From the Most Rev. John Hughes, D.D. NEW YORK, Feb. 13, 1858.

I have read with care the first volume of the New American Cyclopædia. If the others, that are to succeed, should exhibit the same evidences of accu

racy and just criticism, I think the learned editors will have conferred a public benefit at once on their country and its literature. I discover everywhere, traces of original and severe study, going to prove that this is not a slavish imitation of any similar work. So far as I am competent to form a judgment, I think this work eminently entitled to encouragement, and I trust the learned editors and the enterprising publishers will have no reason to regret the labor and expense which they are bestowing on their Cyclopædia, with a view to place in the hand of every reader a Compendium of Universal Knowledge which shall be, as by the first volume it promises, accurate beyond any preceding publication of the same kind.

JOHN HUGHES, Abp. of New York.

From William H. Prescott, Esq.
BOSTON, Feb. 2, 1858.

Messrs. D. Appleton & Co.
GENTLEMEN:

I should sooner have made you an acknowledgment for the volume of your New American Cyclopædia, but I have delayed until I could make myself so far acquainted with it as to form an opinion of its merits. A work so extensive, which is the product of so many minds, must necessarily have some inequalities in the manner of its execution. As far as I have examined it, it seems, in general, to be conducted with great ability, showing a careful research into the topics treated, and conveying rich stores of information of the most various kinds. The articles on natural science are evidently furnished by scholars competent in their department; and the historical and biographical sketches are written in a style of classic elegance, and, where literary criticism is demanded, show much acuteness and nice discrimination.

The success of such a work must depend upon the judicious selection of the subjects treated, as well as on the scholarship and talent of the writers who discuss them. From the excellent specimen given in this first volume, and from the high character of the scholars charged with the superintendence of the Cyclopædia, we may form the happiest auguries for the future. Should the remainder be exe

cuted with an ability equal to that of this introductory volume, the reader will be furnished with a work-or rather, from its large extent, a whole library-on a vast variety of topics, which cannot fail to be of the greatest interest to the student, as well as the literary lounger.

Wishing you success in your enlightened and patriotic enterprise, I remain, gentlemen,

Very truly, your obd't serv't,

WM. H. PRESCOTT.

From Rt. Rev. Horatio Potter, D.D., LL.D., Provisional Bhp. (Prot. Episcop.) of N. Y. NEW YORK, Feb. 15, 1858.

Messrs. D. Appleton & Co.

I have to thank you for a copy of the first number of your New American Cyclopædia, and to express my gratification that so important and valuable a work has been undertaken by American editors and American publishers. It has been quite out of my power to do more than just look into it here and there; and, without supposing that it can be free from the imperfections incident to a work which is to emanate from persons holding very conflicting opinions, I feel quite sure that it will be marked by distinguished ability, and that, when concluded, it will be a vast storehouse of late and very important information-such a work as almost every intelligent person will be glad to have always near him for reference. I can only express the hope that so large an undertaking may be duly sustained and crowned with ultimate success. I remain, Very respectfully and truly yours, HORATIO POTTER. From the Rev. W. P. Strickland, D. D., Edi. tor of the Christian Advocate and Journal. NEW YORK, Jan. 22, 1858.

I have examined the first volume of the New American Cyclopædia, published by the Appletons, New York, and can, without hesitancy, say, that it gives evidence of all that the publishers' prospectus claims for the entire work; namely that of excelling all similar works in the richness, variety, and extent of its contents, as well as in the clearness and precision of its expositions. Its broad catholic character, in which it maintains perfect neutrality in all matters of mere speculation; the exact fairness with which it treats the doctrines and practices of every sect in religion and every party in politics, leaving the representatives of each to present their own expositions, is a rare feature and one which must commend it to universal patronage. The acknowledged ability of its editors, together with the number and qualifications of its contributors, is a sufficient guarantee that the remaining volumes will be equal to the first for the extent and accuracy of their matter. W. P. STRICKLAND. From the Rev. E. H. Chapin, D.D, LL.D. NEW YORK, Jan. 30, 1858.

Messrs. D. Appleton & Co.
GENTLEMEN:

with that particularity which so important a work Although I have not yet had time to inquire, deserves, into the merits of the first volume of your New American Cyclopædia, I am struck, even on a its careful accuracy, its freshness as to dates, its cursory examination, with its copiousness, its variety, large amount of new matter, not to be found elsewhere, and its entertaining style. But I am especially gratified to find that the editors have, with equal sagacity and conscientiousness, fulfilled the promise held out in your prospectus-that, "abstaining from