Chapter XV (2)

It was now half past nine o’clock. The steamer was rolling and pitching a good deal, and the wind had increased until the white caps, notwithstanding it was quite dark, were plainly visible. I shall not soon forget the terror experienced while suspended over the boat. Her appearance was as frail as a cockle-shell, and being tossed about like a feather, she was continually rising and falling with the sea, which rendered it difficult to keep her properly off from the steamer. While thus suspended, Captain Frisbie, sailor-like, clambered over and down the side of the vessel, and getting into the boat, called out,--“Now let her down easy.” Down went the chair for a moment, and then came the cry,--“Hold on! be careful! get her more from the side of the ship.” For a few moments a state of rest, with both mind and body _in suspension_, followed; then, again, was heard,--“Now, easy”; then up came the boat, reaching nearly to the top of the ship’s bulwarks; but directly I was lowered, and, being freed from the chair, grasped nervously the gunwale of the boat, and sitting down, awaited in dread and dismay the hoisting and lowering, in the same way, of the captain’s wife. The sailors then assisted Master Charlie and the captain’s little son down the ship’s side; and all being ready, we left, and were rowed half a mile in the darkness, through the breaking sea, while our boat leaked so much, that, although there was constant bailing, the water gained on us so fast that it was soon over the tops of my slippers, and I could feel and calculate its increase of depth. I observed that the sailors used great care, aiming to keep the boat in such a position that she would ride the waves as safely as possible; but Charlie, who sat near the bow, said that we twice came near shipping a sea and being submerged. On approaching the bark we found her also rolling and pitching fearfully, and the idea of getting sufficiently near her side to be taken on board seemed truly formidable; but, by God’s blessing, we also passed safely through this peril, and finding ourselves on her deck, were relieved of an herculean weight of anxiety and hopeless fear, such as no one can feel or understand unless made to pass through the same terrible ordeal.

The name of the bark was the _Morning Star_, then eight days from New York, and bound to the island of St. Thomas. She was in reality what the pirates first suspected, a “Yankee”; but having been recently sold, and placed under Danish colors, was saved from sharing the fate of the _Jacob Bell_. Like most of the small trading-vessels plying between New York and the West Indies, she was prepared to carry a few passengers, and had a nice cabin, with comfortable accommodations. We were received and welcomed on board in the most humane and kindly manner,--the captain directly giving up his private cabin, and having it arranged with two berths, for the use of Mrs. Frisbie and myself. Indeed, this little _Morning Star_, (Sterling, master,) proved herself a whole constellation of light, hope, and joy to us; her captain also proved a _sterling_ commander; nor shall we cease being grateful to her officers for their warm-hearted civility and kindness.

It was after eleven o’clock when all the luggage was said to have been brought on board. The breeze had still further increased, and we were put under sail as speedily as possible; the captain and officers of the bark meanwhile congratulating one another on having escaped unscathed, and evidently glad to widen the distance between themselves and the pirate as fast as possible. I reached the deck of the bark not only with wet feet, but with the lower part of the skirts of my garments in the same uncomfortable condition. In my hand-trunk, it will be remembered, had been put what would make me comfortable in such an emergency; but the steward, after looking for it among the luggage as thoroughly as the confused state of things and the imperfect light of a lantern would permit, reported that it could not be found. We therefore conjectured that it was hidden under the pile of luggage, and would probably come to light in the morning. Happily Charlie was enabled, soon after we reached the cabin of the bark, to get at his trunk of clothing designed for the homeward voyage, and brought me a pair of his woollen hose, which were a comfortable substitute for my wet ones. The little trunk, however, not being found, I was compelled to seek another night’s rest in the same condition of personal discomfort in which we all slept on board the _Florida_.

In the morning my hand-trunk was still missing. It was secured by two locks; and, as already mentioned, was full to repletion with what was then to me more valuable than gold, and without which I must not only suffer, perhaps disastrously, from the cold weather on our coast, but be deprived of the means of making a respectable toilette. Through all the destruction of our property I had not thus far shed a tear for any of the many sacredly associated treasures destroyed so ruthlessly by men worse than Goth or Vandal; but the fact of the complete destitution to which I was reduced, in being deprived of all means of personal tidiness and womanly comfort, was too much, and the tears could not be repressed. My two trunks used for sea-clothing on the voyage were sent on board, but nearly all the supplies they contained when we left China having been worn and soiled, had been put into a large clothes-hamper, which was one of the lost packages. I was not certain, even, that I had clothes enough remaining to give myself a respectable garb; nor was it convenient, while on the bark, to get at the trunks in order to make a proper examination. Fortunately, on retiring I had placed my wet stockings where they dried during the night, and, as a dernier resort, was glad to be able to put them on again in the morning. Finding, also, in the counterpane bundle a forlorn old delaine frock, only intended to be worn in times of wretched sea-sickness, (when one, in order to recover, must be on deck in all kinds of weather,) it was soon appropriated, enabling my personal appearance to be only that of bare decency; while Miss Flora McFlimsey’s complaint of “nothing to wear,” (minus only the poetry,) came home to me in all the eloquence of _unadorned_ truth. Perhaps some of the ungrateful Floras among my countrywomen might have learned a valuable lesson by being put to such straits; but I could not be wicked enough to wish any of them a taste of my experience unless they make themselves morally monstrous by claiming to sympathize with the Southern rebels, and boast of their disloyalty to our Government. For the thorough-bred Southern woman, with her rebelliously educated heart, I have much pitiful regard; but none for the shameless Northern defamer of her Government and the land of her birth.

On further search it was discovered, that besides the small trunk, the outlaws had kept a small package, well tied up with a rope, which contained a folding-chair, designed for sea-travel; a large fur rug from the Amoor River, which had been purchased at Fuh-chau, for comfort and protection from the cold as we neared the coast; an East India pillow, covered with fine matting, and a most desirable article in the tropics; and a silk sun-umbrella, having an outer covering of white calico, after the fashion of the East, together with several other articles of value from association. On leaving the pirate we had little thought of losing the trunk, but did have some fears that the roped package might be retained. When obtaining permission for the folding-chair to be brought on board the _Florida_ with the rest of our luggage, I was careful not to tell Captain Maffit that it was made of a piece of oak taken from the old English man-of-war _Minden_, on board of which Mr. Key, during his imprisonment, wrote the “Star-Spangled Banner”; but Charlie, on returning from the _Jacob Bell_ to the steamer on the day of the plundering, said that Captain Frisbie had very unwisely informed Captain Maffit of its origin, and that when it was about to be taken into the boat in order to be transferred, Captain Maffit forbade it, remarking, that it could not be taken off the _Jacob Bell_. I had, however, been very intent upon saving an article so sacred by reason of its associations, and had asked a subordinate officer of the _Florida_--who went on board the _Jacob Bell_ at about the time his captain left her--if he would be so kind as to see the chair sent on board. Not knowing the order of his superior in regard to the matter, he did so; and being on deck when it was handed over the side of the steamer, I gladly pressed forward to receive it; to which no one objecting, (I think Captain Maffit was present,) it was deposited with other articles in our cabin. The fact that, during the afternoon we were in pursuit of the Danish bark, Captain Maffit had informed Captain Frisbie of his hoping, at about night-fall, to get us taken on board as passengers, led us to make some little preparation towards our desired departure; and while Charlie was engaged in arranging and tying up the package, (already described as containing the chair,) Captain Maffit entered the cabin, and after looking thoughtfully at the boy for a few moments, said,--“Why, Charlie, you are beginning early to prepare for leaving.” I then repeated what we understood he had said to Captain Frisbie, remarking, that we thought it the better way, in order not to cause any delay, to be partly in readiness; that the fur rug would, in my delicate state of health, be an important article of comfort in helping to shield me from the severe cold as we approached our coast; and that nearly all the articles in the package were necessary to our wants. He said nothing more, but sat some minutes longer, regarding our movements in thoughtful silence. I watched his countenance narrowly, and in spite of the mask, at other times so effectually worn, read his thoughts so completely to my satisfaction, that the moment he went on deck I said to my young friend,--“Captain Maffit does not mean we shall have these things.” We did not, however, allow ourselves to think that he could be so cruelly contemptible as to retain them by stealth. All the articles, except the chair, were doubtless appropriated to his own use; and the latter, if not destroyed, was probably kept as a trophy, which, in connection with the loyal people of the North, will be made a subject of abuse and wanton ridicule.

The fact that the following incidents, which occurred during the first two or three days of our capture, did not really open my eyes to the character of the man with whom we had to deal, may seem extraordinary; but fright and anxiety, together with my unprotected and helpless position, had rendered me very timid, and strangely stupefied my faculties.

In giving Master Charlie’s description of the plundering scene, I have spoken of the articles discarded and thrown on the deck of the _Jacob Bell_ by the marauders. Some few of these articles were picked up by the boy, and Captain Maffit being near, told him that anything thus procured could be presented to me, and be accepted, without injuring my insurance. On returning to the _Florida_, he repeated the same thing to me; and just then seeing a new table-cloth, with a dozen napkins to match,--(which I recognized as belonging to my trunk of table and bed linen,)--hanging over the rail, or side of the companion-way, I said,--“And are these, also, for me?” “No, those belong to the ship,” Captain Maffit quickly replied, and soon after they were taken to his cabin. Captain Maffit’s table, where we were entertained, was also found ornamented, at every meal, with my very nice and rare Oriental table-mats. There were two sets, each of a different style; and both kinds were indiscriminately used at the same meal. The silver taken from the _Jacob Bell_ was also used at our table, while mine, as I shall show presently, was kept in the ward-room. Some who admire and sympathize with the self-styled gentlemen and polished officers commanding the rebel piratical vessels, may perhaps regard the placing so many familiar objects before us as only an evidence of their high breeding and kind desire to make our surroundings as pleasant and home-like as possible!

One day, when speaking of our losses and remarking on the pillaging, Captain Maffit, after saying that he could not control his officers nor prevent it, related how, at the time, one officer came to him, after a package of Oriental articles had been broken open, and told him that “now was the time for him to get a beautiful present for his daughter”; and how he replied to him,--“When I want to make my daughter a present I’ll pay for it.” To appreciate these incidents one should have seen the fine acting, and the very proper emotion to suit the sentiment, expressed in the captain’s face. A few days after our arrival in New York, an old Southern friend--a native of Charleston, and a branch of a family in high position in that city--informed us that Captain Maffit married a widow, Mrs. Reed, of Charleston, who was a Laurens, and of one of the most opulent families of that city. Lieutenant Reed is her son, and therefore Captain Maffit’s step-son.[47] This young Lieutenant Reed superintended the officers who broke open and plundered our property. After seeing a part of our silver carried into the ward-room, and mentioning the fact to Captain Maffit’s steward that some of the spoons were very valuable to me from family associations, and that I should like to get them, he told some one of the officers our wishes, but quickly returned, merely remarking, that Lieutenant Reed had ordered our silver taken into the ward-room, and from his manner we readily understood that it was useless to beg further for anything. Captain Maffit was undoubtedly in collusion with Lieutenant Reed, and not only ordered him how to proceed in the plundering, but directed that all the valuables should be taken into the ward-room, where they remained until we left the steamer. There is no question in my mind that the box, containing the valuable article from Peking,--which Captain Maffit coolly told me could not be found,--was at that time in Lieutenant Reed’s possession, and being safely kept for the captain, who was thus enabled to present his daughter not only with a beautiful, but a magnificent gift. The fact, also, that my small hand-trunk was well secured with two locks, and that I was careful to take it with me into the boat which conveyed us from the _Jacob Bell_ to the pirate, probably inclined Captain Maffit and his officers to fancy that it might contain costly articles of jewelry; and the former, led by his cupidity, ordered it not to be delivered on board the Danish bark.

Had Captain Maffit, instead of masking his designs under this cowardly hypocrisy, at once told us that all the property on board the _Jacob Bell_ was his prize, and that the most desirable and valuable things we had he and his officers wanted and _would_ have, he would have commanded our respect as a straightforward, out-spoken, fearless enemy,--a sort of honorable freebooter,--who, although a traitor to the best of Governments, had not yet fallen so low as to be beneath either pity or contempt.

The captain of the _Morning Star_ said that we were about two hundred miles north of the island of Sombrero when he took us on board; and as we had a fair breeze during the 18th and 19th, on the morning of the 20th we passed this island, together with that of St. Johns, entering the harbor of the island of St. Thomas a little after noon of the same day. The scenery in the vicinity of the harbor is attractive and lovely; and the little town--which is most picturesquely situated--consists chiefly of one long street lined with buildings, with an occasional dwelling perched on the bold hill-side or distant mountain-slope. The houses are mostly of brick, of one story, and are built and tiled in the Dutch fashion. I had neither heart nor strength to go on shore, to view and enjoy the scenery to better advantage; nor did I, in all my travels, visit any other place with such painful indifference. The desire and hope of being spared to get safely out of the tropics, and to reach home and friends, absorbed every other thought; and having entire possession of my being was the burden of all my reflections. Therefore, waiting only to learn how and when we could proceed on our journey to New York, we remained on the bark.

Although annoyed at the necessity, it seemed highly imprudent in Master Charlie and I--unprotected as we were--to risk sailing further under any but a neutral flag; and learning that the _Delta_--an English mail-steamer of the Cunard line, plying between St. Thomas and Halifax--was in port, and would leave on her return voyage, _via_ the island of Bermuda, the next day at twelve o’clock, we hoped to take passage in her. Although this was a circuitous route, and the winter passage from Bermuda to Halifax was usually very tempestuous, if not perilous, it nevertheless seemed to be the most direct and safe way for us to get home, unless we chose to remain in the tropics a month or two longer.

On the morning of the 21st, Mr. Edgar, our consul at St. Thomas, a gentleman of pleasing address and refined manners, came on board to see if any of the crew of the _Jacob Bell_ would ship for a year’s cruise in the United States man-of-war _Alabama_, which, together with two other of our vessels of war, was then lying in the harbor. The _Alabama_ left at noon of that day, and steamed off in pursuit of the _Florida_. An opportunity presenting itself, I informed Mr. Edgar of our situation and wishes; whereupon he kindly advised us to take the Bermuda and Halifax route,--it being our best course,--and kindly begging me not to be anxious, nor to trouble myself any further as to our arrangements, said he would see that our passage was promptly secured.

Our few preparations were immediately made, and Captain Frisbie, who had gone on shore with Mr. Edgar, returning with our tickets, accompanied us to the steamer. Our shabbily forlorn and _bizarre_ personal appearance, as we went on board the _Delta_, would have struck strangers as irresistibly amusing, had not the tale of our misfortunes preceded us. Our trunks were much soiled and marred,--one so much so as to render it necessary to be lashed together with a rope; and not having had an opportunity to pack away the contents of our counterpane bundle, nor the little bag of books, but taking them as originally tied up in our state-room into the boat with us, it may be safely said that we made up a picture, the _tout ensemble_ of which must have been painfully ludicrous, and as thoroughly emigrant-like as any one could desire.

Through the humane and thoughtful kindness of Mr. Edgar, we were put in charge of Captain T. W. Walker, who, being on his return from India to his home in Boston, had also taken passage in the _Delta_. It was a gracious Providence that placed us in the care of one so kind and gentlemanly, and who did so much to change the current of our thoughts, then so sadly perturbed by the perils and anxieties through which we had passed. We shall ever hold him in grateful remembrance for his inestimable services and unfailing attention throughout the voyage, with its numerous detentions, until he had placed us safely in the hands of friends who met us at the Boston wharf. We also found Captain Hunter--the commander of the _Delta_--to be a noble specimen of the generous and polite English sailor, and indefatigable in his efforts to make us comfortable and happy. This kind interest in our welfare continued after our arrival in Halifax; and we shall not forget his active exertions in regard to our comfort on board the _Arabia_, nor his thoughtful message in relation to us, which we learned after leaving for Boston, he had sent to Captain Anderson and his officers.

I have spoken in another place of not having been able, while on board the friendly bark, to make any change in my clothing; nor was that luxury enjoyed until we went on board the _Delta_. We were there provided with a large state-room, where our luggage, bundles, and all, were deposited and examined; and for the first time (it being the ninth day after our capture) I made a thorough change of toilette.

We had a fine run, and were soon out of the withering heat of the tropics, and beginning to feel the life-renewing and bracing influence of a more northern atmosphere. With a change of climate our courage also revived, and we dared to look once more towards the dear home-land with grateful hope; losing our thoughts in the fond expectation of again meeting those from whom we had so long been severed, and to whom, it at one time seemed, we never should return.

The morning of the 24th of February found us within sight of the island of Bermuda. When a few miles out a pilot came alongside, and an old colored man was soon piloting us into the beautifully picturesque harbor of St. George. The keen, vigilant eye of this man seemed to pierce beyond the narrow, but lovely passage, we were entering; and when standing upon the upper deck,--his tall and straight figure, with head thrown back, and his dexter-finger pointing, now to the right and then to the left,--strongly reminded us of an oracular seer. The water of St. George’s harbor is very pellucid, and the beautiful coral formations at the bottom can be distinctly seen as you pass to the shore. Our stay at this island--which is a gem of the sea--was only for twenty-four hours, but long enough for us to visit the beautiful scenes in the vicinity of St. George, and to be charmed with the mere _coup d’œil_ we took of them. Under more auspicious circumstances we should have been glad to remain there a month, as one of its opulent citizens kindly proposed we should do, in order to recruit for our further voyage to Halifax. Carrying wherever we went, with the story of our misfortunes, the first news of the destruction of the richest prize that had been taken by the rebel pirates, we naturally became objects of peculiar interest, and while on our little sight-seeing excursion to the settlement and vicinity of St. George, met with acts of civility and delicate kindness that deeply touched our hearts.

There were two long, low, lead-colored, sidewheeled English steamers, designed for running the blockade, lying in the port when we arrived; one of which was already loaded with merchandise, and was getting up steam to leave for Charleston as we sailed for Halifax. There was a rumor that she had caused a great dearth in the article of ladies’ gloves, her owners having purchased the entire stock of the little town of St. George to take to the ladies of Charleston.

Our passage from Bermuda to Halifax--especially through the Gulf Stream--was very boisterous, and attended with some peril. During our entire voyage from China--with the exception of the gale we encountered at the Cape of Good Hope--we experienced nothing comparable to it, and sometimes it seemed as though our little steamer must be engulfed. But Captain Hunter was an experienced and ready officer, evidently possessing, even to the uninitiated in nautical matters, that _savoir-faire_ in his profession, which, united to his calm self-reliance and frank, gentlemanly bearing, banished anxiety, and gave us the greatest confidence in his ability and skill. The winter is too severe and stormy on this route for women, unless compelled by necessity, to incur the hazards of the season; hence I was the only female among the passengers. Our fellow-travellers were few, and mostly English gentlemen. Some of them were in Her Majesty’s service, and seemed amazed at the pirate-like treatment which we had received from such brave and high-minded _gentlemen_ as, they supposed, were to be found among the officers of the “Confederate privateers!” Captain Walker had formerly been in our naval service, and between him and our English friends there was every day more or less earnest, but calm and reasonable, conversation in regard to the unhappy state of our country, as well as to the position and relative merits of the controversy between the North and South; but no unkind remarks were made, nor did I hear even so much as a bit of pleasantry repeated, at the expense of our Government, in my presence.

One officer, after questioning us somewhat closely and hearing our story, expressed surprise, remarking that he, as well as most of his countrymen, had got the impression that the “privateers”--as the English persist in calling them--_never_ destroyed private property, and were always careful not only to protect the passengers themselves, but also their luggage. He also said that if our property was insured in such a way that, by taking any part of it, the policy would be invalidated, Captain Maffit--had he wished to do the upright and noble thing--could have taken my silver, and some other articles which were valuable from family and other associations, and presented them to me. He considered that the conduct of Captain Maffit and his officers was very unlike that of the noble English sailor; and that all the particulars in relation to the destruction of our property, together with the final stealing of a part of the remnant of what Captain Maffit had given us, and promised should be sent on board the bark, ought to be made known, as it would tend greatly to correct the impression entertained by many abroad, and which had been gathered from the public prints, respecting the character of the officers of these vessels. At that time I was not aware of the deceit which Captain Maffit had practised upon me in relation to my policy of insurance, and my right to take what I could of the insured packages; and consequently could not, as I do now, present the case in all its enormity. Nor did I know, until I reached Boston, that the face of the document which I gave Captain Maffit to read showed no war risk; and that had it been so, instead of leaving what I might conveniently have had, it was my duty to save all I could, and account for it to the insurers.

We found the weather extremely cold on nearing the coast of Nova Scotia, but reached Halifax on the 1st of March, just in time to get nicely housed in a comfortable hotel before the region was visited with the severest snow-storm of the season. Here we were detained five days, waiting for the _Arabia_, which, on her voyage from England, had met with much bad weather, and was somewhat behind her time. Meanwhile our consul, Mr. Jackson, and family, becoming acquainted with our case, sought us out, and together with some of their pleasant English friends did all they could to make our stay agreeable. We soon learned that Mr. Jackson was very popular, and it was remarked to us by an Englishman that he filled the office with credit and dignity, being all that the position required,--and was not only a man of ability, but also a gentleman of cultivated taste and refinement.

Mr. Jackson’s kind attentions to us ceased not until, following us on board the _Arabia_ the morning of the 5th, he bade us good-by and wished us a safe and speedy passage home. The _Arabia_ had a large number of passengers, and for a little time the news of our misfortunes, and the loss of the _Jacob Bell_ created quite a sensation, and I was informed gave rise, on one or two occasions, to some spicy conversation in relation to the rebellion, between a few of our countrymen and some English gentlemen. But, as on board the _Delta_, English army officers and gentlemen were surprised at what we had experienced, and thought that ours must be an extreme case, until informed that it was the opinion of one of the officers of the _Florida_ that we might be thankful for having fallen into the hands of Captain Maffit instead of the captain of the _Alabama_; as in the latter case we would not have been allowed any of our luggage, but merely the clothes we were wearing. On learning this, they had nothing more to say in favor of such out-and-out pirates, but remarked that the particulars in our case ought to be made known.

On the night of the 7th (Saturday) we were nearing Boston, but, encountering a severe snow-storm, were obliged to stand off and blow the whistle most of the night. Sunday morning, however, found us at the entrance to the harbor. We could not have chosen a more inhospitable morning to greet, for the first time, our home-land; yet, on going upon deck, the view of the coast, though bearing an aspect cold, bleak, and uninviting, brought joy and warmth to the heart, and words of thankful gratitude to the lips.

We hoped to reach the wharf soon after breakfast, but on entering the harbor a succession of _contretemps_ seemed to follow us. From some cause we grounded, and it was not until noon that our friends--who since early morning had been awaiting our arrival--could step on board to greet and welcome us.

FINIS.

FOOTNOTES:

[42] Lawful and honorable privateering never admits of plundering and appropriating the luggage and private property of the passengers found on the captured prize and seamen, of whatever nation, committing such outrages, are pronounced by all honorable men of the Christianized world, as pirates. In view of this long-established truth I am obliged, however I may regret the necessity of doing so, to give, at the outset of this narrative, the _chivalric_ Southern officers, into whose gentlemanly (?) hands I was so unfortunate as to fall, their only appropriate name of _pirates_.

[43] Mr. W---- gave me a copy of my insurance policy a few days before we left Fouchau, remarking at the time that, in case anything disastrous happened, I must not trouble about my luggage. Not being accustomed to business, and ignorant of the rights or duties of the insured, when Captain Maffit said that he could not save my property, I unfortunately repeated to him Mr. W----’s remark, saying, also, that I had the impression it would injure the policy if I took any one of the insured packages. The captain at once assured me that it was so, and that unless I left the whole number named in the document, I would get nothing. My loss was between two and three thousand dollars.

[44] Most of Charlie’s money, which was in Mexican dollars, was in this package, and his father has since written him that the value of the contents of the trunk was two hundred dollars. It also contained the only mementos the boy possessed of his deceased mother.

[45] According to Captain Maffit’s statement.

[46] Since the above was written, a person who has some knowledge of Captain Maffit’s children, has suggested to me that he may have said _nine_ years, instead of _five_,--his youngest son being then about the age of nine years; and, as we may have misunderstood him, I cheerfully give him the benefit of the doubt, which, however, does not very materially ameliorate the cruel character of the child.

[47] Lieutenant Reed was finally commander of the pirate _Tacony_, and was captured near Portland. He is now in Fort Lafayette.

* * * * *

List of Books published by

HURD AND HOUGHTON, 401 Broadway, New York.

Bayard Taylor’s Writings.

John Godfrey’s Fortunes: Related by himself. A Story of American Life. 12mo. Price $2.25.

Hannah Thurston: A Story of American Life. 12mo. Price $1.75.

Eldorado: Or, Adventures in the Path of Empire (Mexico and California). 12mo. Price $1.75.

Central Africa: Life and Landscape from Cairo to the White Nile. 12mo. Price $1.75.

Greece and Russia: With an Excursion to Crete. 12mo. Price $1.75.

Home and Abroad: A Sketch-Book of Life, Scenery, and Men. 12mo. Price $1.75.

Home and Abroad. (SECOND SERIES.) A new volume. 12mo. Price $1.75.

India, China, and Japan. 12mo. Price $1.75.

Lands of the Saracen: Or, Pictures of Palestine, Asia Minor, Sicily, and Spain. 12mo. Price $1.75.

Northern Travel: Summer and Winter Pictures of Sweden, Denmark, and Lapland. 12mo. Price $1.75.

Views A-Foot: Or, Europe seen with Knapsack and Staff. 12mo. Price $1.75.

* * * * *

Standard Juvenile Books.

=The History of Sandford and Merton.= By THOMAS DAY. Corrected and revised by CECIL HARTLEY, M. A. Eight illustrations by Herrick and others. 1 vol. 16mo. Price $1.50.

=The Swiss Family Robinson=: or, Adventures in a Desert Island. A New and Complete Edition. Eight illustrations by John Gilbert. 1 vol. 16mo. Price $1.50.

=Evenings at Home=: or, The Juvenile Budget Opened. By DR. AIKIN and MRS. BARBAULD. Newly revised and corrected by CECIL HARTLEY, M. A. Eight illustrations. 1 vol. 16mo. Price $1.50.

=Tales from Shakspere.= For the use of Young Persons. By CHARLES AND MARY LAMB. Thirty illustrations. 1 vol. 16mo. Price $1.50.

_Notices of the Press._

“THE HISTORY OF SANDFORD AND MERTON.--This is one of the books that never go out of date, and never lose their popularity. It charmed our grandfathers when they were boys, and it is equally charming to the boys and girls of to-day; and there is every reason to believe that it will be equally as great a favorite with the reading youth of future generations. Its important teachings are appropriate to all times, but especially so to the present. The present edition is as attractive as the superior typography, paper, and illustrations of the famous Riverside Press can make a book, and worthy of the admirable contents.”--_New Hampshire Patriot._

“A CHARMING BOOK.--Hurd and Houghton, of 401 Broadway, New York, have published a beautiful edition of ‘Swiss Family Robinson,’ of four hundred pages, with eight illustrations. There is no book that has followed in the train of ‘Robinson Crusoe’ that is so deservedly popular as this, or so permanently popular. The author has shown so much originality and so thorough a knowledge of natural science, and has so admirably woven into the narrative the sweet and graceful influences of Christian womanhood, that the story can never cease to charm. The present edition, like all the issues of the Riverside Press, leaves nothing to be desired in typography, paper, illustrations, or binding. Knowledge and amusement are here combined in the most fascinating form.”--_Boston Traveller._

“SANDFORD AND MERTON.--‘Among the pleasantest recollections of our boyish days,’ says a contemporary, ‘is that of the hours spent with this charming volume. Next to “Robinson Crusoe” in interest, and only about a half century later in the time of its publication, it is, and will remain for centuries to come, a great favorite with boys, and its important teachings were never more appropriate than now. The present edition, in the exquisite typography, paper, and illustrations which characterize the issues of the Riverside Press, is so attractive and desirable, that the book cannot fail to be a prime favorite with the juveniles in the coming holidays.’ The same house have also nearly ready, uniform with ‘Sandford and Merton,’ the ‘Swiss Family Robinson,’ ‘Evenings at Home,’ of Mrs. Barbauld and Dr. Aikin, edited by Cecil Hartley, and ‘Tales from Shakspere,’ by Charles and Mary Lamb, both finely illustrated. Messrs. Hurd and Houghton seem to be aware of the high reputation they have gained for fine books, and guard it carefully. Their latest publications (some of which we shall refer to particularly, hereafter,) are among the best that have issued from the press.”--_Home Journal._

=The Death and Burial of Poor Cock Robin.= With 16 Lithographed Illustrations from original designs by H. L. STEPHENS. Printed with a tint. One volume, demy quarto. Price in boards, $1.25.

=A Frog he would a Wooing Go.= With 16 Lithographed Illustrations from original designs by H. L. STEPHENS. Printed with a tint. One volume, demy quarto. Price in boards, $1.25.

“Hurd and Houghton, of New York, have published two illustrated books, in a quarto form, which will be sure to have a great run among the children during the approaching holidays. The first is the ‘Death and Burial of Cock Robin,’ and the second, ‘A Frog he would a Wooing Go.’ Both are illustrated from original designs by H. L. Stephens, and in spirit, vigor, humor, and expressiveness excel anything of the kind we have heretofore seen in American juvenile literature. While they will delight the young, they are so full of meaning and character, and put so much human expression on animal faces, that they will well repay the study of older eyes. Everybody should go and see these deliciously humorous volumes.”--_Boston Transcript._

=John Gay; or, Work for Boys.= By JACOB ABBOTT, author of the Rollo Books. A Series of Juvenile Books, in four volumes, viz: Work for Winter, Work for Spring, Work for Summer, Work for Autumn. 18mo. Price in extra cloth, per set, $3.00.

=Good Little Hearts=; or, Stories about Children who tried to be Good and do Good. By Aunt Fanny, author of the “Nightcap Stories,” &c. &c. With numerous Illustrations. In 4 volumes, 16mo. Price per set, $3.60.

=A Treasury of Pleasure Books for Young People.= With elegant Illustrations printed in oil colors. 8vo. Price in extra cloth, gilt side and edges, $2.00.

* * * * *

Standard Works.

BACON.

THE WORKS OF FRANCIS BACON, Baron of Verulam, Viscount St. Albans, and Lord High Chancellor of England. Collected and edited by JAMES SPEDDING, M. A., ROBERT LESLIE ELLIS, M. A., and DOUGLAS DENON HEATH, with two Steel Portraits of Lord Bacon, and a complete Index. In fifteen volumes, crown 8vo. Price in extra cloth, uncut, $33.75; half calf, gilt or antique, $63.75.

CARLYLE.

CRITICAL AND MISCELLANEOUS ESSAYS. Collected and republished by THOMAS CARLYLE, with a new Portrait of the Author and a copious Index. In four vols., crown 8vo. Price in extra cloth, uncut, $8.00; half calf, gilt or antique, $16.00.

DE STAEL.

GERMANY. By Madame the Baroness DE STAEL HOLSTEIN, with Notes and Appendices by O. W. WIGHT, A. M. In two volumes, crown 8vo. Price in extra cloth, uncut, $4.00; half calf, gilt or antique, $8.00.

FENELON.

ADVENTURES OF TELEMACHUS. By FENELON; translated by DR. HAWKESWORTH, with a Life of Fenelon by LAMARTINE; Biographical Notices, &c. &c. Edited by O. W. WIGHT, A. M. In one volume, crown 8vo. Price in extra cloth, uncut, $2.00; half calf, gilt or antique, $4.00.

MONTAIGNE.

WORKS OF MICHAEL DE MONTAIGNE. Comprising his Essays, Journey into Italy, and Letters; with Notes from all the Commentators, Biographical and Bibliographical Notices, &c. By W. HAZLITT. With a portrait of Montaigne. A new and carefully revised edition, edited by O. W. WIGHT. In four volumes, crown 8vo. Price in extra cloth, uncut, $8.00; half calf, gilt or antique, $16.00.

=The Two Legacies.= Printed at the Riverside Press. In one volume, 16mo. Price in cloth, gilt tops, 75 cents.

=Dix.= Lectures on the Pantheistic Idea of an Impersonal-Substance-Deity as contrasted with the Christian Faith concerning Almighty God. By the Rev. MORGAN DIX, S. T. D., Rector of Trinity Church, N. Y. In one volume, 12mo. Price in cloth, $1.00.

=Williams.= A Year in China; with an Account of the Voyage, the Capture of the Vessel by a Confederate Cruiser, &c. By Mrs. H. DWIGHT WILLIAMS. With an Introduction by WM. CULLEN BRYANT. One volume, crown 8vo. Price in cloth, $2.00.

=Redden.= Idyls of Battle and Poems of the Rebellion; a book for Home-places and the Camp. By HOWARD GLYNDON (Laura C. Redden). In one volume, 12mo. Price in extra cloth, $1.50.

=Scott.= The Poetical Works of Sir Walter Scott, with the Author’s latest corrections, and all his Introductions and Notes. In six volumes, 16mo., uniform with TICKNOR AND FIELDS’S edition of the Waverley Novels. Price in cloth, $9.00.

=Scudder.= Life and Letters of David Coit Scudder. By his Brother, HORACE E. SCUDDER. In one volume, crown 8vo. Price in extra cloth, $2.00.

=Gardner.= Autumn Leaves. By SAMUEL J. GARDNER. One volume, crown 8vo. (In press.) Price in cloth, $2.00.

=Hopper.= Fire on the Hearth. A Christmas Story. By Rev. EDWARD HOPPER. One volume. (In press.) Price in cloth, $1.25.

NEW EDITION OF IRVING.

THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WASHINGTON IRVING, now issuing in portable 16mo. volumes, with appropriate Vignettes and Ornaments, under the title of the “Riverside Edition.” Each volume sold separately.

_Now ready._

SKETCH-BOOK, KNICKERBOCKER, GOLDSMITH.

_In press._

THE TRAVELLER, BRACEBRIDGE HALL, ALHAMBRA, &c. &c.

16mo. vellum cloth, gilt tops, each $1.75.

=Irving’s Works.= Sunnyside Edition, including the Life of Irving by his Nephew, PIERRE M. IRVING. Printed on tinted paper, and with numerous illustrations. 26 vols. 12mo. Price each $2.00. Half calf, each $3.50.

=Irving’s Life of Washington.= Sunnyside Edition. Printed on tinted paper, and with numerous steel engravings. 5 vols. 12mo. Price $10.00. Half calf, $17.50.

=Irving’s Life and Letters.= Edited by his Nephew, PIERRE M. IRVING. Sunnyside Edition. Printed on tinted paper, and with numerous illustrations. 4 vols. 12mo. Price $8.00. Half calf, $14.00.

=The Complete Works of Thomas Hood.= With Illustrations from his own Designs. Printed on tinted paper. 6 vols. Crown 8vo. Price $13.50. Half calf, $24.00.

* * * * *

Transcriber’s Notes:

Footnotes have been moved to the end of each chapter and relabeled consecutively through the document.

Punctuation has been made consistent.

Variations in spelling and hyphenation were retained as they appear in the original publication, except that obvious typographical errors have been corrected.