Text: Lewis Gaylord Clark, “[Review of Burton's Gentleman's Magazine for March],” Knickerbocker (New York, NY), vol. XV, no. 4, April 1840, p. 359

[page 359, continued:]

‘THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE,’ PHILADELPHIA. — Among the papers we have found leisure to peruse in this periodical for March, the only number we have seen for many months, we find two cantos of an elaborate historical poem, entitled ‘COLUMBUS,’ from the pen of our correspondent ‘QUINCE,’ in other words, FREDERICK WEST, Esq., editor of that lively and entertaining journal, the ‘Sunday Morning Atlas.’ The writer displays an intimate knowledge of his subject, and brings a subdued imagination happily in aid of history. The progress of the autobiography is natural, the rhythm easy and flowing, and the images felicitous, yet not profuse. The whole poem, unless it should greatly deteriorate in its closing portions, will reflect much credit upon the author. We observe, also, in the same number, a continuation of the ‘Journal of JULIUS RODMAN, being a minute account of the first passage across the Rocky Mountains ever achieved by civilized man.’ We think we discover the clever hand of the resident editor of the get ‘Gentleman's Magazine,’ Mr. E. A. Poe, in these records; the more, perhaps, that the fabulous narrative of ‘Mr. ARTHUR GORDON PYM,’ of Nantucket, has shown us how deftly he can manage this species of Crusoe matériel. The number is accompanied by a view of the pretty little white house in the Highlands, owned, or occupied for two or three summers, by our worthy poetical and military contemporary of the ‘New-York Mirror,’ but for some time past the property of Mr. TOMPKINS, of Staten Island, the original owner. A few good-sized trees, and a little easier access, would add to its attractions as a summer residence, though it would still scarcely be ‘the gem of the Hudson,’ as it is termed in the description, which was evidently penned ‘a long time ago.’ It should be remembered that there are several ‘gems’ of country-houses on our glorious river — if not more! This ‘gem,’ however, says the description, acquires additional value, from being the spot where, under the inspiration of the scene, several of our amiable poet's cleverest lyrical effusions have been ‘ripened for the world.’