The Portland daily press., 1892-09-03
NEW PUBLICATIONS.

Mr.. Francis Parkman's latest contribu-
ton to the American historical library
is work of considerable local as well as
of general interest. A Half Century OF
Conflict is portion of Mr.. Parkman S
series of historical narratives of the con-
fiict of France and England for the pos
session of this continent. This portion
comprises two volumes, which treat OF
such interesting subjects as the capture
of Acadia, the siege and capture OF Louis
burg, in which Maine bore prominent
part, the surprises and ambuscades IN
| the forests of Maine during Queen
Anne's war, the attack on Rasle at Nor
ridgewock, Lovewell's fight and other
| stirring events in the colonial history of
Maine. The siege and capture of Louis
burg was a great achievement in its day,
and all things considered, was one OF
| New England's most heroic deeds at
arms. The credit of it belongs in no
small measure to the early settlers of the
Maine seaboard, where at that time was
located a greater part of the population
of the district of Maine. Parson Moody
of Wells was chaplain of the expedition,
and Sir VIM. Pepperell, of Kittery, the
famous leader of it. Although the entire
fighting force of Maine was then only
1855 men, she sent over 1000, or one
third of the whole Massachusetts, con-
tingent. Parkman takes view of
Rasle's character not wholly in accord
with tradition, and also skaters the leg
end that Rasle was killed while protect
| ing the retreat of his flock. The priest
died fighting with his savage associates.
shot by Massachusetts, soldier. AS in
all of Parkman's works, the narrative is
spirited, and the work entertains as well
as instructS.
Henry Boynton Smith. By Lewis F.
Stearns D. D., late professor in Bangor
Theological Seminary, Maine. Boston:
Houghton, Mif1in 6 Co.; Portland: Lor-
ing, Short and Harmony This was the
last work of the late Professor Stearns,
labor of love performed with discrimina-
ton. Henry Smith was Portland boy,
graduate of Bowdoin College, and all
his life was honorable to his native city.
After two years study in Germany, he
became, successfully, tutor in Bowdoin,
pastor in Amesbury, Professor of Philos-
ophy in Amherst College and finally, of
history and Systematic Theology in
the Union Seminary, New York City.
In all these Offices, he acquitted himself
in manner to win golden opinions. He
was scholar, and good one, of refined
manners and refined intellect. Above
all, he had warm, loving heart, abound
ing in sympathy with every effort for the
union of Christians and the elevation of
mankind. His own mother died. at an
early age, but her place was subsequently
filed by one to whom he owes much of
his character and success. Mrs. Smith
lived to good old age, and was loved
and revered by all who knew her. Many
of our citizens will recall her stately
presence and benign countenance, which
were familiar to us, till within a few
wears. With her lived Miss Thompson,
whose slight figure and delicate features
were animated by a soul which found an
adequate outlook in eyes of wondrous
lustre. These two gracious women lived
serene lives, and were happy witnesses of
Professor Smiths brilliant career, and
were among those most deeply afflicted
by his comparatively early death. This
record Of his life and services will in
terest many Portland people.