Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1855-12-01
LITERARY INTELLIGENCE.

tons sumetime promised Letters OF Henry
Clay" The book will be far more popular
than the great orators "Speeches' or "Me-
moIrs." Mr. Clay was never more happy than
in his off-hand and warm-hsarted letters TO his
political and personal friends, 10 which he was
wont TO express himself with the utmost frank
ness and sincerity OF course, such eolec-
tiou, published while so many Of Mr. Clay's
eminent contemporaries are living, must be very
incomplete but DR.. Cotton has enjoyed every
advantage in the execution Of his task which
could be conferred by the surviving members
Of the siatesman's family and his previous
works on our political history prove him 10 be
both judicous and learned in the treatment Of
such subjects.
The concluding volumes, the fifth and sixth,
Of the "Works of John c. Calhoun have
just appeared, and we are, therefore, in posses
sion Of the mulerials necessary for just esti
mate Of the genius and character Of that extra
ordinary person, who probably exercised more
absolute, if more limited, influence in our
public affairs than either Mr. Clay or Mr. Web
ster. Mr. Calhoun was indeed the dictator Of
South Carolina for great number Of years,
and he retained the affections and the confidence
Of his constituents to the end OF his dignihed
and splendid career.
Next TO Mr. Clay perhaps the finest orator
who was conspicuous in the political strifes Of
the last generation was S. s. Prentiss, Of Mis-
sissippi, whose very interesting memoirs have
within few days been published by his broth
this city. Mr. Pren,iss was better known on
the stump than 10 Congress but whefevet he
appeared he won applause from tho most judi
cious as a feryid and graceful speaker, and
saeacious observer of affairs.
A new periodical, Of the character Of the
London Alhenaum, is talked of in this city,
and. We understand, will make its first appear
ance near the end Of the year.
A letter from Boston discoscs the project Of
monthly review OF n high character, 10 be
commenced by some ol the leading wits of that
vicinity.
George Wood, the author of "Pe.er Schle-
mhl in America" will publish mex, week a
new work, under the lille Of 'The Modern
Pileriu,s,'' in which the trbua,ions and en-
barrassments Of wanderer among modern
"isms, and the difficulties to be encountered
before the discovering any essential truth in
either Of them, will be set forth in his best
I manner. "The Modern Pilerims' will make
more noise among the philosophers and ,heolo.
rians than any other book of the year.
Mrs lydia NJ. Child, woman OF uncom-
non genius. well known quarter of centu-
~ ago by her "Philo,hea" and other novels,
and whose most recent appearance in priut was
in ''I.ife Of Isaac II. Hopper" has in pres.
an elaborate work on the origin and growth Of
religious ideas and Institutions. Il may be
doubted whether it viii add much to her good
reputation.
From Philadelphia, we shall have, in few
days, new novel, entitled "Helen Leeson, OF
Peep at New York Society" We are as
sured that thc forthcoming production is by a
clever writer, who has had ample opportunities
Of understanding her subject, and that il is
equally just aud spirited.
A singularly interesting book, called "As.
piration, an Autobiography Of Girlhood," ap-
pears anonymously, but is understood to be
from the pen Of Mrs Richards, wife Of the
Rev. William G. Richards, OF Providence
Nothing more graphic has been written since
Miss B.onie gave to the world the early adven.
lures OF "Jane Eyre" and Aspiration" has
the merit Of a most unexceptionsble work.
The second volume of Mr. Benion's "Thirty
Years in the Senate" is in press, and win prob
ably be Published soon after the meeting OF
Congress.
General Cass's ''Memors' are also in ia,
hands of the printers. The stereotyping oi
lryings Life Of Washington" was commenc-
ed about fortnight ago, and will be completed
by the first Of December.
OF the political biographies which are to In
struct the next generation, perhaps none will
be more entertaining than those Of Amos Ken.
dali, the SOLVER le Dain" Of Gen. Jackson.
administration. Amos Kendall is an exiraor-
binary character, and has played an ex,raord
nary part in the history Of this country. Hi:
, early career as tho pro,ege and friend Of MI
Clay he will probably treat very lightly, bu
his connection with General jackson, ovel
whom his influence was far greater than that o
any other man, il correctly stated, will aston
ish the world in several respects. Il is alleg
! aJ a.. ha . fac, .rsaant,hia az .vaxx dan,nns,ra