Page images
PDF
EPUB

their march that there was no longer a constitutional government, no rallying point, as it is a march of thirty or forty days from the Calabrias and Apulia to the frontiers. Besides, could the militia, collected for the first time, and with so much precipitation, deserve the name of battalions? The "three hundred" Abruzzians who offered themselves as rivals of the soldiers of Leonidas, and the "sacred battalion," destined for the corps which I commanded, were never organized. Was it then the fault of the nation, if it was so badly directed, and taken by surprise in the manner it was? Were not the taxes punctually paid, good order maintained every where without gens d'armes, and did not sixty national battalions march immediately in obedience to a mere telegraphic order? And does not their rapid march, in the midst of so much confusion, prove beyond dispute the national order and unanimity ?'

General Pepe has been blamed by military men for beginning the attack on the Austrians, instead of remaining in the passes of Antrodoco; - which latter measure, it is supposed, would have enabled him to dispute the possession of the Abruzzi with more chances of success. He thus vindicates his own conduct on that

occasion:

[ocr errors]

In a question of this kind we must not look to the opinions of the multitude, but to those of experienced officers; and I know that at Paris several distinguished Generals, including some of the marshals of France, were all of opinion that I could not dispense with reconnoitring the enemy; and that commanding young troops and national guards, brought together for the first time, it was necessary to defend the Abruzzi, not by waiting steadily to be attacked by disciplined troops, but by repeated engagements without losing the advantage of position. * And if I had been able to an

nounce

*It was very generally reported in the capital and in the provinces that my orders were, not to attack the Austrians, who if they had not received provocation, would not have marched against us. These reports were spread on purpose to make it be believed, that I was the author of all the calamities which the nation would suffer from the war, and thereby draw upon me the hatred of my fellow-citizens, and deprive me of the possibility of serving them as a rallying point for the defence of the country. How could it ever be supposed, that the Austrians, who had declared their intention of entering the kingdom, even if the constitutional government were abolished, and had assembled the whole of their forces in the neighbourhood of Rieti, would have suspended hostilities if I had not attacked them? They only remained inactive for a few days at Rieti, waiting the effect of the publication of the threats and promises of the King, and General Frimont, in order to effect by such means of seduction the disbanding of my corps, and to get information of my movements by their spies. The Intendant of Aquila, who had been several months with the Austrians, directed their espionage with a great deal of talent. Finally, if it suited the enemy to gain time, by a parity of reasoning it did not suit me to

grant

nounce to the nation the details of the 7th of March, divested of the disbanding, what a powerful effect it would have had upon the spirit of the people, of the army, and of the national guards!' Art. 24. An Historical Guide to Ancient and Modern Dublin. Illustrated by Engravings, after Drawings by Geo. Petrie, Esq. To which is annexed a Plan of the City. By the Rev. J. N. Wright, A. M. 12mo. pp. 442. 10s. 6d. Boards. Baldwin

and Co. 1821.

As we have had in late years so many Guides to places of resort at home and abroad, both important and insignificant, it may perhaps be some evidence of the neglect which our sister-island has suffered from us, in various respects, that we have not till now been supplied with a Vade Mecum for its metropolis. The present thick and closely printed volume may now be considered as remedying this deficiency; especially as it has the respectable sanction of its compiler's name, who declares that he has taken every pains to deserve the praise of candor, activity, and accuracy; and that extensive local knowledge, diligent investigation where it was required, and information derived from members of some of the most important bodies of the city,' have been concentrated to accomplish his object.

The work gives a sketch of the ancient History of Ireland; an account and geographical Description of the City of Dublin, with its Castle, Chapel, and Government; the University, and all its institutions; the Bank, and its Offices and Machinery; the Private and Country Bankers; the various Institutions and Societies; the Cathedrals, Churches, and Catholic Chapels; Friaries and Nunneries; Protestant Dissenting Chapels; Municipal Government, Police, Prisons, and Houses of Correction; Asylums, Charitable Associations, and Schools; Theatres, and other Places of Amusement; Barracks; Squares and Bridges; Law Courts and Public Offices; Hospitals, Dispensaries, &c. &c.

[ocr errors]

The great number of charitable and medical institutions shew that Dublin is as much distinguished by the benevolence and munificence of its inhabitants as, to the honor of the age, all European cities of importance are now found to be. In the account of one of these buildings, in Baggot-street, called the "House of Refuge," for young women of unquestionable character, who are seeking situations and employment, founded by Mrs. Blachford, we meet with this interesting and pleasing anecdote : Mrs. H. Tighe, author of "Psyche," bestowed the purchase-money, given for that very beautiful poem, on this excellent institution, which was grant it him. The circumstances which took place in Piedmont a few days after were quite unlooked for by me, and could not be reckoned upon; as in the month of September preceding, having in concert with the Junta of the government sent Colonel Pisa for the purpose of sounding the dispositions of that people and their government towards the Austrians, he was assured by persons of consequence that the Piedmontese were indisposed from making any movement in our favour.'

founded

founded by her mother.' Such an act evinces that, in the mind of this accomplished lady, the beautiful virtue of charity was united to the graces of imagination; and it deserves imitation from others, whose successful pens have contributed to the affluence of their purse.

Many interesting particulars might be picked out of this volume; the statistics of Dublin being, as we believe and have already intimated, not very well known to the English public: but we prefer to recommend the volume itself to our readers. The plates, seventeen in number, are very neatly executed.

Art. 25. Paramythia; or, Mental Pastimes: being original Anecdotes, collected chiefly during a long Residence at the Court of Russia by the Author. 12mo. 6s. Boards. Lawler and Quick.

1821.

It appears from internal evidence that we owe this little collection to Mr. Walker, who in 1803 published a folio volume on the Manners of the Russians, in conjunction with Mr. Atkinson; and who now vouches for the truth of all that he relates. He passed many years at St. Petersburgh, during the reigns of the great Catherine and the mad Paul; and such of his anecdotes as refer to those personages must be deemed the most interesting, though it will scarcely be supposed that they can throw any new and material light on their characters. The author professes himself to be a lover of drollery, and some few of his stories exemplify that he is truly such, by sacrificing a little of decorum to that propensity. The anecdotes, which are called Scraps, are all prefaced by introductions, and for these remarks Mr. W. begs the indulgence of his readers and critics; an indulgence which we shall readily grant, as they often shew his turn for observation and knowlege of the world, though they also prove the truth of his own admission, that on the score of education' he has little to boast,' the language being frequently inaccurate. (See p. 21., horses, dogs, cattle, and animals;' p. 125., ' firemen and assistance is difficult to obtain,' &c. &c.)

Our readers will thank us for a few quotations:

Such is the awe that dignified majesty impresses on the beholders, and so peculiarly eminent was it in the striking manners and deportment of her Imperial Majesty, the Empress Catherine, that even a Frenchman was overcome by it. The Count de was appointed ambassador by the court of Versailles to that of St. Petersburg: on the day of his audience and presentation, the Empress was seated on a splendid throne in the marble-hall, surrounded by the imperial family, the chevalier guard in silver armour, her generals, admirals, great officers of state, and of the court; foreign ministers, ladies of rank, and other distinguished characters, &c. &c. The Count de entered the saloon, but

was so completely astonished and overawed by the magnificence of the scene, that, instead of delivering the speech he had studied, he could only kneel down at the foot of the throne, and stammer out, "Le roi, mon maitre,- Le roi, mon maitre," and could absolutely

get

get no farther. The Empress, pitying his confusion and distress, rose with her accustomed obliging affability, and said, "My dear Count - The King your master, feeling the most friendly disposition towards me and my empire, and wishing me all the happiness this world can bestow, has honoured you with the appointment of his ambassador so to tell me." Then stepping from the throne with the utmost grace and ease, gave him her hand to kiss, and walked out of the hall.'

It is no scandal to admit that the benevolent, kind, 'sensible, and great Catherine, had, when she was a widow, her favourites. General was appointed, and within a day or two after the appointment, was walking with the Empress in the hermitage. (He had, as may be supposed, his embarrassments.) On entering the billiard-room, where they meant to play, I was found unfortunately standing by the fire. The Empress, whose presence of mind never forsook her, and who was fondling a little monkey she held on her arm, shoved him off. The animal leapt from her arm upon the billiard-table, and from thence upon my shoulder. I was fortunately used to the brute, and therefore stood still, without betraying any symptoms of fear. Her Majesty, seeing that, clapt her hands together, exclaiming, " Général, j'ai gagné." The General, as the reader may suppose, remained silent; and while I, with due respect, was passing round one end of the billiard-table, and they were passing round the other, "Your hundred roubles, General, said her Imperial Majesty; "I told you the English were never taken by surprise, or freightened;" and, nodding to me, added, "Bon jour, W.

[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]

Though the Russians had great reason to rejoice when the reign of the Emperor Paul was over, (indeed it was necessary to the well-doing of the empire,) yet much is to be said in his favour. He was an affectionate husband and father, a generous friend, and a liberal sovereign; often extremely amiable; always polite and witty; and though certainly not a handsome man, yet there was in his looks an air of wholesome health and cheerfulness, that impressed every one much in his favour. I think he could not control his errors; as there was evidently a slight approach to insanity in the organization of his mind; in fact, he was not master of himself, or, as a Scotchman would say, he had a bee in his bonnet.'

Extremes are dangerous. The vexatious sumptuary laws of the Emperor Paul alarmed, teazed, and perplexed every body; but the simplicity and unaffected manner of the present Emperor and his consort have also had their inconveniences, as will be manifest in the following, so difficult is it to govern.

When the present Emperor came to the throne, and people were allowed to walk, ride, and dress rationally, and not like the old-fashioned wax-figures of the fifteenth century, her Imperial Majesty enjoyed, in common with others, this national reformation. She was walking in the summer-gardens, dressed with tasteful simplicity, and being really a beautiful, well-formed, interesting person, was noticed by an officer in the guards, who, having only seen

her

her at court in a hoop-petticoat, lappets, and all the other cumbrous paraphernalia, did not know her. He was much struck with her, accosted her, and went a step too far in his behaviour and importunities. The Empress was obliged to call a court-servant to assist her escape from this enterprising knight, and, when she got to the palace, mentioned the circumstance to the Emperor. He soon 'discovered the offender, but contented himself with saying, next morning, on the parade, that some officer in his guards had greatly insulted a lady who was dear to him in the summer-gardens: that when he relaxed the strict sumptuary laws which lately existed, he meant his subjects should enjoy a rational liberty; but he was sorry to find it had already degenerated into licentiousness. He further added his hope that such improper conduct would never be repeated; and concluded by trusting the gentlemen around him would think him mild, when they were told it was her Imperial Majesty who was the unfortunate lady so offended.'—

A Russian merchant, whose name at this moment I do not recollect, (nor is it important,) was extremely, even immensely, rich, yet lived in a small obscure room, with hardly any fire, furniture, or attendance, though his house was larger than many palaces; bury'ing his money in casks in the cellar; and was so great a miser that he barely allowed himself the common necessaries of life. He placed great security in the possession of a tremendous large and fierce dog, who used to go round his premises barking every night: the dog (as most dogs will do) died one day. His master was incon'solable; but, remaining strict to his principle of economy, would not buy another, and actually performed the faithful creature's services himself, going his rounds every evening, and barking as well and as loud as he could, in imitation of his deceased friend.'

his

We can certainly recommend this small volume as a cure for an occasional half hour's ennui, and we are inclined to underwrite the author's declaration that his anecdotes are all new, as well as true.

[ocr errors]

CORRESPONDENCE.

Hibernicus' will find that we have not been inattentive to the circumstances of his distressed country, at this moment; and, if he will consult our last Number, he will there see a full and we believe a just representation of the evils under which Ireland is suffering, and has so long suffered.

A Reader' is referred to the varying law of custom, - the "lex et norma loquendi."

'X. Y.' is requested to draw a small draft on his stock of patience.

The APPENDIX to the last Volume of the Monthly Review was · published on the 1st of June, with the Number for May.

« PreviousContinue »