Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1856-04-15
IL IN RE..

! TIRES OVER me BLct Ridge: by Mary ElLabet!
! Wormcley, author of An,nbel. Bunce & Brothers
New York: Received from A. Morris.-We remem
| Der perusing Amabel with delight but the rich pro-
mise of that able production is more than fulfilled in
sour Cousin Veronica" As faithful and graphic
picture OF Virginia life, it is unsurpassed. The dia
losucs are at dramatic and natura-the descrp
tons glowing and life-likc without touch of exagge
ralion--the characters artiscaly Observation-Disclosures
plot is carefully wrought out within the barriers OF
probability. We eschew the practice of giving sy'
uops, of the narrative because it partially destroys
the interest with which such work may be peruSed
But Of the dramats PERSONS we may venture to say
a few words. Little Eeronicas coored Mommy is the
type of a class with whom our Northern neighbors
ar. too little acquainted. Let them look attenvely
at this true portrait of Southern family domestic aud
acknowledge that possesses traits which they deem
incompatible with slavery. Max and Veronica, Tyr
rel and Molly Uncle Christopher and Aunt Sapb bear
striking reselnblances to beings whom we have met
in actual life. When we recognize the porratures
in work of fiction familiar friends 1T is one of the
best tests that they have been skctched by master
hand. By the same rule the artist OF old was pro-
nounced Il genius when birds pecked at the cherries
he had painted on canvass.
Miss Wormeley has uttered not a few truths rela
tive TO the social customs Of the South with an adm
rabc mugling of geneness and holiness. No un-
prejudiced mind can ponder over what she has WITT
ten without profit Some of the errors which have
been widely sown by Mrs. Stowe will be plucked up
by the roots and cast out 20 wither. Yet Miss
Wormeey is far from being an advocate of slavery
as she is Of instantaneous emancipation. We quote
one important passage the subject. She says ''if
in individual cases We attempt emancipation, let Us
prepare the way for that also, by such previous
and instruction may fit the objects OF our bounty
for The new station of life which we assign 10 them
Nor does the duty of master who emancipates his
slave rest then here. No Christian man, who is slave
owner can reconcile the possession Of such property
with the instincts Of his conscience unless he looks
uuon it as stewardship which binds him to consul,
the true good of those committed to his care
Emancipation does not set him free from this respon
sibiIty 1t is not enough 10 transplant n family Of
HELPLESS servants out of the homes in which they
have been shellered-friendIess and houseess igno.
rant simple and dependent-over Mason and DiSon's
line. Cheap bcnevuence-l mean the benevolence
that contents itself with single effort, whether OF
alms.giying of emanc pation-s apt to do small
service. The duty Of the master TO the slave he
would emancipae, obges him To send him forth
provided with trade by which to live, and such in
s,ructon as may tit him TO get honest living.
We have
right to tear away the prop and then expect the
creeping plant will flourish and do well without some
pains or training
We sincerely hope that sour Cousin Veronica"
may meet with IN extensive and loving welcome both
at the North and South for added TO the charm her
acquaintance will mpsrt, she is endowed with quail
ties which may accomplish Il good work for those
who offer her the hand.
The book opens with AL enthusiastic dedication to
Mrs. S. G. Wylnau Of Baltimore.
LIFE or GEORGE WASHINGTON. BY Washington
Irving New York. Putnam.-We have received
from Mr. Woodhouse the first of the three volumes
which are anxiously anticipated by the public. Mr..
Irving has confined himself strictly to facts and
wholly dsdans the aid of the brgh, tnts, the strong
lights and deep shadows so avisIy used by Macauey
in his history Of England. The materials for the biog
raphy of the greatest Of heroes, have been gather
ed with great dilgence-they eminently accu-
rate reiable-but they are presented TO the reader
almost without comment. We have the bare mnjes-
tie column without the laurel wreath which grateful
nation twjnes around the stone. Even this dfccHcy,
n, will seem to some. more powerfully exhibits the
greatness OF the hero and the exquisite appreciation
his chroujclcr Mr.. Irving has felt that unadornel
f.cts were Wgshing;ons most eloquent eu!o3ium.
Al this period when patriotic hearts are throhbing |
with their loudes,, strongest bear, quckeped into
holy enthusiasm by the stirring roquence OF the ora
tor Everett every worthy son and daughter Of Wash |
u.ton feels impulse to learn all that history |
cuu impnrt the Father and beueactor Of this liea
ven belsed cline. His life by Irving will be sough,
for throughout the land.
The NEwcoMEs. BY W. NJ. Thackeray. New
York Harpers.-We are indebted 10 Mr.. Woodhouse |
for finely illustrated edition of "1'hackeray's last
and best" Who has not read the NewcOmes Or
who is willing to confess that they have not read it,
without adding that they are on the point of doing |
so! The book has been extensively reviewed thai |
il seems lae to enter into further analysis Of it.
merits. We will only quote the words of II critic |
.loted for his impartisy, who says, al any OF
Us can 10y aside The sewcomes,' without canvc-
ticn that, if properly studied, lnay impart sound
q deep lesson OF morality, depend upon it, lie or she
is Beyond my teaching through tho medium of works
Of fiction. They greatly err, who picture Tlackeray
to themselves soured abuser Of the world live
in. They who know him personally, and, also, they
who have looked beneath the surface of his writings
will bear witness to the geniality and greatness OF his
spirit"