it away again, at double the price of the present burthens." P. 13. The second Letter contains some account of Bayonne, of its military strength, and of the village of St. Etienne, where the French had attacked our army by night: with the beginnings of their march, and the contrasted aspect of the country where war had not penetrated. The third Letter describes the march through les Landes, and the remarkable appearance of the peasants, walking on very high stilts. Of these, we recollect that a coloured wood-cut is given in a slight work, entitled Travels through Portugal and Spain, by W. Graham, esq." published in 1820. Our present traveller describes also the mode of getting turpentine from the fir-trees, which supplies the place of oil for their lamps. He then conducts us to Bourdeaux, which is also vividly depicted. The fourth Letter brings us to the embarkation of the troops destined for America, in which division the author was included; and it ends with an account of the pretty island of St. Michael's, much more particular than any we have hitherto seen. The author, with a spirit of enterprize which never seems to fail him, rode through the island on a donkey, from Villa Franca to Ponts del Gada, and represents his excursion as highly agreeable, and peculiarly picturesque. This description is continued also through the chief part of the fifth Letter. They proceeded to Bermuda, which is described in the sixth Letter; and from thence they sailed for the Chesapeak. Here commence the warlike operations; and the invasion and destruction of Washington are related in a most interesting style. The violence exercised against that city is attributed to the attack made by the Americans upon the party carrying a flag of truce, accompanied by General Ross himself, whose horse was killed under him. It seems, however, that after executing their vengeance upon the public buildings of the city, they would have been attacked by the American army posted near it, had not such a hurricane intervened as few Englishmen have ever witnessed. This is thus told: "Whether or not it was their intention to attack, I cannot pretend to say, beCause it was noon before they showed I.. themselves; and soon after, when something like a movement could be discerned in their ranks, the sky grew suddenly dark, and the most tremendous hurricane ever remembered by the oldest inhabitant of the place, came on. Of the prodigious force of the wind, it is impossible for you to form any conception. Roofs of houses were torn off by it, and whisked into the air like sheets of paper; while the rain, which accompanied it, resembled the rushing of a mighty cataract, rather than the dropping of a shower. The darkness was as great as if the sun had long set, and the last remains of twilight had come on, occasionally relieved by flashes of vivid lightning streaming through it, which, tothunder, the crush of falling buildings, and the tearing of roofs, as they were stripped from the walls, produced the most. appalling effect I ever have, or probably ever shall witness. This lasted nearly two hours, without intermission; during which time, many of the houses spared by us, were blown down; and thirty of our men, besides several of the inhabitants, buried beneath their ruins. Our column was as completely dispersed, as if it had received a total defeat; some of the men flying for shelter behind walls and buildings, and others falling flat upon the ground, to prevent themselves from being carried away by the tempest; nay, such was the violence of the wind, that two pieces of cannon which stood upon the eminence, were fairly lifted from the ground, and borne several yards to the rear." P. 136. gether with the noise of the wind and the Their return to the shipping, after this Expedition, was not without its difficulties and perils; it was effected, however, without loss, and the army re-embarked for another service. An attempt was made upon Baltimore, but it was found too strong to be attacked, the whole country being now alarmed, and the enemy fully on their guard. These events extend as far as the 15th Letter, and it is but just to say, that the interest is completely kept up in every part of the narrative. The army now sailed for the West Indies; and a good share of lively description is employed upon the island of Jamaica. Here again the author makes inland excursions, the account of which very pleasingly varies and enlivens the Narrative. An account is also given of the Maroon inhabitants. The last portion of the book, commencing with the 18th Letter, contains the Expedition against New Orleans, for which place they sailed from 440 REVIEW.-Barnabee's Journal. from Jamaica. Here also the interest is completely sustained,-but sus tained as in a deep tragedy, amidst difficulties, distresses, and every kind of untoward event. The perusal of this part is even painful, yet it is impossible to relinquish it; and when the circumstances are considered, it seems wonderful that even a man should escape to tell the tale. It is evident that, by some means, the Americans had full intelligence of the designed attack, and were prepared in the most ample manner against it. The advance was also to be made through a most impenetrable country, amidst bogs, marshes, and every thing that could harrass an invading army. So that finally, after exertions of the most extraordinary resolution and perseverance, and the loss of many brave men and excellent officers, the attempt was obliged to be relinquished; and it is only to be wondered that the remainder of the troops escaped so well. This reverse is feelingly described by the author: "But our return was far from triumphant. We who only seven weeks ago had set out in the surest confidence of glory, and, I may add, of emolument, were brought back dispirited and dejected. Our ranks were woefully thinned, our chiefs slain, our clothing tattered and filthy, and even our discipline in some degree injured. A gloomy silence reigned throughout the armanent, except when it was broken by the lamentation over fallen friends; and the interior of each ship presented a scene well calculated to prove the short-sightedness of human hope, and human prudence." P. 347. Peace had now been concluded. But the ships, in their return, made some pause at the Havannah, for victualling and watering. This place the author describes in his usual manner. They did not reach Spithead till the 9th of May, 1815, when the return of Buonaparte into France was just made known; and the troops accordingly learned that, instead of remaining at all at home, they were immediately to proceed upon fresh service. So ends this very ingenious Narrative, in which, if the author can be said to have made much out of a lit tle, it will be clearly seen that he has done so not by any studied artifice, but by a natural acuteness of observation, catching in every situation all objects of an interesting kind, and [May, seconded by a talent of expressing clearly and without affectation every thing which he is desirous of communicating. We could wish that the Expedition, particularly the latter part, had been more fortunate; but we could hardly wish it to be better related. 67. Barnabæ Itinerarum, or Barnabee's Journal. By Richard Brathwait, A.M. With a Life of the Author, a Bibliographical Introduction to the Itinerary, and a Catalogue of his Works. Edited from the first Edition by Joseph Haslewood. 2 vols. WHEN the facetious author of the Epilogue spoken after the last Westminster Play, announced an edition of Barnabæ (vol. XC. p. 543), we were not aware that another had just issued from the press, and have only obtained use of a copy now from the Act of Parliament store of the printer. This has arisen from the circumstance, that however covetable this work has ever been, and extensive as the circulation has proved, the present edition is a fac simile impression of only 125 copies, including the gorge of ten for the Universities. Were we at any time inclined to quarrel with the editor for adopting his favourite restrictory plan, it would be in the present instance, where the curiosity and value of the original is restored with such typographical beauty and minuteness. We think the objection to deteriorate the value of antient copies by enlarging the circulation of a fac simile impression beyond a small circle, who covet and appreciate the due value of such an undertaking, might have been waived for a work so popular; for we do not like the chilling answer of the bookseller, "It's out of print." These little revivals of literary curiosities have been denounced as an idle fashion of the present day; but we doubt whether the time is far distant when such of the reprints as have a just claim of merit, must attain by scarcity a value nearly equal with their originals. The error has been from too many labourers rushing into the vineyard, some of them not able to distinguish crabs from codlings, and without ability to give flavour to the fruit by grafting. Hearne lauded the antient printers for for small impressions, whose opinion we shall venture to drag from obseurity, nothing fearing the doughty publishers of the present day, who, for interest, may fancy it were better unknown. "A small number of copies (he says) they [the early printers] then wrought off, they being not so much at that time addicted to lucre as they were to the advantage of learning; and to make learning the more set by, they thought that their books should bear a good price, which would effectually be brought about by printing a small number; and I wish the same method was more generally prac tised now, which, however, we must not look for, as long as booksellers monopolize it as it were, and consequently value or depreciate books as they see fit, to the great loss and prejudice of learning.". MS Collections in the Bodleian Library, vol. L. p. 15. Having already noticed in vol. LXXXVIII. i. 329, a previous Edi. tion of the Itinerary, by Mr. Haslewood, (in which Brathwaits right to it as the author was first convincingly established) we have only to remark upon this edition, that the introductory volume contains a life of Thomas Brathwait, with a variety of new matter as to himself and family. We select the following character of Brathwait, as forcibly applying to the boon itinerant: A description of his person has descended orally, as also of his dress, by which the trim fashion of his green years added comeliness to his grey hairs. Tradition reports him to have been in person below the common stature; well proportioned, and one of the handsomest men of his day; remarkable for ready wit and humour; charitable to the poor in the extreme, so much so, as to have involved himself in difficulties by it. He commonly wore a light grey coat, red waistcoat, and leather breeches. His hat was a high-crowned one, and beyond what was common in those days when such hats were worn. His equals in life bestowed on him the name of Dapper Dick, by which he was universally known. In disposition he was as admirable as in person; and always taking, from the gaiety of his heart, a conspicuous part in the neighbourhood in promoting the festivities of Christmas; those good times gone bye, long beheld him the darling of that side of the country.' "19 To the notes and collations of the Itinerary is added a valuable bibliographical account of several works by Brathwait. GENT. MAG. May, 1821. We have been favoured with the use of the annexed wood engraving of an antient drinking horn," one of the lions" of Queen's College, Oxford. The following illustration is extracted from the notes to this work: "Queen's College Horn. By the assistance (says the editor) of my valuable friend the Rev. Dr. Bliss, a representation is given of this curious Drinking Horn. "The substance of the horn itself is semitransparent, like tortoiseshell. It was Philippa, Queen of Henry III.; and, acpresented to the College by the foundress cording to tradition, served to convey a valuable manor in Dorsetshire. It is still used very frequently on gaudies and festivals, and contains two quarts Winchester measure. "It is richly ornamented with gold. The eagle on the top of the lid is hollow; while the other end, or tip, terminates with the head of a leopard, or some other heraldic animal, curved round (towards the animal's right) to the body of the Horn, and appears in the act of snarling. On the circular border surrounding the elevated centre of the cover, on which the bird stands, the legend wasserl occurs thrice; also repeated as often on the rim of gold nearest the lip; and again upon the rim to which the two fore,feet are attached; but not on that supported by the hind-leg. A semicircle of gold connects the extremities of the talous of each foot to each other; but the hind-claw of each of the three legs stands unconnected. The Horu, from the crest of the bird to the soles of the two claws, is in ft, in, height.......... 1 8 Of that height the eagle measures... 07 From 442 REVIEW.-On Timber Trade.-Fisher's Journal. [May, From the crest to the extreme curve ft. in. Breadth of the third band Length of the gold ornament at the extremity terminating in the snarling head....... 0 14 .....0 7 "We have been the more particular in this description, from the uncommon beauty and size of the original, which is probably matchless. "Of the antient custom of giving estates in fee and also granting honourable offices by the gift, and the retainment by possession, of a drinking horn, the late Dr. Pegge collected several instances in his 'Observations on the Horn, as a Charter *.' The present Horn is larger but otherwise most similar to the Borstal Horn, of any described by the learned Antiquary; and that was supposed to bave belonged to the Bison or Buffalo.' It is remarkable, from the inscription appearing to direct that the gift of the donor should be annually commemorated by a wassail pledge in the Christmas revels. How the Horn was to pass is uncertain. We have heard of long narrow drinking cups, now in use for a single draught, denominated "a Long Conscience" and a Short Conscience," the one holding three pints, and the other a quart; and therefore doubt if this Horn, although for magnitude it might have been borne by the Sanga or Galla Oxt, was not antiently used for a like effort of conviviality, and thereby spoke " pure Athenian." The Wassail Bowl went from lip to lip without replenishing but the Horn was probably a pledge filled for every guest, and expected to be emptied without breathing or spilling; according to the tippling law for a long or short conscience, and in some places for drinking a yard of ale. Of the Wassail our author says Every day we dranke our Sheepherds health [heards, In wassell cups; not caring for our How well or ill they far'd, a figg for wealth, Wee made our chopps, wag, and our grisled beards." Archæologia, vol. III. 68. Observations on the Report of the Select Committee of the House of Lords, relative to the Timber Trade. By a British Merchant. 8vo. pp. 118. Richardson. documentally written; but we are THIS Pamphlet is very ably and sorry that such high attention has been paid to timber by our author, or the Legislature. Canada timber, all parties agree, is inferior in quality; and the proper consideration, in our opinion, concerning the Baltic timber is, whether it is paid for in British manufactures, and imported in British ships. If we give a preference, we have a right to an advantage. But we are satisfied that iron ought to be used in eight instances out of ten, where timber is now employed, if we entertained a proper feeling for the state of the home employ. If two-thirds of the timber in the world was extirpated, we believe that mankind would be great gainers, in the superior quanarchitecture, taste, and beauty, are tity of provisions. We conceive, that miserably sacrificed, in forms of building, where cast iron might be substituted for timber, at even less cost; and because moulding cannot be cast in wood, at a grievous expence of style, ornament, and effect. 69. A Journal of a Voyage of Discovery to the Arctic Regions, in his Majesty's Ship Hecla and Griper, in the years 1819 and 1820. By Alexander Fisher, Surgeon, R. N. 8vo. pp. 320. Longman and Co. THE objects of this expedition have been so frequently stated in our totally superfluous to enter into any former numbers, that it would now be speculative disquisitions on the subject. We particularly refer our readers to vol. XC. ii. p. 545, for an account of the Expedition. This Journal is arranged chronologically, and is a kind of log-book, containing every remarkable circumstance that happened worthy of notice during the Voyage; but prior to giving any extracts, we will notice the ferment that has been excited by the publication of this book, in several quarters. By the rules of the Admiralty, every person employed in public ExSee Voyage to Abyssinia, by Henry peditions, is bound, on returning Salt, esq. 1814, 4to, p. 259. Hobbinol's dialogue in "Time's Curtaine Drawne," 1621. home, to give up his Journals and other memoranda at a certain latitude, and not to publish or cause them them to be made known until Government has sanctioned their publication. Mr. Fisher exactly conform ed to these regulations, and gave up bis Journal to Capt. Parry, on the 29th of Oct. last, and it was not returned by the Admiralty till the 21st of April. The publication passed through the press with such rapidity, that it made its appearance on the 30th of the same month. Mr. Fisher was therefore unjustly suspected of having kept a duplicate of his Journal, in order to forestal Capt. Parry's promised Work. The Expedition was on the eve of sailing at the time of the publication. The author was immediately telegraphed from Sheerness, to attend the Admiralty, and account for the presumed breach of their rules. When he was questioned by the Admiralty, their Lordships were perfectly satisfied with the explanation given. From our scanty limits this month, we must confine our extracts to a much more limited space, than we should otherwise wish. Sept. 4th, 1819.-At seven o'clock this afternoon, we accomplished the first portion of the discovery of the North-west passage, deemed by the British government worthy of reward! for at that hour we crossed the meridian of 110° of longitude, West of Greenwich. The exact time of our crossing it was well ascertained, for we had good sights for the chronometers at six o'clock P.M., the mean of which gave longitude 109° 50′ W., and the patent log shewed when the other ten miles had been accomplished. The only land in sight at this time was that on which we landed two days ago, and it is somewhat remarkable, that, in this very place, there should be a bold cape, which is indeed the first and only high land that we have since seen since we made this coast." Thursday, Sept. 23d.-We got under weigh this morning, and ran in within threequarters of a mile of the entrance of Coppermine Harbour, where we anchored again about noon, in hopes that when the boat which was then away sounding, would return, that we should immediately prepare to get into the harbour. But when they came on board, we learnt that the greatest depth of water at the entrance of it is fourteen feet, which is less than either of the ships draw. Between two and three miles to the Westward of it, however, they found another harbour, or rather a small bay, which is in some measure secured to seaward, by a reef of rocks that runs in a slanting direction, across part of the entrance of it, in such a manner as to prevent any large floes of ice from being driven into it. It is not, perhaps, a place that we should choose for our winter-quar ters, had we time to look about for a better; but under present circumstances we ing that there is such a good harbour withmay consider ourselves fortunate, in findin our power to reach, for the winter is making rapid strides. There is, indeed, very little of the surface of the sea now that is not covered with ice, and close in to the land it is already from four to six inches thick, all along the coast, so that we shall have to saw our way into the harbour. The people who were away sound.. ing to day, saw several seals, which are the only animals of any kind that have been seen during these two days past." Friday, 24th.-We got under weigh early this morning, and ran to the Westfor our winter residence, where we anchored about eight o'clock. Immediately after breakfast the crews of both ships commenced sawing a channel into the harbour, in which operation they were pretty successful, having before six o'clock P.M., sawed a canal thirty-five feet in breadth, and upwards of half a mile long, into which the ships were tracked in the evening. The thickness of the ice through which they sawed to day, was from seven to eight inches." ward to the mouth of the harbour intended Thursday, Nov. 4th.-This being the last day that the sun was above our horizon this season, according to its declination taken from the Nautical Almanack, several of us went to the top of one of the adjacent hills to have a parting look at him; but the weather at noon being cloudy, nothing could be seen of the parting luminary but a faint light in the direction he was in." Sept. 6th, 1820.-As we were stand. ing in this evening towards the place where the Lee told us the Esquimaux lived, four canoes were observed paddling towards us. While they were yet at a considerable distance off, we could hear them making a great noise, which they continued to do as they approached us. They came alongside without the least hesitation, and one of our boats being there, our people assisted them in getting out of their canoes, which were all hoisted on board, and helped them up the side. On getting on board, they evinced no sigus either of fear or astonishment: |