Education. The following interesting letter will be perused with pleasure ever by those who long since have read it. We intend to follow it by some notice of Pestalozzi's, method and Lancaster's system and also with an account of a famous school at Paris. NEEF'S SCHOOL. FROM THE PROVIDENCE AMERICAN. The third stage in the old is by words of three syllables, to spell. The third stage in the new, is to divide the straight line into any required number of parts by the eye instantly, and with an exactness that shall stand the test of the compass and rule. The fourth stage of the old school is words of four syllables. The fourth stage of the new school is to discriminate between the properties of lines-horizontal, verA letter from a gentleman in Philadelphia, to another tical and oblique-and so he proceeds to figures of in this town, dated, APRIL 23, 1811. visible objects. Thus, a boy being able to draw a DEAR SIR-I have just received yours of the horizontal line, and an oblique line descending from 24th. Every thing I have said, or which the power the left to the right, or the contrary, and who can of language could express, would fall far short of by his eye draw it exactly of a length required, is an adequate description of the effects already produ- competent to describe any figure composed on its ced by Neef's system, which will not have been two exterior of straight lines; and by the same process years in operation till the 9th of June. Such indeed the child is carried to form any figure, for curved are the effects, that many who go there, and see lines curve in their turn with all their diversities. and hear, are amazed, become incredulous only Strange as it may appear, these very lessons lead because they cannot conceive how it is produced. to the art of alphabetical writing, and the alphabet I, who have been a constant visitor, have had an after this course is not a matter of mere rote, but a opportunity to mark the manner of the method, as matter established in the mind with precise ideas of well as to note the astonishing ease, simplicity and its uses, as an agent for convenience to the memory, certainty of the process. The school is filling and not as the essential object of learning. will fill, and I felicitate mysel with the hope of find- The lessons are conducted like sports, and they ing in it a future security for the liberties of our are rarely more than an hour at any time in the country, as, when once established, that is, after school room: nor do the lessons proceed in an one class has passed through a course, which may arbitrary rotation. There is a certain order, but it be accomplished in six years from the time of begin is in the teacher's mind, and is always calculated ning, it will then carry with it such evidence of its efficacy and superiority, and of its utility, as to ren der its access into general use easy and certain. In deed, the course once gone through, it will be such as any one may teach. like the lines to writing. The preceding lesson invariably leads to, and aids that which is to follow, the lesson of the morning, for example, may be straight lines, or triangles; the lesson after breakfast may be the table of computation, which of itself I could refer to hundreds who have seen the school produces effects that are inconceivable but upon and witnessed the examinations on all, and ten experience. The lessons may vary to fifteen differ. times more of the subjects concerning which you ent subjects in the course of the day; but all are so have seen the publications; but you must be aware contrived as to depend upon, or to aid each otherthat to judge of any thing, you must compare it with and like the Peripatetics, their morning rambles something else: Now the usual visitor can have no over hills and vallies, rocks and declivities, are noidea of the state of the mind of a child who went to thing more than exercises in Gymnastics, or in this school twelve or eighteen months ago, yet natural history; minerals, earths, plants, and trees without this knowledge he can form no conception are investigated; the measurement of a triangle by of the effects produced on that child's mind. On the eye on a slate, is now applied to the measurethe other hand, I have been intimate and familiar ment of a similar figure in the open field, and the with them all, and find children whom I dandled on chain of perches perform the operations which are my knee were able in ten months to puzzle me with assigned to the compass in the school room. abstract propositions, and astonishing calculations. regular course is to consist of all this knowledge of Strangers who have not studied, nor had an oppor- Algebra, and of course, all the arithmetical knowtunity of seeing the course of instruction, have ledge it embraces-Geometry and Grammar; the great difficulties and prejudices to surmount before system itself is a perfect logic, and the scholar bethey can enter into an estimate of its utility. For instance, take the following parallel: By the old system, children have a primer or horn book put into their hands, and they begin to learn the arbitrary and unmeaning names of certain signs called an alphabet. The comes master of all in three languages, the English, French and German. If it be required the Greek and Latin are taught by the same method, little more than two years being required to attain both. The course for general education is from six years old to twelve, for six years. As there is no limitaBy Neef's system they begin to learn the names tion to knowledge, those, who choose to continue of all their limbs, members, and different relations after six years, progress in learning of the higher and uses of all parts of the human body. Nearly kind, mathematical and scientific. The ordinary two years elapse before they hear of an alphabet or a book, nor pen and ink, until they are able to read and write. This is an apparent parodox, but it is nevertheless true. The second stage of the old system is to spell single syllables. course, however, comprehends general anatomy, chemistry, botany, mineralogy, natural philosophy, geography, drawing: and all this knowledge is taught and acquired with accuracy by a strict analysis of the properties of every substance and thing. These general ideas suggested from memory and The second stage of Neef's is to put a slate and the result of observation and familiar intimacy with pencil before the boy, and to bring his hand to the the school, perhaps no other person out of the habit of drawing a straight line without the aid of a school can give; and Mr. NEEF himself is a person rule, and to draw the line to any given number of who, with the most comprehensive mind, appears inches as called for, by the eye only, and without totally divested of ostentation. He is blessed with any rule to measure by, excepting after it is done, a wife, as wise and as amiable and happy in her to exhibit its accuracy. temper as himself. He seems as if formed by Ilea ven for the station which he has cho-en, and his of. These papers are a monument of their glory; whole faculties are directed to it; and can embrace of their patience; their talents; their courage; no other pleasures but those which he enjoys in the their civic virtues; and, more than all, of their demidst of his innocent and cheerful companions and votion to liberty. Let the American lay his hand his sweet family. on his heart and ask himself, "if they shall be forgotten?" I, at least, must say, No-and could not hold myself guiltless, siturated as I am, were I to reuse to insert them, and hold up examples so wholesome to patriotism, and my country. I shall now give you what information is necessa ry as to the economical part of the business. The terms are these: A child must be in good health, and must be provided with a matrass, bed clothes and apparel. With these he enters the school, and It is true, these papers are old; but they are of a pays for the year 200 dollars, for which the child is good fashion, and will not wear out. Copies of them found in meat, washing and every other attention are becoming scarce; not one in fifty of the present and care. The health and happiness of the chil generation have had a convenient opportunity to dren is the best evidence of their good treatment.-ead them. I would place them in the hands of eveThey are combed and cleaned every day. Among ry one, and respectfully suggest to the heads of fathe rest they are taught to swim in the summer, milies, the propriety of pointing them out to their and skate in the winter; and their propensities to children-the young mind will ardently receive mechanics or gardening are encouraged, the fullest them, and impressions may be left that shall never opportunity being given to unfold their faculties. be effaced. 66 The petition to the king inserted in this number, A new class opens on the first Monday in May.* There are two children from Boston, some from as a mere literary produc.ion, is an honor to our Virginia and Maryland, and from different parts of country; and, while it shews the firmness and digthis state. Should the gentleman you mention think ny of the old congress, manifests their love of peace fit to send his son, I will give him every aid in my and the virtues. A celebrated British historian power if he calls on me; and I can say from expe (Beishum) thus speaks of it-" The address of Conrience, that he never will repent it, nor have any gress to the king, is penned with extraordinary occasion to fear for the happiness any more than the force and animation,in many parts rising to a very intellectual acquirements of his child. The boys" high strain of eloquence. -It is difficult to come to town occasionally, but, what is not very usual, they are all eager to get back to school again the town is so little interesting to them. This is a faithful account so far as it goes, but it is far short of the reality. Desultory Remarks. BY THE EDITOR. I could not expect every person to be pleased with every part of my plan—If I succeeded in giving ge neral sati fic ion to the patrons of the REGISTER, it was all that I hoped for. How nearly I have a rived to that point of utility I desired the work to attain, is not for me to say-the matter is before the public, and will be fairly judged. conceive how this address would be read without exciting in the breasts of the most obdurate, strong emotions of compunction and remorse." In England-though every man hoasts of his freedom derived from the Magna Charta-a partieular reference to that memorable instrument is accounted a species of jacobinism !—In France, the emperor, we are told, was elected by the people of their own free will-but if a man were now to repent him o his vote, and express a desire that he had been rejected, would he not be considered as almost guilty of treason? In the United States, all profess to love independence-shall it be esteemed jacobinie or treasonable to bring into view the causes which led to ic-HEAVEN FORBID! We shail, therefore, leisurely, proceed in our But objections have been made that appear extra plan, and, when not pressed by other matters, sucordinary-I would not notice them except I believe cessively present, the declaration of Congress setting ed a few m nutes might be usef illy spent in repelling forth the causes and necessity of taking up arms;—the them :-much dissatisfaction has been expressed by declaration of independence, (and the counter decla three or four persons at our design to insert in the|ration of dependence, by the tories at New York ;} REGISTER, a short series of revolutionary state the articles of confederation and union agreed upon papers, on this plea-"THEY OUGHT TO BE FOR in 1778; and clo e the whole with general WashingOne of these gentlemen appeared sorton's circular letter to the governors of the several ry to learn I was about to obtain a copy of the states, and an account of the resignation of his com Journal of the stamp act congress, 1765, and pub mand into the hands of those who gave it, the most lish it; for their proceedings were almost obliter-glorious event of his memorable life. ated; and it would excite old animosities to revive Again-it is thought as though I did not speak of kings and nobles with sufficient respect and reve GOTTEN." them! I cannot agree with these gentlemen. Most of rence. As an American I am a constitutional enethe actors on the great scenes of those times have my of these men; I believe the whole business of departed; a new generation supplies their place; kingcraft, a horrid knavery, and that the present who, to value their freedom as the ought, should kings and princes of Europe are among the most be acquainted with the events connected to its " rascally members of creation." A reference to atchievement. They should see and admire that facts-an observance of their proceedings, will shew noble spirit of their ancestors-that suffering virtue what they are; and, when I have occasion to speak that prayed,-petitioned,―remonstrated; and, when of them, I will endeavor to press upon others the all was unavailing, indignantly shook off the yoke sovereign contempt I have for them. of a tyrant, by a solemn appeal to God, to mankind The common mind is too easily led to a veneration at large, and themselves individually. Our youth of monarchy and aristocracy; and, unfortunately, should be taught to emulate their fathers- a race of men whose actions will shine more resplendent in history than aught that Greece or Rome can boast too many of our books (written by British authors,) are calculated to cast false lights upon them. I cannot any more believe that a man is born royal or noble (in the true meaning of the words) because his opposed father is called a king or a lord, than that a man must be a horse if the place of his birth were a stable. The talk about "divine right," "legitimate from America did not exceed one fortieth part of the sovereigns," &c. with which too many in the Unit- whole quantity imported." ed States endeavor to mislead the public mind, is Though the annexed article is not of late date, it a kind of treason against humanity-they are all will be interesting news to many of our readers-we "Usurpers"-power alone constitutes their right: Register it because it gives an account of the arrival all other pretension is a barefaced cheat. I have" of the first rigged vessel at Cincinnati from beno commisseration for them. I am glad that some low." have felt a portion of the suffering they heaped on CINCINNATI, May 29.-Ship News.-Arrived at the heads of the people. There are two things this place, on Sunday morning, the 26th instant, which every American should solemnly hate and barge Cincinnati, Beatle, commander, from Newreligiously despise hereditary governors and an Orleans, with a cargo of sugar, hides, logwood, established priesthood-twin-agents of innumerable crates, &c. She sailed from New Orleans the 3d blasphemies and crimes. of March, arrived at the Falls the 9th of May, 68 days-remained at the Falls 9 days, and sailed from thence on the 17th instant. This is the first rigged vessel that ever arrived at Cincinnati from below. fashion, and burthen 64 tons. She was warped over the Falls by 18 men, in half a day. Amusing and Interesting Scraps. She is 100 feet keel, 16 feet beam: rigged sloop A writer in the New-Jersey Journal, gives us the following statement of the whole number of eclipses, during a century, from which the scarcity of large solar and lunar, visible and invisible, that take place and solar eclipses will appear: Solar Eclipses. Visible. Invisible. 238 43 195 - 152 76 76 390 239 272 Liverpool corn exchange, July 23, 1811, Wheat, (American) 12s. 6d. a 13s. per 70lbs. ($ 2 79 a 2 91, -Flour, (Am.) barrel, 56s. a 58s. Oats, per 45lbs. 3s. 10d. a 4s. Indian corn, per 60lbs. 5s. 9d. a 6s. Turkish Funeral.-Died in Upper Berkeley street, London, Siddi Effendi, charge des affaires from the Sublime Ottoman Port-His excellency was interred in the burial ground of St. Pancras,The procession consisted of a hearse containing the body covered with white satin, followed by his carriage, and two mourning coaches, in which were the priest and the late ambassador's attendants. Up on arriving at the ground the body was taken out of the shell which contained it, wrapped in rich robes, and dropped into the grave, and immediately after a large stone, nearly the size of the body, was laid The irritation in England on account of the atupon it; and after some Mahometan ceremonies tack of the Little Belt on our frigate the President, had been gone through, the attendants left the in which the former "caught a Yankee," still conground. The procession, in going to the church tinues; and a thousand falshoods are publishing in yard, galloped nearly all the way. the ministerial newspapers about it.. From the first of January to the fifteenth of Au gust, there were exported from New Orleans to foreign markets, no less than seventy five thousand barrels of flour. This city will probably become one of the greatest emporiums of trade in the world, when the country to the westward has a full population. Mr. Galusha (republican) has been elected go vernor of Vermont, by a large majority. The legislature has the same political character. The charitable design of starving the people of France in the early part of the revolution, by Great Britain and the allied powers, is finely contracted by the following statement from a London paper of the 25th of June last: "IMPORTS. From a return just presented to the House of Commons, it appears that we imported last year, Solar and Lunar Of the 76 visible lunar eclipses, 34 will be total, but of the 43 solar eclipses, not more than one will he central, and perhaps that may not be total. Chinese Tartary—It is stated in a German paper on the authority of some merchants who have arrived at Moscow, from China, that an adventurer named Bughvan Ho, has recently collected a number of followers in Grand Tartary, and has induced them, in conjunction with several wandering tribes of Mingas, to submit to his authority in the double character of Prince and Pontiff. His followers be lieving him to be possessed of supernatural power, profess the utmost devotion to his will; and their conduct on several occasions, when attacked by other tribes, was characterized by all that zeal which marks the adherents of a new religion.. The Caravans which traverse the desert islands pay him tribute, though escorted by Chinese or Russian soldiers. The merchants who were introduced to him fell prostrate at the threshold of his tent, and remained in that posture during the audience: he spoke to them in four languages, and was courteous in his manner. The Chinese governor of Navman not daring to attack him, lately sent some individu als in his confidence with presents and orders to learn his views, resources, &c. Bughvan Ho, at this audience, assumed the title of King of Tartary, and made a pompous display of his followers, about 60,000 of whom were armed with bows, arrows, lances and different guns. To shew the influence he possessed over them, he made a signal, and 100 voluntarily embraced death by stabbing themselves to the heart. The Chinese government alarmed at the proximity of this aspiring chieftain, was Hence more than one-third of the Wheat, and strengthening the frontier garrisons and taking nearly one-third of the Flour, came from France other measures of precaution against the consolida and Holland; while from America ✯ whported not tion of a power, which not only threatened the inmore Flour than we did from the countries with dependence of the country, but menaced the exwhich we are at war; and the quantity of Wheat tinction of the present dynasty. [Lon. pap. 1,387,200 Quarters of Wheat, 403.122 Quarters of Oats, and Of this quantity the imports were From France, 331,806 Quarters of Wheat, 202,922 Cwt. of Flour. and From Holland 189,016 Quarters of Wheat, In tribes of Indians. It has very naturally been a subCaptain Posey and Lieutenant Jennings. The following account of the unfortunate ren-ject of surprise to those not acquainted with the counter between captain Thornton Posey, com- cause of it, that a handful of these aboriginal savages manding at Fort Knox in the Indiana territory, should seek their own destruction by provoking the and lieutenant Jessee Jennings, on the evening of indignation and resentment of their more powerful It is not likely, indeed, 24th June last, which terminated in the death of neighbors of these states. the latter, is given by a gentleman just arrived from they would have stirred, but for the active exertions Vincennes, where he learned the following particu- of the British agents on our frontier. It is a fact that the latter have been exciting them to hostilities Jars. "For some time previous to the day on which against the United States by every means in their lieutenant Jennings fell, he appears to have entertain power, for several years past; and have scarcely ed a violent animosity towards captain Posey, which ever intermitted their good offices in this way. induced him to indulge, when not in the presence the year T810, a Miami chief, having received at of the captain, in terms of reproach and abuse, fre- Fort Malden his annual donation of goods was thus My son, quently declaring his determination upon revenge, addressed by Ellicott, the British agent: " keep your eyes fixed on me- -my tomahawk is up; and that if no other means offered he would certain ly take the captain's life. These threats appear to be you ready--but do not strike until I give you "the signal." So long ago as 1808 an agent from have reached the captain and induced him to be upon his guard against any attempt to take his life; some the British provinces arrived at the prophet's town, ineffectual efforts made by lieutenant Jennings at a and delivered a message, the substance of which late hour on the night of the 20th June, to get into was to urge the prophet to unite as many tribes as captain Posey's room, confirmed him in the opinion he could against the United States but not to comthat the lieutenant's threats alluded to a clandestine mence hostilities until they gave the signal. A great attempt to take him off. Accordingly it appears belt has lately been sent round among those tribes his conduct became more circumspect and guarded, on our northern frontier, for the purpose of uniting and be determined, if possible, not to be taken by them in a confederacy, the object of which was, as surprize. This the captain imparted to some of his we are currently advised, "to confine the great wafriends, at the same time deprecating the intentions ter and prevent it from overflowing them." This of lieutenant Jennings, in seeking a clandestine belt, since its return, was shown a prominent British mode of satisfaction as unbecoming an officer in agent in that country, who danced for joy to see the army. that so many tribes had joined against the United On the evening of the 24th June last, about a States. Every account we receive from that counquarter of an hour previous to the fatal rencounter try confirms the belief, that British agents among in which lieutenant Jennings fell, Squire Purcell, the Indians excite them against us, and furnish a gentleman living in the neighborhood, came to the them with muskets, powder, ball, provisions, &c. fort and receiving information from some of the so!- These facts exhibit so profligate a destitution of diers that captain Posey was not in his quarters, and humanity and principle in the authors of the scheme, seeing his door shut, he passed on and entered the that we have been unwilling to place much confiquarters of lieutenant Jennings. The lieutenant was eence in them; but they are now confirmed by such lying in his bed reading, aud Mr M'Call, the deputy a mass of evidence as cannot be withstood. If the contractor, was sitting by also reading. Mr. M'Call actors in this drama had no regard for their own took up a bottle and walked off, and immediately honor, no feeling for their own reputation, to deter after Jennings walked out leaving Purcell alone, them from this course of policy, humanity might who not thinking their conduct altogether polite, have shielded the Indians from these detestable instepped out a few paces upon the parade; just at trigues of the British emissaries, which will we fear, that moment he heard a noise in captain Posey's devote these deluded natives to destruction, unless room resembling the shoving or pushing about of the exercise of their natural good sense should chairs or tables; but Mr M'Call coming up with the snatch them from the precipice on the brink of bottle in his hand, invited him to walk in. They re- which they hover. turned into the room they had just left, and took a glass of grog; scarcely had they set down their glasses when they heard a sharp noise but could not to strike. tell what: Mr. M'Call stepped to the window, From a speech delivered in the British house of and at that instant they heard the report of a pistol; Peers, June 13, it appears in 1807, there were em-M'Call observed the lieutenant is killed. Purcell ployed in British commerce, only 42,000 British and M'Call hurried to the captain's quarters, where seamen and 43,000 foreign seamen-and in 1809, they found lieutenant Jennings lying at the door, 29,000 British and 43,000 foreign; and in 1810, and captain Posey standing within the door-the 34,000 British and 58,000 foreign-the foreigners captain's clothes were much torn about the bosom. are denominated “ foreign European seamen.' Captain Posey ordered his serjeant to lay the lieu- Died lately at Sardinia, Victor Emanuel, king of tenant's head straight, draw his boots and have him Sicily (as the news papers have it, but we presume decently laid out. Then turning to M'Call and of Sardinia) full of years and overwhelmed with Purcell invited them into his room, observing that sorrows. He was a subdiary of England. Victor the lieutenant had fallen by his hands.--One ball en- Emanuel, king of Sardinia, mounted the throne in tered the left shoulder and ranged towards the mid-1802, upon the resignation of his brother; and dle of the back, or 5 inches just under the skin. having joined the coalition against France, was the The other entered just below the right breast, pass- same year dethroned of all his continental possesing through the lungs, diaphragm, &c. came out of Ision, consisting of Savoy, Piedmont, &c. now formthe left side of the spine just below the short ribs." ing certain departments of the Empire. July 14th, 1811. A great number of workmen are employed in the Indian hostilites.-Our readers have doubtless ports of trueAdriatic, in building ships of war for Several of the line have perused with interest the various accounts given the empero of France. at different times, of the hostile attitude of different been launched at Venice, &c. Mean while let us one and all look out for "the signal" which is to be given when the Indians are [Nat. Intel. |