frigate Princeton. A select party of between 300 and 400 ladies and gentlemen, including the president, heads of departments, foreign min isters, members of congress, &c., had been invited by the commander of the vessel, Captain R. F. Stockton, to make an excursion down the river. In addition to the elegance of the ship, a new and tremendous apparatus for war was to be exhibited to the company. An enormous gun, denominated the Peace-maker, which was formed of wrought iron, for safety, instead of cast, was considered so perfect an engine of destruction as to be worthy of attention. Its weight was ten tons; it was fifteen feet in length, and threw a ball weighing two hundred and twenty-five pounds; yet the immense missile was projected a distance of four miles with the same precision that a rifle ball could be sent eighty paces.

During the passage down towards Mount Vernon the gun was fired three times, to the admiration of such connoiseurs in the art of gunnery as were on board; but in returning, by desire of the Secretary of the Navy, and others, Captain Stockton consented to increase the charge, in firing a final salute. As they were gathered about the gun to witness the effect, it burst, scattering death and desolation around. Mr. Upshur, Secretary of State-Mr. Gilmer, so recently placed at the head of the navyCommodore Kennon, one of its most gallant officers-Virgil Maxcy, Esq., ately returned from a diplomatic residence abroad-and Hon. Mr. Gardiner, of New-York, were among the slain. Besides these, seventeen seamen were wounded, some of them badly. Captain Stockton, who fired the gun, had the hair of his head and face burned off, and was thrown prostrate, with many others, stunned by the explosion. The lower part of the piece, from the trunnions to the breech, was blown off, being subdivided in two large sections and fifteen or twenty small pieces. The only consolation afforded in this calamity, is that none of the ladies were injured, although a number were upon deck at the time.

A disgraceful disturbance in the vicinity of Nauvoo, Illinois, this year resulted in the death of the "prophet" of the Mormons, Mr. Jos. Smith, together with his brother, Hyrum Smith. These deluded people had previously, for a number of years, vexed with their mummeries and fanaticism the well-intentioned citizens of the west; but that they might have been in some instances imposed upon, and ought not to have been so summarily slain, is doubtless true. A brief glance at the rise and progress of the deception, will afford a clue to the causes superinducing that bitter enmity which has always surrounded the "holy city" of the deceived or deceivers.

Smith, the "prophet," was a native of Vermont, but in early life removed, with his parents, to the western part of New-York. The family was remarkable for idleness, ignorance, and superstition. Joseph and his father were pious believers in witches, dreams, and digging for money; but their views in regard to property tenure, and the rights of others, were extremely loose and disjointed. Failing to discover hidden treasure in the earth, or to acquire the means of subsistence from supernatural revelations, the family became separated, and the incipient prophet hired himself out as a labourer near Palmyra. There he became acquainted with a thrifty faimer by the name of Harris, whose credulity was such that ne allowed himself to become security for the publication of the famous • Book of Mormon,” the foundation of the new faith.

This book is its own condemnation. It is a duodecimo volume, contain ing 590 pages; and is without doubt one of the weakest productions ever attempted to be palmed off as a divine revelation. It is mostly a blind mass of words, interwoven with scriptural language and quotations, without any leading plan or design. It is in fact such a production as might be expected from a person of Smith's abilities and turn of mind. The fol lowing is a verbatim of the title-page

THE BOOK OF MORMON: AN ACCOUNT WRITTEN BY THE HAND OF MORMON, UPON PLATES TAKEN FROM THE PLATES OF NEPHI.

"Wherefore it is an abridgment of the record of the people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites; written to the Lamanites, which are a remnant of the House of Israel, and also to the Jew and Gentile, written by way of commandment, and also by the Spirit of Prophecy and Revelation. Written and sealed up and hid up to the Lord that they may not be destroyed, to come forth by the gift and power of God unto the interpretation thereof, sealed by the hand of Moroni, and hid up unto the Lord to come forth in due time by the way of the Gentile: the interpretation thereof by the gift of God, an abridgment taken from the book of Ether. Also, which is a Record of the People of Jared, which were scattered at the time the Lord confounded the language of the people when they were building a tower to get to Heaven, which is to show unto the remnant of the House of Israel how great things the Lord hath done unto their fathers, and that they may know the covenants of the Lord, and that they are not cast off forever; and also to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile, that JESUS is the CHRIST, the ETERNAL GOD, manifesting himself unto all nations. And now if there are faults it be the mistake of men, wherefore condemn not the things of God that ye may be found spotless at the judgment seat of Christ. "By Joseph Smith, junior, Author and Proprietor, Palmyra. Printed by E. B. Grandin, for the author, 1830."

This wonderful revelation purported to have been translated from certain brass plates, which were covered with mysterious characters, and were said to have been dug out of a hill situated" in the township of Manchester, Ontario county, New-York." Mr. Smith was enabled to do the translating by means of a peculiar kind of spectacles, which he found with the plates. On the last page of the marvellous volume as translated, was published "the testimony of eight witnesses," of which the following is a correct transcript:

"Be it known unto all nations, kindred, tongues, and people, unto whom this book shall come, that Joseph Smith, junior, the Author and Proprietor of this work, hath shewed unto us the plates of which hath been spoken, which have the appearance of gold; and as many of the leaves as the said Smith has translated we did haudle with our hands, and we also saw the engravings thereof, all of which had the appearance of ancient work and of curious workmanship. And this we bear record, with words of soberness, that the said Smith has shown unto us, for we have seen and hefted, and know of a surety that the said Smith has got the plates of which we have spoken. And we give our names unto the world that which we have seen and we lie not, God bearing witness of it. Christian Whitmer, Jacob Whitmer, Peter Whitmer, jr., John Whitmer, Hiram Page, Joseph Smith, seu., Hyrum Smith, Samuel H. Smith."

Shortly after the publication of Mr. Smith's bible, he had the good fortune to make converts of two or three leaders of a new sect of religionists, known as "Reformers," or "Disciples," who were then making a stir in Ohio. With these followers he concluded to emigrate to the fructiferous west, and there raise his miraculous standard. Kirtland, Ohio, was first chosen as their head-quarters; and as many in that neighbourhood were much excited just then, looking for some wonderful event to take place in the world, they were readily induced to subscribe to the new doctrine, and turn their property into a common stock. The foundation of a temple was commenced on a most extensive scale. An unsuccessful application was made to the legislature of Ohio for the charter of a Dank. Upon the refusal, they established an unchartered institution, and commenced their banking operations by issuing notes and making loans. For a time the society rapidly increased-but as the bank was a fraud, and they did not pretend to liquidate or allow of any claims against them from. the unbelievers of the world, they were expelled from the state.

Their next attempt to establish themselves was in the state of Missouri; but as their ill-fame had preceded them there, a prohibitory spirit was found to have taken possession of the irreligious and matter-of fact men

of that state, disallowing the settlement of the fanatics among them. The Mormons showed great perseverance in their attempt, and raised an armed force, a "sacred legion," to drive off "the infidels;" but as they were not sufficiently strong, many outrages were perpetrated against them. and they were eventually forced to leave the state. They then migrated to Illinois, and pitched upon Nauvoo, in Hancock county, for their "holy city." The foundation of another temple was laid, on a grand plan, and they were directly flourishing finely. Numerous converts joined them from the east, and from England, whither they had sent their emissaries. Alas, for these saints of the latter days! it was discovered that some of their chief apostles were engaged in the manufacture of bogus, or counterfeit coin, wherewithal to gull the simple among the sinners. Other and graver charges were also preferred against them; in consequence of all which, a war of extermination was declared against them by the Illinoians, and in one of the frequent crusades which were set on foot for their punishment, the assassination above-mentioned was perpetrated.

It

In the month of May there broke out in the peaceable city of Philadelphia, a riot, unprecedented for its bloody and destructive virulence. appears, a political meeting of a party distinguished as "Native Ameri cans," was called in th district of Kensington. The assemblage was numerous, and the proceedings were for convenience conducted in the open air; when, a shower of rain interrupting them, the meeting adjourned to the market-house. Opposite to this, unfortunately, was a row of buildings mostly occupied by foreigners, and from these an attack was in some manner provoked. A gun was discharged into the crowd, with deadly effect, from an upper window of one of the houses; and this rash and fool-hardy act, whatever previously might have been done, was the real cause of all the sanguinary and destructive proceedings which ensued. The assault was repelled on the instant, with aggravated violence; and, after a brief quiet of preparation by the leaders of the mob, with unreasoning fury they attacked alike men, churches, dwellings and even the market in the proscribed neighbourhood. A female seminary, belonging to the Romanists, was also assaulted. Everything "foreign," indeed, was denounced on the one hand, and everything "native" on the other, and for several days the civil power of the city and state were set at defiance, and proved inadequate to quell the fearful outbreak. Men were seized and hanged up in the streets on suspicion; and many upon both sides were killed or maimed who were unconnected with the disturbance ex cept as spectators. When the constituted authorities finally obtained the ascendancy, from fifty to sixty buildings had been demolished-including the two elegant churches of St. Philip and St. Augustine-fourteen persons had been killed, thirty-nine wounded, and a multitude deprived of their means of subsistence. Martial law was proclaimed, and by the assistance of several companies of the United States troops, and Gen. Cadwallader's volunteers, order was at length restored.

In

With this year ceased the aspirations of a few more of the ambitious den izens of earth. Died at Andalusia, Pa., E 59, Nicholas Biddle, Esq., late president of the U. S. Bank. In New-York, General Morgan Lewis, ₪ 90. In Philadelphia, P. S. Duponceau; also, Judge Baldwin At Norfolk, Va., Commodore Kennedy. In Tennessee, Ex-governor Carroll. Maryland, Judges Duvall and Magruder. At Niagara Falls,, General P. B. Porter. At St. Louis, Mo., Governor Reynolds, by suicide. In Indi ana, Ex-governor Noble. In Ohio, Hon. H. A. Moore. In Illinois, Exgovernor Duncan. At Albany, N. Y., Judge Cowan. In North Carolina, Judge Gaston. In Maine, Ex-governor Kavanagh. In Pa., Hon. Henry A. Muhlenburg; also, Almon H. Read. At Galveston, Texas, General Murphy, U. S. chargé d'affaires. At sea, Commander Shubrick. In Persia, Dr. Grant, American missionary. At Boulougne-sur-mer, Thomas

Campbell, poet. In France, General Bertrand, the friend of Napoleon. At Paris, M. Lafitte, the banker. In China, Howqua, the great Hong merchant, who hated the English and loved the Americans, and whose name is inscribed upon millions of tea-boxes. In Sweden, King Carl John, formerly the French marshal Bernadotte.

A. D. 1845. The march of the Union is still onward-three new states, Iowa, Florida, and Texas, were with this year added to the national galaxy Or the fourth of March, also, a new president was inducted into office, in the place of Mr. Tyler. James K. Polk, of Tennessee, the youngest of the presidents (49) was chosen; George M. Dallas, of Pennsylvania, was associated with him as vice-president.

In May, was completed a treaty between the United States and the Grand Duchy of Hesse, which is important, as abolishing every kind of droit d'aubaine and tax on emigration. This will allow all aliens resident in either country to inherit real estate and dispose of the same, paying only such duties as the inhabitants of the country where the property lies would pay in like cases.

On the first day of July, went into operation the new and important "Act to reduce the rates of postage, to limit the use and correct the abuse of the franking privilege, and for the prevention of frauds on the revenues of the post-office department."

The post-office establishment is deserving of notice. The progress of this great branch of the public service, is illustrative of the rapid growth of the country and the extension of the resources of the people. Its steady increase from its commencement affords the most reliable evidence of a desire on the part of the people to maintain an intelligent communication of all parts of the Union with each other, as well as the means, by the industrious character of the population, to carry into effect such desires. The following table is compiled from a report of the Post-master General.

Thus, from the small beginning of about seven thousand miles of annual mail carriage, and an expenditure of less than $40,000, this department has arisen to be one of the most useful and important branches of the govern ment. It now requires the agency of some fifteen thousand post-masters and their clerks, besides above three thousand contractors, and a large number of persons connected with the department in various ways. To carry on the complicated machinery of the general post-office in all its minute details, without confusion, requires system, method, and business talents of the highest order, foresight, capacity, and an attention to the business of the department unremitting.

Here we have exhibited, concisely, the produce in the course of a year of the mines now being worked in the United States, together with the number of persons employed in the same.

The ratification of the treaty with China was one of the notable events of this season. Mr. Cushing, to the surprise of some who professed much knowledge of the difficulties to be encountered in the course of his mission, accomplished everything required of him, and upon the whole was eminently successful. A complimentary letter from his excellency, the President of the United States, to Tao-Kwang, the brother of the sun and moon, is pronounced by competent critics to be a perfect thing "of its kind." It is here given :

"TO THE EMPEROR OF CHINA.

"I, JOHN TYLER, President of the United States of America, which states areMaine, New-Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, NewYork, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Mississippi, Louisiana, Missouri, Alabama, Arkansas, Michigan,-send you this letter of peace and friendship, signed by my own hand.

"I hope your health is good. China is a great empire, extending over a great part of the world. The Chinese are numerous. You have millions and millions of subjects. The twenty-six United States are as large as China, though our people are not so numerous. The rising sun looks upon the great mountains and great rivers of China. When he sets, he looks upon rivers and mountains equally as large in the United States. Our territories extend from one great ocean to the other; and on the west we are divided from your dominions only by the sea. Leaving the mouth of one of our great rivers, and going constantly towards the setting sun, we sail te Japan and to the Yellow Sea.

"Now, my words are, that the governments of two such great countries should be at peace. It is proper, and according to the will of Heaven, that they should respect each other, and act wisely. I therefore send to your court, Caleb Cushing one of the wise and learned men of this country. On his first arrival in China, he will inquire for your health. He has then strict orders to go to your great city of Pekin, and there to deliver this letter. He will have with him secretaries and interpreters.

The Chinese love to trade with our people, and to sell them tea and silk, for which our people pay silver, and sometimes other articles. But if the Chinese and the Americans will trade, there shall be rules, so that they shall not break your laws nor our laws. Our minister, Caleb Cushing, is authorized to make a treaty to regulate trade. Let it be just. Let there be no unfair advantage on either side. Let the people trade not only at Canton, but also at Amoy, Ningpo, Shang-hai, Fuh-chow, and all such other places as may offer profitable exchanges both to China and the United States, provided they do not break your laws nor our laws. We shall not take the part of evil doers. We shall not uphold them that break your laws. Therefore, we doubt not that you will be pleased that our messenger of peace, with this letter in his hand, shall come to Pekin, and there deliver it, and that your great officers will, by your orders, make a treaty with him to regulate affairs of trade-so that nothing may happen to disturb the peace between China and America. Let the treaty be signed by your own imperial hand. It shall be signed by mine, by the authority of our great council, the Senate.

And so may your health be good, and may peace reign."

"Written at Washington, this 12th day of July, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty-three.

"By the president:

"Your good friend,

"A. P. UPSHUR, Secretary of State."

"JOHN TYLER.

The letter in reply from the Chinese emperor to the president, consists of a roll seven feet one inch long, by two feet eleven inches wide. The writing is on a field of plain yellow silk, with a margin of silk of the same colour, embroidered in gold thread. The letter is in two languages, Chinese and Manchu Tartar, in characters of large size, and in perpendicular columns, which are separated in the middle by the imperial seal-which is composed of Chinese characters, enclosed in a cartouche about three inches square. This roll is enclosed in a wrapper of yellow silk, yellow being the imperial colour, which again is enclosed in a round box covered