These volumes contain reviews of a large number of the books contained in this Catalogue, both scientific and literary. The volume for 1787 (vol. 64) contains a review of Jefferson’s Notes on the State of Virginia , pages 367 to 376.

Jefferson is occasionally mentioned in reviews of books by other authors. The review of Travels in North America. By the Marquis de Chatellux [sic] [Vol. 63, page 257] contains the passage: Mr. Jefferson’s observations on a navy, proper for the protection of the trade of the United States, or for offensive war, are plausible, and in a great degree just. In his present station, however, as ambassador to France, he must have learned that it is the policy of this court to prevent every rising naval establishment; and that it is only in a connection with England that they can attain respectability as maritime powers.

Again on page 260 in the same review is a reference to the Natural Bridge with the comment that Mr. Jefferson’s descriptions and remarks deserve great commendation. This is followed by “Mr. Jefferson’s account,” a long passage quoted from Jefferson, and concluding with the statement: The rest of Mr. Jefferson’s remarks shew him to be an intelligent and enlightened philosopher. From every part of his description, we could collect evidence of what we have remarked concerning America being, in reality, a new world; and many of his opinions, as well as those of the marquis, we have more than once endeavoured to inculcate. Notwithstanding the efforts of Mr. Jefferson, Dr. Franklin, Mr. Rittenhouse, and perhaps a few others, we have reason to think, that philosophy has not made an extensive progress in America. The Americans are still more accurate observers than acute reasoners . . .

In the next volume, 64, is a review of Remarks on the Travels of the Marquis de Chastellux, in North America. 8vo. 2s. Wilkie (page 57) of which the closing paragraph reads: The political address to Mr. Jefferson, at the conclusion, deserves his attention; it contains many marks of knowledge and information, though delivered in a style somewhat too desultory. On the whole, we have been highly pleased with this pamphlet, and would recommend it to be bound with the marquis’s Travels. Its size and margin are, we perceive, adapted to it; and its contents contain an excellent antidote to the poisons diffused through that performance.

Among the other books of United States interest reviewed are:

The Critical Review was organized by Archibald Hamilton, a Scots printer who had been compelled to leave Edinburgh on account of his participation in the Porteous riot. He went to London and determined to start a literary review in opposition to the Monthly Review of Ralph Griffiths. He therefore formed a “Society of Gentlemen,” with Tobias Smollett at the head. The first number appeared in February 1756.

For Jefferson’s purchase of the Critical Review see the note to the previous entry.