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CRITICAL NOTICES.

Mary Grover, or, The Trusting Wife; a Do- |
mestic Temperance Tale. By CHARLES
BURDETT, author of "Arthur Martin," &c.
Harper & Brothers. 1848.

Mr. Burdett, who has been many years connected as a reporter with the Courier and Enquirer newspaper, writes with great facility and general good taste. His stories are quite popular with the class for whom they are designed, and they tend to promote good habits and good feeling. It is very creditable to their author to be able to produce so many pleasing works of fancy after so long an experience of the soul-consuming drudgery of reporting.

History of England, from the Invasion of Julius Casar to the reign of Victoria. By Mrs. MARKHAM. A New Edition, revised and enlarged, with Questions, adapted to Schools in the United States. By ELIZA ROBBINS, author of "American Popular Lessons," &c. New York: Appleton & Co. 1848.

This is probably the best school history of England that has been written. It is very popular at home, and will be here, wherever English history is made a branch of commonschool education. It has also the merit of being very interesting as a book for juvenile readers.

A Pilgrimage to the Holy Land, comprising Recollections, Sketches, and Reflections, made during a Tour in the East. By ALPHONSE DE LAMARTINE, Member, &c. New York: Appleton & Co. 1848.

Of course we shall not hazard our prophetic reputation by predicting for this republication a "ready sale." With many who have never seen it however, and who know its author only through the general praises of him with which the press has lately teemed, we may compromise their good opinion of our taste, in saying that we would not read the book all through, for something considerable-ten thousand dollars perhaps. It reminds us of what the old trapper in Bryant's California calls the bacon and bread and milk of the emigrants; it is "mushy stuff."

Cæsar's Commentaries on the Gallic War, with English Notes, &c. By Rev. J. A. SPENCER. New York: D. Appleton & Co. 1848.

The notes to this edition explain everything, and almost disprove the old saying that there is "no royal road to learning." The boy who, with such helps, does not take readily to his Latin, should never be sent to college. Mr. Spencer is favorably known as a classic editor by his late edition of the Greek Testament.

FORD.

Modern Painters. By A GRADUATE OF OXPart III. First American, from the third London Edition. John Wiley, 161 Broadway, New York.

This third part of the Modern Painters completes the reprint of one of the most agreeable and elegant, one of the most brilliant and faulty Works of modern genius. The style is Coleridgeian, full, abounding in long words and long periods, but elevated, harmonious, and full of fine and original turns of expression. This part contains the author's philosophical views of art, and is a work to be read with profit rather by the scholar and man of letters, than the practical artist. We enjoy it not as a complete or scientific treatise of aesthetics, but as a popular and eloquent exposition of the imaginative view of art, not only in its aim and scope but in its principles, and the faculties of mind that create it.

Engraved Portrait of Hon. Henry Clay in his 71st year. Published by E. ANTHONY, 205 Broadway, New York.

This admirable work, executed by Mr. Ritchie of this city, whose exquisite handiwork adds elegance to our own pages, is by far the best and most agreeable representation of Mr. Clay that we have yet seen. A sight of it lessens all other prints of him in estimation. The fire of the eye is truly given. It represents the venerable statesman wearing his noblest expression. The design of the whole is in perfect taste, and is worthy of the most celebrated engravers.

Mr. Clay, for a copy sent him by Mr. An

thony, returned the following acknowledg- of those gentlemen whose lives are given, will of itself secure it a wide circulation.

ment:

ASHLAND, 17th June, 1848.

Dear Sir :-I have been requested by Mrs. Clay to say that she has received your note, with the portrait of myself which accompanies it; and to express her thanks and obligations for it. She regards it as an excellent likeness. Allow me to add an expression also of my acknowledgments, and my entire concurrence in her judgment as to the accuracy and fidelity of the portrait.

I am afraid that a recent event may diminish the remuneration which you anticipated from the sale of this portrait; but at all events I tender to you my ardent wishes for your success and prosperity, in all respects. I am, truly,

Your obedient servant,

Mr. EDWARD ANTHONY, 205 Broadway, N. Y.

H. CLAY.

History of the United States of America, designed for Schools. By EGBERT GUERNSEY, A.M. Second edition. New York: Cady & Burgess. 1848.

The events and dates in this little volume are given with general correctness, and though it is not altogether free from irrelevant matter, the circumstance of its having reached a second edition, is a gratifying evidence of its favorable reception by the public.

History of Congress, biographical and Political: comprising Memoirs of Members of the Congress of the United States, drawn from authentic sources; embracing the prominent events of their lives, and their connection with the political history of the times. By HENRY G. WHEELER. Illustrated by numerous Steel Portraits, and facsimile Autographs. New York: Harper & Brothers. 1848.

The author of this work has been long a reporter in the House, and thus possesses peculiar advantages for the publication of such a work. The book is well executed and very readable; the incidents in the lives of the gentlemen whose biographies are given are probably in general reliable, they being collected and prepared, as it were, under their own eyes. Some of the portraits are extremely well done. Among the principal biographies we notice those of Hon. J. R. Ingersoll, Washington Hunt, R. C. Winthrop, and Charles Hudson. The author proposes to continue the work by the publication of other succeeding volumes, prepared in a similar manner. The patronage

The Planetary and Stellar Worlds. A popular exposition of the great discoveries and theories of Modern Astronomy. In a series of Ten Lectures. By O. M. MITCHELL, A.M., Director of the Cincinnati Observatory. New York: Baker & Scribner. 1848.

Many of our readers in this city, and in Boston and New Orleans, who attended Mr. Mitchell's lectures when he visited those places, will be glad to see them presented in the form of a volume. They are full of interest and information respecting the most sublime of all sciences, and will be found to abound less in conjecture and rhetorical display than most popular works of a similar character. The preface, in which the author details the circumstances which led him to prepare them, in connection with the history of the Cincinnati Observatory, is highly interesting, and is given in that clear unpretending manner which belongs to a true scholar. Mr. Mitchell is an enthusiast in his science, as one must needs be who would devote himself to its cultivation successfully-one of the few in that department of whom our country has real reason to be proud.

A First Book in Spanish; or a Practical Introduction to the study of the Spanish Language: containing full Instructions in pronunciation, &c., &c. By JOSEPH SALKELD, A.M., author of a Compendium of Classical Antiquities. New York: Harper & Brothers. 1848.

This appears to be a book well adapted to its purpose. The Spanish is the most easy of all the European languages, and may almost be learned from book alone. A knowledge of it is becoming every year more necessary to an American citizen. Even now it is much in use among the numerous and highly respectable class of returned volunteer officers who distinguished themselves in the late conflicts in Mexico; and the war has also given birth to a great many dispatches and writings of all sorts, for a ready comprehension of which a familiarity with the Spanish is requisite. It is possible that a few years may see Spanish representatives sitting in the House from new States sliced out of Chihuahua, Durango, and Queretaro; and an acquaintance with Spanish may then become very necessary to our public men, to enable them to sustain our free institutions under the demoralizing influence of New Mexican ideas of civilization.

Letters from Italy, the Alps, and the Rhine. By | heart, considering that the battle, in spite of
J. T. HEADLEY. New and Revised Edition, appearances, was already won."
(with a good portrait of the author.) New
York: Baker & Scribner.

We can only say of these Letters, that when they first appeared, we read them with delight. Mr. Headley's free and glowing imagination appears in none of his writings to better advantage than these. His descriptions of Alpine scenery, and of the impressions of foreign manners and historic associations, are certainly brilliant and delightful; and he has as great power of holding the attention, as any modern writer with whom we are acquainted.

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During the battle of Resaca, Corporal Farrel of the Fourth Infantry came with only ten men to Lieut. Hays, of the same regiment, exclaiming, Lieutenant, if we had but an officer to lead us, we would tame that piece,' at the same time pointing to one that was destroying numbers of our men. You shall not say that you had no officer to lead you-follow me!' was the reply from Hayes. They dashed forward, stormed the battery, and carried it.”

The Taylor Anecdote Book. Anecdotes of Zachary Taylor, and the Mexican War. By TOм OWEN, the Bee-Hunter. Together with a brief Life of General Taylor, and his Letters. Illustrated with Engravings. D. Appleton & Co. New York: 1848.

The title of this book is enough to attract readers, and we can assure our readers they will find it richly worth the purchase. After they have read the capital anecdotes of the war, of which there is a large assortment, let them peruse the letters of the General himself, and consider the virtue of honesty, and whether it would do the country any material harm to have an honest man for President! Only one will do: a single four years' interruption of the dynasty will put such life into the nation that it will go on of itself almost for a long time afterward.

The following are some of the anecdotes in this book; we take them at random :

"In the early part of the action of the 23d, when the enemy had succeeded in turning the left wing of our little army, and secured a seeming advantageous position in rear of our line, at the base of the mountain; when a portion of our troops, overpowered by the superiority of numbers, were forced to retire in hot haste;' when, indeed, the fortunes of the day seemed extremely problematical, to every one save the indomitable and self-poised old hero, an officer of high rank rode up to General Taylor, and announced the temporary success of the enemy, and expressed his fears for the success of our army.

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"Old Rough and Ready's reply was perfectly characteristic of the man. Sir,' said he, so long as we have thirty muskets, we can never be conquered! If those troops who have abandoned their position, can be rallied and brought into action again, I will take three thousand of the enemy prisoners. Had I the disposition of the enemy's forces, I would myself place them just where they are.'

"The officer resumed his duties with a light

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National Loan Fund Life Assurance Society of London.

**A SAVINGS BANK FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE WIDOW AND THE ORPHAN."

EMPOWERED BY ACT OF PARLIAMENT. CAPITAL £500,000 OR $2,500,000. BESIDE A RESERVE FUND (FROM SURPLUS PREMIUMS) OF ABOUT 185,000 DOLLARS. (Part of the Capital is invested in the United States.)

T. LAMIE MURRAY, Esq., George street, Hanover-square, Chairman of the Court of Directors in London.

UNITED STATES BOARD OF LOCAL DIRECTORS.

CHIEF OFFICE FOR AMERICA, 74 WALL-ST., N. Y.

Jacob Harvey, Esq., Chairman, John J. Palmer, Esq., Jonathan Goodhue, Esq., Jas Boorman, Esq., Geo. Barclay, Esq., Samuel S. Howland, Esq., Gorham A. Worth, Esq.' Samuel M. Fox, Esq., Wm. Van Hook, Esq., and C. Edward Habicht, Esq.

EDWARD T. RICHARDSON, Esq., GENERAL Accountant.

Pamphlets, Blank Forms, Tables of Rates, Lists of Agents, &c., &c., can be obtained at the Chief Office, 4 Wall Street, or from either of the Agents throughout the United States, and British North American Colonies.

J. LEANDER STARR,

General Agent for the United States, and B. N. A. Colonies.

NAUTILUS (MUTUAL) LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY.

Office No. 58 Wall treet.

THIS Company recently organized, upon the improved and deservedly popular principle of mutual assurance, will confine its business exclusively to Insurance on Lives.

It commences with a capital of $50,000, which will be continually augmenting as its business increases. The rates of premium correspond with those of other American Companies.

One of the peculiar advantages attending insurance with this company is, that all the assured share annually in its profits, and are interested in its success; for its charter provides "that each and every member shall be annually credited' with his proportional share of the amount of premiums earned, after deducting losses and expenses. But in no case shall his share of loss exceed the amount of such premium." These earned premiums or profits will be safely invested by the company, constituting a permanent fund, annually augmenting for the benefit and security of all parties interested.

The Rates of Insurance on One Hundred Dollars, on a Single Life, for One Year.

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Persons may effect insurance on their own lives or the lives of others.

A man may effect insurance on his own life in the name of his wife for her benefit, and paya ble to her-and in case of her death previous to the death of her husband, payable to her children for their use, and to their guardian if under age.

LEWIS BENTON, Secretary.

PLINT FREEMAN, Actuary.

ALEXANDER HAMILTON, Jun., Attorney.

J. D. P. OGDEN, President.

A. M. MERCHANT, Vice President.

Medical Examiners.-George Wilkes, M.D., 28 Laight street, Cornelius R. Bogert, M. D., 5 St.

Mark's Place.

OF

THE AMERICAN REVIEW:
A Whig Journal, Devoted to Politics and Literature.

JAMES D. WHELPLEY, EDITOR: WITH THE ASSISTANCE, IN THE POLITICAL DEPARTMENT, OF THE HON. DANIEL D. BARNARD.

In the original Prospectus of the AMERICAN REVIEW, issued at Washington by Mr. Colton, its former proprietor and Editor, a number of the leading Whig Members of the Twentyseventh Congress (1845-6,) subscribed their names to the following resolution:

"Earnestly approving the plan of such a National organ, long needed and of manifest importance, the undersigned agree to contribute for its pages, from time to time, such communications as may be necessary to set forth and defend the doctrines held by the united Whig Party of the Union. Signed by Geo. P. Marsh, Daniel D. Barnard, J. McPherson Berrien, J. R. Ingersoll, E. Joy Morris, T. L. Clingman, Daniel Webster, R. C. Winthrop, Thos. Butler King, Hamilton Fish, J. P. Kennedy, J. Collamer, Wm. S. Archer, Rufus Choate, Alexander H. Stephens."

By an agreement with the present Proprietors, Mr. Barnard continues his political connection with the Review as an adviser and regular contributor.

An engraved portrait of some distinguished person will be found in every number of the Review. These will usually be portraits of living American Statesmen, and whenever that is possible, will be accompanied with an authentic Memoir of the person represented.

The first objects of the Review are of course political: it is designed to set forth and defend the principles, the measures, and the men of the UNITED WHIG PARTY of the Union. It has been a matter of just reproach to that Party, that, though it embraces in great part the intelligence and learning of the country, it has had no Quarterly or Monthly organ devoted to the expression and defence of its opinions and measures. The conductors of the American Review, have done what in them lies to remove this reproach by securing contributions from sources of undoubted ability and truth. It is their intention, if possible, that no Whig in the Nation shall want either Arguments to defend, or Authorities to support his opinions.

The literary department of the Review will agree in spirit with the political. The conductors believe that there is learning and originality enough in this country to sustain their enterprise to the full.

The Foreign Miscellany of each number will be as authentic as the best foreign papers can make it, and may be referred back to as an accurate Chronicle of the times.

TERMS.-$5 00 a-year. Payment to be called for in advance, or early in the year.

Agents for the Review.

PHILIP D. WEBB, GENERAL AGENT.

Mr. HENRY M. LEWIS is our traveling agent for Alabama and Tennessee. Mr. ISRAEL E. JAMES for the Southern and Southwestern States, assisted by James K. Whipple, William H. Weld, O. H. P. Stem, John B. Weld, T. S. Waterman, John Collins, James Deering, Isaac T. Guyer, and R. S. James.

Mr. C. W. JAMES for the Western States, Iowa and Wisconsin, assisted by James R. Smith, J. T. Dent, T. Gardiner Smith and F. J. Hawes, John W. Armstrong, Jassen Tayler, E. M. Stevenson, and W. Ramsey.

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