Text: Anonymous, “[Review of Southern Literary Messenger for April 1835],” Daily National Intelligencer (Washington, DC), vol. XXIII, whole no. 6945, May 15, 1835, p. 2, col. 2

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It is pleasing to understand that the Messenger goes on increasing in public patronage, and still more gratifying to find ample proof in its columns, that it deserves the general favor with which it is received. Many of the articles in the VIIth Number, just published, are excellent. We notice a few of them as exhibiting superior claims to attention. The Sketches of the History and present condition of Tripoli,” &c., have reached their fifth number, with no diminution of the chasteness of language, the clear detail of events, the sound and historian-like commentaries, and that general lucid arrangement, which were apparent in the early numbers, and which constitute evidences of great ability in the author. The narrative given in the present number, of the various steps which led to a treaty of peace with Yusuf, the Pacha of Tripoli, is given at length, and is highly interesting. Berenice, a tale by Edgar A Poe,” exhibits what modern critics call “great power.” It delineates, with thrilling accuracy, a species of monomania of a striking and original character. The state of mind, made up of weakness and energy, which, in the absence of the capacity of exercising sane and useful thought, broods over trifling fancies and insignificant objects, until they be come invested with terrific associations, is drawn in a striking manner, evincing great ability in the delineation of the more intricate workings of the human mind. But, we think the dignity of the narrative suffers by the importance given to the hero's fancy in regard to his mistress's teeth, with ugh it may be an apt illustration of the idiosyncracy described by the writer. The next article in order is an Extract from Reminiscences of a Western Traveller” — a tale of the Indian wars and the early frontier settlements, related in an easy, flowing style, and a tact at mingling dialogue with narrative, which would not discredit some of the most popular writers of works of fiction. The story of “Jonathan Bull and Mary Bull,” winch purports to be the “Copy of a manuscript written, but not published, at the period of the Missouri Question,” is a beautiful allegory, enforced by powers of reasoning, which betoken a master mind. It relates to the differences between the North and the South, on the subject of slaver; and while, from the conciliatory spirit in which the question is treated, it cannot offend the warmest partisan upon the subject, the argument used by Mary Bull cannot but arrest attention We particularly recommend the tale of BATHMENDI, translated by a practised hand, and rendered with great accuracy into pure and elegant English. It is one of the best of Florian's minor pieces, and the skill of the translator has retained its original excellence. “A SCENE IN PARIS, by a Virginian,” is a vivid sketch of the popular movements in 1827, and the Government measures consequent upon them, which led to the dissolution of the National Guard — a measure of State policy fraught with consequences which developed themselves al a subsequent period with momentous power. There is great beauty in some passages of this “Scene.” The description of the throng upon the Champ de Mars, for instance, is perfectly graphic, and (he tumultuary features are vividly drawn. The “Letters from Paris” continue to be vivacious and amusing, describing scenes with ease and-precision, and giving glimpses of society and manners in a polite and good-natured tone. Of the Poetry, there is perhaps equal proportions of good and indifferent, with three or four pieces of decided excellence. Of the latter, two are from the pen of Mrs. Sigourney, judging by their beauty, and the circumstantial evidence of her initials. There is a pretty exravaganza by a gentleman who chooses to subscribe himself Lary Lyle, and a letter in the correspondence from the same hand, in reply to some strictures of a Shepherdstown correspondent, in which Lary defends his poetry from the charge of obscurity and affectation. With all due respect for the undoubted merit of L. L.'s poetry, we must think there is some truth in the charge of obscurity in his first production. Lary, however, sustains his muse with spirit, and demolishes some of his opponent's strictures. We would warn him, however, from writing poetry at this day, and in this country, “to be studied,” as few, we fear, will be found willing to make poetry a study, amid the severer pursuits of this bustling world. Among the selected articles, are, a spirited letter of Willis from London; Courtship and Marriage,” (a tale which could have been told of no other than a Scotch woman,) and the Village Pastor's Wife,” (from the Western Monthly Magazine,) a most affecting and instructive story. We ought not to pass over the numerous scraps of history, most of which relate to our Revolutionary struggle, which are scattered through the pages of the Messenger. In collecting these scattered memorials of that heroic period, this work is performing an acceptable service. In this brief notice, we have merely alluded to the prominent features of the last number of Mr. White's Magazine, which fully sustains the reputation of former numbers, if it does not surpass them.