167 Profound Penetration.-Slave-ship wrecked. peculiar sagacity; and his conduct, when he abstained from active operations at particular seasons, such as he manifested in March, 1814, she ascribes to a sound and enlightened view of the interests of Sweden and France; although many others, who only saw the fact, without being able to comprehend the reasons by which he was guided, attributed his inactivity to an instability of disposition, or an intention to deceive. To confirm the truth of her own opinion, she has related the following anecdote : "When news was brought him that the French had entered Moscow, the envoys of the different powers, who were then in his palace at Stockholm, were thunderstruck: he alone declared firmly, that, from the date of this event, the campaign was lost to the conquerors; and, addressing himself to the Austrian Envoy, at a time when the troops of that power still formed a part of the army of Napoleon, "You may," said he, write to the Emperor, that Napoleon is lost, although the capture of Moscow seems the greatest exploit in his military career." I was near him when he expressed himself in this way, and did not, I confess, put entire faith in his predictions. But his profound knowledge of the art of war, disclosed to him an event at that time least expected by others.". SLAVE-SHIP WRECKED. EXTRACT from a private letter, giving an account of a shipwreck near the island of Cuba, not long before the Slave Trade was abolished. "Your cousin Richard has lately arrived from a disastrous voyage, in a most pitiable condition, having lost all his clothes and his watch; and his life seems to have been preserved by a miraculous interposition of Providence. "On the middle passage from the coast of Africa to Barbadoes, the ship had an engagement with an English cutter, and many broadsides were exchanged before they discovered their mutual mistake. The ship, however, did not receive any considerable damage in this encounter; but one man had his arm shot off. This was only the beginning of their misfortunes. On proceeding from Barbadoes to the Havannah, the ship, having 250 slaves on board, struck on a sunken rock, off the coast of Cuba, about five leagues 168 The and from the shore, and immediately turn- This 169 Wantonness and Murder.-Hymeneal Anecdote. WANTONNESS AND MURDER. Ir seems totally impossible, that, in our most deliberate calculations, we should be able to set bounds to the excesses of human depravity. When wantonness associates with barbarity, a new feature is added to common wickedness; and we are rather at a loss to determine, which has the greatest claim to our detestation,-the vice itself, or the effrontery with which it is associated. At Maestricht, some time in February, 1817, as a newly-married couple were crossing a foot-bridge, they were attacked by some villains, who not only took from them their superfluous garments, but literally stripped them stark naked, and then deliberately hanged them on two separate trees, contiguous to each other. After they had been in this situation some time, a cartman passing that way, beheld the horrid spectacle. The man was quite dead; but in the woman he perceived some remains of life, as she had introduced her hand between the rope and her neck, when the monsters became their executioners. On taking her down, the cartman pulled off his frock, and wrapped it round her; and in this condition conveyed her to a public-house at no great distance. Among the company who were there drinking, was a wretch, who, in the hurry of the moment, exclaimed, "Good God! this is the woman that we hanged." His companions instantly took the alarm, and, together with himself, immediately made off. Diligent search was made for them, but nothing could ever lead to their detection. HYMENEAL ANECDOTE. SOME time since, in the Highlands of Scotland, an affectionate lover conducted his intended bride to the altar, to secure her for life. The marriage ceremony began, and proceeded with its accustomed regularity, until the fair one was asked this important question, "Wilt thou have this man for thy wedded husband?" to which, with much apparent sincerity, she replied "No." The poor bridegroom was half petrified, and gazed upon her with astonishment; but no expostulation either from himself, from the minister, or from the friends of both parties, could induce her to alter her 170 resolution. On being asked to explain the occasion of such unexpected conduct, she frankly replied, " that she had just seen a man whom she liked better than the person she was about to marry." This declaration soon brought affairs to a crisis. The marriage ceremony was suspended; and as an immediate dissolution of partnership took place, the minister conducted the parties to distinct doors. The half bridegroom, rather disgusted with her conduct, than mortified at his disappointment, declared that his affections were alienated from her, and that nothing should induce him to take her for his wife, even if her resolution were to alter. One of his friends finding him in such good spirits, intimated, that, as the supper was prepared, the priest still at hand, and many of the guests were in waiting, much time and expense might be spared, if he would return to the church, and conclude the ceremony with one of the bridemaids. The hint was instantly taken, and the proposal made; and as the fair one had no objection, they immediately returned, got married, repaired to the house, and regaled themselves with the supper which had been provided for the other, and partly at the expense of her friends. A few weeks afterwards, the deserter was married to "the man whom she liked better;" and both husbands meeting shortly after these events, shook hands, and they have continued to live in friendship ever since. PROTESTANT UNION. WE have just been favoured with a copy of some important resolutions, entered into at a meeting of the Protestant Union, held on the 17th instant, at the London Tavern, Stephen Cattley, Esq. in the chair. Of these resolutions, which are fourteen in number, we can only give the following condensed epitome. 1. That the demands now making by the Catholics, affect our civil and religious liberties. 2. That these demands are political, and aim at dominion, which will affect the government of the British empire. 3. That Protestantism is the great security of our happiness and welfare. 4. That the British Constitution and Government are essentially and fundamentally Protestant. 5. That the coronation oath 171 Protestant Union.-Anecdote of Christophe. imposes duties, which are inconsistent with the Catholic claims. 6. That to admit Catholics into the great councils of the nation, is hostile to the spirit of the Bill of Rights. 7. That to comply with their demands, will be to surround his Majesty with Catholics, and to endanger the Church. 8. That their exclusion was thought necessary, when they did not constitute a majority in the House, "for the safety of his Majesty's Royal Person and Government." 9. That the intolerant principles of the Catholics disqualify those of that communion for being impartial judges. 10. That to grant their present claims will only add to their power, and increase their demands, which, in process of time, will enable them to subvert the foundation of our monarchy. 11. That it would endanger the Protestant churches in Ireland; since, when the national compact is violated, the act of union must be insecure. 12. That oaths furnish no security, while the Sovereign Pontiff has the power of dispensing with their obligation. 13. That the Catholics being active throughout Europe,-that the dormant energies of Popery being awakened,that the Inquisition being re-established,—and its various agents being at work, demand our circumspection and resistance. 14. That the cabinet being distracted by men, whose religious opinions will be discordant, and who cannot agree respecting the fundamental principles of the Revolution, will create embarrassments, injurious both to Prince and People. RECIPE TO PREVENT INFECTION FROM THE TYPHUS FEVER. 172 less aversion to the English, than to In that department of the island A dispute arising at Cape François, between a few English merchants and some others, respecting the settlement of some property, both parties appealed to law; and the case being brought to a legal issue before the judges, was decided against our countrymen. These, however, instead of DR. J. C. SMITH obtained £5000 yielding submission to the constituted from Parliament for the following sim-authority, repaired to Christophe, gainple Recipe:-Six drachms powdered ed a hearing, laid their case before saltpetre; six drachms oil of vitriol: him, and obtained a promise that the mix them in a tea-cup, by adding one affair should be reconsidered. drachm of the oil at a time. The cup the day appointed for the merchants to be placed, during the preparation, to meet him, they came, and were inon a hot hearth or plate of iron, and the troduced into his presence, where they mixture to be stirred with a tobacco-found the judges, from whose decision pipe. The cup to be placed in different parts of the sick room. ANECDOTE OF CHRISTOPHE. On On they had made their appeal. ALTHOUGH the independent inhabit-parts of the room which he allotted ants of Hispaniola are far from being cordially attached to any of the European nations, they seem to have them. The places which they thus 173 Slave Dealers punished.-Death of the Esquimaux. 174 which the prisoners were apprehended. The facts were clearly proved in evidence, and the culprits were immediately found guilty; and sentenced to three years' confinement in the house of correction, during which time they are to be kept to hard labour. SCOTLAND. casionally issued, to cool the apartment. The cocks were then instantly turned; and in this degraded situation the judges were compelled to remain, with water streaming on their heads, and running over their bodies, until his majesty was pleased to liberate them. Having detained them in this condition for some time, they were dismissed with these observa- DEATH OF THE ESQUIMAUX INDIAN IN tions: "I hope, gentlemen, that by this time your heads are somewhat cool. When you gave your decision against these English merchants, they were rather too warm. But as they are now reduced to a more moderate temperature, you must reconsider this business, and give your judgment accordingly." The affair was immediately re-examined; and the claims of the English, as might naturally be expected, were soon discovered to be just. SLAVE DEALERS PUNISHED. NOTHING can more fully evince the sincerity of Government, in their determination to abolish the slave-trade, than the vigilance with which they watch the coasts, and the readiness with which they punish those who, in defiance of humanity and law, still continue to Drive a loathsome traffic, gauge and span, "And buy the muscles and the bones of man." On Saturday, February 26th, 1819, Philip Caday, alias Philibert, A. Clejensac, and J. A. Tresgrosse, were arraigned before Mr Justice Best, Baron Wood, and Baron Richardson, by special commission, to take their trial for having feloniously taken a number of negroes from the Mosambique Islands, on the coast of Africa; and carried them to the Isle of France, in the Mauritius, for the purpose of being dealt with as slaves, contrary to the statute, &c. The Captain of the Magicienne frigate, which was stationed off the Isle of France to suppress the traffic in slaves, saw a schooner at some distance from him, which, from several suspicious circumstances, inclined him to think that she was engaged in this inhuman commerce. Some of his men were immediately sent in pursuit, and the result was a confirmation of his suspicions. On searching further it was discovered, that ninety-two human beings had been landed from the schooner, for the purpose of sale: in consequence of ON the 14th of Feb. 1819, died at Edinburgh, John Sackeheuse, or Sacheuse, aged 22, a native of the west coast of Greenland. As this man had been found of essential service in our late voyage of discovery, he had, on his return to this country, occupied a considerable share of the public attention. And his loss will be the more severely felt, from the expectations which were entertained of his services in the expedition about to be sent to explore Baffin's Bay. To qualify him for his employment, as an occasional interpreter and guide, the Admiralty had, with much liberality, directed that no pains should be spared in his education. With these views he was sent to Edinburgh, where he remained several months, until he was attacked with a violent inflammation in the chest, which, baffling all medical aid, in a few days carried him to the house appointed for all living. In his manners he was exceedingly docile and cheerful; and was always grateful for every attention that was paid him. But although he was industrious, and attentive to his teachers, in the acquirement of learning; like most others taken from savage life, his proficiency was but inconsiderable. To the public, his death is a loss which cannot be repaired; and to his friends, when they learn that he is no more, the stroke must be peculiarly severe. It appears, however, that he has no near relations to mourn for him. Not long before his death, he seemed sensible of his approaching dissolution; and observed, that his father and mother had fallen by the same complaint, and that he knew his departure was at hand, because his sister, the last of his relations who died, had just appeared to him, and "called him away." This circumstance clearly proves that he had some knowledge of a future state, and that the belief of this fact prevails among his tribe. It is much to 175 Assassination of Kotzebue. 176 engages much of the public attention. As the general history of his life, and the various steps by which he so rapidly advanced to popularity and ho be regretted, that, before he drew so near the close of life, some particular inquiries had not been made on this interesting point, into the opinions which prevailed among his country-nour, have been given in many of our men. Truth mixed with much error, we might naturally expect; but his testimony would have confirmed or corrected the various accounts which travellers and voyagers have taught us to believe. public papers, we shall forbear to notice any of these particulars, but refer immediately to his unhappy exit, as stated in the following letter, dated Manheim, March 24th, 1819. "Our town was yesterday the theatre of a horrid scene of fanaticism. M. Augustus de Kotzebue, whose literary celebrity had even penetrated to Japan, has been assassinated in his bed-chamber. A student, or at least an individual who had inscribed himself as such, on the register of strangers at the Weinberg Inn, entered the apartment of M. de Kotzebue, attacked him relative to his opinions and conduct, and after a short delay, and proposals for a duel, which M. de Kotzebue probably refused, stabbed him four times with a poniard. M. de Kotzebue fell dead in the arms of his eldest daughter, who ran into the room on hearing the cries of her father. The assassin quietly walked out of the house, knelt down in the street, and, raising his clasped hands to heaven, exclaimed, Vivat Tuetonia! Afterwards, rising, he stabbed himself on the spot. The assistance which was administered to the assassin, leaves even to-day some signs of life; but it is not thought that he can recover. The University diploma found upon him, states his name to be Sand; his shirt is marked S; but he had inscrib Closely connected with the belief of hereafter, in what condition of society soever it may be found, are some general ideas of a supreme Being; but on this subject, only confused and indistinct conceptions can be expected from barbarous nations. It is, however, pleasing to behold, even a few solitary rays of light penetrating the gloom of savage darkness, although they only lead us to see God in clouds, and hear him in the wind;" and to infer from the obscurities which, in a state of nature, we every where find resting on this important reality, how much we are indebted to Revelation. In no part of the world has God left mankind destitute of proofs of his eternal power and godhead; although, from many accounts which we have read, it must be confessed that, in some instances, all genuine knowledge of his nature is nearly obliterated from the human mind. But it is only by an appeal to fact, that theory can be either confirmed or disproved; and opportunities, like those which have led us into these reflections, but seldom occur. On this account, whenever they pre-ed himself at the inn under the name sent themselves, they should be carefully embraced ; and few articles would be more pleasing and instructive, if laid before the public, than the result of such communications. To the general opinions of the Indian tribes on these points, the English reader can hardly be considered as an entire stranger. But it will furnish instruction, even to behold individuals of the same tribe concurring in one common sentiment, or differing in opinion from each other. ASSASSINATION OF KOTZEBUE. THERE are few literary characters, who have exhibited, in modern times, a more conspicuous figure on the great theatre of Europe, than M. Augustus de Kotzebue, whose untimely fate now of Henrich. A billet was also found upon him, with another poniard, containing the following words: -- The sentence of death of Augustus de Kotzebue, executed the 23d of March, 1819.'It is said, that this young man is a native of Wunsiedel, in Saxony." Other accounts, on the authority of private letters received in Paris, state his name to be Charles Sander, a theological student of the University of Wurtzburg, and that he arrived post the same morning at Manheim. One account asserts, that M. de Kotzebue survived half an hour. The peculiar circumstances under which this horrid deed was perpetrated, and the probable causes which led to the assassination, are thus detailed in another letter. "On the 18th of March last, the |