ing what he is pleased to call a " useless battle," a capital argument for a philanthropist of the nonresistant school, but very silly for a soldier. A battle is a great thing, and should never be delivered by a commander without the strongest reasons. Unfortunately for the General, all possible reasons existed for fighting, and none for surrender. It was the first army in the field, and moral influence alone, which, on the authority of Napoleon, is always four times that of force, required a battle. Had the army been cut off in hard fighting, it would have performed a signal service to the country. Mr. Clarke lays great stress upon the numbers engaged on both sides. Brock stated in his despatch that he had 600 troops, 3 cannon, and 600 Indians; and with them he captured 2500 American troops, and strongly intrenched with 25 pieces of ordnance." He, as well as all Canada and Europe, were astounded at such a result. It sunk American arms lower than even those of Mexico now. It roused a great spirit in Canada and dismayed the Americans. Mr. Clarke admits that Brock had 600 troops, but thinks he had more Indians; and he figures down the force of Gen. Hull to 800 fighting men. Admit that this was so, and also that the administration had been guilty of all the neglect he alledges, it is but an ill chosen time, when the battles of Mexico, such as Buena Vista, where 4500 men advanced 300 miles in an enemy's country, with communication cut off by a superior force, defeated 20,000 Mexican troops under her ablest generals, to endeavor to white wash the reputation of a general who surrendered 800 similar troops, well defended with a good park of artillery, and 350 men more under M'Arthur, within gun shot and arrived next day, to 600 Canadian militia, no matter how many savages there might have been. Coolly to recapitulate such conduct at a moment when the public are somewhat acquainted with what United States troops ably led can do, is rather inju dicious to say the least. The work, as we have said, is nevertheless valuable. The weakness of Hull only adds another example to the many which history has presented, of undoubtedly brave men of tried valor being at times unmanned by extraordinary cir cumstances. Ellen Herbert, or Family Changes, with six illustrations. Harper Brothers. This is an exceedingly interesting tale, composing one of Harper's Fireside Library, than which no more elegant series of moral tales, adapted for the instruction and amusement of youth, has been issued from the press. Pictorial History of England. Harper Brothers. This admirable publication, got up in an elegant and incredibly cheap style, is regularly produced in numbers by the Messrs. Harpers, the 32d number having been published. The work will reach 40, and comprise one of the most valuable histories of England extant. Harper's Illustrated Catalogue. A formidable volume of 160 pages, containing the titles of a vast number of works which this great publishing house have given so the public, embracing the best authors in the best and cheapest style in all departments: Agriculture, Arts and Sciences, Medicine, Drama, Poetry, Metaphysics, Theology, History, Antiquities, Geology, Travels, Biography, Natural History, Architecture, &c., &c. It is a mine from which to select a library on the best terms. The Catalogue contains specimens of the various beautiful cuts with which many of the illustrated works are embellished. Oregon Missions, and Travels over the Rocky Mountains in 1845-6. BY FATHER PI. DE SMET, of the Society of Jesus. Edward Dunnigan, New-York. Perhaps to the patient endurance, steadfast zeal, and extensive information of the members of the Society of Jesus, are we more indebted than to any other class of men, for authentic information in relation to the interesting countries of the Oregon and California. The present volume is particularly fraught with interest, and we intend making a more extended notice in a future number. A Narration of an Exploratory visit to each of the Consular cities of China, and to the Islands of Hong Kong and Chusan. By the Rev. GEORGE SMITH, M.A., of Magdalen Hall, Oxford, with numerous engravings. Harper Brothers. China, of late years, has awakened a lively interest in the public mind; and it is a misfortune that the useful life of our late minister, A. H. Everett, Esq., was not prolonged to enlighten by his sound judgment, clear observation, and industrious habits, the western world in relation to that singular people. Nearly all the works that have hitherto appeared on China have been singularly unsatisfactory in conveying any very definite idea of the people, their institutions, habits and manners. It is true, social intercourse has hitherto not been sufficiently extensive to afford material for such a work; but it is increasing, and the work of Mr. Smith is a great improvement on many that have gone before, allowing for the author's profession and English peculiarities. It will be found highly interesting in the details of such social customs as the author had an opportunity to witness. ing what he is pleased to call a " useless battle," a capital argument for a philanthropist of the nonresistant school, but very silly for a soldier. A battle is a great thing, and should Unfortunately for n tl fi a fi work of Mr. Smitп is a great improvement on many that are quie for the author's profession and English peculiarities. It will be found g in the details of such social customs as the author had an opportunity to |