legacy left them by their fathers, unimpaired, to future generations.

There is nothing in this book to give the slightest offence, for it is free from sectarian motives, from political or party aims, from any acerbity of feeling towards Roman Catholics; it is the system of Popery against which it warns, not individuals. It is the production of a young lady of refined education, and of a high order of intellect. It conveys the purest lessons of ethics and of wisdom, in "thoughts that breathe, and words that burn;" abounding in sprightly humor, thrilling reminiscences, luminous descriptions of historical incidents and character, and the most vivid and touching appeals to the heart and the understanding. Inheriting the love of country, the social and noble virtues, the heroic chivalry of her ancestry, the authoress illustrates these traits with a pen dipped in "Castalian dews," glowing with the bright colors of the rainbow, and in a style of surpassing beauty and intellectual power, exhibits the principles of a sound and lofty patriotism, and the most sublime expositions of the rights and duties of American citizens. Would that there were a thousand such talented female pens, glowing with emotions of love and devotion to their country, and throwing their burning eloquence over the hearts of the fathers and mothers, the sons and the daughters, to awaken the slumbering energies, and to revive the exalted emotions of native, primitive patriotism.

The authoress has carefully avoided to touch upon the sectional interests of North, or South, or East, or West. She surveys the mighty Union of the States as being under one government, and subject to the same destiny-beautifully embodied in the motto,

"E PLURIBUS UNUM,"

She leaves the diversified interests of the States to the supervision

and wise legislation of disinterested and magnanimous statesmen ; while, with a heart of the gentlest kindness, but earnest and impressive arguments, she advocates the cause of her whole country. In the language of Miss Hannah Moore,

"Our country is a whole,

Of which we all are parts; nor should a citizen
Regard his interests as distinct from hers;

No hopes or fears should touch his patriot soul

But what affects her honor or her shame."

This book is well-timed for the important crisis of our country, and it enters on a precious and great mission. It is addressed to all classes of readers, without distinction of name, or creed, or nativity. To all lovers of their country it will be a welcome companion and a timely mentor, and especially will it be appreciated by Americans. Little minds, of unworthy and sinister aims, and a Jusuitical press, may express opposition; and so the peerless character of Washington, and the spotless fame of Hancock, were assailed, but which their own shining virtues repelled at an immeasurable distance, and their virtues only appeared more conspicuous by such attempts; so this book, by its own intrinsic excellence and faultless beauties, will carry the seal of its own worth and sterling and unquestioned patriotism along with it wherever it is read.

We feel a pride that our Authoress has added one more literary gem to works of merit; that, amid the busy cares, the varied and noisy vicissitudes, and, too often, discordant tumults of public opinion, a star of no ordinary brightness has arisen in our firmament, to shed the rays of genius over our civic landscape; to disperse the clouds that cast their ominous shadows; to inspire with new vigor

and life our countrymen, and to adorn the literary galaxy of her country. Let the young men who value their privileges, and aspire to an honorable rank among the wise and good, and as patriots in society, read this book, and imbibe its spirit and maxims. Let the women of America, and especially the daughters, who would emulate all that is lovely and matronly in the noble virtues of the Mothers of the Revolution, occupy their leisure hours, with an earnest interest, over these pages, and drink in their salutary lessons.

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Education," said Burke, " is the cheap defence of nations." So we commend this book, as one of those happy and sterling productions which will illustrate the same aphorism, and throw a safeguard around the edifice of our liberties, more precious and enduring than the materials of stone and brass which constitute its temporary and pregnable fortifications.

NEW YORK, 1855.

HORACE GALPEN.

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Foundations.