writer, so well qualified to make a good use of them as Mr. Irving, and that the credit of producing the first adequate memorial of this all-important event should have been thus secured to the United States by their most popular author, is certainly a very pleasing coïncidence. The limits of this occasion require me to pass over two or three popular works of a light cast, for which Mr. Irving collected the materials while carrying on his historical researches in Spain, as also those which issued from his industrious and fertile pen after his return to the United States in 1832. At this period of his life he began seriously to contemplate the preparation of his last great productionThe Life of Washington. This subject had been pressed upon him, while he was yet in Europe, by Mr. Archibald Constable, the celebrated publisher at Edin burgh, and Mr. Irving determined to undertake it as soon as his return to America should bring him within reach of the necessary documents. Various circumstances occurred to prevent the execution of the project at this time, especially his appointment as Minister to Spain, and his residence in that country from 1842 to 1846. On his return to America, at the close of his mission, he appears to have applied himself diligently to the longmeditated undertaking, though he proceeded but slowly, at first, in its execution. The first volume appeared in 1855, and the four following in rapid succession. The work was finally completed the present year at the close of the life of its illustrious author, and of a literary career of such rare brilliancy and success. It would be altogether a work of supererogation to engage in any general commentary on the merits of Mr. Irving's two great historical works, and the occasion is not appropriate for a critical analysis of them. They have taken a recognized place in the historical literature of the age, and stand, by all confession, in the front rank of those works of history of which this century and especially this country has been so honorably prolific. Reserv ing a distinguished place apart for the venerable name of Marshall, Mr. Irving leads the long line of American historians first in time and not second in beauty of style, conscientious accuracy, and skillful arrangement of materials. As his two works treat respectively of themes which, for purely American interest, stand at the head of all single subjects of historical research, so there is no one of our writers to whom the united voice of the country would with such cheerful unanimity have intrusted their composition. From the time that he entered for life upon a literary career, Mr. Irving gave himself almost exclusively to its pursuit. He filled the office of Chargé d'Affaires for a short time in London, prior to his return to the United States, and that of Minister to Spain from 1842 to 1846. His diplomatic dispatches in that capacity are among the richest of the treasures which lie buried in the public archives at Washington. A more beautiful life than Mr. Irving's can hardly be imagined. Not uncheckered with adversity, his early trials, under the soothing influence of time, without subduing the natural cheerfulness of his disposition, threw over it a mellow tenderness which breathes in his habitual trains of thought, and is reflected in the amenity of his style. His misfortunes in business, kindly overruled by a gracious Providence, laid the foundation of literary success, reputation, and prosperity. At two different periods of his career he engaged in public life; entering without ambition; performing its duties with diligence and punctuality; and leaving it without regret. He was appointed Chargé d'Affaires to London under Gen. Jackson's Administration, and Minister to Spain under Mr. Tyler's, the only instances perhaps in this century in which a distinguished executive appointment has been made without a thought as to the political opinions of the person appointed. Mr. Irving's appointment to Spain was made on the recommendation of Mr. Webster, who told me that he regarded it as one of the most honorable memorials of his administration of the Department of State. It was no doubt a pleasing circumstance to Mr. Irving, to return in his advancing years, crowned with public honors, to the country where, in earlier life, he had pursued his historical studies with so much success; but public life had no attractions for him. The respect and affection of the community followed him to his retirement; he lived in prosperity without an ill-wisher; finished the work which was given him to do, amidst the blessings of his countrymen, and died amidst loving kindred in honor and peace. LITERARY MISCELLANIES. ARCHAIA; or, Studies of the Cosmogony and the trials and sorrows of a tender and loving wife, or even those of an erring and repentant one. This new book can hardly fail to interest those whose hearts vibrate in sympathy with suffering CASSELL'S ILLUSTRATED BIBLE. - This beautiful THIS is no common book which the publishers and magnificent work, which has been illustrated have kindly sent us from the Canada press. The at vast expense, is about to be republished in this talent, learning, research, and critical acumen of country by Mr. JOHN CASSELL, of London, who is the author of this book will command the atten- now in this city making the needful arrangements. tion and respect both of scholars and all candid Mr. Cassell is one of the working noblemen of this inquirers into the cosmogony of the Bible. The age, and the honored friend of good men and noblesubject is one of prime importance. It is no easy men of England. He has long been celebrated as matter for common minds to read the two first the publisher of Knowledge for the Million. The great chapters in the history of our planet-the beauty of Cassell's Illustrated Bible, its large quarto first chapter of Genesis and the first chapter in form, the richness of its sacred historic scenes as the geological history of the world. They are presented in the very well-executed cuts, and its exharmonious in the eye of the Creator, even if the ceeding cheapness, should secure it a place in many minds of men can not discern it. This book is a thousands of families in our country. Part I., in great chapter of light on the subject, and inquir-large quarto form of thirty-two pages, with thirtying minds will find much therein to repay its attentive perusal. NEW MISCELLANIES. BY CHARLES KINGSLEY, Rector of Eversley, Chaplain in Ordinary to the Queen. Pages 375. Boston: Ticknor & Fields. 1860. OUR readers are no strangers to the name, eharacter, and writings of the author of this book. His gifted pen graces and illuminates every subject which he takes thoroughly in hand. The reader will find in this volume many brilliant thoughts clearly and beautifully expressed. The book comprises fourteen topics, subjects, or miscellanies of diverse character, all standing out in bold relief before the mind of the reader for his inspection and mental gratification, or like fourteen literary repasts which can be devoured as appetite may crave. THE BOY-TAR; or, a Voyage in the Dark. By Captain MAYNE REID, author of the Desert Home, the Young Voyagers, etc. With twelve illustrations by Charles S. Keene. Pages 356. Boston: Ticknor & Fields. 1860. THERE is to many minds a charm in sea-life and its descriptions of wind and storm, dangers and escapes, strange and exciting incidents. The author of this book wields a graphic pen, and sketches his word-pictures of sea-life with admirable skill and artistic truthfulness, with which this neat volume abound. three beautiful cuts, some filling an entire page, is sold singly for fifteen cents; or about ten copies for one dollar, to one address, can be sent by mail. THE HOME JOURNAL.-General Morris and N. P. Willis, Esq., continue to enrich the columns of the Home Journal with the attractive fruits of their gifted pens. The flowers of poetry blossom, the luscious fruits continue to ripen, and the boughs of their wide-spreading literary trees bend down every week, all the year round, with choice productions to which every one may have constant access and pluck freely and refresh himself or herself for the small and convenient sum of $2 per year. THE GOLD BEDSTEAD. -The golden bedstead which was lately presented to the Queen, and conveyed to Windsor Castle under the charge of Colonel Willoughby, has been exhibited, by the gracious permission of Her Majesty, at the conversazione of the Great Western Literary Society. The bedstead attracted, as may be supposed, immense interest and attention, and by the description of it in a weekly cotemporary, it seems to merit commendation from the beauty of its workmanship as much as from its sterling value. The bedstead, and the carpet on which it stands, are valued at £150,000. VALUABLE DIAMOND.-A letter from Paris says: "By the arrival of the Bombay mail came hither a Mr. Amunn, having for sale a considerable par cel of diamonds, some of them quite extraordinary for size and importance. He has disposed of a few, the prices ranging from £1000 to £15,000. An uncut brilliant of unusual magnitude he has refused to part with for seven million francs, and stands out for £320,000, which, if he can not get in Paris, he carries the gem to Amsterdam or St. Petersburg. The 'diggings' in Lucknow and some other favorite hidden localities during the mutiny were not unproductive." |