would be easy but for the pernicious issues of Bank and State paper, circulating as money and undermining her resources. It is to be hoped that wisdom will prevail in her councils, and that the means of the State will be directed to their proper objects.

The Legislature of Illinois has as yet done nothing towards its debt. It is understood that the negotiation to compromise its affairs has fallen through, and some attempts may be made through taxation to raise the means of completing the canal.

The public anxiety has been great in relation to the affairs of the State of Pennsylvania, February next being fixed upon as the period for resuming her payments in cash, instead of compounding it as heretofore by issuing interest certificates bearing interest. The debts of the State of Pennsylvania were contracted under a solemn pledge of certain revenues to meet the State interest. These revenues have during the past two years produced the following sums:

This interest would have been paid under the solemn pledge of the State faith appropriating their funds to that purpose, but for the resolution 7th April 1842, and the acts 27th July 1842, and 8th April 1840, which deliberately violated the State faith, and appropriated the funds to other purposes. The income of taxes for the present year, was paid under the law as it now exists, appropriating the funds to the payment of the dividends, and nothing but a lawless violation of that pledge can prevent a renewal of dividends and a restoration of State honor. This we trust will not

2,376,220 98 1,866,000 00

510, 20 98 375,605 01

$885,825 99

take place, but that the return of Pennsylvania to the rank which is her due, among the States of the Union, will soon be hailed by the friends of human liberty on both sides of the Atlantic, as a signal triumph of republicanism over the evils of the paper system. It is indeed a sublime and instructive lesson to observe a great people going to the polls and voluntarily imposing heavy taxes upon themselves, as a matter of principle, to discharge a debt contracted in their name, but from which they have derived very little benefit.

THE first stated meeting of this Society, after the summer recess, was held on Tuesday evening, October 1st, at the Historical Rooms, in the New York UniversityWilliam B. Lawrence, Esq., Vice President, in the chair, and upwards of one hundred members and visitors being present.

The minutes having been read by John Jay, Esq., Recording Secretary, and approved, letters were communicated by the Domestic Corresponding Secretary, from the following gentlemen, viz: Alexander Slidell Mackenzie, Esq., presenting Hinton's History United States; Major J. D. Graham, with a map of the disputed N. E. territory, from the government survey; T. C. Grattan, Esq., H. B. M. Consul, at Boston; Samuel Green Arnold, Esq., of Providence, R. I., transmitting donations to the library; J. H. Trumbull, Esq., of Stonington, Conn.; Hon. Judge Law, of Vincennes, Ill., and B. M. Norman, Esq., of New Orleans, presenting a rare collection of Mexican antiquities.

Frederic De Peyster, Esq., the Foreign Corresponding Secretary, read letters from Dr. Phillippe Boyer, of Paris, presenting a copy of his father's work, "Des Maladies Chirurgicales ;" also, from Gen. Baron Nahuys Von Burgest, of the Hague, to the Hon. Christopher Hughes, American Minister to the Netherlands, transmitting to the society several valuable works; also, from the Department of State of France; from Alexandre Vattemare, and Messrs. Drapu & Co., of Paris. The following resolution was then passed, viz.: "Resolved, That the thanks of this society be tendered to B. M. Norman, Esq.. of New Orleans, for his valuable and highly interesting collection of Mexican antiquities, presented by him to this so

ciety; and also, that the offer of a copy of his journal (unpublished), kept during his late tour in Mexico, be gratefully accepted, and referred to the Publishing Committee."

On motion of Gen. Wetmore, it was resolved, that the Executive Committee take the necessary steps for the celebration of the Fortieth Anniversary of the Society.

A vote of thanks to Mr. Marchant, the artist, for the donation of an admirable portrait of J. Q. ADAMS, was also passed. Also, a resolution requesting John R. Brodhead, Esq., late Historical Agent of this State in Europe, to favor the society, at its next meeting, with some account of his mission.

Resolutions of condolence and respectful commemoration, on account of the decease of John Pintard, LL.D., one of the founders of this society, and of William L. Stone, were also adopted. Addresses were made on this occasion by Messrs. Philip Hone, Marshall S. Bidwell, and P. M. Wetmore.

A learned and excellent paper was then read to the society by William B. Hodgson, Esq., of Savannah, Ga., upon the past history and present condition of Morocco, Algiers, and the Barbary Regencies; for which the thanks of the society were voted, with the request that a copy of the paper be deposited in the archives of the society.

George Gibbs, Esq., then read an interesting paper on the subject of the royal statue, formerly erected in the public square called the Bowling Green, in the city of New York.

Mr. Henry R. Schoolcraft was appoint. ed to the Executive Committee, in place of the late Col. Stone.

Nov. 5th, Tuesday evening.-The stated meeting was held at the Historical Rooms-Hon. ALBERT GALLATIN, LL.D., in the chair. After the reading of the minutes of the last meeting by the Recording Secretaries, letters were read by Gen. Wetmore, in the absence of the Corresponding Secretary, from the following persons: Mr. J. Phalen, presenting a splendid copy of Catesby's "Florida, North Carolina," &c. ; Mr. John F. Watson, of Philadelphia, presenting copies of his "Annals of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania in the Olden Time;" Messrs. Ba

ker & Crane, presenting Sewell's "History of the Quakers," and from Mr. Vattemare, of Paris, accompanying a large and valuable collection of French works, chiefly presented by their authors.

The report of the Librarian, announcing the additions to the library during the preceding month, was then read.

The arrangements for the celebration of the fortieth anniversary of the society, on the 20th November, were then reported by the chairman of the Executive Committee, viz: A special meeting of the society, and an oration by J. Romeyn Brod

head, Esq., to be followed by a public dinner at the New York Hotel. The report as accepted.

The following gentlemen were then declared elected members of the society, on the favorable report of the same committee :

CORRESPONDING MEMBERS-Dr. Willis De Hass, Pomeroy, Meigs Co. Ohio; Clinton Haring, Detroit, Michigan; Hen

ry O'Reilly, Albany; S. S. Randall, do.; Robert G. Rankin, Fishkill, Dutchess Co.

RESIDENT MEMBERS-James Brown, William Paxton Hallett, Jonathan Sturgis, Hon. C. P. Daly, Rev. Samuel J. Prime, Joisah Lane Lyman Cobb, David S. Kennedy, Jacob Harvey, Simeon Baldwin, Robert Bolton, Jr. East ChesterGeorge Case. New Rochelle-William Fairman, Osgood Field.

Nov. 20th, 5 o'clock, P. M.-A special meeting of the society, on the occasion of the fortieth anniversary of its foundation, was held at the Historical Rooms, in the New York University-Hon. ALBERT GALLATIN, LL.D. in the chair. There was a full attendance of the officers and resident members of the society, at the hour of meeting, when the delegates from the Historical Societies of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Georgia, together with a delegation from the American Antiquarian Society, were severally introduced.

The following gentlemen were then declared elected members of the society, on the report of the Executive Committee: CORRESPONDING MEMBERS-N. Cruikshank, Ohio; Robert Treat Paine, Boston; Marshall Conant, Farmingham,

Mass.; J. V. L. Pruyn, Albany; Benj. F. Thompson, Hempstead.

RESIDENT MEMBERS-Hickson W. Field, Jr.; Gardner S. Brown, George Bell, Augustus H. Ward, Jona. H. Douglas, W. Van Norden, Robert Dodge, Hiram Fuller, John C. Sherman, Jos. R. Gleeson, Jos. L. Bosworth, George Endicott.

The society, with its guests, then proceeded to the "Church of the Messiah," when a learned discourse was pronounced by J. ROMEYN BRODHEAD, Esq., late Historical Agent of the State of New York in Europe. After the address, nearly three hundred members and visiters of the society, including their distinguished guests, sat down to a sumptuous dinner, at the New York Hotel.

AMERICAN.

We hear of few literary projects at the present moment, apart from the embellished works of the season. In the department of Medical Science, we have at length to announce the appearance of the first volume of Velpeau's Work on Operative Surgery, translated by P. S. Townsend, M. D., under the supervision of and with notes and illustrations by Valentine Mott, M. D., accompanied by some three hundred wood cuts incorporated in the text. In the opinion of a competent medical friend, this celebrated work will be found the most important and useful production in Surgery ever issued in America. We are assured that the whole volume, consisting of over nine hundred pages, has been revised with the most exact care, under the critical inspection of Dr. Mott, the valuable results of whose labors during a long life devoted to this

department of science are herein embodied; while the notes of the accomplished translator bring the work up to the improvements and advanced state of Operative Surgery at the present day. This first portion includes that part of the subject technically termed Minor Surgery; the remaining volumes, which will be ready for publication early in the ensuing spring, will comprise the other divisions of the subject. H. G. Langley is the publisher.

Another work of interest to the profession is Dr. Williams' American Medical Biography,' or Memoirs of eminent physicians recently deceased. Although the work is necessarily a compilation, it seems to have been prepared with much care and fidelity; it embraces notices of a large number of the most distinguished medical men of the United States who have died since 1825. The volume, which extends to 660 pages, is embellished by a considerable

number of Portraits, which impart an additional value to the work; and we cannot but believe that it will prove highly interesting as a compendious obituary of those who have shed lustre on the profession by contributing to the advancement of its interests in by gone days. Copies may be obtained at Langley's Medical bookstore, 8 Astor House.

The January number of the New York Journal of Medicine, of which the late Dr. Forry was the well known editor, will comprise an obituary notice of the deceased from the pen of Dr. James Stewart, accompanied by some remarks connected with the post-mortem examination from the pen of Dr. C. A. Lee, which will be found highly interesting to the physiological student. We are happy to learn that the two works which Dr. F. had just completed previous to his demise, are about to be published early in the spring in London and this city. One is, 'On the Developments of Man's Faculties, and the Laws of his Mortality and Reproduction, viewed in their relation to Hygiology,' &c. The other on Physical Geography in connexion with Animal Economy. The former is said to be a work of amazing labor, being deduced from statistical observations collected from all known sources, and one which will doubtless give to the author a distinguished, and we regret it is only such -posthumous reputation. We earnestly hope the noble essay to do honor to his memory by the erection of a suitable monument in Greenwood Cemetery, will speedily be consummated; and that every member of the profession will esteem it a privilege to contribute his aid to so worthy an object. Forry lived and labored for science; and it is mete requital that his professional colleagues make a public recognition of this from a feeling of fraternal regard, no less than the claims of eminent merit and personal worth. Mr. Simms' Life of Marion' has passed

into a third edition in less than as many months, a sufficient evidence of its acceptability with the public. Besides the onerous duties of a newly elected member of the Legislature of South Carolina, this gentleman has just embarked in another literáry enterprisein the editorial charge of his Southern Monthly Magazine-a periodical of light literature, which is designed to occupy the place of the Orion.' D. Appleton & Co., have in press, The Life and Correspondence of Dr. Arnold, edited by Rev. A. P. Stanley, 2

volumes of English edition, in 1 vol. 12 mo.

Recent Improvements in Arts, Manufactures, and Mines, by Dr. Ure, being a supplement to his Dictionary, 1 volume of 300 pages and 200 wood cuts. Rural Economy, in its relations with Chemistry, Physics and Meteorology, by M. Boussaingault, translated by George Low, 1 vol. 12 mo.

A Dictionary of the English Language, by Andrew Reid, A. M., of Glasgow, 1 vol. 12 mo.

Stable Economy, by John Stewart, of Edinburgh, revised and enlarged by John Allen, editor of the Agriculturist, 1 vol. 12 mo.

Modern Cookery in all its branches, by Eliza Aston, 1 vol. 12 mo. The Two Apprentices; a Tale by Mary Howitt-forming an addition to the series of "Tales for the People and their Children."

Of the many embellished books of the season, we notice Griswold's edition of Mrs. Hemans's Poetical Writings, a beautiful duodecimo volume, illustrated by several elegantly engraved plates, and a new Portrait of the admired poetess. Tuckerman has prefixed a very admirable Essay on her genius and productions, which imparts additional attraction to a volume otherwise charming in itself. Sorin and Ball, of Philadelphia, are the publishers, and great credit is due to the excellent taste they have displayed in the typography and pictorial embellishments of the work. Its appearance is opportune, for few works of its class possess higher claims to preference among the hosts of ornate books of the present day.

Strong, of this city, has just issued a neat reprint of Leech's illustrated edition of Nursery Ditties, ornamented by an emblazoned cover, printed in colors and gold.

Among the many works admirably adapted to convey religious instruction while they amuse, the writings of Charlotte Elizabeth may claim prominent rank. The new cabinet uniform edition of her works in 10 volumes, just issued by J. S. Taylor & Co., comprising "Personal Reflections," "Floral Biography," "Letters from Ireland," "Judah's Lion," "Siege of Derry," "Helen Fleetwood," "Wrongs of Women," and her last work illustrative of the troublous times of Ireland and her early religious persecution, entitled "the Rockite," a volume of thrilling interest; also her Poetical Writings,"form a beautiful series, which the better judgment of many will not hesitate

to prefer to the gaudily decked books of the day, whose vocation is rather ornament than utility. Many thousands have been sold of the several works by this extremely pleasant and instructive authoress, and prolific as her volumes have become, the reading community have as yet evinced no disposition to grow weary of her productions. E. Walker, of this city, has just ready, a little manual entitled "The Recruit," a compilation of exercises and movements of Infantry, Riflemen, &c., by Captain J. T. Cairns. It will find a ready welcome from the members of the several military companies of our own and the other States-as it comprises the information sought by all such in martial training, &c.

A new Literary entreprise is immediately to appear, under good auspices, constructed we believe somewhat upon the model of the London Examiner, entitled The Broadway Journal.' We hear that Mr. Briggs, the facetious author of 'Harry Franco,' 'The Haunted Merchant,' &c., is to assume the editorial chair, and expectation may well be aroused at the announcement of such a name-almost like Hood's,symonymous with keen irony and caustic wit.

In the whole circle of polite literature, we scarcely know of any production in modern time, that has been honored with such lavish encomiums as the celebrated work, by Mad. De Staël, entitled Corinne or Italy;'-a new edition of which has recently appeared from the press of H. G. Langley. On its first appearance the French capital was eloquent in its enthusiastic bursts of applause. We find the following analytical criticism by one of the leading pens of Paris :

"In literature, strictly so called, and out of the sphere of politics, Corinne' is the master-piece of Mad. De Stael. It is the shining, immortal work that first acquired her a rank among great writers. It is a work of genius in which two different objects, a romance and a picture of Italy, are intimately amalgamated: it is at once a work of art and a work of feeling-a poem and a display of the heart. There is an extreme freshness and

vivacity in the expressions, yet we perceive in

them an ingenious erudition. The latter part of the work forms a complete contrnst with the beginning the most gloomy tint pervades it, exhibiting what may be termed a fearful display of the talent of depicting grief-those nice shades which mark the degrees of sorrowful feeling and fix, if the expression may be allowed, the fugitive

miseries of the heart. The multitude of eloquent passages and enchanting pictures which adorn this extraordinary production, do not impair in the least the interest of the fiction, as the authoress has skilfully introduced the digressions only where the progress of the action is suspended, when the reader is even afraid of its resuming its course, and when he enjoys a moment of repose so much

the more because he is sensible of an approaching storm. Two general ideas are, without the reader's suspecting it, continually discussed throughout the work,-they are domestic happiness and the pleasures of imagination, shining genius contrasted with modest and rigid virtue, while the pleadings for and against these two kinds of existence appear to be equally powerful, till at length both become harmoniously blended in the sublime ideal creation of the author's genius. The writings of Madame de Stael appear to belong to a new age; they announce, as they tend to produce, another period in society and literature-an age of strong, generous, animated thoughts-seatiments proceeding from the depths of the human heart; so that on a second or third reading we become impressed with ideas, which with surprise we discover in a passing inspection had escaped our notice.

From its brilliant pictures the artist may derive

"CORINNE' is a work adapted to all readers.

fresh enthusiasm, with new means of expressing it; the learned may acquire ingenious compari sons and new imagery; the tourist to the classic land of the old world, the most important and judicious hints; and to the critic the observations of a mind admirably fitted for acquiring correct opinions; in a word, it is a work which has compelled the suffrages of all, and commanded uni

versal praise."

Another authority in literary censorship -the Edinburgh Review-is found scarcely less earnest in its praise: and it will be remembered that one of the greatest of British statesmen, the late Sir James Mackintosh, once wrote as follows: "I swallow Corinne slowly, that I may taste every drop; I prolong my enjoyment, and really dread its termination. Powerful and extraordinary book a single sentence has excited more feeling, and exercised more reason than the most faultless models of elegance!"

Mr. Josiah Gregg, who has been on a visit to the city of some two or three weeks, and whose graphic and picturesque volumes," Commerce of the Prairies," have made him so well known to the reading community, has just left for his present residence on the confines of Mexico-Shreveport, La. He has been diligently occupied in preparing and revising his work for a second edition; and we are happy to be able to add that it is the intention of his publisher to issue a new edition early next month; which will comprise some important improvements and emendations, including an index, glossary, &c.

The following allusions to that prima donna of English song-Miss Barrett, are so choice that we are induced to trench a little upon the patience of our readers by transcribing largely from the paper.

The opinion expressed in Mr. Griswold's recent collection of English poetry that Miss Barrett is destined to take her place at the head of the female poets of Great Britain, is sustained by the chief organs of critical opinion in England