title: Eulogium on Chief Justice Marshall : delivered in the Unitarian church, Washington city, on the 24th of September, 1835
text: E302 M4B9 V <f^ * » « o ' ^V^ ^ ^, .N^ ^^'N^^ \/^ ;;^«^^\ ^ '^ V ^9- o o ^^ ■°^ *"^ V ^'^%iA^/% .,^^ ^'^^' ^ts. y ^'i%ik^^\ .^^' ^' 'oV .4q Y<V -a? %<. \^^ C 0' .^ ^0^ .0 V o v. irV- '^'^ v-^ ^*^ EULOGIUM CHIEF JUSTICE MARSHALL, DELIVERED IN THE UNITARIAN CHURCH, WASHINGTON CITY, On the 24th of September, 1835, BY JAMES Rf k. BRYAJTT, AT THE REQUEST OF THE UNION LITERARY SOCIETY. Published by order of the society. WASHINGTON: PRINTED BY JACOB GIDEON, JR. 1835. thS library of congests EULOGIUM. We have again assembled in the Sanctuary of God, again the mournful dirge lingers around its consecrated walls, again the voice of prayer and supplication ascends to the throne of the Most High. But lately, we were called to mourn the last of the Fathers of our Independence, again, the departure of him, who forsaking all for liberty, stood by our fathers in the days of their trial, and forsook them not until our Independence was accomplished; and now the angel of death has hovered near us, and shaking from his dark wings a sound like the rushing of the tempest, has snatched from among us, one upon whom more than all others, the affections, the confi- dence, and the hopes of his country were reposed. John Marshall is no more! and all that is now left to us, is the melancholy privilege of testifying our gratitude for his services, and the profound respect which we entertain for his memory. The Union Literary Society of this city, desirous of offering a public testimonial of the deep regret which they feel for the loss of a great public benefactor, have requested me as their organ, to express their feelings, and have selected the anniversary of the day, which gave him birth, as the most appropriate occasion. You must all be persuaded, that it requires something of an approximation to his talents, to render ample justice to his high reputation. I feel sensibly the temerity of which I have been guilty, in venturing up- on a subject like the present, and my utter inability to do justice to the character of the mighty dead. Called upon, however, by the Society of which I am a member, to speak in their behalf, of one whose life was a blessing to our country, and whose death has deso- lated our hearts, I was unwilling that our humble tribute to his character and distinguished services, should be suppressed, because of the very imperfect manner, in which it must necessarily be of- fered. These honors are the reward of virtue, and exert a powerful influ- ence upon the mind, by exciting emulation in the discharge of those duties, and the practice of those virtues, which have gained for the subjects of them, the gratitude and respect of their fellow men. Ingratitude is not a characteristic of republics, it is true, they have no titles, no wealth, no empty distinctions to bestow; but it is not less true, that their rewards^We of a more noble, more elevated character; — the respect, confidence and affection of a grateful people through life, and the tears of unaffected sorrow in death. The Republic of which we are members, has reared no costly monument over him who is called the Father of his Country, his proudest and most enduring distinction is, that he was first, and still is first, in the hearts of his Countr3'men. These perishing distinctions are rather an evidence of the pride of the living, than of the pre-eminent virtues of the dead; they may prolong for a little time, the memory of those whose very existence would have been unknown without them, but those whose names will survive all monuments, and through all time, need not such as- sistance to immortality. The end of all monuments is dust. His country is the only fitting memorial of the patriot, and her institu- tions, founded by his paternal care, matured by his wisdom, and adorned by his life, are the proudest records of his existence. The history of his life becomes the history of his country, and future generations whilst enjoying the blessings which he has provided for them, delight to dwell upon his actions, and to recount his virtues. The incidents of childhood and early life, are seldom calculated to excite curiosity, but I trust I may be pardoned in reviewing them in this instance, as the subsequent career of the distinguished subject of this address, has created an interest in all the particulars of his life. John Marshall was born in Fauquier county, Virginia, on the 24th of September, 1755. He had no illustrious line of ancestors to command your admiration, no pride of family or fortune to at- tract your notice. He was the son of Thomas Marshall, a cultiva- tor of the soil, a man without fortune, and of limited education but of great intellectual ability, an ardent and devoted patriot, who serv- ed with honor to himself, and advantage to his country, as a colonel in the continental line of our Revolutionary army. In consequence of his limited circumstances, the education of his children devolved in a great measure upon himself, and the sub- ject of the present address being the eldest, necessarily occupied the earliest attention of his father, and after deriving from him all the in- struction which his opportunities enabled him to afford, he was placed at the age of fourteen under the care of a respectable clergyman, with whom he remained nearly a twelve-month. On his return, he re- ceived instruction from a Scotch clergyman who resided at his fathers, and with whom he made some progress in the classics; he continued under the tuition of this gentleman about a year, and his subsequent increase of knowledge, was principally the result of his own labors, for his studies were afterwards pursued under the direction of his father alone. The disadvantageous circumstances, however, to which I have briefly alluded, could not prevent the expansion of a mind gifted with great capacities, and destined to be eminently useful to his country; they but stimulated the efforts which he made to advance himself in knowledge, and perhaps developed in a greater degree, that intellectual energy, which formed so distinguishing a trait in his character, an energy which age could not weaken, and which death alone could destroy. He approached maturity at a most eventful time. The colonies had already exhausted their conciliatory efforts to preserve a good un- derstanding with the mother country, anda deep and determined spirit of resistance to unlawful oppression, was pervading every class of the community. The contest had attracted universal attention, and the young as well as the old partook of the general excitement; it was a cause in which no selfish feelings could be indulged, no hopes of personal aggrandisement be entertained. The contest which approached, was a contest for principle, and those who ride upon the fretful sea of commotion merely to subserve their own interests, or to accomplish their own designs, could find no inducements to array themselves upon the side of a feeble band of patriots, who determin- ed to risk all for their country, were about to place themselves in a situation in which nothing but success, could rescue their names from obloquy and reproach. The spirit of the country was aroused, the crisis was at hand, and the determination of the people was evinced by the more than ordinary attention which was bestowed upon military associations, and in perfecting themselves in the use of the ordinary means of de- fence. They felt that the time had almost arrived, when discussion and remonstrance must cease, and when redress must be sought for only in an appeal to arms. It was a time when, in the language of an eloquent writer, "the brave began to fear the power of man, and the righteous to doubt the favor of God." Among those who distinguished themselves at this early period by their active preparation for the struggle, and who exhibited no hesitation in espousing the cause of their injured country, was Mr. Marshall. At the early age of eighteen he was actively engaged in the formation of a volunteer company, and having in this corps, rendered himself familiar with the duties of a soldier, he received in the summer of 1775, ai^ippoinlment as lieutenant in a company of minute men enrolled for actual service, which in the course of the ensuing September, took the field for the defence of Norfolk, and encountered the enemy at the Great Bridge, where the British un- der Lord Dunmore, experienced a signal defeat. In July, 1776, he was appointed first lieutenant in the 11th Virginia Continental Regi- ment, and marched to the north, where in the following spring he was promoted to a captaincy. It is to be regretted that as the biographer of Washington, and the historian of the revolution, he has carefully forborne to make any mention of his own participation, in the occurrences of that eventful time, — we know however, that he was in the bloody fields of Brandywine, Germantown and Monmouth, and the confidence and afiection bestowed upon him in after life, by the great chief under whose banner he fought on those trying occasions, is a sufiicient evi- dence, that his conduct received the approbation of his commander. It is not however as a soldier only, that he has elicited our ad- miration, his military career was but the commencement of his services to his country; and accordingly we find him, even amid the stirring events of the war, occupied in fitting himself for other, and varied employments of usefulness and honor. In tlie winter of 1779 and 80, the term of service of a part of the Virginia line having ex- pired, their officei's were directed to return home, in order to take charge of the new levies, which were to be made, in the place of those which had been discharged. Among these officers, Mr. Mar- shall returned to Virginia, and availed himself of this temporary inaction, to attend the lectures upon law and natural philosophy in the William and Mary College, and in the summer of 1780 he re- ceived a license to practise law. In October of that year he return- ed to the army, and continued in service until the termination of Arnold's invasion, and in February, 1781, there being many super- numerary oflicers of the Virginia line, he resigned his commission; and after the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, the courts of Virginia being re-opened, he commenced his practice at the bar. It was not long before hisabilitics in his profession attracted pub- lic notice, — and in the spring of 1782, he was elected to the State Legislature, and in the fall of that year, a member of the Executive council, being at that time just 27 years of age; so early did his talents command respect and popular distinction. Having resigned his seat in the Executive Council, in 17S4 he was elected to the Legislature from his native county, and engaged largely in the discussion of those exciting topics which then agitated the members of the Confederacy. The bond of union between the several States was found to be weak and inefficient, and the powers possessed by Congress inadequate to the important duties devolved upon it. The country became divided into two great parties, those who were desirous of investing Congress with greater powers, and in favor of the establishment of a government possessing greater authority, for the accomplishment of the purposes for which it was designed, and those who were jealous of the rights of their respective commonwealths, and unwilling to impart any portion of their powers to the general Congress. These were arrayed against each other, and a contest ensued, conducted with great ability on both sides, in the course of which, almost all the principles of government were introduced for discussion, and elaborately examined. In these dis- cussions Mr. Marshall took a very prominent part, and the impor- tance of them may be inferred from the fact, that the policy of a con- tinuance of the Union and of a separation of the States, formed leading questions. The evils of the then existing state of things were severely felt; public credit was destroyed; Congress was desti- tute of the power of collecting the assessments which it made, and the whole revenue of the Confederacy was dependant upon the honor and probity of the States, from whence it was to be derived. The intimate union which had subsisted during a season of common dan- ger, was gradually weakened, and the States, particularly the most powerful, seemed to cherish the most sensitive feelings upon the sub- ject of their own individual authority, and to regard with distrust and suspicion, any proposition tending to diminish, in the slightest degree, their prerogatives. Just emerged from a successful war for political existence, the country was almost in a state of anarchy, and it was a matter of serious apprehension with some of the most intel- ligent of our statesmen, that the great advantages resulting from the contest, might be defeated by disaffection and jealousy, among the various branches of the confederacy. The project submitted as the result of this examination, expe- rienced in the State conventions a powerful opposition. In the Virginia convention especially, it was assailed by men of most formi- dable talents, eloquence, and political reputation; and it is to be re- gretted that a mere sketch only, of the very able and interesting debates which took place in that convention, between the intellec- tual giants who composed it, has been preserved. One of the principal and most exciting topics, was the organization and powers of the federal courts, and this was contested with surpassing earnest- ness and ability. Mr. Marshall distinguished himself particularly by the power- ful and conclusive defence which he made of the constitutional pro- visions for the judiciary, in which he examined the whole judicial system in detail. His speeches upon this subject are remarkable for their simplicity of style, their clearness of conception, their con- vincing argument, and propriety of conclusion. His object appears to be solely the developement of truth, and disdaining the aid of rhetorical embellishment, he addresses himself entirely to the under- standing of his hearers, satisfied to rest his cause upon its justice, and the calm and deliberate judgment of those to whom it was com- mitted. After a protracted and able discussion, the Constitution was finally adopted by the thirteen confederate States, that Constitution which has made us respected abroad, secure, united, and happy at home. It has fulfilled the presages of its enlightened and patriotic advo- cates, and whilst the mould gathers over their honored dust, will continue to dispense its blessings, and increase the sum of human happiness. Peace to their ashes ! the clods of the valley may press heavily upon their bosoms, and the zephyrs of night moan through the long grass which waves over their lowly beds, but their fame is as enduring as the eternal hills of the land, in whose bosom they rest, or as those institutions of which they were the authors. Gene- ration after generation will hallow their memory, and the men of after days will envy them the distinction, of being the founders of a free nation. The Constitution having been adopted, Mr. Marshall determined to retire from public life, and devote himself exclusively to the prac- tice of his profession. Always ready at the call of his country, when his services were required, always ready to retire when the occasion which called for them had ceased, he was destitute of that species of modern ambition which fastens itself upon the honors and emoluments of office; he lived in an age of enlightened and disin- terested patriotism, and was a worthy associate of that illustrious band, who ready to sacrifice all for their country, sought no reward for themselves beyond the consciousness of having discharged their high and important duties. These were the halcyon days of the republic, when men served their country, for their country's sake, and when the only emulation which existed among them was, who should contribute most to the welfare and prosperity of the country and to the happiness of her citizens. The services of such a man as John Marshall, however, could not be dispensed with ; and accordingly we find him reluctantly yielding his assent to the public will, and becoming the Representa- tive of the City of Richmond in the State Legislature, during the years 1789, 1790 and 1791. It must be recollected, that at this time the Constitution of the United States had just been adopted and gone into operation; and that in Virginia its adoption had en- countered a most formidable opposition, prevailing by a majority of ten votes only. It was natural therefore to expect, that every act of the new government thus recently called into existence, would be rigidly scrutinized, and that each prominent measure would be assailed with energy and zeal on the part of those who had been opposed to its institution, and whose prejudices had not as yet been overcome by the beneficial efiects resulting from its operation ; and during the years which I have just mentioned, the debates in the Virginia Legislature were rather upon subjects connected with the General Government, than with the domestic policy of the State. In these debates Mr. Marshall appeared as the able supporter of the Constitution, and the avowed advocate of General Washington's administration. The excitement produced by the negotiation of the British treaty by Mr. Jay in 1794, existed not merely in Congress, but the sub- ject was warmly discussed in the Legislatures of the States, and in the public meetings which were held for the purpose, in the princi- pal cities of the Union. In Virginia it was assailed with great ardour and ability, and the inexpediency of the treaty itself, and the unconstitutionality of the powers exercised by the Federal Executive, were fully debated. In this debate, Mr. Marshall delivered a speech which has been % 10 pronounced by cmluenl judgwWo be one of his ablest productions; he vindicated, with great success, the conduct of the Executive, and demonstrated, conclusively, that the power claimed and exercised by the administration, was fully authorised by the Constitution. The objections to the constitutionality of the treaty were aban- doned, and the Legislature confined itself simply to an expression of its opinion, in regard to the inexpediency of the treaty. The speech to which I have referred, enlarged the sphere of Mr. Mar- shall's fame; he became known and distinguished in other States, and among the most eminent of cur statesmen, and shortly after, was invited by President Washington to the office of Attorney General of the United States, which he declined, preferring to prosecute the practice of his profession at home. Upon the re-call of Mr. Monroe, who had been Minister Plenipotentiary to France, General Washington was anxious to engage the services of Mr- Marshall as his successor. This appointment he also respectfully declined. The rejection of offices of profit and trust is so exceedingly rare in the present day, that we must be pardoned for enumerating the opportunities which were affi^rded Mr. Marshall of rendering him- self conspicuous, and aspiring to the highest honors of the republic ; the patriots of modern times would scarcely have permitted these opportunities of serving their country to have escaped them. It was not until affairs with France began to wear a portentous aspect, when that government had refused to receive the minister from the United States, that Mr. Marshall consented to serve as one of three envoys, who were to be despatched to France, as the last means of securing a good understanding with that power. The effort was unsuccessful; the envoys were never accredited, and, in the summer of 179S, Mr. Marshall returned to the United States. It is said that the despatches from that mission were prepared by him, and the character of them is worthy of his high reputation; he needs however no doubtful honors to be gathered upon his tomb. Soon after his return from France, he was invited by General Washington to Mount Vernon, where he was strongly urged by that illustrious man to become a candidate for Congress. He yielded with great reluctance to the solicitations of Washington, and took his seat in Congress in December, 1799. The first fifteen years after the adoption of the Federal Constitu- tion, are admitted to have been distinguished by a greater number of public men of vast ability and eloquence, than have appeared 11 together during any other period of our history. The cause may perhaps be found, in the number of important subjects, upon which the Legislatures, both State and Federal, were cslled to act, and the general and intense interest felt in regard to the new form of govern- ment, which called into public life the most powerful men of the age, and elicited those mighty efforts in their encounter, which will be handed down to posterity, as the purest specimens of fervid elo- quence and intellectual strength that the country has produced. To say that John Marshall was one of those statesmen, would be no ordinary praise; to say that he was distinguished even in that illus- trious assemblage, is to assert no more than the faithful record of history warrants. His speeches in Congress were calm, dignified, argumentative, and convincing; for that piquancy and personality which seem to be the most striking features in modern legislative debates, he was totally unqualified. Courteous and respectful to those against whose arguments he arrayed himself, he sought not the defeat and humiliation of his antagonist, but the developement of truth and the triumph of principle ; his aim was not popular efiect, but public advantage ; and whilst he labored to convince his opponents, no chafing vi^itticism — no withering sarcasm escaped him. The excitement of debate could not make him forget, for a moment, what was due to himself, to an honest difference of opinion on the part of his antagonist, and to his country, whose great interests were the subject of his discourse. In this respect he may be advan- tageously offered as an example to the Legislative gladiators of the present day. Upon Mr. Livingston's resolutions, relative to the surrender of Thomas Nash, a British subject, charged with having committed a murder on board a British frigate upon the high seas, and who was directed by the President to be given up to his government, upon proof of his guilt, under the twenty-seventh article of the treaty between the United States and that power, he delivered a speech, which is replete vvith evidences of his extensive learning, his patient research, his overpowering argument, and the facility with which he analyzed and illustrated the subjects upon which his intellect was exercised. It has been aptly remarked, in reference to that speech, that the only method of avoiding the conclusion, was to deny the premises, — so clear and logical is the demonstration, so consistent the reasoning, so inevitable the result. The extensive legal acquirements which he displayed on that occasion, in the discussion of a question in which his opponents were 12 among the most eminent jurrets of the nation, exhibited his high qualifications for the exalted station to which he was about to be called. Having been appointed, in opposition to his own wishes. Secre- tary of War, and subsequently. Secretary of State, he became, on the 31st of January, 1801, Chief Justice of the United States. The office of Chief Justice is unquestionably one of the utmost difficulty and importance; the high and responsible duties connected with it, requiring the possession of qualifications which are rarely to be found combined. The duties and powers of the court over which he presides, are of the most momentous and extensive character. Upon it are devolved, not merely the questions of property and personal rights, but it is frequently called upon to define and deter- mine the principles and powers of the Government itself. One of the co-ordinate branches of the Government, more inde- pendent and less responsible than any other, the power with which it is invested, and which is designed to be exerted for the benefit of our institutions, may become, in weak, irresolute, or incompetent hands, the scourge of the country which it was intended to protect. Firmness, decision, the highest moral courage, combined with mode- ration, dignity, and an entire destitution of prejudices and partiali- ties, added to extensive learning and unmingled patriotism, are qualities indispensible in those who minister in the sacred temple, and the indulgence of political ambition, or feelings of personal interest, profane its halls. The judicial power of a government to be efficient, must neces- sarily be co-extensive with the legislative, and must be possessed of sufficient authority to decide every judicial question growing out of its constitution and laws. The ])ower is great, the abuse of it dan- gerous in the extreme; the hands therefore, to which it is committed, must be pure and unsullied, and the public respect, in which it will be held, is dependant upon the moral influence which surrounds it. The civil liberty, and the best interests of the citizen, are com- mitted to its high keeping. In times of great excitement, laws may escape a legislative assembly, which militate against the one and en- danger the existence of the other ; and it is the prerogative and duty of this tribunal, to bring these laws to the test of examination and comparison, with the great charter of our freedom, and to affirm or to discard them, as they may prove consonant with, or repugnant to it. Without such a tribunal, legislative authority must be unre- strained and despotic^ and the evil is augmented when it is inefli- 13 ciently or corruptly administered ; with how much reason, there- fore, ought we to unite, in the scriptural supplication, '*Let all our judges be peace, and our exactors righteousness." At the time Judge Marshall was elevated to the station of Chief Justice, the duties of the Supreme Court were of a most arduous and important character. The Government, of which it is a part, had but commenced its existence, and it soon became necessary to define its powers, to expound its constitutional provisions, and to deter- mine the extent of its authority. The disposition to enlarge the powers of the Federal Government, was to be repressed on the one hand, and the desire to strip it of its constitutional prerogatives, resisted on the other. Created as it were, the perpetual and vigi- lant guardian of the Constitution, requiring, for the proper discharge of its duties, the highest grade of intellect, the most unwearied re- search, and patient investigation; an entire exemption from ambi- tious designs and personal considerations, there is a moral sublimity in its character which cannot be surpassed, and which is rarely equalled in human institutions. Its duties were of such a nature, that the most exalted mind, the most enlarged capacity, must enter upon them with diffidence and distrust. To this station Judge Marshall brought a mind and character eminently qualified for it. Gifted with an intellect of unrivalled power, possessed of great political sagacity, ardent, and unalloyed love for his country, and her free institutions, he felt that the honors and rewards of time were too humble for his pursuit. The reward at which he aimed, was the favor of his God, the approbation of a good conscience, a peaceful death, and a joyful and abundant en- trance into the kingdom of immortality. Destitute of thai inordinate love of power which seems to be almost an essential ingredient of our nature, we find him disclaiming, for the tribunal over which he presided, the authority with which the Legislature had attempted to invest it, and refusing to exercise a prerogative, granted by a solemn act of Congress, because its exer- cise was unauthorised by the Constitution. Under such circumstances, it was natural that a general feeling of security and confidence should prevail, and that he should acquire that unbounded affection and respect, which is now so universally exhibit- ed. Uninfluenced by popular excitement, unawed by official authority, he felt that the station which he occupied, was one in which no party feeling could be indulged, no fear of Executive displeasure be entertained. 14 Feeling the responsibilitj^f liis high calling, he stood aloof from those excitements which, in every free government, are so conse- quent upon questions of great import to the public weal. Without, the storm might rage, and the elements of turbulence, contention, and strife, fearfully agitate the public mind. In the sanctuary of justice, there was a calmness, a dignity, an elevation of soul, which, soaring above the grosser feelings of humanity, and exempt from the ordinary passions of mankind, applied the inflexible rules of jus- tice to the examination of every question upon its own intrinsic merits, whilst a public confidence and satisfaction was felt, as though the Angel of Justice had himself descended to hold the impartial balance. The judicial character and reputation of Judge Marshall are so completely enveloped in a mass of legal learning, that it is impracti- cable to do more than glance at them, within the limits of an ordi- nary discourse. When we have passed away, some future Plutarch, scrutinizing, with calm and philosophic composure and impartiality, the history of his life, and the results of his labors, will measure with exactness the dimensions of this intellectual Colossus, and assign to him the high station, which he is destined to occupy in the history of man. It will be the work of an age to render justice to his reputation, based as it was, not upon one or two prominent actions of his life, not upon the ephemeral productions of accident or circumstance, but the sure and steady growth of more than half a century, during which his unrivalled talents were exerted for the benefit of his countrymen, with a singleness of purpose and simplicity of design, which commanded the respect, as the result does, the gratitude of all. In whatever situation we have viewed him, he is entitled to our admiration and applause. As a soldier, with the feeble armies of his country, contending against the overwhelming hosts of her oppressors; as a legislator, sedulously endeavoring to perfect her insti- tutions, and render them the dispensers of blessings to mankind; as an historian, rescuing the early history of his country from obscurity; as a statesman, wielding the destinies of that country, and securing to posterity the blessings of civil liberty, social order, and national prosperity ; or as a Judge, controlling the wayward- ness of man, expounding his obligations, securing his rights, and establishing the laws ordained for his government and protection. It is not the dazzling splendor of one or more extraordinary achievements which constitutes true greatness. Men may attract 15 the attention of nations, and their names and exploits may be wafted wherever the human species exists; they may flit across our path, like the blazing meteor, which, in its rapid and eccentric flight, carries wonder and dismay among the astonished beholders, and for a time eclipses every other object, whilst it but deepens the dark- ness which succeeds it, but their actions want that permanency of efiect, that beneficial and extended operation, which shall be felt and acknowledged when they have ceased to exist. The truly great are like the sun which, exciting no unusual observation, warms, animates, and enlightens, whilst it appears, and continues its bene- ficent influence when it has vanished from our sight. In private life, Judge Marshall was as estimable, as in public life he was eminent and distinguished. His simplicity of manners, his warm and disinterested friendship, his stern integrity, and his unobtrusive piety, were qualities which endeared him to every one who was so fortunate as to enjoy his acquaintance. Religion is the true basis of every moral and virtuous principle ; and in the precepts of our holy religion, pure and undefiled as they are, may be found the secret influence which regulated his actions. In discharging his duty to man, he sought the approbation of his God; when power and authority were entrusted to him, he held them but as the steward of the Almighty. His whole life was devoted to the service of his fellow men; in every project undertaken by benevolence and enlightened charity, for their advantage, he has taken an active and conspicuous part, and each philanthropic design has, in its turn, received the aid of his counsel and his means. Ex- emplary as a husband, a father, and a friend, his country was still the supreme object of his regard. To her, he had devoted his early days; to her, he had consecrated the efibrts of his riper years; and the winter of age chilled not the ardour of his love. After a long and varied life of usefulness and honor, he has sought his rest; having lingered, as it were, amongst posterity, the Nestor of the age, to guide and direct them, he has left them happy and prosperous, to rejoin his compatriots who had preceded him. It was a selfish feeling which would have detained him longer. Peaceful and resigned, he died as he had lived — a consistent, upright, conscientious patriot and christian. " Night dews fall not more gently to the ground, Nor weary, worn-out winds expire so soft." In the circumstances of his death may be traced the character of his life: He lived to die; he has died, but to live forever! A nation's 16 grief attests his worth ; but^Rilst we mourn for the loss which we have sustained, let us not forget to lift our hearts in gratitude to Him who having blessed us with such benefactors — has permitted them to continue with us so long. The responsibility which is devolving upon us, is momentous and impressive. Those who have hitherto discharged the most important duties among us, are surrendering up their trusts, and rendering an account of their stewardship, and to us the stations which the)' have so ably and so usefully filled, are soon to descend. To us they are committing the destinies of our beloved country, and their precepts and their example can alone fit us for the sacred trust. Let us cherish then the memory of their virtues; — let them be to us, as the pillar of cloud by day, and the pillar of fire by night; — and, treading in the path of wisdom which they have pointed out, may the mantle of these ascended sages rest upon their successors. .0^ ^i-- '^^ ^^K*' c^ <^ » «o- ^0- V, '-.',,•• ^^^ .S^r y ^O .* ^^^ ^^ ^yi%"^<' . '^' > --^^'.^ .V v^ ^^^%\)^/ '^y ^^-^^^ >^ ^ <?* •o. ^> ^^-^^ .0- ^ '>i >^i A^'' / V^^-/ \.-^-\/ V^^\o' \- ^ '> 3^^-^ WMF** ^^^'^^ '•^iK'*'' /^^^ l^W*' .^^' ^^ N. MANCHESTER, INDIANA 'v V.s*"" '- fA"= '^-^.. 