Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1856-09-17
% Bernard Lille. !

The above Is the title OF historical novel, Just
sued from the press by the Hon Jcrre Clemens lately
distinguished member Of the United States Senate FROM
the State of Alabama.
1t is seldom that find prominent statesmen in this
country trcsding in the quiet though elegant walks OF
light literature. In England the contrary, such in
stances not unusual Bulwer and DIsraeh have each
attained reputation brilliant both in craftsmanship
and letters that it difficult decide from which they
derive the grester ustre That Of the public
this country contributors its literature results
not from the aacy that the pursuits uncougena
but from mistaken idea have that the light and in
cases. trivial role Of the novelist disqualfes man
Tor the duties OF the statesman.
That this is the case be proved by many living
evidences Of ts slsty in both England and France and
even in country the of Kennedy the author
OF Swallow Barn, and other works OF similar character is
conspicuous In the annals Of literature the role Of
most eminent politicians.
Bernard Lie is not, however, strictly speaking, a
novethat s according the standard OF novels raised
by Northern mik-snd-waer magazines, and the yell
lowbscked and buebacked aud redbacked productions,
which much affected by Byronic youths and sent
mental young boarding school misses. s work OF far
higher and yrsver and dgnifed import Tue po,
Of the story is exceedingly simpleindeed, almost
gre But this doubtless intended by the author and
instead OF being objection is of the chief
o the book To carry the authors leading design Of
detailing the prominent Of the Texan struggle
independence, and with Mexico, ooy enough
OF plot necessary vehicle for history. The
great attraction Of Bernard Le therefore, consists in
the fascinating and brilliant in which the
Of those related Even without the fiction
which accompanies this narration of those stirring
the face pen of Col Clemens the spe-
-imens OF historical writing the whole range OF
nature.
The gallant and successful struggle Of the Texans for
their independence is related with elegance
Of expression which capvates the reader much its
beauty il exces his interest in the development of the
result Without Introducing anything but the recorded
facts OF history, the author has vet managed paint
them in the brilliant coors of his fertile BRAIN as TO
invest them with all the charm of romance And in the
sketch Of the principal events of the of the United
States with Mexico, he has been equally il sue
cessful Col Clemens himself an officer in that war
and with truth ancient hero said before him.
oD,Rid qade ridi Fl quorum pars ta" His history is
rumor but personal witness the facts which he
relates.
Viewed therefore, either novel or as history or as
specimen Of elegant and classic writing Bernard Lille"
equally commends itself ADM alton. The reputa.
ton which Col Clemens acquired during his senatorial
career for genius and learning aud scholarship will be in
creased rather than diminished by perusa of this book
and h. artily commend il those who consult the
uc well the dle in their reading Of popular ro-
H. by the tyrarnca edic OF party his eloouen,
voice should again be heard in the Senate house he
may yet via laures equally mpershabe with his Den