THE ANALECTIC MAGAZINE. MAY, 1817. ART. I.-1. The Works of Dr. Benjamin Franklin, in Philosophy, Politics, and Morals: containing, beside all the Writings published in former Collections, his Diplomatic Correspondence, as Minister of the United States at the Court of Versailles; a Variety of literary Articles, and epistolary Correspondence, never before published: with Memoirs and Anecdotes of his Life. In 5 vols. 8vo. Philadelphia: printed and published by William Duane. 1809. 2. The Private Correspondence of Benjamin Franklin, LL. D. F. R. S. &c. Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States of America at the Court of France, and for the Treaty of Peace and Independence with Great Britain, &c. &c. Comprising a Series of Letters on Miscellaneous, Literary, and Political Subjects: written between the years 1753 and 1790; illustrating the Memoirs of his Public and Private Life, and developing the secret History of his Political Transactions and Negotiations. Now first published from the Originals, by his Grandson, William Temple Franklin. London. 1817. Henry Colburn, Conduit Street, Hanover Square. 4to. pp. 449. 3. The Life of Benjamin Franklin, written chiefly by Himself; with a Collection of his best Essays, Humorous, Moral, and Literary. A new Edition, revised and enlarged by Mason L. Weems, of Lodge No. 50, Dumfries. Philadelphia. 1817. M. Carey. 12mo. pp. 264. IN reading these publications we have, on more than one. account, had occasion to admire the wisdom of Sir Walter Raleigh, in throwing his historical manuscripts into the fire. It is a sufficient mortification, that, of an event which happens at noon-day, perhaps no two eyewitnesses will make the same report: it is still more disparaging, that transactions, of which we imagine ourselves to know the origin, are carried |