ON the 15th of June, 18-, the fine ship Edward Quesnel, E. Hawkins, master, one of the packets between New York and Havre, received her pas down to Sandy Hook Bay, where she anchored, awaiting a favorable wind. To our lovely and accomplished country women, | fine natural genius has been adorned and improved by may not a successful appeal be also addressed, to the treasures of learning. Though we do not present lend their aid in this meritorious task. Their in- this sketch of a voyage over the great deep as having fluence upon the happiness and destiny of society, any peculiar claims to admiration, and are sure that the is so extensively felt and acknowledged, that to author himself would disclaim for it any such pretensions-yet we do not hesitate to recommend it to our dwell upon its various bearings and relations, readers as a sportive, graphic, and interesting delineawould be altogether superfluous. It is to the tion of the novelties and adventures of a sea trip. watchful care of a mother's love, that those first principles of moral wisdom are implanted in childhood, which ripen into the blossoms and fruit of maturer years; and it is to the reproving virtues and refining tenderness of the sex, through all its muta-sengers on board at the former place, and dropped tions, from blooming sixteen to the matronly grace of forty-that man is indebted for all that is soft, and for much that is noble and wise, in his own character. It is true that there is another side to this picture. If a woman's education has itself been neglected; if she has been trained up in the paths of folly and vanity-and been taught to ornament the casket in preference to the celestial jewel which it contains,-she will neither be a fit companion for the sterner sex, nor be qualified to assume the divine responsibility of maternal instruction. To diffuse therefore not only the benefits of moral but intellectual culture, among those whom heaven has given to restore in part the blessings of a lost Eden-to withdraw their minds from vain and unprofitable pursuits-to teach them to emulate the distinguished names of their own sex, who have given lustre to literature, and scattered sweets in the paths of science—is a duty not only of paramount importance on our part, but claims the united and cordial support of the fair and interesting objects of our care. Let no one therefore presume to disparage this humble effort to redeem our country's escutcheon from the reproach which has been cast upon it. Let the miser open his purse-the prodigal save a pittance from his health-wasting and mind-destroying expenditures—the lawyer and physician, Here she remained until the next morning, which however brought no change of wind, but rather an increase of that which was already blowing full in our teeth, together with a most disagreeable accompaniment in the shape of a misty rain, which caused us to confine ourselves below the deck. The next morning came-and the next-but still all was dark and lowering, and still did the wind meet us from the ocean, or-what was equally unfavorable-remain hushed and calm. Day after day thus rolled by and found us quietly resting on the bosom of the waters; each morning hoping that "The breeze would freshen when the day was done;" and each evening retiring to rest, anxiously expecting to have our slumbers broken by the heaving up of the anchor. Each day however, were our hopes disappointed, until the evening of the 24th, when the wind proving favorable, we moved from our station with as much pleasure as would animate the garrison of a besieged fortress, marching out after the departure of the besiegers. Our probation of nine days was succeeded by weather as bright as that had been gloomy. The sky was unclouded— spare a little from their fees-the merchant and mechanic, from their speculations and labor-and "The sails were filled, and fair the light winds blew." the man of fortune, devote a part, a very small The pilot left us; and it was not until this last link part of his abundance, towards the creation of a which bound us to terra firma was separated, that new era in the annals of this blessed Old Dominion. I could realize to myself, that I was upon the pathIt may possibly be the means of effecting a salutary less deep; of which I had heard, and read, and reform in public taste and individual habits; of dreamed; but never had it entered my dreams, overcoming that tendency to mental repose and that I was one day to "wend my way" over its luxurious indulgence supposed to be peculiar to billows. The coast of America, rapidly receded southern latitudes; and of awakening a spirit of from the view; and when I laid my head upon my inquiry and a zeal for improvement, which cannot pillow, I bade fail ultimately to exalt and adorn society. H. EXTRACT FROM A JOURNAL. THE following is from the unpublished journal of a gentleman of this state, who visited Europe some years since, with objects, we believe, exclusively literary and scientific. Though not at liberty to mention his name, if we mistake not, the time will come when his country will be proud to claim him as one whose "My native land good night!" with a heaviness of heart, which I presume there is no one who has not felt, who sees fading from his sight, the land of his birth-the land which contains all for which he cares to live. There is something indescribable in the feeling of being thus separated as it were, from the rest of the world. It seems as though our ship is of itself, a distinct and independent world, on which we could this conclusion have been derived. It would wing our way, with "All heaven above, all ocean around us;" not knowing any, and unknown to all. Empires may fall-states be dissolved-whole nations swept from the earth; yet we pursue our course as profoundly ignorant of aught that has occurred, as are the inhabitants of another planet, of what is done upon our own. be unbecoming to omit to mention three articles which he excepted from the sweeping condemnation, and honored with his commendation. These were-1. Whiskey punch, whereof he occasionally illustrated the potency-2. A dish consisting of mustard, cayenne pepper and broiled ham, and in cuisinical nomenclature ycleped "a devil”—and 3. French mustard-of which the chief excellence seemed to consist in its containing something of almost every thing, save only the article whose name it bears: reminding me of the sermon of a priest who preached before Louis 16th, of whom the Monarch remarked, that had he but touched upon religion a little, he would have had a little of every thing. After getting fairly upon the ocean, and being satisfied, that we were making the best of our way to our place of destination, I began to direct my attention to those with whom my lot had been cast, and with whom I was daily to associate, whether willing or otherwise. And surely, since the days of Noah, never was a more heterogeneous congre- The last of the trio was the aforesaid Portugation deposited within the compass of a ship. | guese-an old doctor-who was equally an epicure Imprimis, there were three ladies-two of them with the last named gentleman, but who extended French and one American. There were three his critical acumen to works of the votaries of the Frenchmen, two Germans, one Italian, one Span-muses, as well as to the productions of the followiard, one Austrian Baron, one Dutch Naval Officer, one Portuguese-two natives of Massachusetts, two Rhode Islanders, two Pennsylvanians, two Virginians and one Mississippian. ers of "Le Sieur Louis Eustace Ude." He was Of this number there were three, who from their peculiarities, merit a more particular notice, than the mere enumeration I have given; and who, should any chance inform them, that any one had been "takin notes" of this voyage, would never forgive the chronicler who should pass over in silence their multifarious merits;-for however different otherwise, they most harmoniously agreed in the one particular of placing a sufficiently The rest of my fellow voyagers were unfortuexalted estimate upon their own qualities. One of nate enough to be remarkable for no peculiarities, these notable individuals was a Catholic Priest, a and among them, I found some pleasant compannative of Gascony, whose character may at once ions, who caused the time to pass with as little of be comprehended, by referring to the idea which irksomeness and inconvenience as can be expected one always conceives of the "Gascon ;"-for he on board a ship, where there is nothing of the beauimbodied in an eminent degree, those peculiarities ty and variety of scenery which beguile the land which I had hitherto supposed ridicule and satire, traveller of weariness, and where every one is but which I now found that truth, assigned to his forced to turn to his companions as the only source countrymen. Further, his tolerance towards the which can afford amusement, or which can, for gentlemanly peccadilloes of gaming and intoxica-"one treacherous hour," obliterate the recollection tion, was most praiseworthy. His zeal, or rather that every wave which urges the vessel onward in wrath, in defence of the Catholic religion, was her course, does but increase the distance between most edifying and his admiration of Bishop himself and his home. Dubourg most profound. the scene around and above him, destitute of all that can attract the eye and excite admiration. The ship itself is an object worthy of attention. It delightful to see For some time indeed, the situation of a voyaAnother of these worthies was a young gentle-ger, who for the first time crosses the ocean, man of ——————, from whose dissertations upon the possesses sufficient novelty to interest him; nor is subject, I learned more of the sublime science of cookery, than it had ever before fallen to my lot to acquire. He abused the viands which were every day set before us in profusion, and (as I most un-is scientifically imagined) of excellent quality, with most gentlemanly and connoisseurlike assurance; for the purpose I presume, of insinuating in that indirect and delicate manner, that he had been used to better things;-and verily his expedient was ingenious—since from no other part of his conduct "How gloriously her gallant course she goes, to watch the billows which she spurns from her ; waters. It is beautiful at night to see these billows | tions there assembled. The celebration commenced rolled from the prow in sheets of flame, whilst all with a prayer from the Rev. Mr. — of — around, where the waters are agitated, their sur- and I wish I could say that it ended as appropriface appears studded with stars, which shine as if ately; for soon after dinner it became quite appato rival those which sparkle on high:-or when rent, that a certain young gentleman, and old the moon arises, to behold the flood of mild doctor, of whom I have before spoken, however radiance which she casts along the deep, which well fortified against mustard and cayenne, were not proof against champagne-so · they were put to bed. "Sleeps in the night-beam beauteously." Should a sail perchance cross this path of light, it seems a fairy visitant of this earth, and just about to take its departure from it for the bright world beneath which it seems suspended. All this is scenery which can in no other situation be enjoyed, yet which like every thing else, soon palls upon the taste, as I can bear testimony both on my own behalf and on that of On the evening of the 16th of July, we were first greeted by that sound of all others, the most grateful to the ears of those who have been for twenty tedious days, upon the unstable element. The deck was soon deserted by the younger portion of the passengers, who climbed to various heights, according to their proficiency, to behold "My comates and brothers in exile." the welcome prospect. The shore of "merry We soon became accustomed to "the wonders of England" could then be seen; presenting to the the deep" and far from responding to the senti-eye however, nothing save a line faintly sketched, ment of Long Tom in "the Pilot," who declared undulating a little above the horizon, so that many that "the sight of land always made him feel uncomfortable;" rather agreed with Gonzalo in the Tempest, when he asseverated that he would "give a thousand furlongs of sea, for an acre of barren ground." Our taste became so perverted, that heeded not the grandeur of the ocean or the beauties of the heavens, and sighed that we had "No delight to pass away the time, Unless to spy our shadows in the sun," we or engage in the most sage pastime of building "Sometime we'd see a cloud look dragonish; In short, every thing which could divert for a The graceful little nautilus too, spreading its transparent sail, and pursuing its dancing career over the waves, was ever hailed with acclamation; though as a faithful journalist, who would wish even in the slightest affairs to be considered "an honest chronicler," I am compelled to denounce them as unprofitable sailors, as they ever steer full in the "wind's eye." still remained in doubt 'till the light-house far blazed, Like a star in the midst of the ocean." Thus did we enter the English channel (almost the end of our voyage,) without having encountered any of those "dangers of the seas" of which we hear and read such appalling descriptions. I really felt almost mortified that I should have crossed the great Atlantic, without having beheld the waves running "mountain high," with bottomless abysses between; without having seen, the strained mast quiver as a reed, And the rent canvass, fluttering strew the gale." I cannot pretend to say however that this would at all have improved my idea of a sea voyage; towards which I cannot say that my experiment has impressed me very favorably. Indeed I cannot but wonder at the magnificent descriptions sometimes given, of an "excursion over the waters"-gentle Zephyrs swelling the sails-Tritons and Nereids sporting around, melodious with Conchs-Old Neptune calming the waves-and the gallant vessel gaily bounding "O'er the glad waters of the dark blue sea," as if the whole were a fairy pageant. I can only give it as my opinion, that most of those who give such glowing representations of a sea voyage, have either, never tried one; or are guilty of the common littleness of imitation-imitation of the noble bard who "laid his hand on ocean's mane," and who exclaimed-"I have loved thee ocean!" because in reality he did. For my own part, I can give no better idea of my opinion of a ship, than by quoting a definition of one, which struck me as peculiarly felicitousviz. "a dirty prison with a good chance of being drowned." A most remarkable event in our voyage was the celebration of the anniversary of our independence; which, happening about the middle of our course, was mirthfully kept by the Americans on board, On the 18th; our eyes when turned towards the aided by the representatives of the different na-east, no longer wandered over a drear expanse of waters, but the coast of "la belle France" offered itself to our view, and as we gradually approached, it assumed the appearance of tremendous cliffs, presenting their awful fronts full to the ocean. For the Southern Literary Messenger. as the shrine at Mecca, to the pilgrim,-shares his glory with her, who wrought among the rudiments of his being, with no careless or uncertain hand. The monument which now designates her last repose,-which her native clime should have hasted to erect,-but which private munificence exulted to rear,-speaks strongly and eloquently AMID the untiring efforts of the present age, to to her sex. It bids them impress the character of elevate the standard of female education, it is pos- true greatness upon the next generation. It warns sible that the excellencies of a more ancient sys-them to prepare by unslumbering effort, for this tem, may be too much disregarded. In our zeal tremendous responsibility. It reminds them that for reformation, we are in danger of discarding, in their appointed ministration, they stand but “a or pronouncing obsolete, some requisitions of sa- little lower than the angels." And let her who is lutary.tendency. The wider range both of intel-disposed to indulge in lassitude, or to trifle away lect and accomplishment, which is now prescribed, the brief season of her probation,—or to forget seems to exclude some of those practical and that she may stamp an indelible character either homebred virtues, on which the true influence of for good or evil, on some immortal mind,-go and woman depends. renounce her errors, and deepen her energies,— and relumine her hopes, at the tomb of the Mother of Washington. There was a fine mixture of energy and dignity, in the character of females, of the higher ranks in our olden time. We of modern days, to whom languor and luxury are dear, allege that it was carried too far. We complain that it involved reserve and sternness. Perhaps, we are not sensible that we verge so palpably to the other extreme, as to retain in our style of manners scarcely the shadow of that power by which folly is checked and frivolity silenced. matron. pronoun L. H. S. For the Southern Literary Messenger. THE most servile are frequently the most arrogant. The possessor of these qualities will display the one or the other according to the condition of the person whom he encounters. For an individual who in the estimation of society holds a rank above him, he will be ready to perform any office, however menial: while to another, The mother of Washington, has been whose situation in life is more humble, he will be in the ced a model of the true dignity of woman. She highest degree haughty and assuming. No man of proseemed to combine the Spartan simplicity and firm-per feeling can entertain the least respect for such a ness, with the lofty characteristics of a Roman character. How very different from that of Urbanus. His manner always shows a consideration for those With a heart of deep and purified affec- whose station in society may be less desirable than his tions, she blended that majesty which commanded own. He feels the disposition to oblige, and never fails the reverence of all. At the head of a large to indulge it when a proper occasion is presented. Let household, whose charge, by the death of her hus- any individual of correct deportment be in want of aid band, devolved solely on her, the energy of her which Urbanus can give, and no matter how humble tireless superintendence preserved subordination his condition, that aid will be extended. Not so, howand harmony. The undeviating integrity and un-ever, when the man who wishes his services assumes a shaken self-command of her illustrious son, were developements of her own elements of character,fruits from those germs which she planted in the soil of his infancy. To the inquiry, what course had been pursued in the early education of one, whom not only America, but the world, regarded with honor almost divine, she replied,—" his first lesson was to obey." It was her dignity of manner, courteous, yet rejecting all ostentation, and content to array itself in the "plain and becoming THE Communication which follows on the subject of garb of the ancient Virginian lady,”—that elicit that remarkable kind of "extemporaneous speaking” ed from those accustomed to the pomp and gor-which has been long practised in some parts of Europe, geous costume of European courts, the high praise, that "it was no wonder that a country which produced such mothers, could boast such a man as Washington." He therefore, who has been likened to Fabius, to Cincinnatus, and to other heroes of antiquity, only to show how greatly he transcended them by being a christian,—he who has made the hallowed shades of Mount Vernon, as sacred to the patriot, superiority over him. A laudable pride and a proper self-respect will then forbid what otherwise might be done. Urbanus will be courteous and polite to all, but in a state of subjection to none. He will take a pleasure in yielding, of his own free will, to talents, attainments, and high character, their just due. But this must be the result of his own opinion as to what is right, and not the effect of base submission to another's will. C. but is entirely unknown in this country,-is entitled to the reader's attention not only on account of the source from which it is derived, but also from its intrinsic merit. An accomplished improvvisatore is certainly an intellectual phenomenon, of the existence of which we should be strongly inclined to doubt-if so many well attested facts did not establish it beyond all controversy. We hope that some one of our readers of taste and erudition will furnish a handsome translation of the Italian poetry which accompanies the article. For the Southern Literary Messenger. ASTONISHING as it may appear, there are men who can deliver extemporaneously, not only excellent orations and discourses, but also beautiful poems, tragedies and comedies. Exhibitions of this kind have been so frequent, that no deception can possibly exist. You may even specify the measure in which you desire the poetical production, and the verses, as if inspired, will flow from the lips of the improvvisatore, with ease, elegance, and beauty. When I was in Paris, Sgricci extemporized several tragedies in Italian.* Eugene Pradel delivered a poem on Columbus, and proposed to extemporize tragedies and operas in French. It was in 1825 that Sgricci invited the literati of Paris to meet in a spacious hall, where he was to extemporize a tragedy. Every spectator was allowed to vote for the subject of the play, and the majority decided in favor of the Death of Charles I. A few moments afterwards, Sgricci explained the dramatis persona, and began to deliver extempore a tragedy of about fifteen hundred verses! That production was printed, and many passages are full of poetical talent. Francisco Gianni extemporized, during one year, every morning and evening, two pieces of poetry under the title of Saluto del Matino, and Saluto de la Sera. In order that the lovers of Italian poetry may judge Gianni's skill in extemporising, I will quote as a specimen, one of his productions. SALUTO DE LA SERA. Or non più de' pianti miei Dant. Parad. cant. 1. Manuel could at any time speak appropriately and eloquently without preparation. The number of improvvisatori is very great, and I might enumerate, if necessary, many of these distinguished men. Italy boasts of the names of several ladies who have acquired fame by their poetical extempore compositions, among whom I may mention the Bandettini, the Mazei and the Corilla. This fact being admitted, two questions arise--1st. Is it possible to acquire this wonderful talent? 2nd. What are the means to be employed in order to succeed in speaking extemporaneously? To the first question, I answer affirmatively.The talent of speaking extempore is always an acquired one: all good improvvisatori have followed a course of mental exercises. Illustrious men at first uttered a few words with stammering tongues, then spoke hesitatingly-and by proper combinations of their intellectual faculties, became the extraordinary improvvisatori, who excite wonder and admiration. Experience shows the truth of this assertion. The second question is, what are the means to be employed in order to succeed in speaking extempore? They are numerous, and they must be pursued with that enthusiasm and perseverance, without which, a man can never reach the temple of fame: for he who feels the noble ambition of distinguishing himself from the crowd which surrounds him he who wishes to leave traces of his passage on earth, and to raise a monument which ages shall not destroy—must be moved by an energetic spirit, and have the moral courage to banish mental indolence from his bosom-to shake off that apathy so fatal to intellectual improvement, and to imbibe that love of immortality, which will carry him triumphantly through his career. He will bear in mind meanwhile, that "Aucun chemin de fleurs ne conduit à la gloire," and deeply impressed with this important truth, will display the energy necessary to overcome all difficulties. I will not say that it is easy-that it requires but little labor to become a good extempore speaker. Still less will I advance the false opinion, that some men are naturally so. You will perceive by what follows, that I am far from believing it. What are the preliminary acquirements of a good improvvisatore? He must embrace the whole circle of human knowledge. He must know the fundamental principles of nearly all the arts and sciences, (I do not mean by this, that it is necessary he should possess the details connected with them-that is above human Che tremando, va mancando strength)—he must be acquainted with all the re Quando in Ciel risorgì il sole, Di dolcezza a tanto ardore. volutions in which human genius has been displayed he must be familiar with all important discoveries, and with the deeds of great men, in all ages and countries. He must be a cosmopolite, that is to say, he must be acquainted with the customs |