The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-09-18
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&c. New York: Harper & Brothers. 1856. For sale
by Franck Taylor, Washington D. C.
This book forms No. 202 of Harper's Library
of Select Novels, and is one of the best of the
series recently issued. Mrs. Marsh, years since,
made an impression on the reading public by
her striking work called 1.-TWO Old Mems Tales"
Since then, she has been a favorite writer, and
in many respects has improved. There is less
of wild and stormy passion in her writings,
and the moral effect is better directed. BY her
work on the History of the Huguenots, or the
Reformation in France, she has shown that her
sympathies have been strongly enlisted on the
side of those brave spirits who suffered and fought
for liberty of conscience" not counting their
lives dear to them preserve their allegi-
ance to Heaven. The present tale is founded
on the fortunes of some of the refugees OF this
class. Her characters are strongly portrayed.
The aim seems to be, to depict the influence of
a true appreciation of mental and moral worth,
in humbling proud spirit, and leading to the
sacrifice of wealth. position for poverty and
trial as consequence. Evelyn and Du Chastel
both are sketched in clear outline; and as the
plot moves on, the development is easy, till,
after varied discipline, suitably received, the
trial is ended by rewarded honesty, patience,
and confidence in God. 1t is less simple as
story than John Halifax, which we recently
noticed, but it shows as practiced hand, and
by many will be better liked, we presume.
THE AMATEURS GUIDE AND FLOWER GARDEN DIRECTORY.
Containing every requisite detail for the successful
cultivation of the Flower Garden embracing the elias
sfcaon of varieties of Roses and all plants
requisite the garden; with directions for their prop
agation, and Remedies for the destruction OF Insects
To which is added the Vegetable Garden Manual.
BY John r. C. Clark Washington, d. C. Published by
Taylor Maury. 1856.
A multum IN parco, as our readers will see by
the above title. But, though a small volume,
it is carefully prepared, and is well fitted to
meet the wants of many who love to cultivate
flowers. In few pages, and by using tabu-
lar form, the author Classics the various kinds,
giving the names, the time of bloom, their
color and habit, also method of propagation,
in case of Cuttings. Engravings very clearly
illustrate, too, the processes of culture, the
modes of grating, &c. The second part" The
Vegetable Garden Manual"-will be found, to
many of our readers not the least valuable por-
ton of the book. The directions are simple,
and the conduct Of the garden, after the most
approved style of cultivation, is laid down
briefly, but as fully as necessary. The book
will not of course supply the place of larger
works, for those who pursue the subject extern
sively, but, by the ma ority of persons, it will
no doubt be felt to be just such work as was
wanted.
CONFIDENTIAL CORRESPONDENTS EMPEROR NAPOLEON
AND EMPRESS JOSEPHINE Including Letters from
the time OF their Marriage until the Death of Josephine
and also several Private Letters from the Emperor TO
his brother Joseph and other important personages.
With numerous Illustrative Notes and Anecdotes. BY
John s C. Abbott. New York: Mason & Brothers.
1886. For sale by Taylor Maury, Washington, d. c..
Napoleon Bonaparte Everything connect
ed with that name excited deep interest while
he lived and now, when for more than quar-
ter Of century he has been slumbering with
the dead, spell seems to linger yet around it..
We are no worshippers, nor can we agree
with Mr.. Abbott in his undistinguishing admi.
ration of Napoleon's words or acts. 1t is no
doubt too near the period that the events in
which he bore so large part transpred, to
have full, fair judgment We question not,
the may nme an &c hsd
lie between the two extremes. 1t will not be
all appreciation nor all condemnation. The
point from which he started, the goal he kept
In view, the marvellous course he tracked, will
be presented; the thousand side-infuences that
operated, the controlling providence that threw
in its checks, and the solemn lessons taught to
ambitious man, of responsibility to One higher
than he, will be acknowledged, and, in the light
of all, posterity will decide for after generations
what Napoleon Bonaparte was, what he should
have been, and what he failed to be. He has
left his mark, broad and deep, on France and
Europe. Years will pass, before the results of
his rule will be realized. He was gifted with
no common sagacity. He loved France because
he made her great, and because he was the
spring that set in motion and controlled her
forces; but human life on the field of battle,
and many an outrage on right, ordered with
stern determination that needed not the neigh
bor-law, were as nothing to him, to secure
success. His greatness ceased, when confined
at st. Helena. In the sulen mood of dissp.
pointed man, he engaged in petty quarres with
the English Governor and other officials as
well as with some Of his own attendants. who
were forced to leave him for his petulance and
injustice. Better for him. had he died on the
field of Waterloo, than lived to dim the lustre
of his former fame. 1t was Gods retribution,
because that, raised up as he had been, he too
far forgot his mission, and most of all Him to
whom he owed ALL and whose steward he was,
for his wondrous talents and opportunities.
And 30 he died, with personal character less.
ening as it reached its last Developments bea-
con to teach all mankind, that to be truly great,
one must be really good. Sir Hudson loves
Memoirs has thrown much light on this last
period of Napoleon's life. Mr. Abbott, in his
enthusiasm, has sought to gid every scene at
every stage of the eventful history; and, as one
item in the general effort, he has edited these
letters. He regards them as uncommon exhi.
billions of domestic affection, and warm love
for kindred and friends. To us, they appear
in many respects intensely French. They are
interesting, as coming from Bonaparte at such
periods, but there is great deal of stereotype
character about many of them. In the little
dispatches to Josephine, just before, from, or
after the field of battle, there CLEANS out self.
aggrandizement-he does not forget himself
and the manner in which the sentences are
strung off, is more like that Of bulletins than
OF letters of familiar affection. Though Mr..
A