digamma is not of sufficient interest to any but scholars and philologists to be specially noticed here. The text is beautifully printed and the notes and excursus are full and extensive. In the dedication a merited tribute is paid to the spirited publisher, James Harper, Esq., Mayor of New York.

Perhaps the best way of introducing these two works to the public will be to quote what the historian says of the poet

The Right Rev. author winds up a long discussion of the Trojan war, which, with many of the events described by the Great Poet, he thinks actually occurred, with the following passage.

The Wandering Jew. No. 6 of this exciting production.
McCullock's Gazetteer. Now complete; one of the most

useful books of reference, of the times.

We received all the above through Messrs. Drinker and Morris, who offer them for sale.

D. APPLETON & Co., New York, 1844-5.
GEORGE S. APPLETON, Philadelphia.

Nature's Gems. By Mrs. Embury. See notice and extract, at p. 6.

History of the French Revolution, its causes and consequences. By. F. Maclean Rowan.

"The Homeric world is not a region of enchantment, called into existence by the wand of a magician; it is at We are glad to meet with a work inculcating the opporonce poetical and real. In confining our view to its real tune truths, which the author professes to enforce. He side, we do not break the charm by which it captivates the says, "In the little work here presented to the Public, the imagination. The historian's aim, however, is very dif- faults of the people are more insisted upon than those of ferent from the poet's it is the province of the former to the rulers, because it is written for the former and not collect what the latter scatters carelessly and unconsciously for the latter: * * the important task now is over his way; to interpret and supply dark and imperfect to enlighten and to regulate that love [of Liberty,] so hints. For the subjects on which the poet dwells with de- that in their headlong career for the attainment of a light are not always the most interesting and instructive to good, the people place not themselves in the way of the the historical inquirer, though there are few in which his very evils they seek to avoid. They have to learn that for curiosity is absolutely disappointed. Homer is often mi- nations as for individuals, happiness depends upon virtue nutely exact in describing artificial productions and techni- and wisdom, and that therefore Liberty, which is happical processes, while the social institutions, the moral and ness, does not mean merely freedom from restraint." religious sentiments of his age, as things universally under- These wholesome truths a free people should forever restood, are never formally noticed, but only betrayed by ac- member. The form and style of the work are chaste and cidental allusions. But the light which he affords is con- convenient. fined to the circle into which he draws us it is only one period and one stage of society that he exhibits, and he is wholly silent as to the steps which led to it. When we desire to look back to an antecedent period, we are reduced to depend on traditions and indications, which are seldom so clear and authentic as his evidence with regard to his own age. They are not, however, on that account to be indiscriminately rejected; nor can his silence always be held conclusive as to things which, if they existed, must 2. Library for my Young Countrymen-Oliver Cromwell. By have come within his knowledge."

PERSECUTIONS OF POPERY. By Frederick Shoberl.

THE REFORMERS BEFORE THE REFORMATION. By Emile De Bonnechose.

This work "presents a graphic account of the grand religious movement which took place in Europe a century before the great reformation. It embraces the period from the beginning of the great schism of the West in 1378 to the end of the war of the Hussites in the following century."

ATTILA. A Romance. By G. P. R. James.

One of the best of this Attorney at Novels, and from what we have heard, better worth reading than its youngest brother, Agincourt.

THE ILLUMINATED AND PICTORIAL BIBLE. We are indebted to the publishers for this splendid work to no. 14,

inclusive.

ARTHUR ARUNDEL. A Tale of the English Revolution.

By the Author of "Brambletye House," &c.

A recent novel, No. 43 of Harpers' "select library."

TALES FROM THE GERMAN. Comprising specimens from the most celebrated Authors. Translated by John Oxenford and C. A. Feiling.

THE NEVILLES OF GARRETSTOWN. The first number of a new novel by the celebrated and favorite author of Harry Lorrequer and Charles O'Mally.

THE BOOK OF INDIANS.

Edited By John Frost, LL. D.

Illustrating in an agreeable manner, by description and representation, the manners, customs and present state of the native tribes of North America.

1. A Gift for the Young. The Child's delight. Edited by a Lady.

Robert Southey, LL. D.

3. The Settlers in Canada.

Written for Young People. By Charles Marryat-2 vols. 4. My Uncle, the Clockmaker. By Mary Howitt.

We are indebted to the publishers for a copy of each of the above works. We have frequently had occasion to testify to the beautiful style in which the publications that emanate from their establishments in New York and Philadelphia are executed.

The works now before us deserve equal commendation. The first is a charming little book, charmingly "got up" and capitally edited, embellished with colored lithographs of uncommon merit, and admirably calculated to instruct, amuse and interest the youthful class of readers for whom it is intended.

Of the life of Oliver Cromwell, it is only necessary to remark that it is by the late illustrious Southey; whose Biography of Lord Nelson has been justly pronounced to be one of the most delightful specimens of that species of composition in the language. The present does not fall below the high merit of the former work. We have as yet been unable to peruse the other works, but from the character of their authors, we are led to expect something racy and entertaining.

LEA & BLANCHARD. PHILADELPHIA, 1844. From these extensive publishers we have received, through Drinker and Morris, "the Cyclopædia of Practical Medicine" Part 1 of "Ranke's History of the Reformation in Germany"-to be completed in 4 parts, 25 cents each; the

last series of "the Attaché;" "Keble's Christian Year," | edited by Bishop Doane-a beautiful little book full of

SAXTON & MILES. NEW-YORK, 1844.

poetry and devotion; Campbell's Poems beautifully illustra- The American Poulterer's Companion. With Illustrations

ted; and a specimen of the "Narrative of the Exploring Expedition."

We are pleased to see that this great national work is to be brought out in a style suitable to its importance. The mechanical and artistical portions of it will be excellent; of the matter we can not yet judge. Wishing to promote its introduction to the public, because of its national character, we have issued herewith the advertisement of the Publishers, to which we refer our readers.

WILEY & PUTNAM. NEW-YORK & LONDON, 1844.

and portraits of fowls. By C. N. Bement. Those who supply markets with poultry, or wish to have their own tables well furnished, would do well to study this useful manual. The frontispiece represents Queen Victoria's Poultry house, with two figures in front, who may be her majesty and Prince Albert feeding the chickens. Her majesty's "semi-gothic building of simple and appropriate beauty" presents a striking contrast with the Virginia poultry house, which is also pictured. The London Pictorial Times says,

"In a secluded wood on the boundaries of the Home Park, stands the HOME FARM or the farm attached to Wind

lishment, which was founded by George III., are situated the royal fowl-house and poultry-yards, but of which, notwithstanding their great interest, the public know nothing, save the mere fact of their existence. Here, her Majesty, retiring from the fatigues of state, finds a grateful relief in the simple pursuits of a country life."

DOWNING'S LANDSCAPE GARDENING. A new and ele-sor Castle-the private farm of her Majesty. In this estabgant edition of this delightful and useful work, inviting all to the cultivation of taste and directing it in some of its most innocent and captivating departments. We refer our readers to a long essay on Landscape Gardening, issued in the last volume of the Messenger. To all who have a tree to plant or a spot to ornament, we would earnestly recommend this work. Make it your fireside companion during the winter, and go forth in the Spring imbued with its spirit and resolved to reduce its principles to practice. How many lovers of gardening are now wasting or misemploying labor and money, who if they would study the principles of this most beautiful art would soon make their grounds an Eden compared with their present condition. The work is tastefully issued and richly embellished and illustrated with diagrams and views of many charming country seats.

LECTURES ON THE APPLICATIONS OF CHEMISTRY AND GEOLOGY TO AGRICULTURE. "The profit of the earth is for all; the king himself is served by the field." Eccles. V. 9. BY JAMES F. W. JOHNSTON, M. A., &c., &c. With an appendix containing suggestions for experiments in practical Agriculture.

The subject of this work is one of deep interest to the Agriculturist; and none need be deterred from studying it by its scientific character. The author has labored to make it intelligible to every mind. The first part of the lectures was addressed to practical farmers, most of whom possessed no knowledge of Chemistry or Geology; and the second part is made easy and plain by the study of the first. The great success of the work is proof of its utility.

FOWNES ACTONIAN PRIZE ESSAY. The origin of this Essay was similar to that of the Bridgewater treatises. Mrs. Hannah Acton made an investment of one thousand pounds, the interest of which is to be offered septennially as a prize for the best Essay, illustrative of the wisdom and beneficence of the Almighty, in some department of science. The Science of Chemistry was the first chosen, and the work before us obtained the prize. Chemistry is comparatively a young Science; but lovely and vigorous in her youth; and nothing can better illustrate that grand principle of intelligence and design, which pervades Nature, than the laws of matter which she has discovered. We commend the work, for its design and its execution, Literary and typographical.

TAPPAN'S ELEMENTS OF LOGIC has already passed under our notice.

THE LIFE AND ELOQUENCE OF THE REV. SYLVESTER LARNED, of New Orleans. By R. R. Gurley. The genius, eloquence and piety of Mr. Larned produced a deep impression during his brief but splendid career; and his life and sermons will prove an acceptable offering to his friends and admirers in the South and his native New England.

Thénot's Practical Perspective, for the use of Students. Translated from the French. A desideratum which, whilst the Mathematical investigations are omitted, furnishes all the rules that the most extensive practice can require. The printing and drawings are neatly executed.

The Heroes of the Revolution. Edited by John Frost, LL. D., and

Lives of American Merchants, eminent for Integrity, EnMerchant," &c. Two excellent little Books for young terprise and Public Spirit. By the author of "the Young Americans, whose perusal will enlighten their minds and inspire their industry and patriotism.

Lea, or the Baptism in Jordan; A Tale of the second century. By G. F. A. Strauss. Translated from the German. The author is a distinguished preacher and high officer at seeks to impart his knowledge of the practices and condithe Court of Prussia. In the popular form of Tales he tion of the primitive Christians.

James Sheridan Knowles' Elocutionist. Enlarged and adapted to the purposes of Instruction in the U. S. By Epes Sargent. Fifth Edition. This work is recommended by Professor Anthon and the Hon. W. C. Preston and G. C. Verplanck.

THE SERMONS OF THE RIGHT REV. JEREMY TAYLOR,
D. D., Lord Bishop of Down, Connor and Dromore.
Complete in one volume. Comprising a course for the
whole year
and a supplement of Sermons on various sub-
jects and occasions. Philadelphia, H. Hooker, 1845.
"God be thanked," says an eminent American Divine,
"that along the tract of ages he still scatters spirits like
Hooker's, and Herbert's, and Walton's, and Ken's, and
Ferrar's, and Jeremy Taylor's, and Heber's and Keble's."
The publisher has done full justice to the classic and elo-
quent productions of the learned author. Mr. Joseph Gill

has the work.

More Wild Flowers from the West. The Poems of Amelia. The Poems of Mrs. Welby, the far known Amelia of Louisville, Ky., have recently been issued from the Boston Press. We have not yet seen the work; but who has not been captivated by her sweet strains. We trust that some of her numerous and ardent admirers will send us a notice of her volume, similar to that of Mrs. Nichols' in the present Messenger.

A

TRVE RELA

tion of fvch occurences

and accidents of noate as hath

happened in Virginia since the first

planting of that Collony, which is now

resident in the South part thereof, till

the last returne from

thence.

Written by Th: Watson, Gent, one of said Collony, to a worshipfull friend of his, in England.

ADVERTISEMENT,

The following "True Relation" if not the first, is certainly among the first accounts of this Country published after its successful settlement. It was, as will be seen, actually written by that Master Spirit, Captain John Smith; and was published only one year after the Settlement at Jamestown.

It is hoped that its value, antiquarian, literary and historical, will amply entitle it to the favor of the public, and, in the estimation of our readers, to the space it occupies in the Messenger.

The object has been to make this issue as nearly a fac simile, as possible, that it might be a specimen of the style, spelling and typography of the early part of the 17th century.

The original, the only one known to be extant, belongs to the New York Historical Society. That we may not be suspected of filling our pages with worthless old matter, we will state its pecuniary value. A few such historical tracts have recently been sold, in Boston, and bought, at very high prices, for Mr. Sparks and others, who had authorised them to be purchased at any price. The copy from which the following was printed cost upwards of ten dollars.

The substance of it may be found in Smith's History of Virginia-which is but a collection of tracts by different authors—in that portion ascribed to William Simmons, D. D. That work is rare and costly; and Captain Smith's exploits are best told by himself.

INTRODUCTION.

who had been Governor of the East India Company and ambassador to Russia.

In the year 1608, when the following narrative | Thomas Smith, an eminent merchant of London, first made its appearance, the History of Virginia was the history of North America. The interest it possesses is not, therefore, merely local; nor is it confined even within the extensive domain which was once called Virginia; but is intimately associated with the history of European enterprise and the destiny of this whole continent.

Two Ships and a Pinnace were provided and their command confided to Captain Christoper Newport, who had gained great experience on the Western seas. These preparations were chiefly due to the zeal and energy of Bartholomew Gosnold, who After many failures, and the expenditure of vast had visited the parts of Northern Virginia, and treasures in expeditions to these shores, in which filled the imaginations of those at home with his genius and enterprise were often signally united, a romantic descriptions of the pleasantness and fersmall settlement was effected at Jamestown. This tility of the country. Fortunately, too, for his was made under the auspices of the London Com- cherished schemes, about this time, Captain John pany, to whom Sir Walter Raleigh, after expend- Smith had returned to England filled with the glory ing a large portion of the fortunes of himself and of his past exploits and with an ardent desire for friends, in efforts to plant the City of Raleigh and farther adventures, especially in a new and untried in other adventures, had assigned the privileges field; and Gosnold found no difficulty in at once granted him by Queen Elizabeth and the Parlia-enlisting all the powers of this truly wonderful man. John Smith was born at Willoughby, in England, in the year 1579.

ment.

This company consisted of English gentlemen, merchants and adventurers; many of them of great wealth and distinction. At their head was Sir

"But this Virginia is a Country in America betweene the degrees of 34. and 45. of the North latitude. The bounds thereof on the East side are the great Ocean: on the South lyeth Florida: on the North nova Francia: as for

the West thereof, the limits are vnknowne."-Smith's Hist. of Va., vol. 1, p. 113.

At a very early age he gave signs of a restless and romantic spirit; and meditated running off to sea, "but was stayed by his father's death." Casting off the shackles which bound his genius to the compting-room, in which his grasping guardian had placed him, he visited many countries, in various capacities, of servant, soldier and traveller

Some of the Charters described it as reaching from Sea He devoted himself particularly to the study of

to Sea.

Military Science: before he had attained the age

of seventeen "he built himself a booth in the woods | our advanced civilization and wonderful progress and gave himself to the study of military history must be obliterated. The little light of civilizaand tactics, at the same time practising with his tion which this hand-full of men had struck on this horse and lance." wilderness Continent had then only flashed upon the His chief exploits were performed in wars with Chesapeake and along its mighty tributaries: on the Turks, whilst he was in the regiment of Count shore it was soon intercepted by the gloom of inMeldrick of Transylvania. He slew in single terminable forests, that had been penetrated only combat three of the principal champions of the here and there by a few adventurous rays. WherTurkish army, and hence obtained his coat of arms, ever it shone was seen the startled gaze of the three Turks' heads, in a shield, with the motto, savage, as it lighted up his swarthy countenance. "vincere est vivere." After this he was wounded But feeble and glimmering as it was, Europe in battle, taken prisoner and sent by the Bashaw looked to it with peculiar anxiety and interest. Bogul as a slave to his mistress, Tragabigzanda, Now it nearly expired from the indifference, the at Constantinople. But by his grace and intelligence recklessness, or dissensions of those who were to he captivated this lady, who sent him with a kind cherish it; now it was nearly extinguished by the letter to her brother in Cambrian Tartary, intend-blast of war that ruthlessly assailed it again it ing to prevent him from being maltreated. But sent forth a revivified radiance, when fed and fanned her brother suspecting her attachment, treated his by the prudence and harmony of the Colonists or unfortunate captive with the greatest cruelty; in- by succor from the Mother Country. There, dusomuch, that Smith killed him, mounted his horse ring all these vicissitudes, all classes watched it and made his escape into Russia, where he was with intensest interest. Friends watched it as the received with kindness and attention. lamp of life to dear ones far away and surrounded by perils. Statesmen and Kings watched it as they thought of revenue and prerogative: the Merchant and Speculator, as they thought of the treasures with which ransacked Mexico had filled their hopes and imaginations: the Philanthropist, Thus fitted by his experience, love of adventure as he thought of the triumphs of civilization and and indomitable courage to open the way for civi-knowledge; and the Christian, as he kindled at lization in a savage wilderness, and by his renown the thought of extending the Kingdom of his Reand extraordinary character so well calculated to deemer and preparing the soul "of the poor Inengage the attention and inspire the confidence of dian," not for others, in the prime of manhood, just twenty-eight, he embarked every thing in the plans of Gosnold. During his travels in so many countries, he had amassed no small amount of valuable information his knowledge of the world was profound and in managing the untutored savages he seems to have exerted matchless skill and diplomacy.

At length he found his friends in Transylvania, from whom he received liberal presents of money, with which he was enabled to travel through Germany, France, Spain and Morocco; after which he returned to his native country.

pre

"Some safer world, in depth of woods embraced, Some happier island in the watery waste ;"—

such an earthly paradise, from its natural loveliness and magnificence, he was said already to enjoy ;— but for the Spirit-land of his own true God.*

The

When this picture of things as they then were On the voyage hither, the minds of some of the has been impressed upon the mind, the brilliance leaders became jealous of Smith's renown and in-that now surrounds us may be poured upon it, to fluence, and under pretence that he was plotting a exhibit the wonderful contrast. The scene rapidly conspiracy, they put him in confinement; and af- changes, like Dagueres' Magical Pictures. terwards excluded him from the Council. But Indian changes to the Anglo Saxon; forests to though thus persecuted he was the stay and cultivated fields and thriving and beautiful townsserver of the infant Colony; and the jealousy of and a wilderness becomes "as it is at this day!" his enemies only incited him to greater daring in The little light at Jamestown is now, not eclipsed exploring the country and supplying the Colony. by greater ones, but alas! extinguished! The He lived down the malice of his enemies, was made ruins of a church and a few tomb-stones alone reCape Merchant, admitted to the Council-finally main. If such shall ever be the fate of the splenmade President; and in every station was the master dor that now beams around our country, may its spirit of the whole enterprise. So that it is ex- last rays fall upon some such evidence, that ours ceedingly doubtful whether without his achieve- was a people whose God was the Lord. Acting ments, the settlement at Jamestown would not have shared the same fate with the colony at Roanoke. Such was our author, whose fame is known to all; but this small tribute was deemed due to his memory. Fully to appreciate his narrative, the When Sir Walter Raleigh assigned his charter to the imagination should revert to the times and the London Company, he gave £100 for the conversion of the scenes in which it was written. All the traces of Natives of Virginia.

upon this hope will irradiate our land with the smiles of Heaven; which impart to Nations the truest and greatest glory and can alone preserve them from the darkness of decay.