The New York Public Library, Berg Collection of
English and American Literature
... I wrote to [William H.] Prescott about his book [History of the Conquest of Mexico], with which I was perfectly charmed. I think his descriptions, masterly; his style, brilliant; his purpose, manly and gallant always. The introductory account of Aztec civilization impressed me, exactly as it impressed you. From beginning to end, the whole History is enchanting and full of Genius. I only wonder that having such an opportunity of illustrating the Doctrine of Visible Judgments, he never remarks when Cortes and his men tumble the Idols down the Temple steps and call upon the people to take notice that their Gods are powerless to help themselves--that possibly if some intelligent native had tumbled down the Image of the Virgin or patron Saint after them, nothing very remarkable would have ensued, in consequence ...