CURRENT LITERATURE.
Messrs. Bacon and Co. have published some interesting engrav- ings of the Northern and Southern American statesmen and generals. Of course, the series contains General Washington, who, like the British King here, is an immortal institution in America, but whether as being a Virginian he is to be considered Southern, or as being eager for the Union, Northern, we do not know. The most striking bead by far is that of the Confederate President Jefferson Davis, whose perfectly calm and commanding face expresses more power of self-denial, more rest in its own strength, though not a more clear-cut purpose than even his public acts would enable us to expect. There is power of intrigue in it rather than the love of intrigue, but endless and unscrupulous ambi- tion. General Jackson's face is disappointing ; it is rather young, fat, and encumbered with padding in the lower part, and altogether gives the idea of a character that has not burnt itself clear, the fuel smother- ing the fire. General Lee's is, probably, not a good likeness, as it is a common-form military face. Of the Northern Generals' likenesses, General Hooker's has far the most character and ability ; General Burn- side's forehead has run to seed, and General Scott's head looks simply thick. The head of General Banks has power and honesty ; General M'Clellan's is that of an earnest youth anxious to learn.
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