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Moral, Scientific, and Political State of Hayli.

221

lation of giving her sighs to the gale, ment, deeper in love than ever. In the reading novels all night, lying in bed all shooting season, Lord Florimont visited day, composing an ode to a butterfly, or a sonnet on a dying Narcissus, and occasionally corresponding with some of her young friends in the beau monde.

the farmer, and obtained, unknown to him, the permission of corresponding with Margarita, who, to render her letters more romantic, subscribed them, Margarite Jemima Greville: the first and last of these names were thus metamorphosed; the middle name, adopted.

In the course of the summer, she had sufficient empire over Pa's mind to induce him to leave his business, and to take her to a watering place, where she About this time Pa's affairs were gethad the mingled delight of seeing her- ting into disorder; and, since Mrs. self admired and poor Pa heartily laugh- Greenfield's death, he had taken to ed at. She had, moreover, the notorie- drinking, and intrusted every thing to ty of being preferred as waltzing partner servants. Finally, he had the misforby lords, knights and squires, and grew tune to fall from his horse in a state of so intoxicated with her success, that even intoxication, and did not long survive the Life Guardsman faded on her it. On investigation, his effects were memory. A certain lord and Margari- found insufficient to cover his debts; ta likewise entered into a close flirtation: when honest Tom Winbush offered to couplets and amatory poems used to pay twenty shillings in the pound, and find their way into her glove, and once to marry Cousin Peg, which was repassed the line of prudence, namely the jected with scorn. The next post inclosure of her well-formed, but too ap- brought a criminal proposal from Lord parent bosom. This was a half invite Florimont, which occasioned the deludto matrimony, and it was ridiculously ed Margaret a long fit of illness. answered by the Poetess thus: Strength of constitution, however, surmounted this attack. But, we grieve to state that, the ensuing winter, Miss Margarita Jemima Greville was met in Bond Street, and attended home by the acquaintance of an hour.

"An humble violet's, my lot must be ;
"The lordly rose can never wed with me."

The only reply to this sally was a dia-
mond hoop ring, without an explanation;
and Margarita returned again to retire-

From the Monthly Magazine.

PRESENT STATE OF HAYTI.

BY THE BARON DE VASTY, A MAN OF COLOUR AND ONE OF THE MINISTERS OF KING HENRI

BY

Y a precipitate manumission of the chiefs; which was conducted on their slaves, the Baron de Vasty observes, part with singular ability, moderation, that the French first lost hold of the and firmness. At length it became eviQueen of the Antilles, as Hayti is de- dent, from the tenor of the French proservedly termed; and, by the double- posals, that nothing less than the uncondealing of their attempts at repossession, ditional surrender of all the posts and they have forfeited the island perhaps for garrisons of the island, and, by conse ever. The Emperor Napoleon dispatch- quence, the submission of the whole poed Le Clerc, in 1802-3, for the ostensible pulation to the will of France-was the purpose of restoring social order to the real object of the invading expedition. settlements too long disturbed, it was The proceeding was viewed as an unjus said, by intestine divisions; and in the tifiable attempt to betray the liberties of proclamation of that general, on landing, the country, already purchased by the it was stated, in so many words, "You effusion of much blood; and, for the are all free and independent, before God preservation of their dearest interests, and the republic." A correspondence therefore, the Haytians were again obliwas opened by him with Generals Des- ged to have recourse to arms. ms. The wansalines and Christophe, the two native ton and impolitic barbarities of the

222

The Baron de Vasty on the Present State of Hayti.

{VOL. 2

French army had disgusted and turned Rising in the esteem of his country. every citizen from their cause; and a men by the wisdom of his measures, contest ensued resembling that of the President Christophe was deemed worGuerilla warfare in Spain. The natives thy of a higher distinction; and was achad every advantage-a thorough sea- cordingly elevated to the dignity of sosoning in their torrid climate, and a per- vereign in March 1811, the eighth year fect knowledge of the insular localities. of independence. In the progress of his The heat of a vertical sun by day, and reign King Henri has not been unmindthe dampness of the heavy dews by ful of the liberal arts and sciences : nanight, were sufficient of themselves to tional schools, on the LANCASTERIAN have defeated the French soldiery; but, PLAN, have been already established in when, in addition to these natural ene- the capital; others are preparing in the mies, they were assailed by the Haytians interior; and a royal collage is now from their thickets and fastnesses, their building, in which the higher branches numbers decreased beyond example. of science are to be taught by professors The people assumed their indepen- expected from England. German offidence; a government was organized, cers are employed in the instruction of with Dessalines at the head: Commerce the cadets intended for officers and enbegan to unfurl her canvass-and order gineers. An academy of painting and gradually pervaded every department of design, under the superintendance of the commonwealth. The cruelty of distinguished artists, is already attended Dessalines, however-who, though dis- by about thirty pupils-many of whom tinguished for his military abilities, was exhibit talents of considerable promise. yet too sanguinary for a humane and in- With a taste for the conveniences of offensive people-prepared the way for civilized life, an increasing consumption his downfal; and he was accordingly of foreign articles of luxury begins to assassinated on his way to the south, for manifest itself. The government usualthe inspection of his troops. Toussaint ly purchases a considerable proportion underwent a still worse fate; we believe of every cargo that arrives in port; giving he had a generous heart and an enlight- in barter, sugar, coffee, molasses, cotton, ened mind-but these qualities did him or other produce, according to the agree no good in a damp French dungeon. ment. Provisions are generally brisk of The command now devolved upon sale-the peasantry being occupied with HENRI CHRISTOPHE―a man, (says the the more profitable employment of raisbaron,) who was fitted by Nature for ing sugar and coffee for exportation. elevated purposes, and who seems des- The military attitude of the country— tined to perpetuate the independence necessity, perhaps, as a preservative which he bore so conspicuous a part in against the attempts of France-is unachieving. He was raised to the presi- doubtedly adverse to improvement, and dentship of Hayti by the universal con- to the thorough developement of the insent of the nation, and discharged the culculable resources of the soil. Cultiduties of that office with great ability vation is impeded by the enrolment of and application. He revised the several all males for military service on their administrations; examined the respec- attaining the age of sixteen; yet the tive departments of finance, trade, and produce raised, though not so abundant navigation; looked into the details of as it could be wished, is furnished in the army; visited the hospitals in per- sufficient quantity for the returns reson; and, to complete his thorough re- quired by importations. " formation, he remedied the defects of the laws, and instituted a new system of jurisprudence, which now goes under the title of the Code Henri, and of which one remarkable provision is--that the cultivator of the soil is now secured in the possession of at least one-fourth part of the gross produce.

CAPE HENRI, the capital of Hayti, so named after the present king, is situated at the northern extremity of the island. The city has a remarkably handsome appearance from the harbour; and is built on an inclined plain, forming the base of the mountains in rear of it; its position near the promontory of the

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The Baron de Vasty on the Present State of Hayti.

223

Com

Within a mile of the citadel stands

Cape gives it the full benefit of the wind- At a distance of about seven miles, on
ward sea-breeze; and the extensive vale, the craggy summit of a stupendous
to the right of the town, admits the pas- mountain, is seen the Citadel Henri,
sage of the free current of air from the mounted with three hundred and sixty-
mountains, during the land-wind. The five pieces of cannon, and built accord-
strictest precautions, as to cleanliness, are ing to the true principles of the engineer-
enforced by the governor; and, with ing art. New fortifications are constant-
these advantages, Cape Henri may be ly added to it under the immediate di-
pronounced, perhaps, the most healthy rections of the king himself, who perso-
spot in the West Indies. The yellow nally superintends their execution. It
fever, so fatal at the Havannah, Jamaica, is said, that this citadel is stocked with
and other islands, is there unknown; and three years' provisions for ten thousand
the chief diseases, indeed, to which men. It is the grand depository of the
strangers are subject, are principally to treasures of the kingdom-and guarded
be ascribed to intemperance.
of course, with peculiar care.
Conviviality is promoted by the esta- pletely enfiladed by the guns--and in-
blishment of a mess, or general table, accessible on all sides, except by a foot-
which is supported by the subscriptions path hewn out of the solid rock, so na-
of the principal foreign merchants, and row as to admit only single files-it may,
to which strangers have access on a pro- with truth be deemed impregnable.
per introduction. Those who have fam-
ilies usually spend their afternoons at the palace of Sans Souci-the favorite
home or in mutual visits; and a small, residence of the king-distant from the
but respectable, and increasing society, Cape about twelve miles. Those alone
consisting of English, American, Ger- who have particular letters of introduc-
man, and other merchants, form a social tion to his majesty, enjoy the honor of a
circle, calculated to enliven and gratify visit to Sans Souci. The floors and
its members. On Sundays it is usual ceiling of the palace are of mahogany,
for strangers to repair to a house and highly polished. The most sumptuous
plantation, appropriated for their enter- furniture that Europe, or the western
tainment by orders of his majesty. This world could supply, has been selected
delightful retreat is situated on a gentle to adorn the interior; while the rarest
eminence, about five miles distant from fruits and plants are to be found in the
the capital, and commands a most beau- gardens and pleasure-grounds, which are
tiful prospect of the richest and most laid out in exquisite taste. The coolness
extensive plain to be seen in all the of the air at this elevated spot, which has
West Indies; stretching in a straight been chosen with singular felicity, is aid-
line from east to west, nearly sixty miles. ed by the distribution of the trees; and
Here the sugar-cane grows in full luxu- the place forms, altogether, a retired ai d
riance; the mellow richness of the soil shaded retreat from the bustle and the
-the irrigation from the mountains, and cares of state,
the warmth of the position, screened as An extensive arsenal, and the barracks
it is, from the ruder blasts,-giving it of the guards, are in the neighbourhood.
advantages for growth, which, in other The king is daily occupied with military
places, it but seldom enjoys. The finest inspections, and always mounts his horse
cotton is to be found growing spontane- at sun-rise. He is a remarkably bano-
ously among the hedges,-indigo plants some well-built man; with a broad
springing up by the way-side, and the chest, square shoulders, and an appear-
coffee-bush growing wild, and inviting ance of great muscular strength and ac
the hand of industry, to collect. laul tivity. As a soldier he has certamiy
de cap, the name of the plantation, before shown himselt to be both valorous and
mentioned, was the property of a noble- skilful in counsel he is shrewd and ju-
man who embellished it with gardens. dicious.. Moderation, and a desire to
displaying all the varied beauties of na- keep aloof from the affairs of neighbour-
ture, as she appears in the tropical re- ing states, are the peculiar charact. ris-
gions.
tics of his administration.
He appears

224

Memoirs of Haydn.

[VOL. 2.

to be governed by great caution-wait- peas, French beans, scarlet beans, coning till the independence of Hayti shall volvulus or sweet potatoe, yams, cassabe recognized by the various powers, be- da-root, the egg plant, with a variety of fore he executes those plans for the ame- others, both indigenous and exotic. liorating the condition of his people, The palace of the former governor,though which he is known to have in view. now in a state of dilapidation, is a magStrangers are limited in their excur- nificent building, in the upper part of sions to the environs of the cape, the town. In the ascent to it you cross L'Eclair, and Haut de Cap. Those a handsome square, of smooth grass, who have business with the king are which embraces, in its centre the founconducted to Sans Souci; and mer- tain which the French are said to have chants and supercargoes going on mer- poisoned, when they were at the Cape. cantile affairs, are permitted occasionally It is surrounded by elegant public buildto visit Gonaives, a port distant about ings; the left being occupied by the sixty miles from the Cape, where vessels principal church; the front by the king's touch to load cotton-it being in the palace, with that of the prince royal adcentre of the cotton plantations. L'Eclair joining; and the right by the archbishis a house of entertainment, with a neat op's palace, and a guard-house for the garden, seated midway up the ascent of military. The whole wears a pleasing the northern promontory of the Cape, aspect. and commanding, from its lofty situation, a prospect of extraordinary beauty and extent; the spacious harbour and shipping in front; the town stretching to the right, with the distant hills of Sans Souci, the Grange, and Monte Christe.

The natives are remarkable for their polite demeanor and affability to strangers; and the humblest peasant salutes a white man with respect in passing. The rich are courteous, and evidently desirous of acquiring the good opinion The market at the Cape presents a of foreigners. The vigilance of the poscene of bustle and activity; and is lice exceeds that of any other island in abundantly supplied with every descrip- the West Indies. Order and decorum tion of animal and vegetable food. are the prevailing features of society; Fruits of delicious flavour, totally un- and crimes are made rare by the most known except in tropical climates, are effectual means to prevent them. Stranto be seen in cheap profusion; oranges, gers are specially favoured; being unlimes, bananas, plantains, sappadillas, der the immediate protection of the gov mangoes, ananas, or pine apples. Of ernment. esculent vegetables, there are European

MEMOIRS OF EMINENT PERSONS.

From the Literary Gazette.

THE LIFE OF HAYDN, IN A SERIES OF LETTERS WRITTEN AT

VIENNA.

Translated from the French of L. A. C. Bombet, with Notes by the Author of the "Sacred Melodies.”

THE
HE translator, in his Preface, in-
forms the reader that he will "find
in the following pages a variety of anec-
dote, and an elegance of criticism, on all
subjects connected with the fine arts,
which can scarcely fail to gratify him."
We confess that this promise is, in a
great degree, fulfilled.
The work is
interesting, and written in a lively enter-
taining style. The author's taste and
science give a considerable weight to his

opinions on the subject of music, in which his strength lies. The interest of the reader is excited by the opening of the subject, which we insert here as a specimen of his manner.

"At the extremity of one of the suburbs of Vienna, on the side of the Imperial Park of Schönbrunn, you find, near the barrier of Maria Hilff, a small unpaved street, so little frequented that it is covered with grass. About the middle

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Memoirs of Haydn, the immortal Composer.

225

of this street rises an humble dwelling, "The father of Haydn united to his surrounded by perpetual silence: it is trade of a cartwright, the office of a parthere, and not in the palace Esterhazy, ish-sexton. He had a fine tenor voice, as you suppose, and as, in fact, he was fond of his organ, and of music in might if he wished, that the father of general. On one of those journies, instrumental music resides--one of the which the artisans of Germany often men of genius of the eighteenth century, undertake, being at Frankfort-on-thethe golden age of music.' Mayne, he learned to play a little on the harp and in holidays, after church, he used to take his instrument, and his wife

had these first melodies made on this soul, which was all music.

"A cousin of the cartwright, whose name was Frank, a school-master at Haimburg, came to Rohrau, one Sunday, and assisted at the trio.

"You knock at the door: it is opened to you with a cheerful smile by a worthy little old woman, his house-keep- sung. The birth of Joseph did not alter er; you ascend a short flight of wooden the habits of this peaceful family. The stairs, and find in the second chamber of little domestic concert returned every a very simple apartment, a tranquil old week, and the child, standing before his man, sitting at a desk, absorbed in the parents, with two pieces of wood in his melancholy sentiment that life is escap- hands, one of which served him as a viing from him, and so complete a nonen- olin, and the other as a bow, constantly tity with respect to every thing besides, accompanied his mother's voice. Haydn, that he stands in need of visitors to loaded with years and with glory, has recall to him what he has once been. often, in my presence, recalled the simWhen he sees any one enter, a pleasing ple airs which she sung; so deep an smile appears upon his lips, a tear moist- impression ens his eye, his countenance recovers its animation, his voice becomes clear, he recognizes his guest, and talks to him of his early years, of which he has a much better recollection than of his later ones: you think that the artist still exists; He remarked, that the child, then but, soon, he relapses before your eyes scarcely six years old, beat the time with into his habitual state of lethargy and astonishing exactitude and precision. sadness. This Frank was well acquainted with "The Haydn all fire, so exuberant music, and proposed to his relations to and original, who when seated at his take little Joseph to his house, and to piano-forte created musical wonders, teach him. They accepted the offer and in a few moments warmed and with joy, hoping to succeed more easily transported every heart with delicious in getting Joseph into holy orders, if he sensations-has disappeared from the should understand music. He set out world. The Butterfly, of which Plato accordingly for Haimburg. speaks, has spread its bright wings to been there only a few weeks, when he Heaven, and has left here below only the discovered in his cousin's house two gross larva, under which it appeared to tambourines. By dint of trials and our eyes." perseverance, he succeeded in forming on this instrument, which had but two tones, a kind of air, which attracted the attention of all who came to the schoolhouse."

Such, in April, 1808, was the situation of this great man, who, for nearly fifty years, had filled the world with the fame of his genius. The account of his humble parentage, and the first years of his life, is equally interesting.

"Francis Joseph Haydn was born on the last day of March, 1732, at Rohrau, a small town, fifteen leagues distant from Vienna. His father was a cartwright, and his mother before her marriage, had been cook in the family of Count Harrach, the lord of the village.

2F ATHENEUM. Vol. 2

66

He had

The narrative of circumstances, which placed him at eight years of age, under Reuter, Maitre de Chapelle of St. Stephen's, the Cathedral Church of Vienna; and afterwards under the patronage of Corner, the Venetian Ambassador, is very encouraging to genius in a low estate. His astonishing application at that early period is almost incredible.

"In his low fortune, we find no un