of the Bibliotheca have been encyclopedic in character, and of permanent value. The leading subjects have embraced Biblical Literature, Doctrinal Theology and Church History-in the treatment of which the most able writers have been secured, as a reference to the index, or the successive issues of the work, will prove. In its treatment of subjects pertaining to biblical archæology, the investigations of science, comparative philology, metaphysics, and theological criticism, it has steadily kept abreast of the broadest and most advanced culture; while many of the articles originally appearing in its pages have been of so much importance as to have been reprinted in separate volumes. Among these are treatises by so distinguished writers as Prof. W. S. Tyler, Dr. Samuel Harris, Prof. Austin Phelps, Dr. George B. Cheever, Prof. Ezra Abbott, Dr. Barnas Sears, Dr. J. P. Thompson, and Dr. Thomas Hill. In 1874 an index to the first thirty volumes of the Bibliotheca, prepared by Mr. Warren F. Draper, the publisher of the review, was issued. This forms a volume of 280 pages, and is a work of much patient, careful labor. It is not only an index of authors and subjects, but is a sort of topical index, or dictionary to the review, frequently giving keys to leading articles, in brief abstracts of the same: together with an index of all Scripture texts employed in articles, and an index of all Greek words used. By a helpful system of typography, four different styles of types are used in the index catchwords, each representing a different class of topics--an arrangement that is very useful in consultation, and one that is better carried out in this index, we think, than in any similar reference book we have ever examined. Among leading subjects discussed in the Bibliotheca during the past year, are Theological Education, The Opinions of Jonathan Edwards on the Trinity, The Fundamental Laws of Belief, The Sabbath, New Testament Revision, Swedenborgianism; the volume for 1881 comprising 800 pages. “The Theological Seminary at Andover," writes the Rev. Dr. Bacon in his North American Review article for June, 1882, "by its illustrious history and its wide influence, ranks with the foremost centres of education in the world." So does the Bibliotheca Sacra, as the organ of that great institution of sacred learning, have just claim to a high rank among the learned reviews of the country, for its elevated character, great ability, and profound scholarship. By Samuel L. Boardman, Esq., Augusta, Me. Catalogue of the Library of the Boston Athenæum. [1807-71.] 5 parts. Boston. [i. 1874; ii. 1876; iii. 1878; iv. 1880; v. 1882.] Total number of pages, 3402+24. Price in sheets $25; to libraries $20; in cloth $28.75. It is a matter of general interest, and particularly to librarians, that this valuable catalogue, with its stores of bibliographical material, is at last complete. For during the past twenty years the principle of library cooperation has made great progress; and it has come to be the case that the work intended for the constituents of a single library is frequently found available by libraries generally. The catalogues of the Boston Public Library and the Brooklyn Library will at once occur to the mind of the reader as cases in point; and such a work also is the Boston Athenæum catalogue, now under consideration. It is so not only because the collection of books here catalogued is exceptionally comprehensive and valuable, nor simply because the quality of the work done on it is of so high a standard; but also on account of the network of cross-references, the painstaking research into anonymous and pseudonymous entries, and the minute analysis of the contents of volumes, which it gives instead of being satisfied with the bare announcement of the titlepage. Concerning these analytical references, Mr. Cutter remarks (p. 3400): Many works which have cost large sums of money would stand upon the shelves, untouched," were it not for this help. The principle here involved underlies more than one scheme of successful library work. So long ago as 1856 the order was given for the preparation of the catalogue. Unfortunately, the early stages of the work were carried on in a manner neither intelligent nor skilful; and the experience of Mr. Charles Russell Lowell, and, after him, of Mr. Cutter, himself (the present librarian), in undoing this worse than useless labor, is detailed in an amusing note at the end of the fifth volume. The printing finally began May 1, 1872, and was not completed until January, 1882. To the contact of a mind like Mr. Cutter's, who has the instinct of a born cataloguer, with these difficulties and inconsistencies which required surmounting, we are probably indebted for a very promising contribution towards a code of uniform cataloguing rules. Mr. Cutter's account shows how naturally they have been "Rules for a printed dictionary catalogue," by Charles A. Cutter; forming Part II. of the report on "Public libraries in the United States," published by the U. S. government in 1876. "evolved," so to speak, from the actual exigencies of the case, and he says: "Many things which I had been accustomed to do by instinct or experimentally, were (here) set down systematically, with statements, and now and then with discussions, of the reasons for them." No higher testimony to the measure of success attained in these Rules" could be given than the fact that they form substantially the basis for the codes of rules for title-entries since adopted by the library associations of this country and Great Britain. [See Library Journal, v. 3, p. 12-19, and v. 4, p. 416-17.] W. E. F. Proceedings of the Virginia Historical Society at the Annual Meeting, February 21, 1882, with the Address of William Wirt Henry. The Settlement at Jamestown, with Particular Reference to the late Attacks upon Captain John Smith, Pocahontas and John Rolfe. Richmond, Virginia: Published by the Society. 1882. 8vo. pp. 63. Official Letters of Alexander Spotswood, Lieutenant-Governor of the Colony of Virginia, 1710--1722. Now First Printed from the Manuscript in the Collections of the Virginia Historical Society. With an Introduction and Notes. By R. A. BROCK, Corresponding Secretary and Librarian of the Society. Vol. I. Richmond, Virginia: Published by the Society. 1882. 8vo. pp. 179. We have before us the two latest publications of the Virginia Historical Society. The address of Mr. Henry is mainly a reply to the attacks which have been made during the last quarter of a century on the veracity of Capt. John Smith, particularly in relation to the romantic story of the saving of his life by the intercession of Pocahontas. Mr. Henry examines the reasons given for disbelieving this and other statements of Capt. Smith, and comes to the conclusion that they are not sufficient to invalidate them. The author also defends the characters of Pocahontas and her husband, Mr. John Rolfe, which have been recently assailed. Though we have been inclined to doubt the more marvellous stories of the renowned captain, we must admit that Mr. Henry shows that there is much to be said on the other side; and we shall welcome all new light which may be thrown on the subject. The Spotswood Letters are the first of a new series of publications by the society. The originals were preserved by some of the descendants of Lieut.-Gov. Spotswood, and were used by Bancroft in preparing his History of the United States. Later they were loaned to George W. Featherstonehaugh, the geologist, by whom they were carried to England, and for a time they were supposed to be lost; but, having been found in the possession of the widow of Mr. Featherstonehaugh, they were purchased from her in 1873 by the Virginia Historical Society. The letters cover the term of Col. Spotswood's colonial administration in Virginia, from 1710 to 1722; ** a marked period in the development of the resources and manufactures of the colony, and of its progress." The value of these documents, as materials for the history of Virginia, cannot be overestimated. The society is to be congratulated on being able to furnish its members with so valuable publications as those before us. The distribution of these publications is strictly confined to members, and as the income of the society is derived solely from the dues of members, it is evident that an increase of membership will increase its means of preserving in print the valuable material now in the society's archives. The members are not confined to residents or natives of Virginia, but all who are interested in its history are eligible. There is no entrance fee. The fee of membership is five dollars a year. Life membership is fifty dollars. The second volume of the Spotswood Letters, completing the work, will probably be issued carly in next year. The society has also the following works in preparation: 1. The Records of the Administration of Lieut. Gov. Robert Dinwiddie—1752– 1757-covering the important period of the French and Indian War. These were recently secured to the Society by the generosity of its Vice-President, W. W. Corcoran, Esq. 2. The Minutes of the Phi-Beta-Kappa Society, secretly organized by the students of William and Mary College, Virginia, December 5th, 1776. Its membership included the names of many of the most prominent patriots of the Revolution. 3. The Minutes of the Virginia Branch of the Order of Cincinnati, organized by surviving veterans of the American Revolution to perpetuate its memories. 342 4. The Records of the General Court of the Colony of Virginia held at James CityApril 4, 1670, to March 16, 1676. 5. Papers of the Ludwell and Lee Families-1650-1800. 6. Papers of the Adams, Cocke and Massie Families-1670-1830. The Burnside Expedition. By AMBROSE E. BURNSIDE, late Major-General, United The series of" Personal Narratives of Events in the War of the Rebellion, being Papers read before the Rhode Island Soldiers' and Sailors' Historical Society," which has been several times noticed in these pages, continues to maintain its interest and value. The two tracts whose titles are given above have just appeared. The Burnside Expedition" forms No. 6, and the High School Boys" No. 13, of the "Second Series" of these papers. 66 The recent death of the lamented Senator Burnside adds new interest to everything from his pen; and an account by himself of his famous "Expedition " is particularly valuable. The second tract shows that the alumni and teachers of the High School of Providence contributed a very respectable quota to the Union Army. History of Shelburne, New Hampshire. By MRS. R. P. PEABODY. Gorham, N. H. Mountaineer Print. 1882. 12 mo. pp. 127. The White Mountain Stock Farm. Extracts from Mrs. R. P. Peabody's History of Shelburne. Gorham, N. H.: Mountaineer Print. 1882. 12mo. pp. 15. The township, which then included Gorham, was granted, in 1770, to Mark H. Wentworth and six others. It was soon after settled. The early settlers endured great hardships and suffered from the hostility of the Indians. Shelburne was incorporated Dec. 13, 1820. The population at that time was 230. The town of Gorham was taken from it June 18, 1836, but, notwithstanding this, in 1859 its population had increased to 480. It has since declined, and, at the census of 1880, it had only a population of 259. The present work gives sketches of the lives of the first settlers of the town, and a history of its industries, schools and churches. One chapter is devoted to its Indian history, one to its lead mines, and another to the White Mountain Stock Farm owned by the Hon. Robert I. Burbank, of Boston. The last chapter has been reprinted with the title given above. The Battle of Groton Heights. A Collection of Narratives, Official Reports, Records, etc., of the Storming of Fort Griswold, the Massacre of its Garrison and the Burning of New London by British Troops under the Command of Brig.Gen. Benedict Arnold, on the Sixth of September, 1781. With an Introduc tion and Notes. By WILLIAM W. HARRIS. Illustrated with engravings and maps, revised and enlarged, with additional notes by CHARLES ALLYN. London, Conn.: Charles Allyn. 1882. 8vo. pp. 399. Price, postpaid, $3.25 in cloth, and $4.75 in half morocco. New Every Another well filled volume has been added to our centennial literature. fact bearing upon the Battle of Groton Heights and the storming and capture of Fort Griswold, has been within the covers of this book carefully collated, and exhausts the story of that memorable day. The actors in that contest have long since passed away, and those to whom their information was imparted are fast fol lowing them. It is indeed the part of wisdom to place on record ancient facts and traditions, and to reprint the rare old pamphlets, which have long been out of print. A full The volume has been most carefully prepared; in some cases the original manuscript accounts have been exhumed, and reprinted verbatim et literatim. biographical account of many of those who risked their lives in the defence of Fort Griswold has been prepared, and forms a part of the compilation. The old cemetery at Groton where the heroes lie has been visited and the inscriptions copied; also many pictures are given of the antique gravestones. The archives of the state have been ransacked, and everything relating to the events of the sixth of September, one hundred years ago, has been carefully transcribed. The accounts of the affair which appeared in the current newspapers are quoted; Arnold's report to Sir Henry Clin 1882.] Book Notices. ton, Governor Trumbull's letter to Gen. Washington A Critical Review of American Politics. By CHARLES of Connecticut, and a full Gen. Joseph R. Hawley; Volane which will be read ending record one of the for country. This interesting volume affords us an opportunity "to SC us; "it offers us a mirror wherein the national institutions they are, untouched by the skilled yet flattering hand of t painting our national portrait, would soften and tone dow Yet who shall s tive features; but in so doing defeats his own plan and exhib not half so handsome as Nature made us. may not be defective, and that the "others" may not see us In plainer language, it is a description, philosophically modes and systems of political government, by a German has lived long enough in this country to understand its enough to forget those of his native land. It is reasonable observation of half a century in this country (he states aged 18) would have enabled the author to form a tolera national system; yet, while many things are justly and other ideas expressed that will cause reflection, some that a few that will provoke flat contradiction by the most em of American affairs; and I cannot but think that the a the eyes of the theorist and the philosopher than statesman. Among many instances of this, there may be room to page 420, in alluding to the period of the Rebellion, the "The public men of the land had gone t matically: had been disciplined in obsequiousness to the many true of Sumner, the fearless opponent of the slave p versed in the political history of his country who wi Giddings, Hale, Wade. Stevens or Chase? Those w parties; who educated, trained and moulded public not yield to it, as the author, further on, says of AC roe, Gallatin and Calhoun. The book is open to criticism in the matter of st sometimes ungrammatical; yet it is, in spite of the tertaining to those interested in the study of Americ other writers of the present day. Mr. Reemelin ha which would have materially added to the value of and neatly bound. By Oliver B. Stebbins, Esq., of South Boston Events in the History of New York City, with a New Yorker. No Pagination. No Index. It was a happy idea of Mr. John B. Morea books, to prepare a calendar recording under history of his native city, illustrated by a text f appeared in 1880, and it was so favorably recei volume was issued the next year. Each of th already numerous examples of the universali was not for an age but for all time," and, I has words for every theme. His comprehensi and ideas on the humblest as well as the mighti so frequently, so widely or so commonly used thoughts of others. simple dress, and in large, clear and distinct ty The compiler of the work under considerati. tions applicable to the events described, he in some instances the extracts are not the bes ustrations from Shakespeare, by O vols. 12 mo. 1880, 1881. the compiler of these two little day of the year an event in the Shakespeare. The first calendar by his friends, that a companion calendars furnishes another to the" f the genius of the great poet who add, for all places. Shakespeare tellect gave expression to thoughts st subjects; and there is no author quoting or to beautify or adorn the presents his volumes in pretty, yet Dography. In his selection of quotaas shown much ingenuity, though F de H. Th T. Wer great porat ham v lation had oni The F history history. owned by printed wi The Battle It must have been somewhat perplexing to find a local event for every day in the year, and this difficulty must have been increased when a second series of evess were required. Mr. Moreau, however, has not repeated the events except in a fer instances. In some cases the repeated dates differ from those in the first calenda. Thus, the death of Col. Marinus Willett is given in one volume as August 3, 163 and in the other as Aug. 23, 1830. The arrival of Gov. Sir Charles Hardy is dated in one, Sept. 1, 1755, and in the other, Sept. 20, 1755. The work is a ray conveniently arranged and appropriately condensed synoposis of matters and cumstances which will be read with pleasure by those interested in general as mi as local history. By O. B. Stebbins, Esq., of South Boston, Mass. Originality. By REV. ELIAS NASON. Boston: D. Lothrop & Co., 32 Francis This is an address in reply to the well-known and popular lecture of Wend?. History, Jurisdiction and Practice of the Court of Claims of the United States. B This pamphlet is reprinted from the Southern Law Review published at St. Lock, Judge Richardson, before his appointment to the bench of this court, had bei As Historical Account of the Memorable Actions, Particularly in Virginia; Records, et and the Bur Gen. Benedi tion and Not maps, revised. London, Conn. : in cloth, and $4.. Joseph Sabin, the bibliographer, in his " Dictionary of Books relatię says of the book here reprinted: "A very rare piece. I have se Another well filled fact bearing upon the Fort Griswold, has becIt is supposed that the copy from which this reprint is made a hausts the story of that the Library of the State of Virginia, is the one to which I visited Virginia in command of vessels trading with that col He was there in the time of Bacon's rebellion, and assisted between some of the insurgents and the government of th nd documents presented in this tract are important, of the history of Virginia on which historians a gives the memorable actions" of Sir Thomas a since passed away, and t. The volume has been mos. publishers, have done a good work in gel are and curious tract in such a handsom aining the services of so competents |