University of Virginia Library

“There is more talent displayed in this novel than in all the other replies
to Mrs. Stowe's `Uncle Tom's Cabin' put together. The author has greater
skill in the construction of the story; more vigor of style and more power
in argument than any of those who have taken up the defence of the South
against the exaggerations and fanaticism of abolitionists. No one can deny
that such pictures of suffering as he describes are really to be found in the
North, and they are a fair match for Mrs. Stowe's high-colored sketches of
slave-suffering in the South.

“There is great narrative and descriptive power in the work, and a true
sense of the effective and dramatic. But it is in its argumentative part that
The Cabin and Parlor excels all rivalry. In this, indeed, it comprehends
all that can be said in defence of the South and Southern institutions. We
believe and hope that it will do much to allay the ill-feeling existing between
the two divisions of our country.”

“This is the fairest hit at `Uncle Tom's Cabin' yet made. The story of
Horace is a most touching one; that of Charles and Cora, the fugitive slaves
in a northern city, of intense interest. The style of the book is that of a
vigorous and practised writer, and it is destined to make a sensation. It
will, moreover, do much to allay angry feelings between the North and South.
We predict for it an immense sale.”

“This is an admirable work. The tale is replete with incidents of thrilling
interest. It is well conceived, ably narrated, and contains scenes of great
dramatic power. It depicts, in strong colors, the evils to which the blacks
and the laboring poor are exposed in our Northern States, a riot in Philadelphia,
with notices of the miserable condition of the poor in England and
Ireland. It will be deemed, we think, worthy of the special attention of those
who have read `Uncle Tom's Cabin.'”

“This is decidedly the best among the many books which have appeared
since the publication of `Uncle Tom's Cabin,' and is far superior to it in real
merit, while of at least equal interest. The author informs us that it has
been written in the hope that it may lead to broad and correct views on the
subject of slavery.' His religion is that of the Bible, not the vile infidelity
of modern abolitionism. We are assured that the story is founded on fact.
It is embellished with numerous handsome illustrations, from original designs,
by Stephens.”

“The Cabin and Parlor will attract a due share of public attention and
favor. From what we have read, it seems to be written with spirit—the story
being interesting and pathetic.”