ment of Lord Balcarras, they were found abandoned; the Maroons, as might have been expected, had retreated to the cockpit with all their valuables. Into this cockpit our troops were made to fire repeated volleys, the echoes of which were succeeded by loud bursts of laughter from the Maroons, who rejoiced at our waste of ammunition. Lord Balcarras now retired to Montego Bay, and left the command of the troops to Col. Fitch, of the 83d. More wisdom now guided our measures, but, from unavoidable circumstances, almost all our outposts were surprised, our working-parties were destroyed by ambuscades, and our convoys and detachments generally cut to pieces. In but one instance could we ascertain that a single man of the enemy had been killed. Many parleys took place, but the horror of the Maroons at being sent on ship-board, prevented any favourable conclusion. | body of trocps, with a howitzer and field-piece, cess. The Deaf and Dumb.-We witnessed on sentatives' Hall. It was the exhibition of the that we could have wished the time before the meeting of the House, (11 o'clock,) would have Colonel Fitch employed a strong workingparty of slaves, supported by several flanking companies of regulars and militia, to cut a line through the brush-wood and thorny brambles, that he might communicate with some corps on his right. They had scarcely worked half a mile from head quarters, when the party fell into an ambush, the troops suffered severely, and the Maroons massacred a great number of the negroes. About a mile and a quarter from head-quarters, in another direction, there was an outpost of between thirty and forty men, commanded by Captain Lee, of the 83d, who had secured himself with palisadoes and a breast-work, but had reported that his post might be commanded by the Maroons from the heights. On the 12th of September, Colonel Fitch, at nine in the morning, went to visit the post, in company with the Adjutant of the 83d and many other officers. We may judge of the nature of the country from the fact, that Col. Fitch was obliged to make use of a compass, and to set his watch by that of Lieutenant Dixon, of the Artillery, at head-quarters, who was desired to fire a field-piece precisely at twelve o'clock. Three hours were thus occupied in traversing one mile and a half. Col. From simple propositions and questions, he Fitch found the post untenable, and he prowent on to those more difficult, and required ceeded with a small party a few hundred yards answers to questions put by gentlemen present. in advance, to determine upon a better posi--Among the latter handed by different pertion. Coming to two diverging paths, he hesitated a minute which to take, when a sudden volley from the Maroons in the brushwood killed or wounded almost every man of the party. Colonel Jackson was unhurt, but seeing Colonel Fitch sitting desperately wounded on the stump of a tree, and hearing some Maroons cock their muskets, he endeavoured to make him lie down, but even in this hurried effort another ball killed him on the spot. Of a return before us of ninety-three killed and wounded, we find seventy killed and only twenty-three wounded, so accurate was their fire. Colonel Walpole, of the 13th Dragoons, was now appointed Commander-in-Chief, with the rank of Major-General. He declared that the Island would be lost, if the troops suffered another defeat. While maturing his plans, an attack was made upon a strong outpost, commanded by Major Godley and Captain White of the 83d. One of the sentries had declared that he saw a Maroon passing in the dark. The men were turned out, and formed into two parties, and advanced at daybreak. No vestige of an enemy appearing, they returned, and Major Godley entering his hut, ordered his negro boy to bring him his coffee. At the instant, the boy was shot through the head, and a volley from the Maroons did great execution amongst our men. The post was bravely defended, but at last abandoned with considerable loss. General Walpole resolved to act on the defensive during the rainy season. He trained his men to light infantry manœuvres and bushfighting; he selected the best rifle-shots, harassed the enemy by false alarms, and made feint attacks to draw off their attention, whilst he cleared the country around him of the brushwood and high grass. At length, making a feint attack at a distance, he pushed a strong sons of the assembly, were the following:- is here and there and every where." "Who is our Saviour." "What is ambition?" "The feeling of rising up to celebrity or distinc- French Expedition against Algiers.-It is distinctly announced in the speech of the French King, that energetic measures are about to be put in operation for the chastisement of Algiers. There is no doubt she richly deserves it, and few will regret to see it inflicted. The acknowledged bravery of the French, and their powerful marine, will, it is presumed, enable them to do it effectually. But it ought not to be forgotten, in anticipation of this event, that Algiers is strongly fortified, both by nature and art; that pestilence and burning sands will aid her in the conflict: and, in short, that the undertaking is fraught with hazards and difficulties which none but a brave and powerful nation would be able to overcome. This will be sufficiently evident from the following concise view of the concerted expeditions against the Algerines, and the bombard. ments to which their capitol has been subjected, during the three last centuries. Charles V. of Spain collected at Majorca 70 galleys, 200 ships of war, and 10 smaller vessels, in which were embarked 6000 Spanish infantry, 5000 Italians, 8000 Germans, and 209 cavalry, with 3000 volunteers, the greater part of whom were veteran soldiers, and which sailed on the 15th of October, 1541. After a very unfavourable voyage they arrived before Algiers on the 20th of the same month. Hassan, to meet this powerful armament, had in garri son but 800 Janissaries and between 5 and 6000 Moors, part natives and part renegades, from Grenada. The natural obstacles of the country, the depth of the sands, and the steepness of the shores of the rivers to be passed, preventing the passage of the guns and movement of the military, the want of shelter to protect the troops from the night-dews, the violent storms that impeded their march and stranded the vessels, co-operating with the valour of Hassan and his Arabs, the Christians were driven back to their ships, and compelled to reembark and retire, leaving on the shores the wrecks of 15 galleys and 150 of their transports, with the bodies of 8000 of their drowned companions, and at least an equal number dead of fatigue, or fallen under the sabres of the Ma hometans. June, 1775, under the command of Rear AdmiThe Spanish Expedition in the month of ral Castejon and Gen. O'Reilly, composed of 7 ships of the line, 14 frigates, 24 gun boats, and other vessels, with 22,000 infantry and 1,100 cavalry, after a favourable passage of 24 hours, arrived on the coast. The landing was effected, but with great difficulty; and the Spaniards, though making the most obstinate efforts to advance, and sustaining the most bloody conflicts, were compelled to retreat in the greatest disorder, the cavalry being routed, and driven back upon the infantry, by a body of Arabs mounted on camels. The Spaniards had 600 men killed, and left behind them 1,800 wounded. Of the bombardments of Algiers, the most celebrated were those of Admiral Duquesne, which produced but a momentary satisfaction, and that under lord Exmuth in 1816. On the last occasion, notwithstanding the terrible effects of the fire from the ships upon the harbour and fort, if the Dey had not yielded to the alarms and threats of the inhabitants, and had deferred entering into treaty for twenty-four hours longer, the British squadron would have been obliged to retire, without having obtained any other advantage than the destruction of the few vessels which the Algerines possessed; for, one first rate man of man, one 74 gun ship, and a 60 gun frigate, had suffered most severely from the batteries, which were casemated. It is evident, therefore, that any expedition against this formidable horde of pirates, whether by sea or land, is an enterprise of the most arduous nature, and requiring the utmost foresight, prudence and energy--Morning Journal. THE SPECTRE SHIP OF SALEM." THE Rev. Cotton Mather, D. D. and F. R. S., an eminent clergyman of Boston, in Massachusetts, who flourished about the end of the 17th century, wrote a curious book, entitled "Magnalia Christi Americana," in which he has exhibited, not only his own, but the prevalent superstitions of the times in which he lived. The country had been in the language of that period, exposed to "war from the invisible world," during which the inhabitants were afflicted with demons, and so wrought upon by spectres, as to pine, languish, and die * Dr. Cotton Mather's Magnalia Christi Americana. under excruciating torments. Sometimes the demons attacked one part of the country, and sometimes another; and the object of the learned and Reverend Doctor's book, is to authenticate the very tragical instances in which they infested the houses and afflicted the persons of the inhabitants. "Flashy people," says he, " may burlesque these things, but when hundreds of the most sober people in a country, where they have as much mother-wit certainly as the rest of mankind, know them to be true,-nothing but the absurd and froward spirit of sadducism can question them. I have not mentioned so much as one thing, that will not be justified, if it be required, by the oaths of more consistent persons than any that can ridicule these odd phenomena." And certainly few facts, if we may judge by the evidence, have been better established than the existence of witchcraft, and the wars of prodigious spirits in the provinces of New England, during the time of Dr. Mather. We have accounts of trials conducted with all the forms and implements of jurisprudence, in which many persons were convicted of holding communication with demons; and we have, what is still more remarkable, voluntary confessions of parties, acknowledging themselves in league with the devil. So far, therefore, as the records and archives of courts of law can verify the truth of any investigation, we must believe that many of the things which Dr. Mather has set forth, are not only true as historical events, but also naturally incident, however rarely, to the condition and fortunes of men. It is not for us, however, to argue this matter, but many of the Doctor's stories are really striking, reviewing them merely as connexions of fancy, and some of the phenomena which he describes, and boasts of having witnesses to confirm, have in different ages been seen in similar forms, and in countries far remote from New England. The prodigy of the Cross which Constantine and his army beheld in the air, is of this description; and the apocalypse vouchsafed to Godfrey, in the Crusade, is of the same character. Dr. Mather describes noises and hurtlings heard in the air, a short time prior to the Indian war of 1675, accompanied with the beating of drums, as in a battle. But without entering into any particular disquisition concerning these omens and auguries, we shall here present a version of his story of the naval apparition, only premising that it contains several particulars which the Doctor has not noticed, but which, we are persuaded, are not less true than those he has reJated. A ship called "Noah's Dove," was preparing to sail from the port of Salem for "Old England," when a young man accompanied by his bride, came and engaged berths for himself and her, as passengers. No one in Salem was in the slightest degree acquainted with this handsome couple, nor did they themselves seek any acquaintance in the town; but until the vessel was ready, lived in the most secluded state. Their conduct was perfectly blameless, and their appearance was highly respectable; but the sharp-sighted people of Salem knew the prestigious appearances of the demons which afflicted the country, and they discerned something about them which could not be deemed otherwise than mysterious. Many persons intending to revisit their friends in the old country, took passages also in the Noah's Dove; but the friends of some of them thought they were rash in doing so, and that it would be as well to learn something of their two questionable fellow-passengers, before hazarding themselves at sea with persons so unknown and singular. These admonitions gave occasion to much talk in Salem; but instead of having the effect intended, a fatal obstinacy became prevalent, and prevented every one who proposed to sail with the vessel, from paying the slightest attention to them. This strange infatuation only served to deepen the interest which the town took in the departure of the ship. all who beheld her that it was the Noah's Dove. At last, the day appointed for her sailing arrived. Never had such a solemn day been seen in Salem; and, moreover, it happened to By this time twilight was much faded, but be a Friday; for the captain was not such a it began to be observed that the ship brightengodly man as the mariners of Salem generallyed, as if some supernatural light shone upon were in those days. A great multitude crowd- her, and upon her alone. This wonderful cired the wharves, to see their relations embark, cumstance was not long matter of doubt, or all were sorrowful, and many in tears. At question, for, when the stars appeared, she last, the ship hoisted the signal for sailing, was seen as distinctly as if she had been there and, wonderful to tell, at the same time that in the blaze of noon-day, and a panic of dread the flag was unfurled, a black bird, much like and terror fell upon the whole multitude. a raven, alighted on the hand of the town clock, and by its weight pushed it forward, some said full ten minutes. Every one who witnessed this sight, was struck with horror, and some laid hands upon their relations, to prevent them from embarking. But those who had engaged to go with the fated vessel, were wilful, and would not be controlled. During these struggles, the two unknown strangers came also to embark, and she that was the bride was in tears, weeping bitterly. However, they stepped on board, and a sudden gust of wind at that moment, (the ship being cast loose from her moorings,) made her yaw off, and she was almost instantly at sea. The crowd, however, remained anxiously watching her progress, until she was out of sight. They then returned to their respective homes; and the whole conversation of Salem for that evening, was saddened with presentiments and forebodings concerning the Noah's Dove. In the course of the night, the breeze freshened into a gale, which before the morning was heightened to a tempest. The sea raged with tremendous fury, and the wrack of clouds that careered in the heavens, was scarcely less tumultuous than the waves of the angry ocean below. All the inhabitants of Salem were persuaded that the hurricane had something to do with the mysterious passengers in the Noah's Dove. Many were instinctively convinced, that the ship had perished, and resigned themselves to grief. For three days and three nights, the wrath of the storm was unmitigated. On the contrary, it seemed to increase; for although it was then midsummer, dreadful showers of hail, mingled with fire, and thunder, louder than had ever been heard before, pealed continually. No man could doubt the fate of the Noah's Dove. Indeed, it was the persuasion of all, that every vessel which was so unfortunate as to be with in the sweep and phrenzy of the winds and waves, could not survive the vehemence of their distraction. The sun, on the morning of the fourth day, burst through the clouds in great splendourthe winds almost instantly became calm-the hail ceased-the thunder was mute-and the billows, from raging surges, rolled themselves into a noiseless swell. A change so abrupt, convinced the pious citizens of Salem that the doom of the vessel was sealed; and although it was in vain to expect that the sea would present them with any sight of her wreck, or of that of other vessels, they hastened in great numbers down to the shore, where they stood until sunset, gazing and wondering, with anxiety and sorrow. Just as the sun disappeared, a sound of exclamation and hurry, accompanied by a bustling movement, arose from a group of persons who were standing on the top of a rock, considerably elevated above the crowd, and some cried that a vessel was in sight. The whole multitude, on hearing this, were thrown into commotion, and fluctuated to and fro, eager to catch a glimpse of this unexpected phenomenon. It was, however, long before she came distinctly in sight, for any wind which was then blowing was off the shore, and against the vessel; insomuch, that an old grey-headed sailor among the spectators, declared that it was impossible she could work into the harbour that night. But, to their astonishment, she still came forward, with her yards squared and her sails full, notwithstanding she was steering in the wind's eye; before her hull could be properly seen, it was the opinion of The Rev. Zebedee Stebbin, who was then in the crowd, an acute man, and one who feared the Lord, knew that the apparent ship was a device of the prestigious spirits, and that it behoved all present to pray for protection against them; he therefore mounted upon a large stone, and called on the spectators to join him in the 46th Psalm, which he himself began, repeating the line aloud, and then singing. The shores echoed with the solemn melody, and the rising wind wafted it along the increasing waves. Whilst the worship was going on, the sound of sudden cries and lamentations, as of persons in jeopardy, was heard in the air; the ship at the same time came straight on into the harbour, and being illuminated as described, was seen rigged out in every part exactly like the Noah's Dove. Many of the spectators saw their friends on board, and would have shouted to them with joy, but there was something dismal and strange in their appearance, which awed them to remain silent. The stranger young man and his bride were seen tenderly embracing each other, but no noise or voice was heard on board. At that moment the masts and rigging fell into the sea as if they had been struck down with lightning, and signals of distress were displayed, but still no sound was heard. The multitude suspended their breathing, convinced that the vision before them was the unsubstantial creation of the prestigious spirits. This belief entered all their minds simultaneously, and in the same moment the mighty spectre vanished. The Noah's Dove was never heard of, and it was believed that in that hour, riven by the lightning and the tempest, she had foundered. "Count me not," says the Rev. Dr. Mather, at the conclusion of his narration, "struck with the Livian superstition, in reporting prodigies for which I have such incontestable proofs." NANTUCKET. LADY BYRON'S LETTER TO MR. MOORE. "I have disregarded various publications in which facts within my own knowledge have been grossly misrepresented; but I am called upon to notice some of the erroneous statements proceeding from one who claims to be considered as Lord Byron's confidential and authorized friend. Domestic details ought not to be intruded on the public attention; if, however, they are so intruded, the persons affected by them have a right to refute injurious charges. Mr. Moore has promulgated his own impressions of private events in which I was most nearly concerned, as if he possessed a competent knowledge of the subject. Having survived Lord Byron, I feel increased reluctance to advert to any circumstances connected with the period of my marriage; nor is it now my intention to disclose them, further than may be indispensably requisite for the end I have in view. Self-vindication is not the motive which actuates me to make this appeal, and the spirit of accusation is unmingled with it; but when the conduct of my parents is brought forward in a disgraceful light, by the passage selected from Lord Byron's Letters, and by the remarks of his biographer, I feel bound to justify their characters from imputations which I know to be false. The passages from Lord Byron's Letters to which I refer, are the aspersion on my mother's character, p. 648, l. 4:- My child is very well, and flourishing, I hear; but I must see also. I feel no disposition to resign it to the contagion of its grandmother's society.' The assertion of her dishonourable conduct in employing a spy, p. 645, l. 7, &c. A Mrs. C. (now a kind of house-keeper and spy of Lady N's) who, in her better days was a washerwoman, is supposed to be-by the learnedvery much the occult cause of our domestic discrepancies. The seeming exculpation of inyself, in the extract, p. 646, with the words immediately following it- her nearest relatives are a where the blank clearly implies something too offensive for publication. These passages tend to throw suspicion on my parents, and give reason to ascribe the separation either to their direct agency, or that of officious spies' employed by them.*-From the fol lowing part of the narrative, p. 642, it must also be inferred that an undue influence was exercised by them for the accomplishment of this purpose. It was in a few weeks after the latter communication between us (Lord Byron and Mr. Moore) that Lady Byron adopted the determination of parting from him. She had left London at the latter end of January, on a visit to her father's house, in Leicestershire, and Lord Byron was in a short time to follow her. They had parted in the utmost kindness -she wrote him a letter full of playfulness and affection, on the road; and immediately on her arrival at Kirkby Mallory, her father wrote to acquaint Lord Byron that she would return to him no more.' In my observations upon this statement, I shall, as far as possible, avoid touching on any matters relating personally to Lord Byron and myself. The facts are: I left London for Kirkby Mallory, the residence of my father and mother, on the 15th of January, 1816. Lord Byron had signified to me in writing, (January 6th) his absolute desire that I should leave London on the earliest day that I could conveniently fix. It was not safe for me to undertake the fatigue of a journey sooner than the 15th. Previously to iny departure, it had been strongly impressed on my mind, that Lord Byron was under the influence of insanity. This opinion was derived in a great measure from the communications made to me by his nearest relatives and personal attendant, who had more opportunities than myself of observing him during the latter part of my stay in town. It was even represented to me that he was in danger of destroying himself. With the concurrence of his family, I had consulted Dr. Baillie as a friend, (January 8th) respecting this supposed Inalady. On acquainting him with the case, and with Lord Byron's desire that I should leave London, Dr. Baillie thought that my absence might be advisable as an experiment, assuming the fact of mental derangement; for Dr. Baillie, not having had access to Lord Byron, could not pronounce a positive opinion on that point. Ile enjoined that in correspondence with Lord Byron, I should avoid all but light and soothing topics. Under these impressions, I left London, determined to follow the advice given by Dr. Baillie. Whatever night have been the nature of Lord Byron's conduct towards me from the time of iny marriage, yet, supposing him to be in a state of mental alienation, it was not for me, nor for any person of common humanity, to manifest, at that moment, a sense of injury. On the day of my departure, and again on my arrival at Kirkby, January 16th, I wrote to Lord Byron in a kind and cheerful tone, according to those medical directions. The last letter was circulated, and employed as a pretext for the charge of my having been subsequently influenced to "desert" my husband. It has been argued, that I parted from Lord Byron in perfect harmony;-that feelings incompatible with any deep sense of injury had dictated the letter which I addressed to him: and that my sentiments must have been changed by persuasion and interference when Under this uncertainty, I deemed it right "My dear Lady Byron,-I can rely upon the accuracy of my memory for the following statement: I was originally consulted by Lady Noel on your behalf, whilst you were in the country; the circumstances detailed by her were such as justified a separation, but they were not of that aggravated description as to render such a measure indispensable. On Lady Noel's representation, I deemed a reconciliation with Lord Byron practicable, and felt most sincerely a wish to aid in effecting it. There was not on Lady Noel's part any exaggeration of the facts; nor, so far as I could perceive, any determination to prevent a return to Lord Byron; certainly none was expressed when I spoke of a reconciliation. When you came to town in about a fortnight, or perhaps more, after my first interview with Lady Noel, I was for the first time informed by you of facts utterly unknown, as I have no doubt, to Sir Ralph and Lady Noel. On receiving this additional information my opinion was entirely changed: I declared my opinion, and added, that if such an idea should be en tertained, I would not, either professionally or otherwise, take any part towards effecting it. Believe me, very faithfully yours, STEPH. LUSHINGTON. Great George street, Jan. 31, 1830.” I have only to observe, that if the statements on which my legal advisers (the late Sir Samuel Romilly and Dr. Lushington,) formed their opinions, were false, the responsibility and the odium should rest with me only. I trust that the facts which I have here briefly recapitulated will absolve my father and mother from all accusations with regard to the part they took in the separation between Lord Byron and myself. They neither originated, instigated, nor advised that separation; and they cannot be condemned for having afforded to their daughter the assistance and protection which she claimed.-There is no other near relative to vindicate their memory from insult. I am therefore compelled to break the silence which I had hoped always to observe, and to solicit from the readers of Lord Byron's Life an impartial consideration of the testimony extorted from me. A. I. NOEL BYRON. Hanger Hill, Feb. 19, 1830. Varieties. An Incident which happened to the Rev. Author, in Paris.-Perhaps a more lively idea may be conceived of the manner in which Sunday is observed, or rather disregarded, in this gay city, by the following incidents, in which I was undesignedly implicated, than by any general remarks. By a mistake, which might naturally enough occur to one journeying from place to place, and having his mind occupied by a variety of objects, I had lost a day in my reckoning, and Sunday came, when I supposed it to be Saturday. Having some business to transact, I breakfasted as usual at a cafe, and repaired to the booksellers, all of whose shops I found open. The streets and quays were thronged as at other times; the stores were all open; the market-places were crowded with buyers and sellers; and in no quarter did there appear the least cessation of business, to remind one of the day of rest. After being engaged till dinner time, I went out in search of refreshment. The sound of labour was dying away-the tradesmen were closing their shops-the bells of Notre Dame were pealing forth, and large groups of welldressed citizens were collecting in the gardens and Boulevards. Presuming that it might be the day of some festival in the Romish calender, I made inquiry, and was answered that it was Sunday. Whaeton's Travels. About a century ago, one Captain Walton, of the British navy, having been detached from the main fleet, on a particular service, announced his success to the admiral in these laconic terms: "Sir, we have taken and destroyed all the Spanish ships and vessels, which were upon the coast, as per margin." The following letter from Samuel Boyse, a poor poet of the 18th century, to the editor of the Gentleman's Magazine, may let some into the secret of mere literary pleasures, independent of pecuniary aid. Sir, I wrote you yesterday an account of my unhappy case. I am every moment threatened to be turned out here, because I have not money to pay for my bed two nights past, which is usually paid beforehand; and I am loth to go into the counter, till I can see if my affair can possibly be made up. I hope there. fore you will have the humanity to send me half a guinea for support, till I can finish your papers in my hands. The Ode on the British Nation, I hope to have done to-day, and want a proof copy of that part of Stowe you design for the present Magazine, that it may be improved as far as possible from your assistance. Your papers are but ill transcribed. I agree ed the capital as deputies from their several tribes, and who are complimented by having their likenesses painted at the public expense. This array is very imposing, and the portraits highly interesting. There are also preserved here, presents from the Indians, specimens of their ingenuity, implements, dresses, and a variety of aboriginal curiosities. with you as to St. Augustine's case. I hum-ed with portraits of the Chiefs who have visit bly intreat your answer, having not tasted any thing since Tuesday evening I came here; and my coat will be taken off my back for the charge of the bed, so that I must go into prison naked, which is too shocking for me to think of. I am, with sincere regard, sir, your unfortunate humble servant, S. BOYSE. Crown Coffee House, Grocer's Alley, Poultry, July 21, 1742. Method of obtaining Skeletons of small Fishes. Some time since I was employed in making observations on the produce of some of the ponds in the neighbourhood of London; and I discovered that the tadpole was a very serviceable animal in anatomizing the very small fishes, as well as some of the larger sorts, generally found in such places; the tadpole acting in the same manner as the ant. I have tried the experiment several times, and on various sorts of fishes, and was always successful, particularly with that very little one called by children Stickleback: even in these the skeleton was at all times perfect. My method is this: I suspend the fish by threads attached to the head and tail, in a horizontal position, in a jar of water such as is found in the pond, and change it often till the tadpoles have finished their work, which if two or three tadpoles are allowed to work on so small a fish as the species just mentioned, they will complete in twenty-four hours. I always select the smallest sort of tadpoles, as they can insinuate themselves between the smallest bones, without destroying their arti culation.-T. Bluett. Lightning Rods.-It is most curious to find, however, that this very conductor or rod, which so many men of genius, learning, and ingenuity, have been at the pains to complete, -which in fact has been always regarded as one of the proudest trophies of science, was known and employed by a people of no more refined cultivation than the wild peasantry of Lombardy. The Abbè Berthollet, in his work on the Electricity of Meteors, describes a practice used on one of the bastions of the Castle of Duino, on the shores of the Adriatic, which has existed from time immemorial, and which is literally neither more nor less than the process that enabled Franklin to bring down lightning from the clouds. An iron staff, it seems, was erected on the bastion of this castle during the summer, and it was part of the duty of the sentinel, whenever a storm threatened, to raise an iron pointed halberd towards this staff. If, upon the approach of the halberd, sparks were emitted (which, to the scientific mind, would show that the staff was charged with electricity from a thunder cloud), then the sentinel made sure that a storm impended, and he tolled a bell which sent forth the tidings of danger to the surrounding country. Nothing can be more delightfully amiable than the paternal care of its subjects, which this interesting provision of the local government exemplified. The admonishing Sound of the bell was obeyed like a preternatural signal from the depths of the firmament; shepherds were seen hurrying over the valleys, urging their flocks from the exposed fields to places of shelter. The fishing boats, with which the coast of the Adriatic was generally studded, forthwith began to crowd sail and make for the nearest port, whilst many a supplication was put up from many a gentle and devout heart on shore, before some hallowed shrine, for the safety of the little fleet. -- Washington, April 14. ** Through the politeness of Mr. have passed an hour this morning in the offices of the Department of State, and found some rooms which I believe are " unwritten" by the epistlers who date from the metropolis. The principal are the apartments occupied as the Indian bureau, and that in which the Treaties are kept. The walls of the former are cover In the treaty room I was shown a cabinet containing all the treaties to which the United States is a party. Each is elegantly written upon parchment, in the form of a folio book, the cover of velvet, variously ornamented with gold, silver, or silk embroidery. Appended to each volume is a heavy cord of silk and gold, or silver, terminating in two large tassels of the same, to which is fastened the seal of the foreign nation, impressed upon wax, and enclosed in a silver box, on the lid of which the arms of the party is embossed. The English treaties are bound in crimson, ornamented with gold crowns; the American in purple, worked with silk. I examined with interest the autographs of nearly all the sovereigns now in power, and of those from whom the sceptre has in one way or another departed. In a third room were exhibited, amongst other sights, a number of presents conferred by foreign potentates upon American citizens, and which they deposited here to avoid the disfranchisement denounced by the Constitution. A gold snuff-box, adorned with diamonds, presented by the late Emperor of Russia to your townsman Mr. Harris, is valued at $15,000.-In the collection were some splendid medals, swords, guns, &c. Apology for the Londoners.-Why a man should be despised because he has passed the principal part of his life in a great capital, the seat of government, the centre of civilization, the abode or resort of every thing curious, beautiful and great, we do not precisely un. I cannot avoid contrasting the meanness of derstand; nevertheless, it is a legitimate cause the building occupied by the Departments, of laughter amongst Englishmen; and the nawith the Capitol and the President's Mansion. tive of the most insignificant village, and the It is due to the federal city and to the go- inhabitant of any second or third-rate town, vernment, that an edifice should be construct- glories in his superiority over the Cockney. It ed, in which all the Secretaries, with their is different in France, where the epithet Pasubalterns, might be accommodated.-Morn-risian has hitherto perhaps had too much ining Journal. fluence as a stamp of approbation.-Foreign Quarterly Review." Among the passengers in the Charlemagne, are three Osage Indians; who with three others were taken to France from N. Orleans, about three years since, by a Frenchman named Delaunay, who was acquainted with their language. His object was to exhibit them as a "show," expecting thereby to reap a handsome profit. At first they attracted a good deal of attention: but after being some time in Paris, the Police put a stop to their public exhibition,-it is presumed on account of a remonstrance from Mr. Brown, the late Am. Minister. Since then they have been travelling in Italy, Switzerland and Germany, and have suffered much from sickness and want. It appears that Mr. Delaunay, in the course of his journey, got into some difficulty on account of a former debt; and these poor creatures had to shift for themselves. Last summer three of them returned to Paris in great distress. Mr. Barnet, our Consul, who their wants, and got up a subscription to pay is well known for his philanthropy, relieved their passage to the United States. General Lafayette also interested himself very much in their behalf. They embarked in a ship bound to Savannah. Two of them died on the passage by small pox. The other three, larango, who have now arrived in the CharleKachichinka, Gutomy, his wife, and Machakimagne, were sent out of the country by the French government. They are entirely destitute, and are now upon the Captain's hands. We trust that our city authorities will immediately relieve that gentleman from the burden, and take measures to send them back to their native forest. It is proper to add, that the passengers on board the CĊ. raised a subscription in their behalf.-New York paper. An Uncourtly Preacher.-It is said, a young preacher, dilating before James's face on some matter highly offensive to him, the monarch The Children of Israel should either be treated as fellow creatures and brethren, or we should abandon all boasts about "the spread of knowledge," "the march of intellect," and the progress of liberal opinions.-Foreign Literary Gazette. Fearful Believers.—I am not afraid of those tender and scrupulous consciences who are over-cautious of professing and believing too much if they are sincerely in the wrong, I forgive their errors and respect their integrity. The men I am afraid of are, the men who be lieve every thing, subscribe to every thing, and vote for every thing.-Bishop Shipley. THE LITERARY PORT FOLIO. It is intended that this journal shall contain such a variety of matter as may make it acceptable to ladies as well as to gentlemen; to the young as well as to the old. While we shall take care that nothing be admitted which would render the work unfit for any of these classes, we shall endeavour to procure for it sufficient ability to enhave secured an abundant supply of all foreign and do title it to the attention of all of them. To these ends we mestic journals and new books-and we ask the assistpublic. Upon this assistance we depend in a great deance of all who are qualified to instruct or amuse the gree for our hopes of success, for however the abundant stores to which we have access, may enable us to supply matter highly interesting to our readers, we think it of even more importance to give them something peculiarly adapted to the present time and circumstances; something from home. Communications should be addressed to "E. Littell for the Literary Port Folio,"-and subscriptions will be thankfully received by E. Littell & Brother, corner of Chestnut and Seventh streets, Philadelphia. Subscriptions are also received by Thomas C. Clarke, N.W. corner of Chestnut and Seventh streets. Wanted-to solicit subscriptions for this work, a suitable per Apply to E. Littell Brother. No. 17. PHILADELPHIA, THURSDAY, APRIL 29, A BURMAN ADVENTURE. During the late service in Ava, my favourite amusement of an evening was to paddle tree, and to visit any interesting objects that presented themselves on the banks of the majestic Irrawaddi, which in part of its course winds through beautiful wooded hills, the scene of many a skirmish, and afterwards rolls over golden sands to the Bay of Bengal. One lovely evening I was gliding down the gentle current, and was admiring the luxuriant foliage of the tropical trees dipping their pendant branches into the stream, their leaves glittering with gold, and amongst which insects of the richest colours and of singular appearance were disporting themselves. Below an aged trunk lay two alligators crouching down, and seemingly enjoying the last rays of the sun. As my skiff approached, they turned a suspicious eye towards me, and then plunged their serrated backs under water. I held on my course, and saw at some distance in the jungle the gilded spire of a temple conspicuous over the dark green leaves. about in a canoe made out of the trunk of a So secluded a fane had an inviting air about it, and thinking that the enemy was at a distance, I pushed my canoe on shore, and shouldering my paddle, wended my way through the entangled wood. The air was cool and refreshing, and I felt myself in high health and spirits. With gentle murmur comes the breeze, A twilight gloom pervades the woods, Through all their darkening solitudes. And neither were they silent; for besides the hum of myriads of insects, many curious little green parrots, about the size of a sparrow, chattered in a small and angry tone from the branches, and woodpeckers ran up the decayed stems, and chirped merrily, whilst transfixing their prey with their filiform tongues. On the ground, the occasional rustling of the withered leaves indicated the retreat of a striped suake. I arrived at an open spot, and on a gentle eminence the pagoda rose before me. The tall spire, surmounted by its gilded tee, or umbralle of fillagree iron-work, rested on its circular base, in which was a small dark shrine, with a grotesque door-way, to which a few broad steps led; the bells, with their leafshaped tongues, which hung round the tee, were agitated by the breeze, and emitted a wild and mournful chime. Those only who have lain awake amongst the Burman pagodas, and listened to their tinkling bells of different sizes and tones, can know the extraordinary sensations which they occasion. They always powerfully affected my feelings, and on this occasion, as heretofore, the spirit went wandering in a mournful reverie. All at once I was roused to a sense of my situation by a slight female scream; and a maiden in silk attire, with a few white flowers twisted in her hair, who had been beating rice at the door of a wooden building with a triple roof, ran into the jungle on perceiving me. I called to her to remain, but she disregarded me; so l entered the Poonghee, or Priest's house, near the pagoda, to examine it. The principal room, raised on piles, some distance above the ground, was large and clean. Here and there mats were spread on the floor: at the upper end were antique-looking chests, covered with glass of different colours, and a profusion of gilding; on these were models of pagodas, also richly gilt, and alabaster images of the Boodh, in a sitting pos ture, with their large ears resting on their shoulders, and their legs crossed under them. The chests contained the sacred writings on slips of ivory; and books in the vernacular leaves, lay on the mats. I was continuing my characters, written with an iron style on palm scrutiny of the apartment, when I heard rough voices outside; and as it struck me that it might be some stragglers from the army, I climbed up on a shelf, and there ensconced myself behind an idol, to observe who might enter. Presently three stout Burmans came in; their checked clothes thrown across their left shoulders, bound round the waist, and costume. hanging to the knee, exactly the old Highland showed formidable calves to their legs, and the On their feet they wore sandals, and muscles of the right arm were very conspicuous: on their heads were white and red cloths, tied in a knot in front: and cigars were stuck through an orifice in the ears. Two of them had dhars in their hands,.or curved swords, with the handles as long as the blades, most powerful weapons in decapitating or taking off an arm. The third carried on his shoulder a spear, ornamented with the tail of a Thibet COW. It was evident that they wanted to make my acquaintance, and for no friendly purposes; most likely to do my head the honour of being presented to his Majesty of the Golden Feet, and to impale my body by the river's side. 1 felt if I had by chance brought any weapon; I found nothing but my paddle, and was annoyed with myself for indulging my propensity for adventures in so defenceless a state. Quietly I remained watching the Burmans, who looked narrowly round; cursed me for being out of the way, and then went out to look for me else. where. I remained in my elevated position for some time, and beginning to tire, thought I might venture to look after my canoe; so, tucking up my sleeves, and pulling my trowsers over my knees, with a handkerchief round my waist, I prepared for a run, and descending from my shelf, looked out at the door, and finding the coast clear, I was making towards the jungle, when, as ill-luck would have it, in crossing the open space in front of the pagoda, I saw my three friends near it. Like a good soldier, I sprang into a bush, and commenced a rapid retreat, as if the great enemy of mankind had been behind me. The moment they saw me, they set up a shout and dashed after me; away we went through the brushwood, in spite of thorns and snakes, opening a way through the branches, and scaring the birds which were settling themselves for the night. I heard my pursuers at some distance beliind me, and was beginning to think that I had the best of the race, when at the edge of a ravine, which I had not seen before, I stumbled and fell over a fallen trunk. The foremost of the three was at my back in a moment, but fortu nately I recovered myself in time to lend him a blow with my paddle, and then jumped over the bank. I expected them to come tumbling down after me, but they did not; and quickly regaining my canoe, I pushed off into the middle of the stream, and like Crusoe, "I saw them no more." St. Petersburgh, June, 1829. J. E. A. AN INCIDENT AT NAVARINO. THE firing having ceased at Navarino, Sir Edward Codrington sent a Lieutenant on board Moharem Bey's ship, to offer any medical or 1830. other assistance they might want. This vessel, with a crew of probably more than a thousand men, had but one medical officer on board, and he had, unfortunately, been almost the first man killed in the action. Her loss had been immense, and they had not thrown the dead overboard, nor removed their wounded to the cockpit, and the decks presented a most horrible scene of gore and mangled bodies. Amidst this frightful spectacle, about a dozen dressed, sat in the cabin upon crimson ottoof the principal Turkish officers, superbly mans, smoking with inconceivable apathy, whilst slaves were handing them their coffee. Seeing the English uniform approach the cabin, they ordered ottomans and coffee for the Lieutenant, who, however, quickly told them that he had more important business to attend to. He gave the Admiral's compliments, and offered posure, calmly replied, that they stood in need any assistance. The Turk, with a frigid com surgeon attend to your wounded?" "No," of no assistance whatever. "Shall not our gravely replied the Turk; "wounded men want no assistance; they soon die." Returning to the Asia, and communicating this scene, Sir Edward, after some meditation, said, "Did you observe among them a remarkably fine, handsome man, with a beard more full and black than the rest?" "Yes, I observed him; he was sitting next to the Admiral." "Return then on board, and induce him, or compel him, to go with you on board the Genoa, and keep him there until I see him. He is the Admiral's Secretary. I must have a conference; and take with you any persons he may wish to accompany him." The Turk repaired on board the Genoa without any difficulty, accompanied by several persons whom he requested our officer to take with him. Sir Edward was closeted with him for a very long time, when he ordered the Lieutenant to put the Turkish Secretary and his companions on shore at daybreak, wherever they might choose to land. Rowing on shore, they saw the wreck of a mast, on which about a score of wounded or exhausted Turks were endeavouring to save themselves. "I must rescue those poor fellows," said the Lieutenant anxiously. "They are only common soldiers, and will soon die; never mind them," said the Turk, with the most grave composure. "It is my duty, and, if I did not help them, I should disgrace the service, and be reproved by the Admiral ;" saying which, the Lieutenant pulled towards the mast, and succeeded in saving about a dozen of these unhappy wretches. As soon as they were stowed in the bottom of the boat, the Turk, after a short, but apparently profound meditation, suddenly burst into an immoderate fit of laughter. "What is the matter?" cried the astonished Lieutenant; "Good heavens, what is there here to laugh at?" Laugh!" exclaimed the Turk, with bitter sarcasm," laugh!-by Allah! you English are a singular people: yesterday you came into the Bay whilst we were quiet at our coffee; you knocked our ships to picces, killed or mangled all our men till the fleet is one vast slaughterhouse, and this morning you pretend to be so humane, that you cannot pass a score of wounded soldiers without putting yourself out of the way to save them." The Lieutenant was astounded, and having no reply to offer to this odd view of the case, they proceeded to shore in profound silence. THE TEA-TABLE. The downright clown, and perfectly well bred. THOUGH all unknown to Greek and Roman song |