The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1857-11-06
Souvenirs Of Travel.

We find in the Irish News Of New York tn.
following fattering article on the New York
of our sweet friend Mrs. LeVert. 1t is from
the pen Of Thomas Francis Mcaghcr, whose O.
pinion are pretty &C cathedra respecting all pic.
lures OF society, character and scenery in the
world. So arc they, too, Of what is good in
style and graceful composition. But of nil the
writer's Of the day not one can point like Mrs.
| LeVert, to such general and kindly approba-
tion from that lIyena race Of ncn-thc critics
Whose very nature it is to snarl cternally.
But in the case Of our gentle authoress they
seem to have charged their savage dispositions
and received the inocculation Of kind ness from
that glowing, genial warmth Of feeling, and
universal humanity. that shine out in every
line of her book as in every phrase Of her be-
witching conversation.
But though she has unusual satisfaction Of
such general approval, it is not all the pleas
ure her work has brought her. Critics of
quieter. though no less capable, natures have
sent their welcome cnconums over their own
manly signatures. Washington Irving has
written her most delight fu and fnttcring let
ter. Edward Everett has done the same-or
even more. ExPreSidcnt fillmore, who wit
messed SO many Of the he describes
aud Gilmore Simms, Mr.. Yancey, and many
others, have testified in glowing terms their ap-
proval and admiration Of her volumes. Pro-
fcssor Longfcllow has, also, written n v.rv
charming letter, i'll which he very gallantly
says Of the book at was to me, like Il
draught from that perpetual fountain Of youth
for which Ponce Dc Leon sought in vain. AS
my eyes rested on its brilliant and sparkiln.
pages my spirit was refreshed, aud my mind en-
chantcd. Among the multitude of friends
you have charmed. none appreciate YOU 1core
than your ia ithful friend Henry Longfcllow."
But we are forgetting the article in the Irish
News, which we set out with the intent to copy
only.
This is one Of the most charming and in.
structive books of the kind We have vet per.
sued. The gifted and accomplished authorcss
passed through the historic countries of the
old world, fingered amidst their classic scenes,
explored their ancient capitals aud picked up
those rare gems which sparkle in and aIorn
her souvenirs" She has brought into full
play refined taste and intellect rarely to be
met with III tho ilmsy literature Of the dny,
and the result is n work which will add an
other wreath to n brow which genius has nj.
ready richly adorned. Madame Octavia Wal
ton LeVert is widely known in the higher cir
cles Of American society. She is native of
Georgia, and grand daughter of Walton who,
as soldier and statesman, has left an impcrsll.
able name on the records of freedom. From
early youth she had the advantage of refined
culture and cnnobling assoc iations. Highly
cd teH n n LAM Il l.,
f1uently, she grew mp beautiful and accom-
plished woman, dispensing her inequalities
bountifully as n prime ess, and shedding an in.
tcllectual light around the admiring circles in
which she moved. In her tour through
France. Spain, Italy, England, Austria, DC,
she has left nothing worthy Of note untouched
and whatever she has touched has felt the iu-
huence of the enchantcr's wand. The heroic
deeds, thickly shrouied in the shadows of the
past, are brought to light; the crumLling fort.
ress again stands forth with all its chivary
and strength, the deserted place is again filled
with its blaze of beauty and rcsounds to the
festive strain. We are sorry to see n work of
such rare merit so unjustly criticised by some
of our Black Republican prints, because, Us it
evidently appears the authorcss happened to
be southern lady, not of Beecher or Stowe, or
the repulsivc, strong minded women's right
class which so abound in our New England
States. A woman like Madame LeVert re
fleet more honor upon America than Taber.
nacle full of learned bloomers, female physi-
cans and orators inc luled. Her Souvenirs are
a work Of high order, and should be found in
every we'll selected library.