which has not been handled before in a separate and methodical form, although it holds a conspicuous place in the early history of our government. To reconcile the contending claims of the states to the unappropriated territory, and to satisfy the demands and expectations of each, was among the most embarrassing tasks, which the general Congress was called to execute. By great prudence and good management, however, an amicable adjustment of all difficulties was gradually brought about, the states relinquished their claims, whether real or imaginary, and the sovereignty over all the new territories was ceded to the government of the United States. A concise history of the events leading to these results is the aim of Mr Blunt in the present work.

In an introductory chapter, the author takes a brief view of the original right of Europeans to parts of the American continent, or of the foundation of their claims. He goes back to the papal grants, and then considers in historical order the claims founded on actual possession, prior discovery, charters, conquest, and purchases of the Indians. He dissects the old charters, and shows how extremely vague they were in defining boundaries. In truth, at the time they were given, the ignorance of the geography of this country was such, as to render it impossible to define the limits of any extensive territory. Hence, for the want of any known marks, the South Sea was made the charter boundary of several of the provinces on the west. This looseness in fixing boundaries caused an interference among the grants, and in the end produced some of the most serious obstacles to the formation of the confederacy. Mr Blunt has pursued the subject through all its windings. The point will be found pretty largely discussed also, in a former number of this Journal. [Vol. XIII. p. 313 et seq. for Oct. 1821.] Paine's treatise, entitled 'Public Good,' first published in 1780, and relating particularly to the Virginia claims, exhibits the merits of the case in a very strong light.

Mr. Blunt has rendered a valuable service to the public, in collecting into one body so many historical facts bearing on the same point. This work will greatly facilitate future inquiries; it is executed with apparent fidelity, and patient examination of authentic materials; the style is clear, and the arrangement judicious.

.

10.-1. Manifestacion del Ciudadano Manuel de Mier y Terán al Publico. 4to. pp. 31. Mexico. 1825.

2. Segunda Manifestacion del Ciudadano Manuel de Mier y Terán. 4to. pp. 127. Mexico. 1825.

ALTHOUGH these pamphlets are of a controversial nature, they are not without value as historical records. The author, who has VOL. XXII. NO. 51.

59

been an officer of high standing in the Mexican army, dur greater part of the revolution, is induced, by circumstances do not fully appear, to come before the public in vindica himself from certain charges, which had been advanced him in relation to his public career. In prosecuting his d it becomes necessary for him to recur to many events, par ly in the first stages of the revolution, in which he took an part. The nature of the subject requires the author t perpetually of himself, but it is usually with becoming mod and with an apparent candor, which inspire confidence statements. It is his purpose, of course, to make his ow good, but there is no obvious reason for supposing this have turned him aside from an accurate narrative of ever exposition of facts. In short, amidst the paucity of mate lustrating the revolutionary history of Mexico, these par may be consulted with profit by such persons, as seek for ledge on that subject.

It is gratifying to learn, both from passing occurrenc the late message of the President of the Mexican states, t government under the new constitution is going into stea substantial operation, gaining strength from the cheerful of the people, and the wise administration of the rulers experiment of the Federal system seems thus far to hav tried with triumphant success. The states have institu semblies, or legislatures, and some of them at least have and adopted constitutions. The business of legislation is on, to all appearance harmoniously and judiciously.

In fact there never was but one reason, or even shado reason, why the Central scheme could be imagined to ha preference over the Federal, in forming the new govern Mexico. As it regards the intrinsic merit of the two syst would seem impossible for any one to suppose for a mome the former could approach in any degree to the latter. T ple question was, whether the provinces were in a cond govern themselves as independent states. Upon this ques was natural, that there should be a difference of opinion, e ly after the years of political commotion which had pr The example of Colombia, also, would be likely to hav weight in the scale. That government was prospering un Central system, and hence there might seem greater sec not a prospect of greater ultimate success, by following in th track. The abortive attempts of Venezuela and Buenos to establish the Federative plan, moreover, were no enco precedents. But the result has proved, that the circumsta the cases were not similar, that Mexico had fewer intern culties to encounter than those countries, when they endeavored to set up the same form of government, and that the people had improved more by the experience of the revolution. And even when Colombia adopted her Central constitution, she was pressed hard by a foreign foe, and seemed to feel no want more sensibly, than a union of all hearts and hands in the great cause, and the concentration of a power, which could wield the whole mass, and bring the energies of all the parts to act on a single point.

This end was attained; but as things have turned out, it may be questioned whether Colombia would not have prospered equally well, or better, at the outset under the Federative system; and, if so, the future gain would have been incalculable. It is quite certain the time will come, when the growing intelligence of the people will demand a change in the present organization, and call for a form of government more republican in its principles, and better suited to the existence and prosperity of free institutions. To this point we doubt not the statesmen of Colombia are expecting to be drawn in due time. But who does not see, that every year is throwing obstacles in the way? A system is now taking root, which must be in a measure eradicated, before another can be planted in its stead; whereas, had a scion from the genuine stock been first cherished, every hour would have added to its growth and strength. The progress of the country will be doubly retarded by the defects of the present constitution, and by the important changes, which a new one will occasion when introduced. This is said, not in disparagement of the wisdom or motives of the leaders in Colombia, for pursuing the safer course, but as showing the ultimate disadvantages of the scheme, however well it may have answered the purpose of a temporary govern

ment.

The Constituent Assembly in Mexico, which decided on the present form of government, was divided into two parties, one called the central, and the other the federal party. All the higher orders of the clergy, the nobles, and some of the leading officers of the army, were Centralists, while the representatives from the provinces were generally Federalists. These latter prevailed, very fortunately, as the result has proved, and a government was established, closely resembling that of the United States. It is said, that even Victoria and Bravo were Centralists.

It is obvious from this disposition of the parties, that the Central system in Mexico would have soon put on the garb of a complete aristocracy, that the power would have been kept in a few hands, and the spirit of a truly republican government virtually annihilated. The voice of the people would have been but feebly uttered and rarely heard. At present, however, a very different process is going on. The inhabitants of the provinces are up to a sense of their political existence and consequen right of suffrage is understood, and valued, and exe the recurrence of elections brings up the merits of mer measures for examination; representatives assemble to le and acquire new light by mutual discussions of important A portion of this light is diffused among the people, ar ready producing most salutary effects. It will increase ti lightens and animates every corner of the country. Nor effects be merely local; the gain in one part will be felt other, the example and progress of one province will st others, and by this advancement and reaction of intelligen the fruits of experience, the foundation of the best form ernment will gradually be laid, which will stand firm aga shock of any future accidents.

From the official documents, and public papers in Mexi thing is clearer, than that a strong European interest exist somewhat to the prejudice of this country. Consideri loans, which the government has obtained from England, great amount of capital from that country now employed mining business, this bias may doubtless be referred to a source. How far it will operate to our disadvantage, in th mercial relations between the United States and Mexico, not predict. On this subject, however, there needs be no ness, while our affairs in Mexico are in the hands of a ger so thoroughly qualified to manage them, and who posse entirely the confidence of the country, as Mr Poinsett, our Minister Plenipotentiary.

In connexion with these remarks, we cannot forbear to the pleasure with which we are enabled to state, from und authority, that the first volume of Mr Restrepo's History lombia is already completed, and sent to London for publ both in the Spanish and English languages. It is inter be printed also in this country. Mr Restrepo is known able and indefatigable Secretary of State for the Home ment in Colombia, and no man living probably has enjoy portunities so favorable, for becoming acquainted with the of that republic. From the talents and qualifications of thor, as well as from the importance of his subject, this wo justly be looked for with raised expectations. Mr Res pursuing his task with as much expedition, as his numero weighty public duties will allow, but it is uncertain wh second volume will be in preparation.

J. Sharks.

11.-Notes to his Sketch of Bunker Hill Battle. By S. SWETT. Boston. 1825. 8vo. pp. 24.

ABOUT seven years ago, Mr Swett published an edition of Humphreys' Life of General Putnam, and appended to that work a Historical and Topographical Sketch of the Battle of Bunker Hill.' Considerable inquiry had then recently been excited, in regard to the part General Putnam took in that battle. Mr Swett investigated the subject with a good deal of care, and published the results in a connected account of the battle. About the same time a full investigation of the subject was also made in this Journal. [North American Review for July, 1818. Vol. VII. p. 225.] Since that period many other facts have been brought to light, especially by the testimonies formally taken of many persons, who were present at the battle. Several of these testimonies, relating particularly to Putnam, have been collected by Mr Swett, and published in the form of Notes to his Sketch. Taken together, they present a lively picture of parts of the battle. A few of them we shall select.

The first is the testimony of Joshua Yeoman, who was in Putnam's regiment.

I

He helped build the fort the night before the battle, led on by General Putnam. Was well acquainted with General Putnam; saw a great deal of him in the action encouraging the men. saw General Putnam split a fieldpiece in the fort; he could not get the ball into the piece. He went to his saddlebags [haversack] and took a canvas bag of musket balls [grape], loaded the cannon, and fired it at a number of officers who were consulting under a row of trees. I then went to the rail fence; there saw General Putnam riding along the whole line and crying out, "stick to your posts, men, and do your duty;" he was greatly exposed.'

Here follow the accounts of other persons, taken promiscuously from Mr Swett's Notes.

• William Low, Gloucester. Putnam ordered us to carry off intrenching tools; our company went, followed him in Indian file down the hill; the shot flew as thick as hailstone. Putnam was as cool as ever man was. News came the British were landing ; Putnam then said it was too late, ordered every man to take a rail on his back, took one himself, went to the other rail fence, and we worked at doubling it. Fired eighteen out of my nineteen cartridges.'

Elijah Jourdan deposes; 'I helped build the intrenchments, and fought within the intrenchment till the British took possession