busy preparations for the festival, she wound her way slowly to the top of the hill; when she had reached the summit, she called out with a loud voice to her friends below; she upbraided them for their cruelty to herself and her lover. "You," said she, "were not satisfied with opposing my union with the man whom I had chosen, you endeavoured by deceitful words to make me faithless to him, but when you found me resolved upon remaining single, you dared to threaten me; you know me not if you thought that I could be terrified into obedience; you shall soon see how well I can defeat your designs." She then commenced to sing her dirge; the light wind which blew at the time, wafted the words towards the spot where her friends were; they immediately rushed, some towards the summit of the hill to stop her; others to the foot of the precipice to receive her in their arms, while all, with tears in their eyes, entreated her to desist from her fatal purpose; her father promised that no compulsive measures should be resorted to. But she was resolved, and as she concluded the words of her song, she threw herself from the precipice, and fell a lifeless corpse, near her distressed friends. Thus, added our guide, has this spot acquired a melancholy celebrity; it is still called the Maiden's Pock, and no Indian passes near it, without involuntarily casting his eyes towards the giddy height, to contemplate the place, whence this unfortunate girl fell a victim to the cruelty of her relentless parents.' On the 26th of October they reached Philadelphia, having been absent about six months, during which time they travelled over upwards of four thousand five hundred miles, the whole party being blessed with health, meeting with no accident of any account, and undergoing hardships and privations, far less considerable than those which they had expected to undergo, and which have tried the perseverance and courage of other explorers. rise to no river, while the sources of the most con- then low in the horizon, and added that we had no siderable rivers are distant from the high chains of time to proceed further, and that we had better enmountains.'* camp with them that night. *** Major Long deThe Expedition proceeded down the Redclined their invitation, whereupon they insisted that our party should encamp at a neighbouring River, and ascertained the spot where it grove which they pointed out to us, as they observ crosses the northern boundary of the Unit- ed that this would be a convenient place for their ed States. Major Long became convinced chief to come and smoke with us in the evening. of the impossibility of passing along this While this conversation was going on, Mr Say reboundary to the east, agreeably to his in-marked that, either through design or accident, the structions, and finally concluded to follow our party, that every one of our number was plac Indians had intermixed themselves so much with the course of the Red River into Lake ed between two or more of theirs. Mr Snelling Winnepeek, and to pass from that lake to overheard them talking of our horses, admiring them, Lake Superior, by the common route by and examining the points of each; one of their the Lake of the Woods and Rainy Lake. band had even ventured so far as to ask him which Through Mackinaw, Detroit, and Niagara, ing that all further conversation was a waste of horse was considered the best of the party. Findthey travelled to Rochester, and thence by time, and having given them as much tobacco as the canal to Albany. our small stock of Indian presents allowed us to spare, Major Long mounted his horse, and gave his men orders to march. The Indians attempted no opposition at the time; but after we had travelled about a quarter of a mile, they following in our rear, a gun was fired at some distance on the prairie, to the right of our line, and a number of mounted Indians were seen in that direction, coming towards us. Those who had followed us, then made a signal to them that we were white men; and ran up to us to desire that, as their chief was then A very large part of these volumes is coming up, we would stop and shake hands with It had been supposed, from the relations occupied with accounts of various Indian him; the party halted, until the mounted Indians of various travellers, that the head waters tribes; but an article in our last has per- Observing that their chief was not among them, had come up and greeted us in the usual manner. of the streams which feed the great lakes haps said as much about the aborigines of Major Long again set his men in motion, but beand then pass down the St Lawrence, were this country as our readers may wish to fore we had proceeded far, several of them ran up very near the sources of the Mississippi hear. Little very new or peculiarly inter- to the head of the line, fired their guns across our and its principal tributaries. This suppo-esting is to be found in this work respect- path, reloaded them immediately, and formed a sition was singularly confirmed by the dis- ing this subject. The Expedition had no crescent in front of the leader, to prevent him from coveries, if they may be so called,-of "hair-breadth 'scapes" to tell of, unless it proceeding. At that time the number of Indians must have been about seventy or eighty, while ours this Expedition. Big Stone Lake is the was the following; which occurred as they amounted only to twenty-five. Their intentions head of St Peter's river, which falls into were marching along the Red River, be- could not be misunderstood. It was probable that the Mississippi. tween Lake Travers and Pambina. they did not care much to harm our persons, but cially to secure our horses; and as we were rethey were anxious to pilfer our baggage, and espesolved not to part with them without a struggle, it was evident that the first gun fired would be the signal for an attack, which must end in the total destruction of our party; for the number of the Indians, and their mode of dispersing upon the prairie, and continually changing their situation during a skirmish, would have given them a very great adand baggage, we would have remained collected vantage over us, as, in order to protect our horses in a body, and exposed to their arrows and balls. But even in such a case they must have lost some of their number, and this consideration, all-powerful with Indians, probable induced them to defer their attack until night, when their advantages would be still greater; and hence their anxiety that we should encamp in their vicinity. Had Major Long been perfectly free to act as he pleased, he would have avoided all further conversation, and have proceeded the whole night without stopping at all that evening; but this he could not do as long as The river having taken a bend to the west, we continued our route in what appeared to have been an old water-course, and, within three miles of the Big Stone Lake, found ourselves on the banks of Lake Travers, which discharges its waters by means of Swan or Sioux river into the Red river of Lake Winnepeek, whose waters, as is well known, flow towards Hudson's Bay. The space between Lakes Travers and Big Stone, is but very little elevated above the level of both these lakes; and the water has been known, in times of flood, to rise and cover the intermediate ground, so as to unite the two lakes. In fact, both these bodies of water are in the same valley; and it is within the recollection of some persons, now in the country, that a boat once floated from Lake Travers into the St Peter. Thus, therefore, this spot offers us one of those interesting phenomena which we have already alluded to, but which are no where perhaps so apparent as they are in this place. Here we behold the waters of two mighty streams, one of which empties itself into Hudson's Bay at the fifty-seventh parallel of north latitude, and the other into the Gulf of Mexico, in latitude twenty-nine degrees, rising in the same valley within three miles of each other, and even in some cases offering a direct natural navigation from one into the other. We seek in vain for those dividing ridges which topographers and hydrographers are wont to represent upon their maps in all such cases, and we find a strong confirmation of that beautiful observation of a modern traveller, that it is a false application of the principles of hydrography, when geographers attempt to determine the chains of mountains, in countries of which they suppose they know the course of rivers. They suppose that two great basins of water can only be separated by great elevations, or that a considerable river can only change its direction where a group of mountains opposes its course; they forget, that frequently, either on account of the nature of the rocks, or on account of the inclination of the strata, the most elevated levels give While riding quietly across the prairie, with the We found that * Introduction to 'Humboldt's Political Essay of the Kingdom of New Spain, translated by John Black, London, 1911,' page lxxxvi. some of the gentlemen were separated, for in such a dians. It was with a view to give them a chance case they would have been easily cut off by the Into overtake us, that he had continued the confer ence so long, and that he finally decided upon encamping at a point of wood then in sight, but forther than that which had been proposed by the Indians. With this view, the Major ordered the men to the head of the line, stopped the horse of the to march; when one of the Indians advanced up leader, and cocked his gun. The soldier who was there, and whose name was George Bunker, immediately imitated this action, determined to be prepared for a shot as soon as his antagonist; at this moment Major Long marched up to the head of the line, and led off the party. There can be no doubt that the resolution thus manifested had a great influence in preventing the Indians from making an immediate attack. It was night before we reached the place where we intended to halt. The tents were not pitched. 308 The position was selected at a distance from the river, as the banks of the stream are skirted with woods in which a number of Indians were distinctly seen. Our horses were staked with very short ropes, the arms were all examined and loaded afresh, six centinels placed on duty, and the rest of the party remained up ready to resist any attack; a large fire was kindled in order to apprize our companions of our situation; and in this unpleasant uncertainty about their fate we remained until they made their appearance. They had fortunately seen no Indians. The supply of provisions which they brought was tasted, but found inferior to the buffalo. The fat of the elk partakes of the nature of tallow, and is much less fusible than that of other animals, so that unless eaten very hot it consolidates and adheres to the mouth. The best part of the animal is the udder, which, being fixed upon a forked stick, was roasted before the fire. As soon as our meal was finished, the fire was extinguished. A few Indians had accompanied us to our camp, but all withdrew after a while except an old worthless man, who was recognized by several of the party, as his character was notorious at Fort St Anthony. This fellow was one of the most impudent of the band, ceaselessly begging for tobacco, whiskey, &c. When he was told that the party had no whiskey with them, and that they had given as much tobacco as they could spare, he observed with the greatest effrontery, what then can you give me?' Observing that Mr Keating was drinking out of his canteen, one of these Indians came up to him, and extended his hand, asking for whiskey; being told that it contained water, and not whiskey, he attempted to take the canteen, which was, however, resisted. The first passage which we select for quotation is part of the speech of Gracchus in favour of Vettius. tle remains for us to do, but to give some | tation, he is persuaded by his friends "to C. Gracc. Romans! I hold a copy of the charge- Marc. We'll have no witnesses! Citizens. Ay! Ay! Ay! The party being again safely united, Major Long The scene is laid at Rome, in the 633d considering that, if an attack was intended, it would be made a short time before daylight, determined year of the city, when Caius Gracchus (the to allow the horses to rest until midnight, when the brother of that Tiberius who had perished some years previous in consequence of the moon, rising, would make it pleasant and safe to travel. Accordingly at that hour we resumed our seditions caused by his revival of the Agraline of march. Our preparations for departure rian law) began to exercise the power were made with the greatest expedition and silence, so as not to be observed by the Indians at a distance, which he had acquired by his popular taland to avoid disturbing the old man that was sleep- ents and personal courage, and, perhaps ing or affecting to sleep under one of our carts; in above all, by his vehement and immoderate the latter purpose, however, we failed; the old contempt for the Patricians, and his resistman awoke, and seeing what we were about, he ance to all their encroachments. He is left us immediately, notwithstanding the attempt introduced in the tragedy before us, demade to amuse him with conversation until we should be ready to start; but we could not detain fending the cause of Spurius Vettius, who him; we saw him walk over the prairie, and by the had been accused of treason against the light of the moon traced his figure until he ap-state. By effecting the acquittal of Vet-fate to his brother. proached near to the river, when he disappeared in tius he increased his popularity, and the woods. This was the last Dacota whom we rendered himself more than ever obnox saw. The plates in these volumes are excellent; they are the best which we recollect to have seen in any American book of travels. And as we think illustrations of this sort add more to the value of the work than they can add to its cost, we hope that Messrs Carey & Lea will be encouraged to pursue the same plan in their future publications, and that other publishers may be induced to follow their example. ious to all the Patricians, and particu- Marc. The tribes acquit Vettius by acclamation. Citizens. No! No! No! C. Gracc. Their voices are against you, Opimius! Flamin. To please the people we withdraw our charge. In the following, Caius transfers his own C. Gracc. Tiberius lives again! Alas, my friends! It was Caius, and not Tiberius, who was murdered by order of the consul, and whose body was thrown into the Tiber. The second act supposes his full Quæstorship to have expired, and Gracchus to The following exhibits many of the charhave returned to Rome, where he is imme-acteristic faults of the author. diately summoned before the senate and Licinia. I do not care for greatness. people, to answer to the charge of treason, It is a thing lives too much out of doors; Caius Gracchus: A Tragedy, in five acts. preferred against him by Opimius. Being 'Tis any where but at home; you will not find it By James S. Knowles, author of Vir-acquitted of this charge, he offers himself Once in a week, in its own house, at supper ginius. New York. 1824. 18mo. pp. 58. for, and is chosen to, the office of tribune. With the family! Knock any hour you choose, Alasco; A Tragedy, in five acts. By Mar- In the third act, Lucius Drusus, the col- And ask for it; nine times in ten, they'll send you To the Senate, or the Forum, or to such tin Archer Shee, Esq. R. A. Excluded league of Gracchus, is made the tool of Or such a one's, in quest of it! 'Tis a month from the English Stage by the authority Opimius and the senate, to turn the popu- Since Caius took a meal from home, and that of the Lord Chumberlain. New York. lar current in their favour; and Opimius Was with my brother. If he walks, I walk 1824. 18mo. pp. 86. obtains the consulship, and prevents the re-Along with him, if I choose; or, if 1 stay THESE two tragedies are of a very differ-election of Gracchus to the tribuneship. In Behind, it is a race 'twixt him and the time He promised to be back again, which is first. ent, and perhaps we might add, of a very the fourth act, Gracchus appears smarting And when he's back, and the door shut on him, indifferent order. The author of each is under his persecutions, and indignant at the Consummate happy in my world within, well known to the dramatic world, and lit-labrogation of his laws; and, after some hesi- never think of any world without! I In the following we have Cornelia, the | mother of the Gracchi, uttering bad gram mar. What want you with me, my Licinius? [Goes to him and takes him aside]. You Have come to tell me something.-Caius hath For Vettius.-I was certain he would do it.- He will not get fair play, no more than his brother! The words in italics, in the following passage, are rather difficult to "parse and conster." What care I, that the world allows him good That all do praise him! For his sake?--Alas! The defence of Gracchus, when accused by Opimius, is quite as respectable as any thing in the tragedy. C. Gracc. Is this your charge?- The laws which Caius Gracchus dares not break. Or that of the Republic? What was my office? But have returned, still poorer than I went. Flamin. The charge Is heavy. C. Gracc. Heavy as the proofs are light. Have amassed treasures-and they thus reward me- Of feasibility, as would suffice To feed suspicion's phantom! Why is this? I did not style them butchers! When their hatred C. Gracc. Ye men of Rome, there is no favour Enlarge their palaces-dress forth their banquets, Awake their lyres and timbrels-and, with their foods Of ripe Falernian, drown the little left Of virtue! Opim. He would raise a tumult! This hand's the first to arm against the man, Opim. He has aspersed the justice of our order; Marc. Ay! you shall have it! Gracchus shall Tit. Gracchus Tribune! Caius Gracchus Trib- Opim. Stay, friends! Take heed! Beware of C. Gracc. The laws! The laws! Of common The wealth, the happiness, the freedom of C. Gracc. Stay, Livius Drusus-let me speak Drusus. Your pleasure, Caius? C. Gracc. Pleasure!-Livius Drusus, Drusus. The caitiff! C. Grace. Ah! ho! Now You're Livius Drusus! You were only then Drusus. The Senate's tool! C. Gracc. Now, what a deal of pains for little If you could play the juggler with me, Livius— Make my own senses witness 'gainst myself, I see as palpable as if they were 'Twere worth the acting; but, when I am master What wanton waste of labour!-Livius Drusus, Drusus. Well, let me be so! I will not quarrel with you, worthy Caius! C. Grace. What barefaced shifting! C. Gracc. Ay, honest!-Why do you repeat C. Gracc. To the poor people! Juggle them out of the few friends they have left? C. Gracc. The friend of neither- With one eye, glance his pity on the crowd, By his external badge; your order wears Drusus. I'll leave you, Caius, And hope your breast will harbour better counsels. me! [Exit. The people following, with shouts. C. Gracc. Go! I have tilled a waste; and, with my sweat, Brought hope of fruitage forth-the superficial I loved them and I served them!-Let them go ! A galley in a storm; and as the bark 310 There is not a little obscurity in this as "a reading play," cannot fail of pleasing | thither, they are waylaid by emissaries of passage: Is it to use The death of Gracchus is well managed. Fly every way-and from the windows and you Cor. I can hear them without ears.-- Licinia. (Starting up.) "Tis Caius ! They cry, Make haste!" and shoot as I pass by! sentence in which liberty or slavery, king May they crawl Ever in bondage and in misery, And never know the blessed rights of freemen! [Enters. Licin. Why should you perish?-Fly Cor. If There's any hope, my son, C. Gracc. My child too! Tit. (Entering.) Caius! Caius, remain not here! Pomponius, and Too late. Cor. Embrace me, Caius!-O my son, No, mother!-My Licinia! Give me my child. [Aside to Cornelia. Learn better! Licin. Caius Caius !-Do you know No means of flight? C. Gracc. I do. Licin. I hear them-Use it! Use it, dear husband!-Now! C. Gracc. I will.-I'd kiss My boy first.Mother! Licinia. They are here! C. Gracc. Now thee!-(Embraces her.) on the stage. It can add nothing to the Hohendahl, and Walsingham's life is pre- C. Gracc. Nothing, love, nothing.-Rome! O Rome! A dagger drops from beneath his robe.-He falls dead.-Licinia throws herself on the body.-Cornelia, with difficulty, supports herself. The Consul and his troops are heard approaching.-She makes a violent effort to recover her self-possess ion; snatches Caius' Child from the Attendant, and holds it in one arm, while with the other she points to Caius; confronts Opimius and the rest, who, immediately on entering, stop short.The Curtain drops. Upon the whole, we think that Caius Gracchus, without possessing much merit The scene of this tragedy is laid in Poland, where Alasco, a young Polish nobleman, has already formed a plan to free his country from the yoke of servitude. At the house of Colonel Walsingham, an Englishman, whose daughter he has secretly married, Alasco is taxed with treason by Baron Hohendahl, an aristocrat, who, besides his loyalty, has other inducements to get rid of Alasco, of whose wife he is enamoured. Walsingham, disbelieving the tale of their secret marriage, and, enraged at the rebellious designs of Alasco, forbids him his presence, and sends his daughter, for safety, to the Castle of Hohendahl, On their journey The following passages may be considered very favourable specimens of this drama. SCENE IV.-A Dungeon.-ALASCO is discovered sleeping on a bench, but aroused by a piece of stone Alas. O! what a sweet delusion of the soul Would have no terrors, Thy much loved image haunts me. In this sad hour, Hark! that shout!- The best!- That you can prison life in this frail mansion! There is a point at which the heart will break,-. [Snatching up the dagger. But now ! And follow thee! [A shout is heard, and rush of footsteps Enter WALSINGHAM, ALASCO, JEROME, OFFICERS and GUARDS. Wal. Where is my child?-rejoice for thy Alasco! Pardon for him, and amnesty to all! {Amantha starts from Conrad's arms, drops on her knee, clasps her hands, and exclaimsAman. Thanks!--thanks!-kind heaven! thou'st left me life to hear it! Alas. Oh! my loved Amantha !---ha! pale-quite And blood upon thy breast-Oh! deed of horror. child! Aman. Now lay me gently down:-to see thee To slaughter, was too much foor poor Amantha. Aman. A pardoned slave! 'in shackles, with my country.' [Stabs himself, and falls on the body of The occasion which has called us together is certainly one, to which no parallel exists in the history of the world. Other countries, and our I own also, have their national festivals. They cominemorate the birthdays of their illustrious children; they celebrate the foundation of important institutions: momentous events, victories, reformations, revolutions awaken, on their anniversaries, the grateful and patriotic feelings of posterity. But we commemorate the birthday of all New England; the foundation, not of one institution, but of all the institutions, the settlements, the establishments, the communities, the societies, the improvements, comprehended within our broad and happy borders. It seems to us that the contrast here intended is not so striking as it might have re An Oration delivered at Plymouth, Decem-been made by the addition of some qualifi- Thy hand--thy hand, my father! child. [Dies. Jer. [Walsingham is borne off Alas. (who had remained gazing on the body of Aman.) And art thou dead, Amantha! deadquite dead! ous. scribe. Oh gentle spirit-sweet victim of thy love! [Attempts to stab himself; Jerome and Conrad pre- Con. Heaven shield my son! me not! But we turn gladly from the irksome task of marking defects, to the delightful duty of presenting beauties, and in the front of these stands the following tribute to our mother country. Our readers will excuse the length of the extract; we trust that none of them will think that either its sentiments or language can be read too of ten. have been always composed with sufficient of civil, intellectual, and moral truth, from which we have drawn in England?-What American does not feel proud that he is descended from the countrymen of Bacon, of Newton, and of Locke?--Who does know, that while every pulse of civil |