COMMERCE AND RESOURCES OF ALABAMA.

We cheerfully give place to the following letter from J. J. Pleasants, Esq., of Huntsville, Alabama, correcting an error we committed, on what we considered the best authority, that of a gentleman whose circumstances and general information, in regard to the commercial affairs of the United States, would usually render any statements he might make almost semi-official :—

TO THE EDITOR OF MERCHANTS' MAGAZINE:

Dear Sir,-In the November number of your excellent Magazine, I find you have committed a great error in your article Trade and Commerce of Mobile, and the Resources of Alabama." You state that the "product of the northern district of the State finds a market chiefly in Savannah, Augusta, and Hamburg, Georgia, from which it is shipped to Eorope, or northern ports."

Now, I think it quite improbable that there ever was a single bale of cotton forwarded from the northern district of Alabama to either of the markets designated. The cotton of North Alabama is shipped, on the Tennessee river, to New Orleans. The receipts at that port for the commercial year, ending the 31st August, 1835, or as stated by you, viz.: 984,616 bales, of which 198,246 bales were from North Alabama and Tennessee. Of this amount, it is probable that 60,000 or 70,000 bales went from North Alabama. The receipts at the port of Mobile we usually put down as the crop of the State of Alabama. That portion of Alabama cotton which goes out of the Tennessee and Chattahooche rivers, being considered about equal in amount to the receipts from the Tombigby, from Mississippi, at Mobile.

Being in the habit of placing a high estimate on the accuracy of the contents of your valuable journal, I take the liberty, as one of your readers and subscribers, to call your attention to the error, lest its correction may escape your notice. Your serv't. Huntsville, November 27th, 1845. J. J. PLEASANTS.

We have also received a letter from Mr. Peter A. Remsen, dated Baltimore, December 5th, 1845, correcting what he calls "a wide mistake" in our account of the "Trade of Mobile and Resources of Alabama," in calling the Alabama river the west branch, as he says "it is the east," and in saying that there is only five or six feet in the west side, and eleven in the east passage of the bay. He says there is from 17 to 19 feet on the outer bar, and an equal number of feet for some five miles up the bay, over a large extent of anchorage ground, and then some fourteen feet of water to the bar, in its upper part, in which is eleven feet water, called 'Dog River Bar,' all correct." Our correspondent, who, we infer, is a ship-master, adds, “I merely mention these facts to have you correct, as I take all you say for gospel, unless I know to the contrary, as I did in the above case." A very rationable faith in our fallible infallibility. We can ask no more. Now, if we were incorrect in this matter, and we presume our correspondent is satisfied that we were, we can only say that we derived our facts from the new American edition of McCulloch's Gazeteer, generally considered good authority, re-edited in this country by Daniel Haskel, A. M., late President of the University of Vermont, who, we are informed, re-wrote every article pertaining to the United States, and was at great pains to procure the most recent and correct information. We aim at the utmost accuracy in our statistical details, and we shall ever feel grateful to have our friends point out any errors that may be committed in the pages of the Merchants' Magazine, that we may be able, as we are desirous of ren dering all our statements authoritative.

COAL, IRON, GOLD, AND COPPER OF VIRGINIA.

Bituminous coal occurs at intervals over the tract of 35 miles from South Anna river, near its mouth, to the Appomattox. In some places the coal seam is 41 feet thick. It is found in abundance within fifteen miles of the Richmond, Henrico, in Chesterfield, in Goochland, in Powhatan, on James river, and on the Tuckahoe. At Midlothian pit, in Chesterfield county, a shaft has been sunk seven hundred and twenty feet below the surface, and a seam of fine coal has been penetrated eleven feet. Iron is found

in abundance in various parts of the state. There are seven mines of it in Spottsylvania, near the junction of the Rappahannock and Rapidan rivers. Of gold mines, generally less valuable than iron, there are twelve in Goochland, fifteen in Orange, eleven in Culpepper, twenty-six in Spottsylvania, ten in Stafford, and six in Fauquier -total gold mines, eighty. There are also five copper mines in Fauquier. The mineral resources of Virginia are truly extensive and valuable, and we hope, ere long, that the intelligent citizens of that state will be aroused to an appreciation of the vast resources they possess, resources second to no state in the Union. We should be glad, if some one of her sons would furnish us with an article setting forth the vast resources of the "Old Dominion;" as we feel a deep interest in the social and industrial progress of every section of our wide-spread Union.

WOOLLEN MANUFACTURES IN THE UNITED STATES.

William H. Graham, of New York, has published a volume entitled the "Statistics of the Woollen Manufactures of the United States," prepared by the "Proprietor of the Condensing Cards." The information it embodies, though simple, will be usețul to merchants and manufacturers generally, as a sort of directory. It commences with Maine, and proceeds with a list of the establishments in each state engaged in Woollen Manufactures, with the names of the owner, firm, or company; location; the number of condensing cards run by each, the kind and quality of the various fabrics made, etc. We only regret that the compiler has not given, at the close, a summary statistical view of the whole, as we should have been spared the trouble of running over nearly two hundred pages for that purpose. On counting the names of factories in the several states, we find there are in Maine, 28; New Hampshire, 58; Vermont, 75; Rhode Island, 40; Connecticut, 109; New York, 318; Massachusetts, 141; New Jersey, 10; Pennsylvania, 101; Delaware, 4; Maryland, 16; Virginia, 18; Ohio, 79; Kentucky, 9; Indiana, 6; Michigan, 6; Illinois, 6; Wisconsin, 7; Missouri, 3; South Carolina, 1; Iowa, 2; North Carolina, 4; Tennessee, 2; Georgia, 3. According, therefore, to this volume, there are in the United States, 1,039 woollen manufactories.

WHALE FISHERY AT THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS.

There arrived at the various ports of the Hawaiian Islands, from Jan. 1st to Sept. 5th, 1845, 272 American whale ships; the whole number for the year will undoubtedly exceed 509 sail; of course some of the ships touch twice and a few three times, still the value of American capital visiting these islands is very great. During the year 1844, there were 459 sail reported at the Islands, manned by 13,200 seamen, and valued at $23,374,000. The great increase of this branch of our shipping at the Hawaiian Islands, is owing to the opening of the new fishing ground on the NW Coast. The service in that sea is very severe, however, as most of the whales are taken above the latitude of 60, where most of the time they are enveloped in dense fogs, or strug gling against hard gales, yet our enterprising whalemen successfully overcome the great "Leviathan." In consequence of the density of the fogs, great numbers of whale are lost after being killed, for fear of losing the boats. The largest fare taken in 1844, was the Ontario, of Sag Harbor, 4,000 bbls., which, with the bone, was worth $52,000; and the most valuable, that of the California, Lawrence, N. B., 2,600 sperm, worth $78,000. This year the South America goes home with a two season cargo worth $95,000, undoubtedly the most valuable whale oil cargo that ever left the Pacific. The hardy and enterprising whalemen of the New England states seem to con quer all difficulties in their daring pursuits.

THE BOOK TRADE.

1.-The History of Silk, Cotton, Linen, Wool, and other Fibrous Substances; including Observations on Spinning, Dyeing, and Weaving, etc. New York: Harper & Brothers.

The time is fast approaching, when the pen of the historian will be turned from the record of gigantic crimes, and their consequent miseries, to the peaceful annals of the industrial arts, and the great scientific and moral movements by which the race are to be regenerated, and brought into harmony with God and his laws. We look forward with a confiding trust, to the period, when the sword shall be exchanged for the pruning knife, and the millions that inhabit the globe shall form a Godlike Unity. Then, in place of lofty spires and gilded domes, the arched heavens, lighted by the sun, and moon, and stars, shall become a fit temple of worship; and every heart shall express, with the lips and the life, the angelic announcement-glory to God in the highest, peace and good-will to man. Of the true history of mankind, only a few chapters have been written. The materials for supplying it have in good part perished in the lapse of time, or been trampled beneath the foot of the war-horse. But our author has made an effort to restore a portion of this history, and in this curious and instructive volume, he traces the progress of a few of those beneficent achievements of inventive genius, which ministers to the personal convenience and comfort of mankind. The annals of silk, cotton, linen, wool, etc., and their manufacture from the earliest time, are here grouped into a systematic history, forming altogether a valuable specimen of the progressive literature of the 19th century. The work is copiously illustrated with well executed engravings.

2.-Biographical and Critical Miscellanies. By WILLIAM H. PRESCOTT, author of The History of Ferdinand and Isabella," "The Conquest of Mexico," etc. New York: Harper & Brothers.

This volume, published in the same elegant taste as marks that of Mr. Prescott's histories, and which harmonizes so admirably with the polish and finished character of his style and carefully pruned luxuriance of thought, embraces selections from his contributions to the North American Review. The modest excuse of the author for their fancied defects, expressed in his preface, is entirely unnecessary, for he only can perceive deficiencies in what, to all critics, must seem purely graceful and beautiful. The papers embodied in the volume are, "The Memoirs of Charles Brockden Brown, the American Novelist," critical essays upon "The Asylum for the Blind," " Irving's Conquest of Granada," Cervantes," "Sir Walter Scott," Bancroft's United States," "Madame Calderon's Life in Mexico," "Maliere," " Italian Narrative Poetry," etc. An elegant portrait of the author enhances the value of a volume which should be considered one of the most priceless gems of American literature.

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3.-The Life of Mozart, including his Correspondence. By EDWARD HOLMES, author Kamble among the Musicians of Germany." New York: Harper & Bros. With the exception of a short biographical sketch, translate from the French, this is the first and only monument, in our tongue, to the memory and genius of the great composer and musician. It contains, in addition to much of his interesting correspondence, and other papers, a detailed account of his life, adventures, and rise as an artist, and a discriminating sketch of his character, the peculiarities of which are happily illustrated by anecdotes. Many things of him, unknown even to his admirers, are here given to the world, and his biographer fully appreciating the artist, has yet, not like a flatterer, but with true independence, spoken candidly of the faults of the man. It forms the fourth volume of the "Harper's New Miscellany."

4.-The Vigil of Faith, and other Poems. By CHARLES FENNO HOFFMAN: 4th edition. New York: Harper & Brothers.

The characteristics of Mr. Hoffman's poetry seem to be a certain gracefulness, combined with a fanciful luxuriance; his songs are uusurpassed by any American poet in sentiment, meter, and melody. Though finished, they have yet the marks of being produced without labor beyond the feeling and inspiration of the moment. Of his many fugitive productions, we have here collected a delightful selection.

5.-The Raven, and other Poems. By EDGAR A. POE. Library of American Books, No. VIII. New York: Wiley & Putnam.

This is the second volume of Mr. Poe's productions that have appeared in Wiley & Putnam's American Library. The characteristics of his poetry are a quick, subtle conception, and a severe taste of what is harmonious in expression. Exhibiting all the nervous, impatient marks of true genius, an unbridled playfulness of fancy, it is, while seemingly riding havoc in thought, meter and harmony, restrained throughout by a skilful rein, that guides sentiment and style by well defined rules, never allowing it to border upon the ridiculous, or ill-judged sublimity. This union of the faculties of a critic and genius, making cultivation a second nature, and unconsciously governing the style, is a rare gift and power in a writer. The passion and sentiment are also original, while the style has a fragmentary character, like the architecture of the ruins of Chiapas, where frescoes, and rude but beautiful workmanship, are scattered about in the wildest profusion. The Raven is rather a production of artistic cleverness than genius, while the poems that follow breathe such pure passion, and are embodied in such beautiful imagery, and the etherial speculations given with so much descriptive, thought-awakening power, that we regret Mr. Poe should do aught else than write poetry.

6.-Memoirs of Father Ripa, during Thirteen Years' Residence at the Court of Peking, in the service of the Emperor of China, with an Account of the Foundation of the College, for the Education of the Young Chinese, at Naples. Selected and translated from the Italian, by FORTUNATI PRAUDI. Wiley & Putnam's Foreign Library, No. 5. New York: Wiley & Putnam.

This book, published at Naples in 1832, narrates the early conversion of its author, his entry into the Church, and subsequent mission to China, as Catholic priest; resi dence in the Court of the Celestial Emperor, where, after years spent in good and useful acts, he returned to Italy, and founded a college for the education of Chinese youth, at Naples. Father Ripa died during the last year, as the writer states, in a description of the present condition of the college. The religious customs of the Chinese are rather dwelt upon than other national peculiarities, and the writer unwittingly exposes some Popish humbugs, which certainly enhances the interest of the book.

7.- Western Gleanings. By Mrs. C. M. KIRKLAND, author of a "New Home." Library of American Books, No. VII. New York: Wiley & Putnam.

For the first time the ci devant "Mrs. Mary Clavers" comes before the public unmasked of her soubriquet, and gives us her healthy-toned thoughts and sketches of western life and society. Her "New Home," etc., has done much to idealize that section of the country. The secret of the success of this gifted writer has been the genial, pure, and beautiful characteristics, temper, and spirit exhibited, joined with a quick perception of whatever is remarkable in a character or a scene. Sentiment with her is seen only when regulated by good sense and taste, and then flowing out in sympathy with nature, or whatever is generous and noble. The Land Fever," "Rustic Balls," "Bee-hunting," the "Rough Settler," "School-master and Village Belle, are described as they would appear to a cultivated and well balanced mind thrown among such scenes.

9.-Life of Louis, Prince of Conde, surnamed the Great. By LORD MAHON, in two parts. Wiley & Putnam's Library of Choice Reading, Nos. 34 and 35. New York: Wiley and Putnam.

The period in which the Great Prince of Conde gained one of the proudest titles as a warrior, is the most interesting of French annals previous to the revolution. It was that following the reign of Henry of Navarre, and full of national as well as of religious struggles. Lord Mahon has embodied the most striking incidents in this biography, which was first written in French, without a view to publication, and now translated under his own superintendence and revision. It has all the merits of a good history and biography, detailing the plans of the hero in addition to striking incidents in the lives of eminent persons at the time. The style is rather condensed, yet clear, and full of rare historical incidents. The character of Cardinal Mazarin is well drawn, and the work is as good a history of state diplomacy as of military men, and chivalric heroism.

9.-Sketches of Modern Literature and Eminent Literary Men, (being a Gallery of Literary Portraits.) By GEORGE GILFILLAN. Reprinted entire from the London edition. New York: D. Appleton & Co. Philadelphia: G. S. Appleton.

The principal literary men of whom sketches are here given, are Hazzlit, Shelley, De Quincy, Carlyle, Prof. Wilson, Campbell, Brougham, Coleridge, Emerson, Wordsworth, Lamb, Keats, Macaulay, and Southey. They contain the author's opinions of their literary works, rather than biographical accounts, though some personal incidents are given. Judging from a perusal of a few of them, we should say the author's literary faith was bordering on the trancendental, and yet they exhibit a general and comprehensive acquaintance with English literature. It will be perceived that a critical sketch is given of but one American writer-Ralph Waldo Emerson, who is much admired by the author. In this view, however, of the noted Emerson, he glances at the state of American literature, and briefly refers to Elwards, Dwight, Brockden Brown, Cooper, John Neal, Moses Stuart, Daniel Webster, and Channing, who he numbers as the great names in our intellectual heraldry.

10.-The Book of the Colonies; comprising a History of the Colonies composing the United States, from the Discovery, in the Tenth Century, until the Commencement of the Revolutionary War. Compiled from the best authorities, by JOHN FROST, LL D., author of the "Book of the Army," and "Book of the Navy." New York: D. Appleton & Co. Philadelphia: G. S. Appleton.

In the present compilation, Dr. Frost has brought together, in a comprehensive and popular form, the leading events in the history of the colonies from the supposed discovery of the American continent by the Northmen, in the tenth century, to the breaking out of the revolutionary war. In connection with the Book of the Army and the Navy, prepared by the same gentleman, they form a review of the main current of history through the whole period of our colonial and national existence; while each of the volumes is a complete and distinct work, having its proper objec and unity.

11-Sermons preached in the Chapel of Rugby School, with an Address before Confirmation. By THOMAS ARNOLD, D. D., Head Monitor of Rugby School, author of "The History of Rome," lectures on "Modern History," etc. New York: D. Appleton & Co. Philadelphia: G. S. Appleton.

Although the thirty discourses contained in this volume were addressed to the pupils of the Rugby School, and, therefore, designed for that "description of readers," others will doubtless be edified by the impressive obligations of duty, both moral and religious, interspersed throughout the whole series. The author was probably the most successful and useful educator of the present century, and although an honored member of a very conservative branch of the Church of England," he was an enlightened and earnest reformer, and withal possessed a truly philanthropic and catholic spirit.

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12.-The Book of Good Examples; drawn from authentic History and Biography; designed to Illustrate the beneficial Effects of Virtuous Conduct. By JOHN FROST, LL D., author of the "Book of the Colonies," "Book of the Army," and "Book of the Navy." New York: D. Appleton & Co. Philadelphia: G. S. Appleton.

This volume is composed of anecdotes of men and women, in all ages and nations, who have displayed in their lives noble or virtuous traits of character. Deeds of virtue are here rendered attractive, and we are scarcely acquainted with a volume that we could more conscientiously recommend to the young. It is replete with examples applicable to almost every circumstance and condition of life.

13.—The Mass and Rubrics of the Roman Catholic Church. Translated into Eng. lish. With Notes and Remarks, by Rev. JouN ROGERSON COTTER, A. M., author of Questions on St. Matthew and other Gospels." New York: D. Appleton & Co. Philadelphia: G. S. Appleton.

This, we believe, is the first English translation of the "entire mass, with its rubrics," of the Roman Catholic church. The translator is a Protestant, but it is believed that he has given a fair and impartial translation; and in his notes, he appears to have avoided all harsh and irritating language towards Catholic Christians,