efore the eyes of the assembled multitudes.
But the Romans were barbarous, and compelled the miserable prisoners to fight each other, or to fight wild beasts, and to perish sword in hand, whereas General Dix works them off in the scientific and humane method of Newgate, and gives the public a fine political and moral lesson, calculated to invigorate their patriotism and refine their hearts.
General Dix, who now occupies a position in the administration of Federal justice like that of Mr. Dennis, in Barnaby Rudge,--that is to say, chief hangman of that Government, --gave no promise in his former life of the peculiar eminence which he has now attained.
He was a very sedate and exemplary person, figuring in church assemblies, and prominent at prayer-meetings, and as quiet and contemplative as a cat on a hearthrug before a good fire.
He was not a soldier by profession, but as meek and merciful a creature as man ever set eyes on. It is possible that, even now, he is not gratifying
