They always bear out the parts he wishes them to enact, and the whole story goes on so naturally that one feels as if reading a narrative of facts, instead of a work of fiction.

I have known Captain Marryat many years, and liked him from the first; but this circumstance, far from rendering me more indulgent to his novel, makes me more fastidious; for I find myself at all times more disposed to criticise the writings of persons whom I know and like than those of strangers:  perhaps because I expect more from them, if, as in the present case, I know them to be very clever.

Dined yesterday at the Cadran Bleu, and went in the evening to see La Tour d’Auvergne, a piece founded on the life, and taking its name from a soldier of the time of the Republic.  A nobler character than that of La Tour d’Auvergne could not be selected for a dramatic hero, and ancient times furnish posterity with no brighter example.  A letter from Carnot, then Minister of War, addressed to this distinguished soldier and admirable man, has pleased me so much that I give its substance: 

“On fixing my attention on the men who reflect honour on the army, I have remarked you, citizen, and I said to the First Consul—­’La Tour d’Auvergne Corret, descendant of the family of Turenne, has inherited its bravery and its virtues.  One of the oldest officers in the army, he counts the greatest number of brilliant actions, and all the brave name him to be the most brave.  As modest as he is intrepid, he has shewn himself anxious for glory alone, and has refused all the grades offered to him.  At the eastern Pyrenees the General assembled all the companies of the grenadiers, and during the remainder of the campaign gave them no chief.  The oldest captain was to command them, and he was Latour d’Auvergne.  He obeyed, and the corps was soon named by the enemy the Infernal Column.

“’One of his friends had an only son, whose labour was necessary for the support of his father, and this young man was included in the conscription.  Latour d’Auvergne, broken down by fatigue, could not labour, but he could still fight.  He hastened to the army of the Rhine; replaced the son of his friend; and, during two campaigns, with his knapsack on his hack and always in the foremost rank, he was in every engagement, animating the grenadiers by his discourse and by his example.  Poor, but proud, he has refused the gift of an estate offered to him by the head of his family.  Simple in his manners, and temperate in his habits, he lives on the limited pay of a captain.  Highly informed, and speaking several languages, his erudition equals his courage.  We are indebted to his pen for the interesting work entitled Les Origines Gauloises.  Such rare talents and virtues appertain to the page of history, but to the First Consul belongs the right to anticipate its award.’

“The First Consul, citizen, heard this recital with the same emotions that I experienced.