Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1855-01-06
A Southern Home-By a viteinian


This is the title of an unpretending little vol
ume just published by Mr. a. Morris. Richmond
We were induced to look into it by having got a
hint OF its authorship-and once begun, its pc
rusal cheated us oftwo or three hours. which be-
longed to graver engagements.
\ principle object of the writer as set forth by
the short preface, is to mingle with amusements
some instruction for the little ones of Southern
families, in the duties growing out of their rela-
tions TO slaves--old aud young. To say merely
that this object has been attained, would be say
ing too little.
Consideraiions-rel gous social mud political,
combine TO stimulate southern parents 10 rear
their children with proper ideas of their relations
10 slaves 10 instruct them in the history Of
tn institution; TO point out the duties il involves;
TO cherish that sentiment of mutual regard,
founded in mutual offices Of the kindest nature,
which, in many a Southern household binds the
family servant to the masters family, by bond
stronger sometimes, than the ties of nature. 1t
is in this way that the evils incident to slavery
are alleyiated, if not removed-and the well fed,
well-clothed, kindly treated, we'll hammered ne
gro slave becomes the highest sly lie of mental in
the world. Ii is thus that the great final cause
which Providence seems obviously 10 have con.
templated when African slavery became one Of
the first institutions of the infant New World
viz the initiation Of the African race in the arts
Of civilized life, and their instruction in the truths
of christianity, is brought to its speedest consul
nation.
The intention of the writer, in the little vol
ume before us, is to instl specifically. along
with other lessons Of virtue, the duty of bencyo.
lence towards slavos-a benevolenco which
CARDS them, not the objects of a sort of techni.
cality, but as members of the family,-persons
dependent ON US, who may be made, aud
prone to be made, to u.s. less through fear,
than love for and pride in
This wholesome lesson, well taught, as it is,
is in itself sufficient to commend the work TO the
good opinion of our community: but, apart from
this it commends itself by literary merits suited
to its object, OF unusually high order. In
writing chill's book there is no room for the
display genius. Deep and powerful thinking
would be out OF place and blemsh. The quail
tiles of authorship more appropriate, and hence
more useful clearness without proXity-sim-
plciy OF language without affectation-liyely
narrative, with certain child-liko graceiulness,
most attractive to the childish mind, the art of
characterize this volume, as conspiciousy & we
had almost said) as they do Miss Edgworth's
The sentiments are as free from strain or aifectn-
tation the style. Aliis sound, hearty, healthy,
genuine feeling, proper to the occasion which ex-
cites it.
In the purity Of the English the book almost
deserves to be called model. No yulrnrisms
of expression to be found, and impropretcs
uor there are rery few,l are rarer than in many
authors who aspire 10 he, and are considered,
classics. All Yankeeisms are utterly cschcwed.
In this expression of favorable opinion, we
have sought TO keep ourselyc, unbiased by the
circumstance that the writer is known to us 1t
is a circumstance, however, which makes US more
confident in the estimate of the work She IS Il
lady of Albemare, whose literary accomplish
ments have won her high place in the estma-
ton of "A large and cultivated acquaintance De
voted a. she has been for years. to literature and
children, her attainments in the one, aud intimate
knowledge of the other, qualify her, ms few are
qualified for producing works which shall delight
and interest the young mind. With gifts fully
equal to the task of authorship for adult intel
lects preferring usefulness 10 the pursuit of
fame. she may have done wisely in addressing
herself to those with whom she may effect most
good.
1t is not the least rea son why wish this lit
lie volume to meet with tie success which il de-
serves, that success may induce the writer 10
follow it up by others, and shed over the families
of the State, some of the genial influences which
have been heretofore almost confined 10 that of
a brother.
The book is exoellently gotten up, by the pub
Usher, and forms handsome, as well as useful.
gift TO the little ones at home.