knot" of flowers. The first sweet blossom, that | ter, and, alas! almost every thing that is otherwise, left "the grace of the fashion of it" graved upon is traced to maternal influence, it is not strange

the tablet of my memory, was the bright, blue convolvolus, that swung from its trellis in the dewy morning, in the centre of "the knot." Here was the beautiful and appropriate location of many a monarchy of bees, and here the favored spot where Uncle John, in the peaceful lapse of the long, long Summer days, would sit and watch the insects as they revelled in the nectar of the flowret's cup, and soliloquize in the sufficiency of his blessedness,

"What is this world to me,

Its pomp, its pleasures and its nonsense, all?" He wore a worsted cap of many colors, a gown of purple camlet, and leather shoes adorned with an ample buckle of polished steel. His staff and tobacco-pipe lay at his side-the former because he was frequently" light-headed," the other because it was his nearest and dearest earthly friend.

that the well-attested fact, that few moral and sensible young men, have issued with the blushing ho nors of their alma-mater upon them, from the venorable walls of Harvard, with less intellectual ambition and high purpose of soul than he should remind one that the strength of his filial affection, which was very great, he often described in conjunction with his mother's "nice minced pies,”— and that the rapture which he felt in returning to her society in college vacations, seemed not quite distinct from that which he felt in his simultaneous transition from the baked-beans and boil'd beef of college commons, to the cakes and confectionary of his mother's pantry. Many a young face has smiled to hear him, in the days of his old age, close an animated description of the solemnities of an ordination-of which no man perhaps ever attendMr. W. was never married; and, early in life, wased more than himself—with a not less glowing dethe affectionate title prefixed to his name, which scription of the "great plum pudding," that graced universal custom has acceded to bachelors, as their the table of his hospitable host. But his life was rightful honor. He was an admirer of beautiful women; and it is said, in his youth, did actually make overtures of a very affectionate character to one whom he thought supremely so, but he was ⚫ not successful. Not at all embittered, however, by his disappointment, he continued, even to old age, to consider "a fine-tempered woman,” as but little lower than the angels, and "happy love a heavenly sight;" and to regard with intense interest the lot of those who enjoyed the happiness that heaven had denied to himself. He even delighted in those tales of fiction, which portrayed the consummate blessedness of united lovers, in the exaggerated manner of the novelists of the last generation; and, on one occasion, when a sudden attack of sickness interrupted him in the perusal of that most fascinating and dangerous of a most worthless class of books-"The Children of the Abbey"-requested a young niece to sit by his bed-side and relate the concluding events, as "he thought he should like to know before he died whether Lord Mortimer ever married that young woman."

filled up with acts of benevolence and piety; "the blessing of him that was ready to perish, came upon him, and he caused the widow's heart to sing for joy;" he dealt his bread to the hungry, and “he that was poor, without covering, was warmed with the fleece of his sheep."

Is it uncharitable to observe, and is it unwise to record discrepancies of character in the good? Or is it not rather both wise and charitable to observe and record, that we may remember and avoid them' Let the youth, who is cultivating and exercising with most praiseworthy care, the holy charities and gentle sympathies of our nature, while his intellectual and physical powers are becoming feeble from inaction, and useless from neglect; imagine Uncle John, in the indulgence of his rural taste, training the delicious pea, pruning the currant and gooseberry bush, and cultivating with most peculiar care his useless favorite-the splendid tobacco plant,-while his fine intellect was without appropriate employment-the more important departments of agricultural economy neglected-and while his extensive and often ill-directed charities, were very essentially impairing the fair and beautiful patrimony that he loved so well;—and, perhaps, the record of Uncle John's inconsistencies, may not be altogether in vain.

In his early youth he attended on the ministry of Whitefield, who was then in the midst of his ministerial labors and successes in New England. He adopted his principles, and imitated his piety, and ever spoke with enthusiasm of the supernatural eloquence of that wonderful man, and its sub- He rests beneath the Sumach, in the quiet gravelime results. One cannot but stop to inquire why, yard of N——, awaiting the resurrection of the with a naturally superior intellect, and the highest just. His name will soon have passed from earth, opportunities of education, with those superinduced or be found only in the catalogue of Harvard, or in principles of piety which furnish the highest im- "Alden's Collection of American Epitaphs;" bet pulse to activity of which our nature is suscepti- he will have a name better than that of Sons and ble, he should have numbered his three-score-years-of Daughters, in the courts of the Lord, when the and-ten, without having devoted himself to any hearts in which his memory is still cherished with honorable profession, or engaging in any of the affection, shall with his, have become motionless elevated and useful pursuits of life. But, in this forever. day, when every thing that is excellent in charac

Maine.

ELIZA

arrest the impulse of many a youth, who, (while extreme. We, ourselves, claim some intimacy with ignorant of the hardship and degradation to which the class; and have kept many a watch with saihe would be subjected in his pursuit,) should seek, lors in a Frigate's "Top," where, on some still by a cruise in a Privateer, riches and adventure. clear night, their practical jokes, “strange oaths" Our Author's Privateer may, we suppose, be taken and queer expressions, have excited in us such as a sample of her class; and she exhibits a rare uncontrollable laughter, as to break in upon the picture. Her crew is made up of all that cupidity, thoughts of the "officer of the deck," and elicit utter recklessness, and false impressions can bring from him a sharp, stern "Silence in the Main Top!" together. Seaman, Landsman, and Loafer (who is It is in scenes like these, that one's mind dwells upon generally a compound of the first two, and is known the character of the seaman with pleasure; who in in the ports of the Western Coast of South Ame- battle and the storm, excites our admiration, and rica, as a "Beach Comber,") all find berths in such always commands our regard. Jack is a genea craft. The reckless seaman ships, because it is ral favorite; and, as for our own seamen, we a Ship; for your real old "Salt" cares little about hope to see their happiness and well-being always the nature of the service in which he may be en- the peculiar care of a grateful nation. Our Navy gaged, provided he gets his allowance of grog, and has been a pride and a wonder. In all parts of can have his hammock swung by the blue surge of the world, we have heard its praises; and now, his familiar friend, at once his cradle and his that the public mind seems to be particularly turned grave. The Loafer ships for mischief; thoroughly towards it, we would "fain" "shove in our oar,"— a scoundrel, he goes for plunder; and it matters lit- and say a few words about a service we love so tle with him whether the individual upon whom he well. operates be friend or foe. The Landsman (unless The lustre which the deeds of HULL, DECATUR, he be a jail-bird) is brought into the service by BAINBRIDGE, STEWART, PERRY, M'DONOUGH, LAWdeceit, lying, treachery; he goes on board, under RENCE, BLAKELY, JONES and WARRINGTON have the impression that he is to be something,-may-be, shed upon the American Navy, still glows around a little better than the Captain-that he is to make it. Deeply concerned are we to say, that the rea summer cruise of a few months, and return home putation of the officers of the present day is much laden with treasures. Wofully does he find him-enhanced by the "gleam of this glory." They live self deceived; and bitterly does he curse his own stupidity, when he finds himself hanging on a yard, over a raging sea, and tearing off his finger nails, in ineffectual attempts to grasp the "skin" of a frozen topsail. We do not pity him; for he was led by avarice. But, in this last class, may be some youth of promise, who was induced to join our Privateer by love of adventure, by a spirit of daring, and a hope of renown; he has shipped gladly, and undoubtingly; he longs to enter into association with the bold and manly sailor, and, in conflict with his country's foes, to win his laurels at the cannon's mouth; he joins the ship, and sails ;-immediately his eyes begin to open;-he finds himself associated with villains of every hue; and, upon his first capture of a merchantman, discovers that he is little better than a common robber. Disgusted with his trade, with the profanity and obscenity of his comrades, and the petty tyranny of his officers,-he determines to quit on the first opportunity; but he may be captured, he may be herded in a prison, with wretches of every name and nation; where, after years of bitter repinings, of shame, regret, remorse, he yields in despair; becomes brutalized, and worse than the worst around him. To such an one, a knowledge of the facts exhibited in this work would be a treasure; and for this we particularly commend it, both to the young and the old, but more particularly to the young. Our Author shows a perfect acquaintance with the habits and manners to do, Do NOTHING.

upon their memory. It is true that the junior officers
have had no chance; and it is impossible to say, how
they would stand the test of their country's judgment,
if tried upon their own merits. Every one acquain-
ted with the character of the Navy Officers of the
present day, will admit that the courage of these ve-
terans still dwells in the hearts of their successors.
A lamentable but glorious instance has been lately
exhibited, in the fate of young UNDERWOOD and
HENRY, (honored be the gallant dead,) who fell, ia
covering the retreat of their unarmed boat's crew,
from the attack of a horde of ruthless savages.
But, the present condition of the Navy plainly
shows that there is something wrong.
We appear
to want the judgment and unanimity of action, ne-
cessary to maintain for the Navy, that lofty posi
tion which it has hitherto occupied in the estima-
tion of men. It is admitted, on all hands, that its
present condition is any thing but a good one. Of
ficers, of all ranks, are crying out for reform; and
yet, it is hardly possible to find out exactly what it
is they want. Some say one thing,—some another.
One begs to be made an Admiral. Another ex-
claims, "Why make Admirals, when there is the
command to give them, at all suited to the rank!"
Pursers are growling, because they are "Shop
Keepers ;" and Doctors want more pay.
Members of Congress and influential men are dis-
gusted and disheartened; and, not knowing what

Thus,

of the "Tar;" and some of his imitations of the We had fondly hoped, that, in the admirable especuliar phraseology of "Jack," are ludicrous in the says of "Harry Bluff," our Navy Officers had, al

length, found an unanimous expression of their cerity, that we have rarely known a man whose wishes. Clear, forcible, and far-sighted, these Es-conduct was governed by more elevated principles says have won for their author golden opinions of honor and morality. And he was as modest as from "all sorts of men." The public press teemed he was amiable. We shall never forget the many with commendations of them; and Navy Officers, happy hours we spent in his society, when we were in convention, at Philadelphia and Washington, de- both sojourners in the Metropolis of the Bay State. termined to republish one of them, to be laid on Even at this distant day,-for nearly a quarter of the desks of Members of Congress. We hoped a century has since passed over our heads, searing and believed that these writings would form a our visage, and sprinkling snows upon our brow,guide-book for the next Secretary of the Navy; even now we distinctly remember the day when and that not one voice would have been raised in" The Younker" first entered our office, in his blue opposition to them. But, alas! for the Navy, we sailor garb, and asked for employment-and the were deceived. We have recently seen two or three publications from Navy Officers, attempting to contravene the opinions and views set forth in the "Scraps from the Lucky Bag ;" and endeavoring to prove that these Essays provided no full and efficient remedy for the disease, which all seem to admit is fixed upon the vitals of the Navy. These writers may have formed an honest difference of opinion with "Harry Bluff;" but this appears to us an unfortunate time to have expressed it. They have thrown themselves in the way of the great cause of reorganization, in which the friends of the Navy are engaged; and we would recommend that their opinions be closely and thoughtfully scanned, ere credence is given to their statements, or confidence to their reasoning. It makes one angry to see this spirit of opposition. Why-why, cannot officers, in seaman's phrase, "heave together?"

For ourselves, we are of opinion, that nothing has been, or can be, offered for the improvement of the service, more efficient than the views set forth in "Scraps from the Lucky Bag;" and we would recommend to the Officers of the Navy that they should, by every means in their power, urge the new Secretary to give these papers a full and fair examination, with the view of being, in some measure, guided in his course by the practical wisdom and experience exhibited in them.

modest blush which mantled over his cheek when, in reply to an interrogatory from us, he hesitatingly spoke of his qualifications. We found him not less faithful to his duties than skilful in his professionand when he voluntarily left our employment, we parted from him as from a friend, whose unassuming worth had won its way to our heart. As he reads these lines, Pinckney-street, and the "pleasant days" which we spent together, will revive in his mind, like the sweet tones of "remembered music." He will think again of the parting hour, when he concluded to "try his fortune" in a milder climate-He will recollect with what emphasis the young Virginian bade him "God speed," and uttered a heartfelt prayer for the blessing of Heaven upon his efforts. And heartily do we rejoice to know that our friend, after a boisterous and adventurous youth-making the polar-star of Truth and Honor his guide-escaping all the quicksands and shoals of the great sea of Human Life, in whose bosom lie engulphed so many daring spirits, and whose coasts are strewed with the wrecks of ambition, folly and crime, has found safe anchorage in a pleasant harbor. May the halcyon continue to spread its wings over his quiet and beautiful and prosperous home!

The

The Book exhibits a curious and interesting picture of the habits and occupations of the prisoners "Mais revenons," &c. &c.—we have been too at Dartmoor. We had not thought that such long from our subject. Our Author did meet with license of speech and action had been tolerated in a portion of the fate we imagined for "some youth the prisoners at that famous jail. They drankof promise;" he was "herded in a prison with they quarrelled-fought-gambled-rioted. wretches;" and well was it for him that he had in English officers and soldiers in charge of the prison his nature something more than promise, or he appear to have exhibited, on some occasions, a would have hardly failed falling into the latter part degree of toleration towards the prisoners, which, of the imaginary predicament of our youth. Boldly we had supposed, had never been exercised toand manfully did he resist the temptations to evil, wards them. We do not wish to defend the bruby which all were beset; and he came out from the tal conduct of the commandant, Shortland, who prison, unscathed by the pestilential influence of ordered his men to fire upon the prisoners,-by the scoundrelism around him. We have since which some eight or ten were killed, and many known him as Foreman and Proof-Reader in our others wounded;-for, according to the Author's own office; and can safely aver, that neither the showing, so violent a procedure does not appear cruise in the Privateer nor the abode in the Prison to have been necessary, upon that, nor any other could at all affect the moral rectitude of his nature. occasion; but we do not see how such turbuHe passed through the glowing furnace of temp-lent spirits could have been kept in the necessary tation and evil, and yet there was no "smell of fire degree of obedience and subordination, except by on his garments." As a Printer and Proof-Reader, strictly enforcing the necessary rules and regulahe has few equals; and, we may add, in all sin- tions. They had disobeyed orders-disregarded

The style of the Work is easy and agreeable, though possibly too technical, to please the general" forbidding," when discoursing of winter, surely