[James Russell Lowell, D.C.L., L.L.D., son of Rev Charles Lowell, D.D., was born at Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S.A., 1819. Graduated at Harvard College and at Harvard Law School ('4O). Published some poems ('4l) en titled " A Year's Life," another volume of poems ('44) i some directed against slavery ('4B)J followed by the "Biglow Papers." a. satirioil essay against slavery and the Mexican war. Travelled in Europe ('sl-2); delivered a course of lectures before I owell Institute, Boston,

on " British Poets " ('54-5) ; appointed Professor of Modern Languages and Literature at Harvard College ('55). Edited the " Atlantic Monthly" ('57 62), and " North American Review " ('63-72); published ('6B) " Commeration Ode " in honor of the alumni of Harvard who fell in the Civil War, and afterwards six other works ; travelled again in Europe ('72-4), and received the above degrees from Ox ford and Cambridge respectively His wife, Maria W. Lowell, was a poetess of considerable merit. In '80 he was ap pointed Minister of the United States, America, to Great Britain, from which he was recalled ('BS). Published in '87 " Democracy and other Addresses." Mr Lowell again visited England in '88. An other volume of poetry, entitled " Hearts ease and Rue," was issued by him in that year. During '90 he animadverted strongly on the inconsistencies of the American Copyright Act.]

THE FRENCH SQUADRON.
London, August 12.
The Mayor of Portsmouth has sent invitations to several members of the French Cabinet to attend a banquet to be given to the officers of the French squadron..
RELEASED FROM GAOL.
E. McAffery, one of the Invincibles, who was fouixd guilty of participation in the Phoenix Park murder and sen tenced to ten years' imprisonment; has been released from ga,Ql,

IRISH AFFAIRS.
