding powerful nation whose distinguished trait oil
character did consist in the forgiveness OF injuries
particularly when her pride was wounded."-p. 226.
The history OF this revolution in Louisiana OF 6s, for
exalted patriotism, for courage and rmness, deserves
be read by the side of that OF the American revolution it,
self II wanted but the single element OF suees.-that
rule and measure by which men ever distinguish hsrOism
from madness.
Ga page ISL, etc, Mr.. Gsyaue in describing the va.
rous personsges OF the suite OF the Captain General o.
oa introduces mention OF his dsing pushed ancestor
Don Estvan Gayaus Royal Comptroller Of the Treasury
soldier high in the confidence OF the King, who hsC
won aures in the fields OF Italy; in Piedmont and 10 tn,
engagements OF Aygabel and ST. Andre; among the de
files Of Lanel 10 The trenches OF Ncs and on the ciia
del- OF Villa Franco and Montalban-a brave man,
true gentleman aud patriot with all the virtues that adorr
the healthy ADD hardy mountaineers Of the Pyrennean
heiphts