such as to produce a correct impression on the mind of a stranger, with regard to his abilities as an orator, or a writer, or of his peculiar social qualities.

There is, in the eighteenth volume of that invaluable and most ably conducted periodical, the Southern Literary Messenger, strict, unsparing, and well-written descriptions of some of the talented men of Virginia, and who were members of the State Convention of 1851. Among the rest, the name of Wise prominently appears. As the reader may refer to the number for June of that year, we shall present only a few brief extracts:

"Face, figure, feature, gesture, flexibility of muscle, limb, voice, and intellect," says the writer, "were called into full play; earnestness of manner, keenness of wit, biting sarcasm, denunciation, unsparing ridicule, anecdote, positive assertion, his own past history and his future hopes, whatever was known and whatever was conjectured, as bearing upon the subject, were all brought out, and flung, wild-cat fashion, in the contest. His style of speaking is a chronic passion; it is always at the height of expression, that voice, feature, and gesture can give. In his impassioned moments, when the force of his words is thus perfectly aided by voice and manner, his arms flung aloft in every variety of unnatural gesture, his face twisting, his voice almost a scream, and his eye glaring with excitement,-at these times his words seem like bullets, dashed and flung with frantic vehemence in the face of his opponents; he speaks concentrated bitterness,-bitter in language, sense, expression, and action.

"The effect of his speech on the Basis Question was strikingly evident; and if the true test of an orator is his power to convince a mixed audience of the truth of his opinions, and to carry with him their attention and their opinions, then Henry A. Wise is one of the most eloquent men in Virginia.'

He has a brother, John C. Wise, Esq., of Princess Anne County, who, though not as polished a speaker, is evidently a man of lofty spirit, uncommon talent, and excellent judgment.

This chapter will conclude with some remarks relative to the political character of Norfolk, &c.; and we may state, in the first

place, that there are in our community but few politicians, or, perhaps, we should say political aspirants, certainly not many vainly ambitious ones; although it is admitted that there is a respectable share of legislative intelligence and sagacity. An observable trait in the character of the most prominent men here of both parties, is a modest, quiet demeanour. But when they are called by their fellow-citizens to act their part in the political arena, they generally acquit themselves with becoming ability and efficiency. The political sentiments of the majority of the voters of Norfolk have long been in accordance with the principles of the Whig party, and, consequently, there have been, for many years, with one or two exceptions, Whig representatives in the State Legislature. At the last Presidential election, however, there was a Democratic majority of twenty-four. And there was, accordingly, great rejoicing on account of the apparent political change in the city; and, probably, there was sufficient reason for the innocent exultation on the joyful occasion. But candour requires us to state that a large number of Whigs did not vote. Whether the same may be said of the members of the other party or not, we are not quite prepared to say. Very certain it is, however, that there was a greater effort made by the Democrats, to swell the number of voters, than by the Whigs. The most casual observer could not fail to notice that there was extraordinary and effective vigilance in the Democratic ranks in obtaining votes. The Democratic party has the ascendancy in Portsmouth, and in the Congressional district.

There is not much of the bickering and strife of mere party; views and principles are firmly maintained; but the clamorous noise, and rabid denunciations of political factions have never prevailed in Norfolk to an extraordinary extent. It is admitted, however, that there has been quite enough of bitter newspaper controversy; and on some special occasions, considerable excitement and a fair show of spirit and animation in political assemblages and processions. Martial music, spirited songs, and enthusiastic cheers, sometimes enliven the occasion, and ring out loud and strong on the evening breeze. But the "sovereigns" always disperse quietly, and depart peacefully, appearing quite

willing that each one should enjoy the fullest liberty to express and entertain his favourite opinions and views. On occasions of excitement, reason generally reigns and holds its sway, in opposition to discord and confusion; and a patient submission, a quiet forbearance, have often been observed here, even when demonstrations of violence and bloodshed were seriously apprehended.

CHAPTER LII.

Native Genius-J. H. Whitehurst, of Norfolk, the Virginia Daguerreotypist— Extensive Business-Pictures-Energy of Character-Opinions of Others -Morteotype-Sketch of His Parentage, Talents, Progress, &c.—His Pictures at the Fairs of the Maryland Institute-Premium-His Pictures at the World's Fair-His Mind-Inventive Capacity, &c.-Alexander Galt, Jr., of this City, the Virginia Sculptor-Descriptive Letter from Florence-Triumphs of American Artists-Powers-Galt-Greek Beauty-Correspondence -Bust of Psyche-Bust of Virginia-Promise of the Young Artist-The Bust received in Norfolk-Splendid Specimen-Extract from the Richmond Whig-Evidences of Genius in Boyhood-First Effort-Enquirer-Tribute of T. C. Tabb, Esq.-Particulars of Galt's Genius-Works, &c.-Other Talented Individuals.

WE record with peculiar pleasure that this immediate section of Virginia has produced its due proportion of individuals possessing extraordinary native genius as artists; and whose energy of character, close application, and unyielding perseverance in their profession, have already gained for them very considerable distinction, and will ultimately cause their names to be enrolled among those of the masters of the age.

Jesse H. Whitehurst, the celebrated Daguerreotypist, enjoys an enviable reputation, and merits a special notice here. He ranks at the head of the list of artists in his profession; and his celebrity and popularity have already secured for him an extensive and lucrative business, in several of the principal cities of the Union. His pictures are very remarkable for their exquisite finish, surpassing accuracy, and striking resem

blance to life. The finest and most delicate touches,-the work of a master hand, are singularly manifest in all his likenesses.

His life has, thus far, exhibited one of those instances of energy and persevering effort, and consequent success, which it is pleasing to contemplate-an interesting example of that spirited devotion to the chosen sphere of action, which marked the career of some of those worthy men of science whose names have "descended along down the track of time," never to be ef faced from the historic page; and the remembrance of whose works will pass on, and on, from age to age.

There is much that could be appropriately said here of Mr. W. as an artist; nor can the foregoing remarks be thought too highly coloured, inasmuch as observant, scrutinizing, impartial men, of other sections of the country, have spoken concerning him in terms not less strong.

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Morteotype is a new and beautiful application of Daguerreotype, and is destined to create quite a sensation among the living, if not among the dead. The idea is chaste and novelthe dead are made to live in form, feature, and expression-the tomb-stone gives to the breathing world more than the mere name of the departed-more than can be told by the poet or expressed by the sculptor; a semblance of the mouldering dust that sleeps beneath, when the ghastly remnant of humanity was clothed in flesh, and 'the young blood ran riot in the veins.' The stranger, wandering through our cemeteries, will no longer dwell upon the epitaph of the silent sleeper-but contemplate the features of the one, who once breathed and had volition like himself. The young and lovely will seem to defy the consuming finger of decay, and smile as they were wont in the days of life. The parent can again look upon the features of his beloved child, and forget that it reposes in the silent embraces of the tomb; while the lover can contemplate the features that longest won his heart, and say, 'such was she-but what is she now? Morteotype' is a recent invention of Mr. J. H. Whitehurst, a gentleman who has devoted a great portion of his life to improvements in the art of Daguerreotyping; a young man of extraordinary genius and enterprise. It is the embedding of the sun-created likeness into the stone, and making it impervious to the ravages

of time by the use of the peculiar kind of cement, which makes the picture as durable as marble itself.

"If we have been informed aright, Jesse H. Whitehurst is the son of Captain Charles Whitehurst, one of the gallant heroes of Craney Island, and was born in Princess Anne County, Virginia. He is still young, of prepossessing appearance, and urbane manners. At an early age, he evinced great mechanical and artistical talent, coupled with enterprise and ambition. In 1843, the art of Daguerreotyping might have been considered in its infancy; he had foresight enough to see that there was a wide field opened before him. He accordingly visited New York— gleaned what information he could, and, through books and study, obtained knowledge enough of the art to commence for himself-which he did successfully in Charleston, S. C. In the fall of 1843, he opened a gallery in Norfolk, and such was his success that, with his usual 'go-ahead-ativeness,' in January of 1844, he established his celebrated gallery in Richmond. Good fortune still smiled upon his exertions; and such was his triumph over all competition, that he successively opened his branch establishments in Lynchburg, Petersburg, Baltimore, and New York. In 1844, he discovered the rotatory background, an improvement which gives an airy, life-like appearance to the picture. In 1845, he constructed the first perfect skylight in Richmond; this improvement diffuses pleasant and equal light over the countenance of the sitter, and consequently greatly improves the picture. In 1846, he applied galvanism to Daguerreotypes, and by a series of successful experiments proved its utility, when all others failed in its application. To give the reader some idea of the amount of business done by this enterprising young artist, something over 60,000 pictures were sent out from his establishment during the six years that transpired after he first commenced business, giving employment to twenty-three assistants.

"He seldom, if ever, gives dissatisfaction, and never allows a defective picture to leave his gallery. This is the main secret of great success; for every one being pleased, recommendations must come from every quarter. His success in Baltimore has been unprecedented—benefitting him, while, at the same time, it