New-York tribune., 1866-12-06


Spch is tine snirit in which Washington bore the
unjust reproaches which fell upon him. His c0nduot
presents a beautiful union OF mcekness and dignity
lie never forgot the obedience aud respect that WY
due TO Congress as the representative Of the people
His TRANQUIL wisdom and cheerful iortitude proved
too strong for public rumors be tired out evil tongues
and evil fortune; and, In his mind that poster
ity was his own he saved his country by boldness'
constancy, and the gain OF time
In The execution of this volume Nr. Bancroft, We
think has surpassed the previous productions which
have Justly given him The front rank among the Amer
ican historians whose names arc cherished Win a
noble pride both by the people and by scholars IL Is
rich in the essential qualities which constitute eles-
eical history. In thOr0ughness OF research III TIC
minute and unwearled comparison oi au.noIl'iu'' ~
combined acuteneSs and sobrety Of deduction IN inc
broad panoramic view Of contemporary events IN tne
proound analysis Of political action and motive, ana
in subtle philosophical generalization, u has scarcey
it's parallel in any work Of recent literature Mi'
Bancroft has no git of elegant diitusenss ms ann
TO exhibit the truth in the most concise mannefi no
uses few words to illustrate events oi the greate't
moment: and crowds the researches of Wumes Withln
The limits Of page He bGs not the passion Tor story
telling which was the primary Impulse OF hstoIyi
but delights rather in the lucid arrangement ol laVs
and the analytic exposition of principles lie Woulu
find himself perfectly at homo IN lls coinposI,iou
Of philosophical treatise; less so, in tDc construction
of romance, or drama. Indeed, th3 episodes on
the history of opinion which figure so largely III an
his volumes seem to have been wrought win the
fondest skill Of the artist they are abored win cons
summate care; and at times, perhaps, nave diverted
his attention from the graces OF narrative. Inc eln'
belisbments in which he induges often specimens
of elaborate rhetorical art bctayug an ardent poel'
cal Imagination, and presenting an elective con-
trast To the prevailing historical severity Ol ms
STYLE The pregnant wealth Of substance when
is imbedded in his work reminds ono oItener
81 FNun how nN
the flowing melody Of XenophOn; and hence 1t Will
always be more cOngenial with the tastes OF readers
who are in pursuit of exact ard solid instruction, than
of those who daily with books for the sake of aesthetic
attractions. At the same time II must be admitted,
that many of the descriptive portions OF this volume
are models Of terse and animated expression Nothihg
could surpass the interest which has been gwen
by Mr. Bancroft 10 his accounts of the battle OF Long
Island and the subsequent retreat of The army, the
surrender of Fort Washington and the retreat through
the JERSEYS the capture OF Burgoyne and the dismal
Winter at Valley Forgei although IN less capaDe
hands the materials would have d0uWless Deeh
spread over larger space and been found IN more
attractive form by readers who prefer the ample Illus
traton OF details to cODacness and energy OF state
ment From the highly finished individual portrait
ures, which are evidently lavorite task with Mr.
Bancroft, and in which be always shows peculiar
nastership, We must make room for the brilliant
sketch OF
The character Of this unique man was not chapter OF con
adciips each part Of his nature Wa n harmony vIth m the
rest With talents goodnaurc and uuihiinct De had 40
restraining principles aud looked down with coatpton those
who had. Prdng himself ON ignorance OF cycH s'denlmg
virtue an ndep debauch and vain 0f hs he feared
nothing Uuilcky ut the gaming table beyond n calculation
loose women and beloved by tlcn the degsi VI TUfgaes
tho sport usurIs impoverished by his vices he orlvcd SCAN
a and gored lordy Tecksncss Of his inability 10 pay
his debts as II superb ostentlt0u n misfortune u- him
above all his fellow lie had strong Will bn De- never
used It to ride h. passions even though their indulgence
Born 10 wealth and rank and easy 90 The service u The
king at heart an arocmt c could co 90 monarchy nld bold
svser and demarovue ilp loved
and elegant letters the o Homer above h but seenoo
vls loo duh for i and even the style and ucdy and novelty
OF Adam smith could not charm hc centious rocng states
tho Study Of political economy His rnclried hceu-
tionsncs Seemed rather 10 excite than 10 exhaust Dis lofty
powers bis perceptions quick an3 insnc'ey true aud
passion FOR scfi,y OF Intellect Living as though men and
destined for hgs and called iorth to TIE service oi
mankud 10 i, nked about he would stake a b. had and
ambition drove him the House Of Commons There BIS
genius was az hono aad that body cherished him with tic
ndugcnt pride which % always maGests 90 those Who kcep
up is high reputation with the world knotiy bfoT, dar4
brown complexion. thick shaggy ccbo~A nud compiei
which made him rude nnd terrible adversary. bag std ~
- ,s- - te v,s ,uong thcu never ceased tho
praise Of the sweetness and gcnueness 81 h, anlil
mund Buries and wound ~ Bis affections easily moved DIN
10 tears His life dissogte bis sperch wns an.ioe 1879
hem the aptesi came at call and seemed belong m
Every part oihis discourse lived and moved ITO never gave
ip strength q statement iof beauty o. expression and never
stopped 20 f up gaps with tine phuses lis hcalthy dcon
unafecttdy simple and nervous always Elective somr
lines majestic and resoundng rarely ornate and then ouy
hen be Impressed saying poet philosopher TO ip bis
Igument with IRE. lie dazzlod with brilliant coll
could sare by bodn In the contrast of light and shade
e forced his BE- attentive and doce for be spoke
lny when De had something TO ay that needed 10 be- said and
compelled admiraion bcuu.o Dc made himself UNDERWOOD
hat entanged be could unfold quickly AID ucdy now
speaking with copous fuency and now discussing point by
point time oonhnng debate within The naTowcst hms
md again speaking inspired 10 plead tho welfare OF oil
mankind lie had wonderful gf nt finding and bringing
together what be wanted though lying far of and aart IL
vas his wont 20 march stgm forward 10 bis end but be
new how 10 turn aside from az attack retreat with bis
yer his enemy and then by unexpected Tcycon 10
strike him suddenly with ta0uS When involved n dispute
dashed at central idea which Of power decide the
question grasped firmly and held fast turned aud
every side presented u IN the most various apets
aamo back dwell upon It with fresh force renewed blow
ier blow TIN became anneatd Ike steel He bit The nail
gan and again and always on the head u Do doYo home
ntO the minds Of his hearers and when be beaten by the
majority be still horc away tie palm wrestler His merits
summed up by Mackntosh, we're reason Impciiy and
iehcmehee gTjs s.--|''"-
But the earnest student Of historical causes and de-
gelopments will perhaps find the most valuable iea.
lures in the volume, the chapters which are devoted
10 the progress Of legislation, and the political rea-
ions and agencies which prepared the complete es-
.ablishmcnt Of our national independence. The
course Of opinion in England the position Of The Cab
nets of France and Spain and the intellectual con-
victions Of eminent thinkers the Continent, are
get forth in their influence American affairs with
insight and discrimination. In discussions
1f this nature, Mr. Bancroft may claim prominence
among most historical writers 0f highest note His ac-
luaintance with the details of European and Amer-
can diplomacy, and his lifelong connection with the
politics Of the country, give him singular advantage
over merely speculative scholars, and attach weight
IN Bis conclusions that cannot be commanded By the
resources Of literary art.