of flame. The Americans aimed well, and every shot had its effect. Some of the English vessels were soon stranded. The Thunder, after firing more than sixty bombs, was disabled. The Bristol was almost destroyed, and a great number of men were killed.

The fire of the fort suddenly stopped. Their powder was exhausted. The enemy thought themselves sure of the victory, and the ships moved nearer, with their flags flying, and their drums beating. But the Americans were soon supplied from the shore, and the battle lasted, hotter than ever, till seven in the evening. The English drew off in the night, and the enterprise was abandoned. This defence of Fort Moultrie was one of the most gallant actions of the war.

Every man and every officer fought like a hero. Congress voted their thanks to the whole garrison, and to several of the officers by name. A sword was presented to a sergeant of grenadiers, named Jasper. In the heat of the battle, the staff of the fort flag had been cut down by a ball. Jasper sprang after it, fastened it to the rammer of a cannon, and hoisted it again, amid the fire of the enemy.

He

Baron de Kalb was wounded in eleven places.
fell from his horse, and died in the hands, of the
British. He was a Frenchman, and sent his com-
pliments, in his last moments, to "his gallant Mary-
land and Delaware soldiers."

Generals Marion and Sumpter gave the British great trouble during this campaign. Small parties of the mountain militia joined them, and they swept down upon the enemy, whereever they could find them in small parties. The farmers' wives furnished them pewter spoons and platters, to make into bullets; and they forged swords of scythes and the saws of sawmills.

In October, sixteen hundred of these mountaineers mustered together to attack a British force under Major Ferguson, who had encamped not far from the mountains. For weeks, they had no salt, bread, or spirits; they slept upon boughs of trees, without blankets, drank only from the running streams, and lived upon wild game, or ears of corn, and pumpkins, roasted by their great log-fires in the woods.

They were to assault Ferguson in three parties, and Colonel Cleaveland addressed his party in these words:" My brave boys, we have beat the redThe British had, however, gained possession of coats and the tories, and we can beat them again. many portions of the southern provinces, particularly They are all cowards. You must fight, each man of Georgia. The British general Prevost, had pos- for himself, without orders. Fire as quick as you session of Savannah. He was besieged by General can, and stand as long as you can. If you must reLincoln in 1799, but Lincoln failed of success, and treat, get behind the trees-don't run, my fine felwas obliged to relinquish the siege. Prevost rav-lows, don't run !" "Hurrah for the mountaineers "" aged the country, burning and plundering without mercy. He met, however, much brave and determined resistance, and many interesting anecdotes are related of the most daring and chivalrous deeds on the part of some of the provincials.

But notwithstanding the repeated instances of bravery, and the activity and cunning of the hardy bands that arose every where in the South, the British overrun Georgia and the two Carolinas. They had succeeded in taking Charleston on the 11th of May, 1780, after a long siege, and a brave defence by General Lincoln. This way then was opened to ravage the country. Their course was marked with savage barbarity and cruelty, and a reckless waste of property. They not only sacked every village, but burnt every house; destroyed the crops and drove away the cattle; not content with pillaging houses and robbing individuals of their property, "gasping for gold, they went rummaging amongst the tombs." But their inhuman revelry was not of long continuance. Soon after Charleston was taken, General Gates was sent to take command of the Southern army. He was joined by hundreds of the Carolina militia. Congress sent him some fine Maryland and Delaware troops also. They had a very long and hard march through the woods, finding nothing to eat on the way, but peaches and green corn, with now and then a flock of wild turkeys, or a drove of wild hogs. But they were brave men, and did not murmur. They even joked each other on account of their thin faces, and lank legs.

cried they, and rushed down upon the enemy.

The Americans were driven back at the point of the bayonet; but they only lay down among the logs and rocks, and being sharp shooters, killed more than two hundred of the enemy. Ferguson was killed himself, and eight hundred of his soldiers surrendered. Ten of the most savage tories, notorious rascals, were hung up on the neighbouring trees.

With the year 1781, the war drew rapidly toward a close. It was carried on almost entirely in the Southern provinces. General Greene was appointed to command the American forces in that quarter. At the time of his arrival, they were a miserable, halfstarved militia, of three thousand men. They marked the frozen ground with the blood of their bare feet, and lived half the time upon frogs, taken from the swamps, wild game, rice, and wretchedly lean cattle.

But they were soon reinforced; and small parties, under Sumpter, Marion, Morgan, and others, often annoyed the forces of Cornwallis. Colonel Washington laid siege to a strong blockhouse near Camden, defended by a British colonel, and a hundred tories. He had no cannon, and few men; but he carved out a few pine logs in the shape of cannon, mounted them on wheels, and summoned the tories to surrender. They were frightened at the appearance of his big cannon and surrendered. Not a shot was fired upon either side.

On the 17th of January, Colonel Morgan, with eight hundred militia, was attacked at a place called A battle took place on the 16th of August, near the Cowpens, in South Carolina, by Tarleton, a faCamden, South Carolina, between Gates and the mous British officer, with eleven hundred men and British under Lord Cornwallis. The former was two cannon. The rushed on with a tremen

enemy

defeated, and fled eighty miles into the back country.dous shout. The front line of militia were driven The lean, northern soldiers, we have just mentioned, back. Tarleton pursued them, at full gallop, with fought nobly an hour after all the rest had been his troopers, and fell upon the second line. They routed like an army of rotten sheep. The brave too were giving way.

At this moment, Colonel Washington charged his officers, and all his men, fought nobly the whole Tarleton with forty-five militiamen, mounted, and season. "I will recover the province," said the armed as troopers. The whole line now rallied un- general, "or die in the attempt." It is remarkable, der Colonel Howard, and advanced with fixed bayonets. The British fled. Their cannon were left behind; three hundred British soldiers were killed and wounded, and five hundred were taken prisoners; eight hundred muskets, seventy negroes, and one hundred dragoon horses, also fell into the hands of the Americans. Many British officers were killed. Morgan always told his sharp-shooters "to aim at the epaulets, and not at the poor rascals who fought for sixpence a day."

complaint is, that it is seized upon as novelty there, and incorporated with English literature, with no other effect, than that of inevitably corrupting the English language. This is the consequence of this taste; it vulgarizes us at home; lessens our worth

disgrace upon our literary character abroad. Why not discountenance it therefore in polite circles, and expunge it from all our compositions that lay claim to elegance?

words "is being," even in professedly "good soci- works, but it certainly is not refining them. Already ety." But we cannot conceive how such contradic-are we justly charged with smuggling slang into Entory language can be reconciled with any rules of gland in a mixture with our finest works: and the grammar or propriety. When we wish to speak of an unfinished performance, to say that it is being done, is to use language that means literally precisely the reverse. For being signifies a present existence, invariably, and done, a past or finished performance; the first is a present, and the last a past participle, even in our own estimation, and brings ridicule and and both applied in the same expression to a certain performance, mean, that the performance having been finished, is actually in being or existence. How absurd then to use this language, which either means nothing at all, or precisely the reverse of what is intended. Our language allots a present participle, which does certainly answer generally to convey our The Abbey of La Trappe is situated thirty-four meaning in all cases when we refer to our unfinished leagues northwest of Paris, in a valley of Normandy. It was founded in 1140, and derived its name performance. The participle ends in ing. People from its impervious situation. It was not approached should not be governed in their selection or use of by any regular path; and, being placed in the gloomlanguage, by the general custom of newspapers. iest recesses of a deep wood, its access was difficult, We have frequently seen newspapers brought in as the umpire to settle a philological dispute. Now the fact is, that editors of newspapers seldom write grammar, and much less rhetorick. Their errours are called by no harsher name, than editorial inaccu

racies.

"TALENTED,"

We do not strenuously object to the use of this word, since custom has so long sanctioned it. But talentful, is evidently the proper part of speech to be used in this sense. Were it not for euphony, we know not why this term should be applied to a man of talents, any more than witted, should answer to a man of wit, or judgmented to a man of judgment. It seems rather a barbarous license to form a participle passive from a noun. Is not skilled liable to the same objection? Eventuated is certainly a barbarism. But does not Mr. Irving use eventuate? call these innovations, and innovations will inevitably corrupt the language, when they are made merely to suit individual convenience or caprice.

THE JACK DOWNING AND DAVID CROCKETT
TASTE.

We

We think the favour which is and has been shown to this taste for several years past in polite circles, and even in the higher branches of our literature, should not only be discouraged, but greatly deprecated. It is certainly not a good taste; it is a vulgar taste, a taste that delights in slang; a slang that is both inelegant and unmeaning. Its effect on our literature is only evil, and that continually; for it brings no commuting benefits. It is introduced into our higher periodicals, reviews, and substantial

ABBEY. OF LA TRAPPE.

and almost impossible, to a stranger. The conduct of the monks in the sixteenth century procured them the appellation of the "Bandits of La Trappe," and we may therefore readily suppose that all the energy and perseverance of De Rance were required to effect their reformation. At the Revolution the Trappists were compelled to leave France; but at the Restoration their religious houses were restored to them, and they now possess several establishments in that country.

There exists, also, a female convent, in which the poverty, the mortifications, and labours of the order are strictly enjoined and practised. In their convents no sound of social intercourse is heard beyond the salutation, "Memento mori!" (Remember death.) No news from the busy world. reaches the inmates. Death and works of penitence alone occupy their thoughts; and each day, we believe, they are accustomed to scoop out a portion of their last narrow resting-place.

A traveller, who visited, a few years ago, one of the establishments of the order in France, in the department of the Landes, has written an interesting description of its appearance, and the habits of the brotherhood. The "Landes" is the name given to a vast uncultivated wilderness in the south of France, on the confines of which the convent was situated. For some miles before reaching it, the way passed through a sort of composite country, made up of woods and thickets, enlivened here and there by small green glades, where springs, or splashes of rainwater, had coaxed up the scanty vegetation; or where some more vigorous pine, peering above its neighbours, had bereft them of their fair portion of light and air, and thus created a space in which it reigned preless branch contrasted with the masses of its dusky eminently picturesque, with many a naked and sapfoliage. Emerging from thence, the eye rested the boundless horizon of Les Landes; on which, lik gigantick cranes, or herons, in the distance, shepherds were seen, in the costume of the country, stalking of common ground, appeared a low wall, surrounding about on elevated stilts. At length, on a small piece a comfortless, dilapidated-looking structure, comprising the convent and out-buildings. Universal still

ness reigned around, interrupted only by the tinkling words, streaming forth from the Superiour's mouth of the porter's bell, announcing to the inmates the with a garrulous rapidity, equally monotonous and approach of strangers. No bustling footsteps, no unintelligible, and as if the tongue had no other obhum of voices, betokened an immediate answer to ject in its vibrations than to make the most of its the summons; but in process of time, the visiters brief moments of liberty. Of the nature, language, espied, through a chink in the door-way, a figure or meaning of this burst of articulation, no idea could descending a flight of steps, and approaching slowly, be formed; and they waited patiently til, having with his head bent towards the earth, across a spa- run itself down like the rattle of an alarum clock, it cious court, half overgrown with weeds and rank stopped. Silence again ensued for a short time, grass. At length the key grated in the lock, and the when the service ceased, and the noiseless congregates, turning upon their hinges with a corresponding gation by degrees dropped off. While waiting for solemnity, admitted the party, before whom the figure an opportunity of introducing themselves to the they had seen prostrated himself: after which, on chief, our travellers followed two or three of the requesting an audience with his Superiour, he bowed brothers into a small room, and ventured upon a few consent, and slowly waving an arm terminating in a questions, to which no answers were given, though bundle of emaciated and bony fingers, silently led the they were evidently disconcerted, and each eyed way. As mass was performing, the visiters were and pointed to the other as a hint that the individual directed to a small chapel, in which the whole thus designated should be the spokesman. Not uncommunity was assembled, consisting of about half-willing to press for an unnecessary infringement of a-dozen monks in dark-brown robes and cowls, a few the rules, they retired, and fortunately met another noviciates in white woollen vestments, and three in whose scruples were not so insuperable, but his black who were temporary boarders on a penitentiary visit. The walls of the chapel were simply whitewashed, and the wood was unpainted;-it was almost a caricature of simplicity. The Superiour was kneeling at an altar, nearly as primitive as the rest of the structure, and for a time there appeared no prospect of coming in contact with him. All and everything was noiseless and motionless,-lips spake not, eyes looked not, hands stirred not; when lo! in an instant, the dead silence was broken by a torrent of

speech was so measured and vague, that it might have admitted a doubt whether he was in actual possession of either his wits or words. Having apologized for the intrusion, the threadbare state of his raiment, and certain other causes which rendered a windward position with respect to his person preferable to what sailors would denominate "hugging him under his lee," led to a question or two relative to change of linen and cleanliness :-" Apparently you are not accustomed to change your dress?" "Never,

never," was the answer, in a drawling, sepulchral | nexion with the establishment was a school, in tone. Apparently, also, you never wash your- which a few little children were taught the use of selves?" Never, never," he said again; and cer- their mother-tongue by one of the order. tainly, as far as externals went, there was symptomatick evidence of his speaking the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, though the party were subsequently assured by the Superiour that an under-garment (which or what garment could not be ascertained) was changed once a week, and that washing was not a prohibited luxury.

The Superiour himself was a Spaniard by birth, and, judging from his countenance and manner, a second Loyola in character. He was enthusiastick of course, but shrewd and intelligent, and full of energy, and it was evident he had within him wherewithal to play a conspicuous part in the scene of life had he been brought up under more favourable circumstances.

The following appropriate reflections conclude the account from which we have borrowed the foregoing details:-" My heart sickened as I turned away from the convent gate, and pondered on the melancholy mummery and strange unsuitable garb in which religion, the greatest boon of God to man, is so often arrayed! and by those too, whose duty and profession it more peculiarly is to invest it with attractive rather than repellant qualities. And yet I parted from these monks with mingled feelings of regret and respect for men who, with such palpable sincerity, sacrificed so much of the present to the future; with all their faults I could not but respect them still."

From a copy of the rules which the travellers saw, it appeared that the hour of rising both in winter and summer was half-past one o'clock, and, on certain specified days, at midnight; to which is added the incomparable luxury of sitting bolt upright for several successive hours on a hard-bottomed bench. The diet consisted of roots and vegetables, rice, and a few similar articles, but never either of fish or eggs, and cheese and milk only on rare occasions. Three hours' daily labour was required of each member. The vow of obedience is so strictly enforced, that in no case is it even permitted to an innocent party to exculpate himself from any fault with which he may be unjustly charged. If indisposed, and required to take medicine, the sick man must at once swallow the draught which is presented to him, as the exhibition of a preference for any particular mendicament is considered a mark of sensual indulgence, and in point of sinfulness ranked with the desire to partake of meat, to vary the accustomed regimen of the order, or the hour at which it is usual to serve up their repasts. Notwithstanding the apparent absence of temptation which there must be in such a place, there is, nevertheless, a rule prohibiting any admission into the kitchen. The comforts of the fireside may be enjoyed under some restrictions and prohibitions. Shoes or slippers, however, must not be taken off for the purpose of quickening the circulation in a pair of frozen extremities, and the fire is to be kept at a respectful distance. All social ties must be dissolved on entering the convent-walls, friendship being termed "a pagan virtue ;" and in relation to social intercourse it is observed,-one of the greatest obstacles to the judicious employment of time is the habit of paying and receiving visits; and the rule which prohibits the brethren visiting each other in their respective cells is lauded as a peculiar specimen of wisdom. The intellectual gratifications, which it might be imagined would be liberally the slaves of their husbands and masters as the infeencouraged, are not less circumscribed than the riour grades, and cannot be said to be endowed with sphere of their bodily enjoyments. The library was of the most meager description; but yet no book any more intelligence. Their superiour privileges could be obtained from it but with the sanction of consist in being allowed so many fans, moscheto the Superiour, whose liberality in this respect was switches, and toilets; sedan chairs, dresses, &c., not very freely exercised. The rules observe that according to their rank. When they go out, they nothing is more pernicious than the perusal of works walk without any covering on their heads, and are which are not inspired by the Holy Ghost, and that one of the deplorable abuses of the age is the practice obliged to be accompanied by a slave, who holds an of making use of profane works in the education of umbrella over her mistress' head, and attends to her youth. The only visible approach to utility in con- wants. They pride themselves in wearing the most

CHINESE LADIES OF RANK.

The chief distinction between the ladies of rank in China and the inferiour women, is, that the former are allowed superiour privileges and are indulged in certain peculiarities of dress. They are as much