nights never made hideous by the orgies of ferring, however, to our diary of nearly ten musketoes.

months back, when the fit was fully on us, a Mr. John Fletcher, a gentleman well-known page presents itself, which, as illustrating how in Mississippi, and who has had much experience it is possible to feel at times, we insert without in this character of business, has now charge of apology. In these hot days (the middle of Authe premises, and it is doing him small justice gust), one must treasure up his "odds and to say, that he spreads daily one of the most in-ends," and make them go as far as possible. viting boards it has been our fortune to meet with any where out of New Orleans. Every thing that the country can afford, crowns the table of this excellent caterer.

There are billiard tables; ten-pin alleys; a bar room stocked with the finest description of wines, brandies and cigars; stables with any number of horses and vehicles; a large and airy bal! room, where the "light fantastic" is tripped nightly; an excellent band of music; good roads for driving; airy rooms for sleeping, &c.

Thus, we are "pensioners" on the past, and not, as Young says, "on the bounty of the hour."

"What shall compare with these nightly exhibitions of beauty, that burst upon us here? Is it that the "Orient Ind," we are sighing by dull locomotive pace to reach, already showers down her gems in sparkling heaps, realizing, at once, every rapt vision of ancient poesy or song? O! the brows of polished whiteness, and the deep, dark, glossy locks, that stream in wilderness profusion-"eyes which speak love to eyes speaking again"-sparkling, dazzling, bewildering, bewitching, reflecting like watch-fires the soul! Lips are here that breathe concentrated perfumes of all flowers in earth or paradise-sylph

The waters are sulphur, and possess great virtues in the cure of dyspepsia, diarrhea, dropsy, general debility, &c. We say sulphur, though chemical analysis shows, we are informed, and sufficiently well marked, iron, soda and mag-like forms which graceful glide in every mazy

nesia also.

quent those eyes, speaking the innocence and purity of a soul that has not learned guile în the crowded haunts of fashion-so soft, so pensive, so lit by the emanations of a deity: a flower from the rich fields of nature, which art has not yet deformed. That voice, innocently joy

dance and dizzy whirl, ravishing the senses by poThe terms are extremely moderate. ctic motion! The spell is o'er-the irresistible COOPER'S WELL.-This summer seat has been in fascination gone for me now, and darkness comes! existence but a short time. The water is highly An image lingers in that darkness of the soul. It mineral and medicinal, and many remarkable is there, palpable as a thing of life and beauty, cures have been performed by it, which are vouch-all radiant in the gathering night. How eloed for on the highest authority. We had some of them from the parties themselves. The original proprietor, the Rev. Mr. Cooper, claims to have been directed, by a dream, to this spot and bid to dig down into it. Whether or not, it is certain that the well has been"dug, and that hundreds and thousands seek its remedial agencies. The build-ous and musical, thrills upon the heart, drinkings, though commodious, are still rude, owing to the fact that the proprietor has gone on without other capital than the annual earnings of the place. Four or five hundred could. however, at a pinch, be accomodated. There are billiard rooms, pin alleys, bars, ball rooms, and such like amusements.*

Appropos of the BALL ROOM-we had intended a page or two on the bright eyes that sparkled there, and the loveliness that is not often surpassed. But as this moment having returned to New Orleans, we are dull-passingly so-and cannot, if we would, "paint a rose or gild a lily," or cull a flower from any source. On re

ing its deep notes, and saddening when the echo of them only lingers. I watched her where beauty blazed--the star gilding its way. She mingled not in the dance and revelry; for a young heart had been consecrated to God, and angels were her watchers. O! fair girl, I may not match thee among the bright throngs of earth-no spirit like thine may glide again upon my path-but dreams will bring thee back, like glimpses of lost heaven to pilgrim man: for the pleiad, which is gone from the sky, is not lost forever, but drawn higher and nearer to its throne, to burn brighter and more resplendent there!"

lybeate. The celebrity of this well is not surpass ty, in cases of chronic diarrhea, gravel, dropsy and general debility-it gets powerfully upon the liver and kidneys, and has the same salutary effect throughout the year. Invalids can be ancommodated, at all seasons, with comfortable

*Cooper's Well is situated in Hinds county, Mississippi, thirteen miles west of Jackson, theed; and it is recommended by the medical faculState capital, and four miles east of Raymond, the county seat. The Raymond railroad, now rebuilding, will probably be done by the first of June next; it intersects the Vicksburg railroad at Bolton's. Distance from Raymond to the well, four miles. At this time, backs can be had at Bolton's, twelve miles to the well; or Clinton depot, eight miles. Persons leaving Vicksburg can be at the well in four hours.

Extensive arrangements are making for the coming summer. The water is principally cha

roonis.

But few places can excel this as a watering place. The picturesque view-the elevated lo cation-romantic hills and lofty pines-in fact, everything indicates health, indépendent of the medicinal water, which has proved so beneficial.

5. LATE PUBLICATIONS, EDITORIAL NOTES, &c.

LATE PUBLICATIONS.

the truths contained in the Holy Scriptures, its From HARPER & BROTHERS, through J. B. principles constitute a moral science which surSTEEL, New Orleans: passes every other in the world."

1. GIBBON'S ROME, EDITED BY MILMAN. This is published uniform with the editions of Hume and Macaulay, from the same house. There will be six volumes, with a complete index of the whole work. The reputation of this history has long since spread throughout the civilized world, and nothing in regard to it can be required from us.

2. HISTORY OF ENGLAND FROM THE ACCESSION OF JAMES II. By Thomas Babbington Macaulay. From the last London edition. We have already noticed this work, which is published in two neat and handsome volumes.

3. DR. JOHNSON: HIS RELIGIOUS LIFE AND HIS DEATH. This is a handsome volume, of four hundred pages; but not having had time to examine it, critically, we furnish its table of contents: Religious Life of Johnson, his Humanity, his Churchmanship, his Superstition, the Close of his Life, his Calmness in Death. The work will hardly displace Boswell.

4. HARPER'S NEW MONTHLY MAGAZINE. No. 2. (Will they send us No. 1, by mail?) This is the cheapest work of the day, and contains a republication of the leading papers in all the foreign reviews, journals, newspapers, etc.

From the AUTHOR:

9. THE DOCTRINE OF THE UNITY OF THE HUMAN RACE, examined on the principles of science. By John Bachman, D. D., Prof. Nat. History in the college of Charleston, S. C.

10. THE UNITY OF THE HUMAN RACES, proved to be the doctrine of Scripture, reason and science; with review of the present position and theory of Prof. Agassiz. By the Rev. Thos. Symth, D. D., Member of the American Associa tion. New York, G. P. Putnam; New Orleans, J. B. Steel.

The above work presents a mass of valuable matter, in connection with a subject we have already frequently adverted to, and which we intend before long to examine, in full, in our pages. Until then we reserve our remarks. From LITTLE & BROWN, Boston:

11. PROPOSITIONS CONCERNING PROTECTION AND

FREE TRADE. We have not had time to examine it. The author, Willard Phillips, rejects the whole science of political economy as it has hitherto been taught, and regards free trade as a crying and fearful evil. He says, in his preface: "I shall be happy to believe there is little at stake, and that the doctrines of free

From GEO. P. PUTNAM; J. B. STEEL, New Or- trade do not tend directly to the distress, decay

leans:

5. THE HUNGARIAN REVOLUTION. Outlines of the prominent circumstances attending the Hungarian struggle for freedom; together with brief historical sketches of the leading statesmen and general who took part in it. By John Pragay, colonel and adjutant general in the Hungarian army under Kossuth.

6. MANUAL OF COMMERCIAL CORRESPONDENCE English and French. By a merchant.

From the AUTHOR:

7. WAH-TO-YAH AND THE TAOS TRAIL; or, Prairie Travel and Scalp Dances, &c. By Lewis H. Garrard.

From the AUTHOR:

8. THE ANALOGY OF ANCIENT CRAFT MASONRY TO NATURAL AND REVEALED RELIGION. By Chas. Scott, A. M., Grand Master of the Grand Lodg of Mississippi. This is a large and splendidly finished volume. The author is a resident o. Jackson, Miss., and he has treated his subject with great elegance of style, purity and ability. His familiarity with Scripture things is surprising in a layman. As a specimen of the author's style, we take his opening passage: "The enlightened craftsman beholds in Froe Masonry a wonderful institution. Founded, as it is, on

and political subordination and degradation of this country, and to the too great entanglement of its industry and interests with those of other nations."

From LEE & BLANCHARD, Philadelphia; J. B. STEEL, New Orleans:

12. NOTES FROM NINEVEH, AND TRAVELS IN MESOPOTAMIA, ASSYRIA AND SYRIA. By Rev. J. P. Fletcher. 365 pages. This is a compact volume. The author says: "From the great interest excited respecting Nineveh, I have been induced to collect and to throw into narrative, the notes of two years' residence on its mighty plains, with accounts of excursions into the remotest parts of Assyria. In order to complete the record, I have added some chapters descriptive of the country on the route.

13. GALLERY OF ILLUSTRIOUS AMERICANS: Containing portraits and biographies of twenty-four most eminent citizens of the Republic. Edited by C. Edwards Lester, assisted by an association of literary men. New York: Brady, Davignon & Co. Price $1 per number-imperial folio sizeor, for the set $20. The present, No. 6, contains "Col. Fremont." If the publishers will send us, through their agents here, the first five numbers, and those hereafter issued, we promise elaborate notices of them in the Review.

not weary our friends-but make a last appeal for their friendly aid in extending our circulation and ensuring our success. Much gratitude is acknowledged to them for past favors.

The present number is much smaller, and less interesting, than usual, for which the editor pleads continued indisposition during the past month.

Responsible persons are wanted to canvass different sections of the South for the Review. 4. ERRATA.-In our article on Cuba Expedition, in August number, appears several typographical errors; but they are chiefly verbal, and do not affect the sense in any important

ployed one of the best readers in the country, who sometimes, however, mistakes the hieroglyphical sentences of copy. He will improve in deciphering the text.

14. PAMPHLETS, PUBLIC DOCUMENTS, ETC. We are indebted to Phillips, Sampson & Co., of Boston, for No. 7 of Carlyle's pamphlets. Subject: "Hudson's Statue." Our friend, Edwin Heriot, of Charleston, forwards his Address before the Cadets of the Military Academy of South Carolina. It possesses the chastity and merit of everything which emanates from his pen, and rises often to eloquence without once falling into dullness. It would afford us great pleasure, did space admit, to extract many passages from the pages of our esteemed friend and early companion. We have, also, another of Shakspeare's works, from Phillips, Sampson & Co., of Boston: King Henry IV. "Proceedings of the South Car-points. We seldom see our proofs, but have emolina Medical Association," a pamphlet from the press of Walker & James, Charleston. Discourse on the Funeral of John C. Calhoun, by the Rev. James W. Miles, Charleston. With so sublime a spectacle as must have been presented at the bier of Mr. Calhoun, we should expect eloquence and power-and these are Mr. Miles's attributes. It was an occasion to acknowledge, with Massillon, at the grave of Louis XIV, "God alone is great." We are indebted to the Hon. Wm. Elliott, of South Carolina, for a copy of his late Agricultural Address, which is a document so valuable, we will endeavor, hereafter, to give a large part of it to our readers. Hamilton Smith, of Kentucky, sends us a large pamphlet, upon Cannelton, with a great abundance of cotton, coal, iron and manufacturing statistics. We will analyze the pamphlet, when more at leisure. The Hon. Pierre Soule, our able senator at Washington, will receive thanks for the Financial and Commercial Reports of government, and for the Debates in the Convention of Cali-sition or indifference! Strange that wc, who fornia. We are also indebted to this gentleman and to the Hon. Mr. Rusk, of Texas, for several of their speeches, in pamphlet. Mr. Rusk's Post office Report we reserve for future analysis.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

1. CONTRIBUTIONS.-We have on hand several valuable contribution which must, unfortunately, lay over until our next. We invite the aid of southern writers, upon all subjects, in our work.

2. REMITTANCES.-Subscribers will please remit us promptly, on the receipt of this number, their dues for the current year and those which are closed, where such indebtedness exists. Remit by mail-to save us great loss by agents, and in time. Remittances will be acknowledged on back of work.

3. BOUND VOLUMES, ETC.-We again solicit orders for our bound volumes, in library style; and will supply them complete, four years, to July, 1850-amount payable in fall or winter, by order on factors. Not many sets remain.

Our prospectus is again inclosed. We would

5. MASON'S EXPRESS.-Subscribers, in New Or leans, will always receive their numbers, at our expense, through the City Express Post. We have taken great interest in this enterprise from the beginning, and are truly glad it is doing so well. Merchants and citizens should afford a generous support. Boxes are placed in every part of the city-but the head quarters are at 23 Royal street, opposite the post office. The proprietor is J. Mason.

6. OUR RECUSANCY!!-Finally, many of the papers in Carolina and Georgia are down upon us about one editorial, "The Cause of the South," in the July number. Our irony has all gone for nothing with them, and the sad and mournful accents in which we treated the distractions in southern councils, has been mistaken for oppo

have been and are still thought, by most who know us, a very Hotspur in these wars of the South, and who have bourne the heat and burden of the fight for nearly ten years, should now be thought derelict and contumaceous by those professing to be allies, and after coming in at the very cleventh hour! Our whole life has been a practical refutation of the absurd and ridiculous charge of the editor of the South Car olinian. Does that paper know (if not, there are thousands here who do) the fact-we were one of the original Nashville Convention men, when scarcely five others in the State seemed to be in favor of it. We periled much upon that issue then, but were beaten. Notwithstanding this, our banner has ever been hanging outand upon the outermost wall, too-never to be torn down, until the citadel is safe from every internal and foreign foe. Yet, the South Carolinian counsels southern men not to support the Review, and levels a bull of excommunication against it! As old Wolsey said, on a memora

ble occasion:

"O! Cromwell! Cromwell!" etc.

* DE BOW'S

SOUTHERN AND WESTERN

REVIEW.

Established January 1, 1846.

OCTOBER, 1850.

2d SERIES, VOL. III. No. 4.-3d SERIES, VOL. 1, No. 4.

ART. I.-MISSISSIPPI VALLEY.

REMARKS ON THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE RIVER MISSISSIPPI.

In the July number of the Review, I find an Article entitled :— "Protection of the Low Lands of the Mississippi; by Major Barnard, Engineer Corps." The article consists principally of some extracts from M. Dubuat's" Principes d' Hydrauliques," in relation to the straightening of rivers, and the changes that may be made in their courses as in their beds," accompanied by about two pages and a half of notes, by Major Barnard himself, professedly based upon the authority of the previous extracts, together with his own knowledge of the Mississippi River. The subject being a very important one, involving the prosperity of the agricultural interest of a large portion of Louisiana, which has already suffered, and which, judging from present appearances, will still continue to suffer immense loss. From the erroneous views so generally entertained with respect to it, I may be excused for offering a few remarks in regard to Major Barnard's Notes, and the conclusions at which he arrives.

On a careful examination of the Notes, and a comparison of them with the extracts, I find that they do not accord. The extracts from M. Dubuat's work lay down cut-offs as a remedy for overflows, and give the reasons why they are so, namely, that by shortening the course of a river, they increase the relative fall, diminish the resistance, aid the discharge, and thereby lower the surface of its water. But on looking over Major Barnard's Notes, I find, to my surprise, that "in accordance with these principles " he has come to the conclusion that "no relief to the lower river can be obtained by means of cut-offs." I am the more surprised at the conclusion, taken in connection with the extracts, because in introducing them he says: " His remarks in relation

to redressments (cut-offs) are, perhaps, as applicable to the Mississippi as to any river."

The first enquiry that would naturally suggest itself to the mind, on comparing the notes with the extracts, is, how Major Barnard, from extracts recommending cut-offs, could draw the conclusion that "no relief to the lower river can be obtained by means of cut-offs." There is not a paragraph, nor a sentence in the extracts from M. Dubuat, that carries with it an argument against cut-offs. On the contrary, they are in favor of them properly made and not carried to excess. M. Dubuat thinks they ought not to be used where, in shortening the course of a river the fall would be increased too much, and the velocity made to interfere materially with the navigation, or be rendered dangerous to the banks. In the case of the Mississippi there is no such danger to be apprehended from cut-offs. The fall in the Mississippi from the commencement of the lower valley to the Gulf is so slight and so gradual, that there is no possibility of any cut-off increasing the velocity so as to prevent or impede navigation. Neither can the velocity of the current be so increased by straightening the channel as to render it dangerous to the banks. The crevasses in the Mississippi are not caused by the increased velocity of its water, but by the checks placed upon it, by the interposition of bends, &c., which retarding the velocity and impeding the discharge of the water cause its surface to rise, and thereby increase the pressure against the levees; they never occur in a straight river of a normal breadth and under proper levee regulations. On the other hand, were the channel made straight by the use of cutoffs, the increase of velocity, though it could not be made so great as to impede navigation, would by the increased rapidity of discharge, and by the deepening of the bed, lower the surface of the water and thereby relieve the levees more or less from the pressure of the water, which, in the present condition of the river, breaks through them in high water, while the very straightening of the channel would lower the surface of the river, and consequently reduce the pressure against the levees, and thereby remove any danger of crevasses.

Major Barnard seems to rely, for his strange conclusions, on the opinion expressed by M. Dubuat, that cut-offs, when necessary, should be commenced in the lower part of a river, and continued thence upwards, but by commencing in the upper part, the increased velocity produced by them might flood the lower river, and also, upon his own opinion as to the character of the channel of the Mississippi. Let me examine these two opinions for a moment: It is admitted by M. Dubuat, and also by Major Barnard, that a cut-off relieves the river above a bend, and lowers the surface of the river; but both contend, that the increased velocity tends to flood the river below. Very little reflection will show that this opinion is not correct; as, indeed, has long since been clearly established by experience. A bend in a river, by diminishing the relative fall, and by opposing greater resistance to the discharge of the water, causes it to accumulate in the reach above, until it acquires such a head as to force its way through. A cut-off being made, the fall is diminished, the resistance diminished, and of course, the velocity proportionably increased. The consequences are, the bed of the river is deepened, and the reach above being relieved by a free discharge, the