AMERICAN WRITERS. TWO or three omissions, and one or two alphabetical irregularities (hardly to be avoided, in the first concoction of an index,without assistance,) have been discovered-by ourselves— in two or three of our late papers, concerning the affairs of North America. -Our justification-for we never make an apology-is that we write altogether from recollection, without a book of any kind: a note, or a hint, of any name, or nature, to freshen our memories with. Books, indeed, except as a reference for dates, words, and figures, three things which we carefully avoid, whenever they can be avoided, with decency--believing on our oaths, that there is nothing so insupportable, in this world, as unnecessary precision-books, indeed, would be out of the question; for we profess to supply that, which cannot be found in any book or books, whatever. And as for notes and memoranda, about matters and things in general, we are of those, who take them, as they do perceptions of beauty-sound and colour-flavour and hue-only upon the invisible tablets of the heart and mind; only into the lighted chambers of both. We use no camera obscura; make no drawings-no sketches-blot no paper with hints, every one of which, over a sea-coal fire, or in it, as the case may be (that generally depending upon another question-as whether it be in print or in manuscript; the property of the author and the purchaser, &c.) at some future period may become the nucleus of a chapter -perchance, of a volume.-We like to carry our young till they are fully grown, where nature intended them to be carried-not in memorandum-books, cotton, raw-silk, or hand-basketswithin us, not without-in our hearts, not in our hands:-and would be delivered of them, if not precisely as Jove was, of his, in panoply complete -at least, not before their teeth and claws are grown, so that they can take care of themselves. A short season of gestation is bad enough-but whelp ing in a hurry is the devil-one fullgrown cub of the lion (as we have well nigh said before) will outlive a litter of lap-dogs. We make no apologies, as we have said before; but-but we do what is better, we make atonement; correct our irregularities, and supply our omissions, just so fast as they become obvious to ourselves-but no faster. We shall do it, on this occasion (after a few minutes,) because we pique ourselves, not a little, upon our scrupulous impartiality, truth, exactness, and plain dealing, in our treatment of whatever concerns the United States of North America :-a country, about which, all circumstances considered, there would seem to be not only a lamentable mis-apprehension, but a lamentable ignorance, in quarters, where one might look for better things; for positive and exact information,-instead of rigmaroll (serious or profane) -for manly and severe criticism, instead of loose rambling, and superfluous recrimination :-among those who are extravagantly partial to whatever is American, chiefly because it is not English-and partly, because it is American; and among those, who are as decidedly partial to whatever is English-chiefly because it is English, and partly, because it is not American. -Many laughable, some serious, some provoking, and some extraordinary errors, concerning one another, do prevail, at this hour, among both of these great parties-on both sides of the Atlantic :-errors, which, if they be not speedily seen to, with a strong hand, or a sharp knife, will sow their own seed; multiply and perpetuate their poison; drug the very atmosphere with mischief; overgrow and strangle whatever is wholesome or precious in the neighbourhood of our posterity, on both sides of the water. -This must not be-shall not beif we can prevent it: and we shall try hard. Let Americans be what they pretend-Americans. Let our men of Great Britain be what they pretend -- -Britons-let each prefer his own country, as he would his own mother; let each be partial, if you please, in any reasonable degree, to his own country,—for that is natural-(nay, to be otherwise, were so un-natural, that we should suspect any man's heart,and pity his understanding, who should not be somewhat partial-so far as affection, or judgment, but not veracity, were concerned to his own country; just as we should his understanding and heart, who should not be partial to his own mother :)—but, while we say this; while we encourage a natural partiality, in every man's heart, for his own country, and his own mother; and are ready to forgive much-very much, that proceeds from an affection so honourable to humanity, even when it influences the head- -Yet, we see no reason for encouraging anybody in running afoul of other people's countries and mothers :-and are not very willing, either to overlook or forgive, the folly and wickedness of that man, be he who he may, who, in the superfluity of his affection and zeal, for what relates to his own country, and his own home, is eternally breaking in upon the repose of every other man's country and home.- -Defence is one thing-attack another. A brave manly quarrel, in withstanding aggression, is always creditable :-but, where we are the aggressor, shameful. Family feuds are absurd: national feuds, worse. Nothing was ever gained by either not even reputation. Would you flatter the Americans? -Don't puff them-don't exaggerate-stick to the truth. There is no flattery in falsehood. Acquaint your selves thoroughly with your subject: and, whatever else you do, speak the plain truth. Poetry, declamation, rhetoric, and all that, are out of place; wit, is mischievous; and humour, profane, (unless employed for seasoning; and only for seasoning,) on a subject of such importance. Nothing can be worse, for the stomach of this public, nor in much worse taste, than to dish up anything American-game or not game; wild meat,* or not-with a * superabundance of sweet sauce, or Cayenne pepper.- -No-if you treat of America at all, do it soberly-righteously-in the main however, you may have to sprinkle it, now and then, with fire and brimstone, for the palate of the over-fed. And so, too if you would be severe on the Americans; severe, we mean, to any good purpose, cither for yourself, or for them-for your country, or for theirs; severe, beyond the petty tingling sarcasm of the hour; severe, beyond the miserable severity of that miserable insect, which cannot sting but once-and then, dies ;that noisy nothing, which, when it is exasperated, strikes in a hurry-and is glad to escape in a hurry-always losing his weapon-often his life--never drawing blood-and sometimes backing out, like the scorpion by downright suicide-or, as the fashion is to call it now, be derangement, visitation, or accidental death :--if you would be severe on the Americans, in a better way-a way more worthy of yourself, if you are a man-speak the truth of them. Nothing cuts like the truth:— or, as the Quarterly would have it, in a late criticism, not anything-cuts ́ like the truth. In one word-Let us understand what we are talking about, whether we praise and condemn these brother Jonathans, these western Englishmen ; these children of our fathers--on the other side of the world.To illustrate our observations, to some purpose from recent occurrences-we would ask what can be more absurd, in the estimation of a statesman; or more wicked in that of any person, of common-sense, or common humanity, than to hear the people of America called our inveterate enemies, our implacable enemics—and, worst of all, our NATURAL enemies,-Our natural enemies!-for what?- -Why, forsooth, because (if they can help it. which is very doubtful) they won't let us manufacture for them: and, because, if they can (which is, also, very doubtful) they will manufacture for themselves.- -Does that make them * As the late case of MR. JOHN D. HUNTER---for example, of whom a word by and by. * our natural enemies?—we have no fear-nor they, any hope, (unless their heads are turned), of their ever being able to out-manufacture us; or to undersell us, in any but their own markets: nor even there without a system of taxation, which, whatever may be the ultimate good, operates in a very equivocal manner, now, by obliging one part of the community to maintain the other, without an equivalent ;that is, by obliging the consumer to feed the manufacturer, by purchasing of him, at much higher prices than he might purchase elsewhere. This is their look-out-not ours -They won't employ us for ever— granted-but what right have we to complain -They do not become our natural enemies, by refusing to employ us--it is only by out-working us; or underselling us to a third party. O, but they are our natural enemies, nevertheless. Why?-Because they multiply so fast-empire upon empire -from ocean to ocean. -Alas! if they were not their own enemies-the most unnatural of all enemies-they would roll back again to their ancient boundaries-retreat into their citadel, the thirteen Original States-or, at least, build a wall of brass about them, for a place of refuge, in the time, that will come. They are, now, in a fair way to fall asunder by their own weight-or perish, like a monster, by exhaustion of the heart, while the extremities are preternaturally enlarged. -New England is the heart of the confederacy-New York and Pennsylvania, the back-bone-but, at the rate they are now going on, they will soon want a dozen such hearts, and as many more such back-bones, to keep them in shape. Some people talk of staying the northern inundation, by making use of Mexico. This cannot be done the very idea is absurd-childishMexico would be swept away, before it could muster on the frontiers-but if it could, why should it be done?Is it either wise, necessary, or expedient? Are the people of the United States-are they indeed our NATURAL enemies?—If they are, it is time to look about us-and if they are, in the name of God, where are we to look for our natural friends?--If we cannot look to them, who are of the same blood, and the same religion; whose language is the same; whose laws are the same; whose very form of governlike ours, than any other government upon earth; whose literature is the same; whose antipathies and prejudices are the same-where shall we look-to whom? ment is more One word more-the people of North America know their own interest. They do not want anybody to flatter them. They know, for they are a shrewd people, take them all in all,that highly-colored,romantic stories, & superfine rhapsodies,about anything, which is really excellent, only serve to make it ridiculous: that eulogy, however well meant, or delicately flavoured,is pretty sure to do more harm,than good; that intemperate praise provokes intemrate ridicule, or censure; eulogy, satire-and that, the bitterness and asperity of the counteracting dose, are intended, wisely enough, to overcome the nausea, which is natural to him, who has unexpectedly, or accidentally, swallowed a small quantity of unadulterated eulogium-accidentally, we say, because nobody-not even the subject of eulogium, will swallow it, if he knows what it is. "Praise undeserved, is censure in in disguise."-This is a favourite copyslip in America." Heaven save us from our friends! we will take care of our enemies"-they say, also, when they read such beautiful books, as have been made about them lately.-They know well, that the droll, stupid blundering of Messieurs Fearon, Faux, and Co., on one side of the water; and the worse than blundering--the lies-of the NEW-ENGLAND-MAN,' on the other; and the everlasting misrepresentation, falsehood, and confusion of the newspaper-gentry, on both sides, are soon laughed out of countenance; overborne by weightier proof; smothered in their own dust, or consumed in their own acrimony. The brother Jonathans will never think the worse of us-whatever they sed into these remarks by the occurrences of the day. Let us proceed, now, on our course. In speaking lately of the AMEIRCAN PAINTERS, we omitted one, who is an American; one, who passes for an American; and some three or four, actually in London, of whom we knew little or nothing. We shall despatch the whole of them,therefore, in double quick time. may think of our common sense, if, on taking up one of our papers, they come upon a paragraph headed AMERICAN ABSURDITY; and containing an extract from one of their papers,* wherein they had spoken very handsomely of two or three English travellers; (recommend ing them with emphasis, to the hospitality of the Americans ;) and expressed a proper anxiety for the promotion of a good understanding between A- R. SULLY (nephew of T. Sully, merica and Great Britain :- -No-touched off in our former number.)— nor will they think a whit the better PORTrait. A native American (Virof Mr. Matthews, when they come to ginia)-young-enthusiastic; and wilhear that after the first night represen- ling to work hard has good notions tation of his Jonathan in London' he of drawing; has been under a capital left out-precisely the best thing in it* master (his uncle, T. S.); handles the -in consequence of a little shuffling in crayon remarkably well-for an Amerthe pit, made,probably, by some junior ican; has had some practice in paintAmericans (fresh from the dinner table) ing from life; and, if he have patience, -who never well understood what will undoubtedly make a figure. they were shuffling about,—at least, we should hope so, in charity. But enough. We have been surpri • BOUMAN- -PORTRAIT. A native American,we believe: now in London; a worthy man; but we know, of our Speaking of American Papers---one word on a late MIRACLE, taken out of the Norfolk Beacon; which seems to be doubted here, while it is going the rounds. We care nothing for the 200 persons who saw it; nor for the testimony of the Rev. gentleman that swore to it; but, we rely on the probability of the story.It proves itself.--- What is it ?- -Only that the face of Miss Narcissa Crippin, on the 19th of August, say, about 8 o'clock' (she being so operated' upon by some spirit' at a camp-meeting,) became too bright and shining, for mortal eyes to gaze upon,' &c. &c.---' It resembled the reflection of the sun upon a bright cloud’- ---The appearance of her face for forty minutes was truly angelic---(no doubt, only observe the reason)---during which time she was silent'---(this, we take, to be the MIRACLE). After which, she spoke---when her countenance gradually faded !'---There !--that is all. Now, we ask what there is improbable (bating the silence---which we have high authority to believe possible---for the same length of time, where women are supposed to be---to wit--in heaven)---in all this ?--- Do you still doubt?-make the experiment for yourself. Persuade any woman, if you can, to hold her tongue for 'forty minutes:' and see if her face doesn't shine---aye, and fade away, too,--when she opens her mouth, + The passage was to this effect. We were not present on the first night; but we are assured of what we say---and know "of our own knowledge," as the law-people say---that, whatever it was, it is left out now. The English negress tells the Yankee "nigger"---a slave ---that, having set foot on English ground, he is free.---" FREE !--- What is that?" says he--"I have heard a great deal about him, in America; but never knew what he meant."--Now--why is this passage left out ?---Is it untrue---absurd---or what?---Does an American slave know anything about what liberty means---in America? No---he does not. Why, then, do the blockheads leave it out?---Because other blockheads have chosen to kick up their heels about it. What! is it come to this ?---Are we to be intimidated in this way, by boys?---Are our publiek performers afraid of speaking the truth ?---Are we to feed the Americans with sop and caudle ?---The young of the British Lion, with pap ?---No---let us rather give them that---if it be medicine---which will take the hair off---try what they are made of---their "bone and gristle,"---about whieh Edmund Burke said so many fine things --Ay, and give it scalding hot, when justifiable, though it take the skin from their plated ware---raise a blister on the solid metal below, whatever it be, gold or brass, iron or steel, set fire to their tinsel, and show what there is underneath. Grant everything in favour of the United States; grant everything against ourselves; grant, if you please, that we keep slaves in our colonies; that we introduced them into America (which is not strictly true, by the way); that Virginia herself made the first proposal that ever was made, for the abolition of slavery, (as the Marquis of Lansdowne asserts, on the authority of Mr. JOHN RANDOLPH of ROANOKE,'---a very splendid---very honest---and very crazy gentleman, who represents Virginia in the Lower House of Congress); that the work of emancipation is going ou, gradually, in America; that slavery is unknown throughout New-England, and some of the other States; that there has been everything but open war to prevent it, in certain of the new States; that America was the first power to declare the taking of slaves, piracy; grant all this---Yet--yet---enough remains of inconsistency in herself---and of truth in the sarcasm, to justify it entirely. selves, little or no good of him, as a painter. The only head of his (except his own) that we ever saw, was a very hard, positive sort of a thing. Good judges here, however, tell us that he has improved surprisingly. We are glad of it-nothing is more probable we only know that he is industrious, and began, rather unfortunately, with copying Rembrandt. WATMULLER -HISTORY andPORTRAIT. This gentleman passes, in America (since he painted his Danaë,) for an American. He is not-he is a Swede. His portraits are singularly beautiful; but we never saw his Danäe. It has been spoken of as a masterpiece -nay, as a picture, dangerous even for a woman to look at. The plain truth is, we believe,that such a woman, so full of languor, richness, and beauty, has not often been met with in this world. KING, C.B.-PORTRAIT: "Located" in Washington : a student of West at the same time with Sully.Very clever. Makes good faces-distinct--hard and forcible; and, sometimes, a rich picture. Works most of his time upon the great men of Washington, and the "heads of department:" -works hard, "improves" every hour; and will be very good. VANDERLYN- -HISTORICAL. Studied in France-painted Marius, (a noble,strong,superbly-finished picture,) and Ariadne, (a rather beautiful affair) in Paris. For one of which, he obtained a prize, we believe. He is a native American-a little Frenchified in his notions of painting; but, nevertheless, a man of decided, strong talent. We have all heard of Aaron Burr, in this country-the American Cæsara very dangerous, and very extraordinary man. When Vanderlyn was a boy, an apprentice to a blacksmith (as the story goes-and we have good reason to believe it substantially true,) Aaron Burr fell in his way, by accident, while he was travelling: saw some of his pen-and-ink drawings, which he mistook for engravings: tried, instantly, to obtain his discharge from his master, who was inexorable (on the discovery of his prize): and, failing, counselled the boy, if he should ever run away from his master, to come to him. Not long after, Vanderlyn appeared; grew up under Burr's patronage; went to France; and, when Burr fled for his life to this country, after having shot Alexander Hamiltonwhen, after having had his hand upon the presidential chair, and his foot, within one step of the American throne, he became, instantaneously as it were, an outcast, and a wanderer, in a foreign country-he was found and supported, in his misery, by Vanderlyn, the blacksmith's boy. JARVIS is not an American. He is an Englishman. EICHOLT is either a German, or born of German parents. PEALE [CHARLES] father of Rembrandt, founder of the Philadelphia Museum, (an institution honourable to America) and a respectable solid portraitpainter-is, also, an Englishman. He was a saddler. Jarvis painted firebuckets till he was about nineteen, when he saw, and copied one of Stewart's pictures. He is now in the foremost rank of American masters. Thus, the chief American painters are English,by birth or study, or both; and most of them were mechanicks. Thus, all the statesmen were lawyers; and almost all the authors are New-Englandmen, (Yankees,) and lawyers into the bargain. There are only three landscapepainters of any note; two of whom (SHAW and GUY) are Englishmen ; the other, DOUGHTY, an American. Shaw is very good; but a mannerist and a plagiarist. Guy is middling; but steals very judiciously, and almost always from the same source ;--Claude, in his water, sea-mist, and vapour. Doughty is young; was a tanner and currier; has made great progress; and will be something exraordinary. Thus much for our omissions. Now for two or three errors--two of which are not ours. Mr. C. HARDING was not born, as we said, in Kentucky; he only broke out' in Kentucky. He was born somewhere in the back parts of New-York. Thus much to relieve our conscience; avoid the recurrence of some irresistible translations; and pave the way for our AMERICAN WRITERS ;-whom we now re-introduce without ceremony. |