The Knickerbocker 4 (August 1834) 155–156.

These sprightly volumes—which we have inadvertently left unnoticed until now—have been some two months before the public, and have attracted much attention. We have perused them with great gratification. Many of the scenes are drawn with a masterly hand. They exhibit shrewdness and observation, a keen perception of the ludicrous in character, and a dramatic facility and richness of grouping and coloring. The descriptions of scenery are peculiarly graphic, and if the author’s portraits are some of them broadly humorous, they are no unreal creations. The style is, in general, natural and nervous—and in those portions of the work which embody most of the peculiar dialects of some of his originals, it may be thought something too much so. Aside from the interest which, as an attractive work of fiction, it is well calculated to excite, it contains valuable reflections upon prominent American topics, which show the author to be, not merely a man of quick observation, keen satire, and abundant humor, but also a man of sound judgment and comprehensive views. With several perceptible faults it possesses many beauties. The materiel—the jewels are there; and those who may suggest defects in the setting, cannot controvert their claim to be classed as brilliants. We are not sorry to learn, that the author does not intend to repose upon his laurels.