The Portland daily press., 1883-10-12
New Publications.

Virginia. A History of the People," BY John
Esten Cooke. Boston: Houghton, Mifhn & Co. (Lor-
ing, Short q Harmon.
Mr.. Cookies history of the people of Virginia is
one of the most interesting historical narratives
which has been published during the past few years
The first part relating to the planting of the Colony
is based upon such works Smiths "True Rela-
ton of Virginia, 1908 the first work written by an
Eng'ishman in America; Percys' ga Discourse of
the Plantation of the Southern Colony of Virgin
ia;' "The General Histories of Virginia, Newe
England and the Somer Isles 1924, and many
others of equal authority. The second period of
the Colony from the reign of Charles to the
Revolution, have for basis such works as Hew-
ing's Collection "The Beginning, Progress and
Conclusion of Bacon's Rebellion 1876 "a mar
ratiye of the Indian and Civil wars in Virginia. .
Gan Account of our late Troubles Beverly
History ct cetera; while for the third period be-
ginning with the middle of the eighteenth century
and ending after the close of the war; the authorities
are the writings of Washington, Jefferson and the
Lees. books of travel and observation in America,
like the work of the Marquis de Chastellux; and
memoirs of special occurrences The book from
beginning end is full of picturesque descriptions
and striking incidents which cannot fail to interest
the general reader, and impress him anew with the
fact that TRUTH and especially historical truth is
deed stranger than fiction Particularly interesting
is the chapter Virginia since the War; "the last
great event. the author styles it, in the history
of Virginia. "The result of the war; he says, "was
to leave the State PROSTATE. The hardest fighting
had taken place on her SOIL and it seemed that it
would require generations for the Commonwealth
to recover from its effects. The whole face of the
country betrayed the ravages of war, and confront
by this gloomy spectacle utter depression might
in tha Thara
was little then or thereafter. The people
refused to repine, and looked to the
future with that obstinate confidence, which is the
handspring of success in human affairs. The new
order of things was accepted withphilosophy and it
may be added, with dignity. There was no DISPOSE
ton to prolong the struggle, or to nurse old
grudges. Northern men who came to the State
were treated with courtesy if not cordially, and
General 0rdway of the Federal Army, described
the feelings of the inhabitants in a few words in
Richmond he said, the people behaved with becom-
ing reserve and dignity. found them reasonable,
courteous and desirousof submitting to and eoopera
ting with, every measure necessary to good govern
ment. L rode through the State for several weeks,
accompanied only by mounted orderly and never
failed to receive the traditional hospitality of yr
ginia. This is pleasant picture and we hope it
is true one.
This volume is the first of series projected by
the publishers to which the general designation
american Commonwealth is given, and which
will be edited by Horace E. Scudder. The volumes
will be uniform in size and general style with the
"American Statesmen series, and the ssAmerican
Men of Letters series. 1t is intended to supply in
this form popular but accurate histories of the
States which have been influential in shaping ths
character and destiny of the Nation.