"The scheme for the colonization of Darien by Scotchmen, and the opening
of a communication between the East and West across the Isthmus of
Panama, furnishes the foundation of this story, which is in all respects
worthy of the high reputation which the author of the 'Crescent and the
Cross' had already made for himself. The early history of the Merchant
Prince introduces the reader to the condition of Spain under the
Inquisition; the portraitures of Scottish life which occupy a prominent
place in the narrative, are full of spirit; the scenes in America
exhibit the state of the natives of the new world at that period; the
daring deeds of the Buccaneers supply a most romantic element in the
story; and an additional interest is infused into it by the introduction
of various celebrated characters of the period, such as Law, the French
financier, and Paterson, the founder of the Bank of England. All these
varied ingredients are treated with that brilliancy of style and
powerful descriptive talent, by which the pen of Eliot Warburton was so
eminently distinguished."--_John Bull._
LORD PALMERSTON'S OPINIONS
AND POLICY;
AS MINISTER, DIPLOMATIST, AND STATESMAN,
DURING MORE THAN FORTY YEARS OF PUBLIC LIFE.