Let no one therefore presume to disparage this humble effort to redeem our country's escutcheon from the reproach which has been cast upon it. Let the miser open his purse--the prodigal save a pittance from his health-wasting and mind-destroying expenditures--the lawyer and physician, spare a little from their fees--the merchant and mechanic, from their speculations and labor--and the man of fortune, devote a part, a very small part of his abundance, towards the creation of a new era in the annals of this blessed Old Dominion. It may possibly be the means of effecting a salutary reform in public taste and individual habits; of overcoming that tendency to mental repose and luxurious indulgence supposed to be peculiar to southern latitudes; and of awakening a spirit of inquiry and a zeal for improvement, which cannot fail ultimately to exalt and adorn society. H. EXTRACT FROM A JOURNAL. The following is from the unpublished journal of a gentleman of this state, who visited Europe some years since, with objects, we believe, exclusively literary and scientific. Though not at liberty to mention his name, if we mistake not, the time will come when his country will be proud to claim him as one whose fine natural genius has been adorned and improved by the treasures of learning. Though we do not present this sketch of a voyage over the great deep as having any peculiar claims to admiration, and are sure that the author himself would disclaim for it any such pretensions--yet we do not hesitate to recommend it to our readers as a sportive, graphic, and interesting delineation of the novelties and adventures of a sea trip. * * * * * On the 15th of June, 18--, the fine ship Edward Quesnel, E. Hawkins, master, one of the packets between New York and Havre, received her passengers on board at the former place, and dropped down to Sandy Hook Bay, where she anchored, awaiting a favorable wind. Here she remained until the next morning, which however brought no change of wind, but rather an increase of that which was already blowing full in our teeth, together with a most disagreeable accompaniment in the shape of a misty rain, which caused us to confine ourselves below the deck. The next morning came--and the next--but still all was dark and lowering, and still did the wind meet us from the ocean, or--what was equally unfavorable--remain hushed and calm. Day after day thus rolled by and found us quietly resting on the bosom of the waters; each morning hoping that "The breeze would freshen when the day was done;" and each evening retiring to rest, anxiously expecting to have our slumbers broken by the heaving up of the anchor.