186 Xations latelij become Liter ary. [Cil. XXVI. 



SECTION III. 

 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



The annals of American literature are short 

 and simple. The history of poverty is usually 

 neither very various, nor very interesting. Those 

 who are accustomed to contemplate only the 

 ancient and extensive literary establishments of 

 Europe, and who measure every object by Eu- 

 ropean standards, must look upon all that the 

 Western hemisphere has hitherto presented, espe- 

 cially until within a ^ew years past, as trivial and 

 unworthy of regard. But those who recollect the 

 origin and progress of the settlements which now 

 form the United States, and who make an im- 

 partial estimate of what may be justly expected 

 from a people situate as their inhabitants have 

 been and are, will entertain a more respectful 

 opinion of the small portion of literature which 

 the country contains *. 



* The author regrets that his account of the rise and progress 

 of Y^merican literature is so much less full and satisfactory than 

 he once hoped to make it. With all his partiality for his native 

 country, he is convinced that its literary history, even if com- 

 pletely drawn out, Avould not make a very honourable figure. But 

 of the few learned men and literary events of which we have to 

 boast, it is mortifying that we know so little. The very names 

 of some who, a century ago, were the most conspicuous bene- 

 factors to the interests of liberal knowledge in our country, are 

 now almost forgotten; and with respect to the details of their 

 acquirements and services, nothing can be learned. An attempt 



