The bench and bar of Georgia : memoirs and sketches, with an appendix, containing a court roll from 1790 to 1857, etc.

Front matter

t;i:RiJ>!

Cornell University Library KF 354.G4M65 v1 The bench and bar of Georgia :memoirs an

3 1924 018 776 199

Chapter I

Geoeqe D. Anderson — Born in South Carolinai — Removal of Parents to Georgia — Labors as a Mechanic in the Manufacture of Cotton-Gina — Studies Law — Admitted to the Bar — Partnership with J. M. Calhoun, Esq., at Decatur — Elected Colonel of the Regiment — Appointed Brigade-Inspector — Appointed by President Van Buren Commissioner to iuTestigate alleged Frauds on the Indians in Alabama — Representative in the Legislature from De Kalb — Removes to Marietta — Senator from Cobb County — Elected Solicitor-General of the Coweta Circuit — ^Elected Judge of the Cherokee Circuit — Sudden Death at Spring Place in 1843 — Proeeedings of the Bar — His Character, &c 17

Chapter II

RoBEET Augustus Beau — Native of Maryland — Removal of Parents to Georgia in 1808 — Completes Education at Raleigh, North Carolina — Studies Law in Augusta under Judges Reid and Montgomery — Admission to the Bar — Locates in Marion — Partnership with Col. T. G. Holt — ^Appointed Solicitor-General by Gov. Troup — Duel with Thomas D. Mitchell — Elected to the Legislature in 1825 and 1826 — Supports the Administration of Gov. Troup — Appointed Aide-de-Camp to Maj. Gen. Wimberly — Counsel for Judge Fort in 1827 — Marriage in 1828 — Partnership with S. F. Miller — Elected again to the Legislature in 1830 — His course in that body — Resolutions on the Tariff, and in favor of President Jackson — Appointed Aide-de-Camp to Gov. Gilmer — Removes to Macon in 1832 — Partnership vrith Col. Seymour — Delegate to the Anti-Tariff Convention — Elected Brigadier-General — .Serves on the Committee at the State-Eights Meeting in November, 1833 — Edits the Georgia Messenger — Defeated for Congress by Gen. Glascock — Character as an Advocate and Debater — Renounces Skepticism and joins the Church — Health declines — Lingering Illness — His Death in 1836 — Funeral Honors— Testimonials of the Bar, Literary Societies, &c 21

Chapter III

John Macpherson Berrien, LL.D. — Huguenot Ancestry— Born in New Jersey in 1781 — Removal of Parents to Georgia — Graduates at Princeton at the age of fifteen years — Classmate of Judge Gaston — Reads Law with

o

[ CONTENTS.

PA6Z

the Hon. Joseph C!lay — Admitted to the Bar in 1799 — Elected Solicitor- General in 1809 — Jndge of the Eastern Circuit in 1810 — Declares the Alleviating Law unconstitutional — Commands a Volunteer Regiment of Cavalry in the War of 1812 — Conduct touching the Sentence of Hopkins vindicated by the Legislature in 1818 — Twelve years Judge of the Superior Court — Elected a State Senator from Chatham County in 1822 and 1823 — ^Proposes Digest of the Laws of England in force in Georgia — Elected to the Senate of the United States in 1824— Takes his Seat March 4, 1825 — ^Delivers his Discourse on Eloquence at Athens in 1828 — In January, 1829, submits Georgia Protest against the TariflF — ^Besigns his Seat in Senate — Appointed Attorney-General of the United States, March, 1829 — Address before the Societies of Princeton College in 1830 — ^Degree of Doctor of Laws conferred by that Institution — ^Besigns Office in the Cabinet in 1831 — Correspondence with President Jackson — ^Returns to Georgia — Serves in the Free-Trade Convention at Philadelphia in 1831 — ^Authgr of the Address to the People of the United States — ^Reception at MiUedgeville in November, 1831 — Practises Law in the Supreme Court at Washington — Appears at the Anti-Tariff Convention in MilledgevUle, 1832 — ^Prepares the Report of the Committee of Twenty-One — Appointed by the Governor in 1838 on a Special Commission — Extracts from the Report — ^Again elected to the United States Senate in 1840 — Support of Whig Measures — ^Report on the BUI to repeal the Bankrupt Law — The Legislature of Georgia censures his course in 1841 — Same body expresses its full approbation in 1843 and assures him of the public confidence — ^Attends the National Whig Convention at Baltimore in 1844 — Chairman of the Committee to notify Mr. Clay of his Nomination — Speech in Boston on the Tariff in 1844 — Resigns his Seat in the Senate in 1845 — Is immediately re-elected, and prevailed on to accept — ^Address to his political friends on the occasion — ^Declines being a Candidate for the Bench of the Supreme Court of Georgia — ^Re-elected to tiie Senate in 1847 — Position in 1848 relative to Mr. Clay and General Taylor — Letter to CoL Owen — Opposes the Public Reception of Kossuth in 1851 — Other Measures discussed — Death of Mrs. Berrien in February, 1852 — Resigns his Seat in the Senate, May, 1852 — ^Appears as Counsel in the Supreme Court of Georgia in the Bank Cases — ^Issues an Address in Defence of the American Party, September, 185-5 — ^Presides at the State Convention of the Party in December, 1855 — ^His Illness at MiUedgeville — ^Return to Savannah — His Death, January 1, 1856 — Testimoniala of Respect to his Memory — ^Proceedings of the Bar in the Supreme Court — Resolutions of Condolence and Respect in the Legislature — A New County named " Berrien" — Tribute from the American Bible Society — His Character 44

Chapter IV

Edwabd J. Bi,ACE — ^Bom in South Carolina — Goes to School in Augusta — Studies Law, and admitted to the Bar in 1827 — Practises with Judge Reid — ^Writes Hnmorons Articles for the Press — Sharpness in Debate — Marriage with Jliss Eirkman, of BamweU District— Elected to the Legislature in 1829 and 1830— Proposes to remove State University from Athens to MiUedgeville — "Bucket Letters" — Defeated for Attorney- General in 1831 — Elected to Congress by the Whigs in 1838 — Supports Mr. Van Bnren for President in 1840 — ^Bemiuns six years in Congress,

CONTKHTS. 5

from 1839 to 1845 — Bepntation in Debate — ^Bold and independent as a Politician — Social Qnalities — ^Kne Perception of the Lndicrons — Objects to all Parade and Mannerism in Society — ^Uniform Patron of Merit — Min i! depressed by Symptoms of Consumption — Taste for Mnsic — Power of

Mimicry — ^Fond of Anecdotes — Kindness to the Poor — ^Last Ulness

Besignation to his Fate — Death in 1849 „.. no

CHAPTEK T.

DoxcAS G. Campbeix — ^Natire of North Carolina — Gradnates at Chapel Hill University in 1806 — BemoTes to Georgia — Takes charge of a Female Academy in Wilkes Coimty — ^Beads Law with Jndge Griffin and succeeds to his Practice — ^Elected Solicitor-General in 1816 — ^BepresentatiTe in the Legislature three years — ^Partnership with (ramett Andrews — ^In 1824 appointed by President Monroe a Commissioner to negotiate Treaty with Creek Indians — ^FaUnre of Treaty at Broken Arrow, December, 1824 — Conclnsion of Treaty at the Indian Springs, Febroary, 1825 — Correspondence with Gov. Tronp and the Secretary of War — Indian Disturbances — Death of Mcintosh — Mission of Gen. Gaines — Conduct of the Agent for Indian Affairs — ^Investigation by Georgia Commissioners — Controversy between Gov. Tronp and the President — ^Abstract of the Correspondence — Good Faith of the Treaty established — Successful Issue — ^Acts as Trustee of the Univerraty — ^Advocate of Female Education — ^Prospects for Governor — His Death in 1828 — Domestic Matters — Sketch of his Son, Mr. Justice Campbell, of the Supreme Court of the United States 115

CHAPTEB VI.

AvcusTiN S. CiATTOH — ^Bom in Virginia — Parents remove to Georgia^ Angnstin becomes a Student in the Kichmond Academy — ^Ecceives a Book from Gen. Washington as the Beward of Merit — Gradoates at Franklin College in 1804 — Beads Law with Judge Cames — la licensed to practise, and locates in Franklin County — ^Marriage wifli Miss JnUa Cames — Eemoves to Athens — Compiles the Laws of Georgia from 1800 to 1810 — Elected Judge of the Superior Court in 1819 and in 1822 — ^Defeated by the Clark Party in 1825 — ^Writ^ the Mysterious Picture — Literary Address at Athens in 1828 — ^Again elected Jndge in 1828 — Case of the Missionaries — Troubles in the Gold-Be^on — ^Beaten for Be-election in 1831 — Immediately elected to Congress — Opposition to the Tariff — ^Letter to the Globe — Moves for a Conmiittee to investigate United States Bank — Speech on the Subject — List of British Stockholders — ^Approves the Bemoval of the Deposits — ^Letter reviewing the action of former Secretaries of the Treasury — ^Beport on the Public Lands — Serves in the Anti-Tariff State Convention in 1832 — Chairman of the Committee of Thirteen at the great State-Bights Meeting in 1833 — ^Beports the Platform — Be-elected to Congress — ^Voluntarily retires in 1835 — Devotes himself to Factory Operations — ^Literary Employments — Trustee and warm supporter of the Universify of Georgia — Is attacked with Paralysis in 1838 — ^Partial Bestoration — Investigates the Evidences of Christianity — Unites with the Chnrch — Testimony in favor of Beligion — ^His Death in 1839 — Exti^cts from the Funeral Discourse of Bev. Whiteford Smith — Tributes of the Press and of Literary Societies — Character for Wit, Benevolence, and the Domestic Affeetions — ^Letter of Chancellor Kent 139

PiSI

CHAPTER Vn.

Paui. Coalsoh— Birth in 1799— Goes to the School of Dr. Church, at Eatonton ^Enters Franklin College — Graduates in 1824^-Beads Law with

Judge Clayton — Admitted to the Bar — Marries Miss Blackshear in 1825

^Removes to Thomas County — Influential Family Connection — Obtains a

good Practice — His Social Qualities — ^Extent of the Southern Circuit — Members of the Florida Bar— John Taylor— The Sulky-Eace— Professional Zeal— Hospitality of Mr. Coalson— His Death in 1830— Proceedings of Bar 193

CHAPTER Vni.

Walter T. Colvuitc — Bom in Tirginia — ^Parents remove to Hancock County, Georgia — ^Walter sent to School at Mount Zion— Progress in Learning — Actiyity in Sports — Goes to Princeton, New Jersey, and wears a Hat of Babbit-Skins — ^Betnms home, owing to Hlness of his Father — Beads Law with CoL Eockwell— Admitted to the Bar in 182ft— First locates at Sparta and then in Walton County — ^Elected Brigadier-General — Buns for Congress and is nearly elected in 1826 — ^Elected by the Le^slatnre first Judge of the Chattahoochee Circuit in 1826 — Eeference to his Decision by Gov. Forsyth — ^Be-elected Judge in 1829 — Senator from Muscogee County in 1834 and 1837 — ^Elected a BepresentatiTe to Congress in 1838 by the Whig Party — ^Befnses to support Gen. Harrison for President — Is re-elected to Congress in 1840 and 1842 — At the session of 1842 elected by the Legislature a Senator in Congress — Supports the Mexican War — ^Exertions in the Presidential Canvass — ^Influence over Public Assemblies — Style of Oratory original — Success before Juries — Southern Bights in 1850 and 1851 — Delegate to the Nashville Convention — Besolutions of that Body — EflForts to establish the Compromise Line — ^Honest and fearless in his aims — ^Religious Character — The Pulpit and Serial Freedom contrasted — Motives often misconceived — General Benevolence — Family Relations — Inroads of Disease — Starts for Montvale Springs — Dies at Macon in 1855 — Public Grief — Proceedings of the Bar of the Supreme Court 202

CHAPTER IX.

William H. Cbawfoed — ^Bom in Virginia in 1772 — Parents came to South Carolina in 1779, and thence to Geoi^^ in 1783 — After diligent preparation, William teaches School — Studies the Classics under Dr. Waddel — Becomes his Assistant— Unites with Mr. Tait in the Richmond Academy — Comes to the Bar in 1799 — Settles in Lenngton — Marries Miss Gardine — Compiles the Georgia Statutes — Duel with Van Allen — Represents O^ethorpe in the Legislature — Conduct of Judge Tait vindicated — Duel with Gen. Clark — Commission to ascertain 35th degree of North Latitude — Offers Besolntions in 1806 requesting President Jefferson to serve a third term, which are unanimously adopted by the Georgia Le^slatore — '■ Elected to the United States Senate in 1807 — Appointed Minister to France — Interview with the Emperor Napoleon — Letters to Mr. Clay, at Ghent — Appointed Secretary of War in 1815 — Appointed Secretary of the Treasury in 1816 — Administration of the Finances until March 8, 1825 — Is a Candidate for President in 1824 — Attack of Paralysis — Mr. Adams elected President — ^Letter of Mr. Jefferson — Return to Georgia — Public Dinner at MiUedgeviUe in November, 1825 — Appointed Judge of

PACK

the Northern Circuit in 1827 — ^Elected to the same Office by the Lcgislatore in 1827, 1828, and 1831 — His tenacious Memory — Chairman of the Convention of Judges — Social Correspondence with Henry Clay — ^Letter to C. J. Ingersoll on United States Bank — ^Death on the Circuit in 1834 — His Character— Votes of Electoral College in Georgia from 1788 to 1856.. 218

CHAPTER X.

William Cboceer — ^North Carolina his native State — Comes to (xeorgia in Early Manhood — ^Marriage with Miss Long — ^Teaches School — Studies Law under Judge Early — ^Licensed to practise by Judge Cames in 1810 — Engages in Merchandise— Unsuccessful — ^Resumes his School — Settles in Twiggs County — Obtains large Business — Members of the Bar from 1811 to 1825 — Several times elected to the Legislature — Appointed Judge- Advocate — ^Exploits of Sword in the hands of Sergeant M. — Visit of Gen. La Fayette to Milledgeville — La Fayette Volunteers, from T?riggs — Rivals at the Bar in Marion — Judge Fort and others — Character of R. A. Evans — Major Crocker acquires a large Property — ^Retires from the Bar — ^Names of Children — His Death in 1836 — ^Reputation and Personal Appearance 347

CHAPTER XI.

WiLLLAX C. Dawson — Bom in Greene County — ^Educated at the Academy of Rev. Dr. Cumming — Graduates at Franklin College in 1816 — ^Reads Law with Judge Cobb — ^Attends the Law-School of Judges Reeve and Gould at Litchfield, Connecticut — Admitted to the Bar in 1818 — Opens an Office at Greensboro — Marries Miss Wingfield — ^Rapidly advances in his Profession — Elected Clerk of the Honse of Representatives In 1821 — Supports Gov. Troup and the Old Trea^ — Compiles Laws of Georgia in 1830 — Elected to the Legislature — Efforts in behalf of State-Rights — Mandate of the Supreme Court of the United States disregarded — Raises a Volunteer Company and serves under General Scott in 1836 — Elected a Representative to Congress in 1836, 1838, and 1840 — Nominated for Governor in 1841 — Defeated by Gov. McDonald — ^Resigns his Seat in Congress — ^Table of Votes for Governor from 1825 to 1855 — Appointed Judge of the Superior Court by Gov. Crawford in 1845 — ^Elected to the Senate of the United States in 1847 — TT'b Course in that Body — Opposes the Formal Reception of Kossuth — Speeches on varions subjects — On the Bill granting Lands to Iowa for Railroads — On the Homestead Bill-^Urges Claim of Dr. Long to the Discovery of Practical Ansesthesia to be used for Surgical Operations in the Army — Presents Resolutions of the Le^slature on Nebraska to the Senate — ^Explanation as to " ^Thig Caucus" — Speech on " Log-RoUing" in the Legishitionof Congress — Social Letters — Great Humor and Urbanity — Retires from the Senate March 4, 1855 — ^Domestic Relations — His Death, May 5, 1856 — Funeral Ceremonies — 'Manifestation of Sorrow and Respect by the Masonic Lodges — Proceedings in the Supreme Court — Additional Sketch by Judge Sisbet .'. 2t50

CHAPTER XIL

Seabobs Dels — ^Early Life unknown — Son of David Delk, Esq., the first Clerk of Wilkinson Superior Court — Sprightly Talents — ^Neat and ready

PAGE

Penmanship — Skill in Legal Forms — ^Beads Law with Judge Warren — Admitted to the Bar by Judge Kenan in 1828 — Opens an Office at Irwinton — ^Elected Colonel of the Wilkinson Regiment — Legal Associates — Marriage with Mies Coats, of Lanrens, in 1831 — Bemoyes to Marion in 1832 — Bides the Southern Circuit — Bold and Successful — ^Pushes himself into Cases — Ambitious of Gain— Personal Difficulty — Correspondence — Mediation of Major Howard — Publicity to the Affair — Letter of Judge Gaston — Col. Selk assaults his Adversary with intent to murder — Criminal Prosecution — Friends interpose — Amicable relations restored — Nolle prosequi entered — Change of Politics — His Death in 1884 — Character 318'

CHAPTEB XIIL

JoHH M. DooLT — ^Ancestors from North Carolina — J. M. Dooly bom in Lincoln County, Georgia — His Father killed by the Tories in the BeTO-< Intion — ^Early Life not ascertained — Solicitor-General in 1802 by Executive Appointment — Elected to the same Office by the Legislature in 1804 — A Eepresentative from Lincoln County — Irregular Habits — Defence of Medical Students — ^Wit and Sarcasm — Variety of Anecdotes — Breaks a Faro-Bank — Challenged by Judge Tait — Equality in the Duel — ^Elected Judge of the Western Circuit in 1816 — Judge of the Northern Circuit in 1822 and 1825— His Death in 1827 — Description of his Person — Letters of Gov. Gilmer, A. Pope, Esq., Judge Andrews, Judge Thomas, and Dr. Slappey, giving incidents — Bemarkable Gifts — Character 831

CHAPTEB XIV.

Petek Eaklt — Bom in Virginia, 1773 — Father removes to Georgia in 1795 — Peter graduates at Princeton College — Studies Law under Mr. IngersoU in Philadelphia — After thorough Preparation, comes to the Bar — Strong Competition — ^Bapid Advancement — Elected to Congress in 1802 — Serves on the Committee with Mr. Bandolph to impeach Judge Chase — Retires from Congress in 1807 — ^Elected Judge of the Superior Court

vrithout opposition — Dignity and Force of his Judicial Administration

In 1813 is elected Governor — Firmness in the War — Sagacity of his Measures — Alleviation Law — Veto-Message — ^Defeated for Governor in 1815 — Betires to his Farm in Greene County — Serves in the State Senate — Domestic Eelations — His Death in 1822 — Letters to Gen. Blackshear referred to, &c a 345

Appendix

Gen. David Blacksheae — ^Ancestors from Germany — Came to America in 1732 — Settle on Trept Eiver in North Carolina — Hardships of Forest Life— Toil rewarded by Success — ^David Blackshear bora in 1764^Goes to School three Months— Follows his Brothers in the War of the Eevolution — Present at the Battle of Moore's Creek in 1776 — Also at Bnford's Bridge —His Eldest Brother, James Blackshear, killed by the Tories— Sudden Revenge — Goes three Months more to School — Education completed in six Months— Learns Surveying— Winter Expeditions to Georgia as a Surveyor— Works on the Farm — Eemoves to Georgia in 1790— Names of Brothers and Sisters — Appointed Justice of the Peace in 1796— Major of

CONTBNTS.

. Battalion — Orders in 1797 with prospect of war with France — ^Indian Troubles — Letter of Govemor Jackson in 1799 — Exercises Military and Civil Power — ^Appointed Major of Brigade — ^Marriage with Fanny Hamilton in 1802 — Family Connection — District Surveyors in 1806 between Oconee and Ocmnlgee — Yazoo Fraud denounced by the Legislature in 1807— Appointed Brigadier-General in 1812— Ordered to protect the Frontier — Erection of Forta near the Ocmnlgee — Detail of MUilda — Active Operations — Command of the Army tendered by Gov. Early — Orders to Subordinates — Expedition to Flint Kvot — ^Letters from Major-General Mcintosh — ^Rumor of large British Force at Forbes's Store — CoL Hawkins's Indian Ke^ment — Movements of Gen. Jackson near New Orleans — Geor^ Detachment ordered to Mobile— Marching and Countermarching — ^Landing of the British near Darien — Ordered to the Sea-coast — Letters to Gen. Floyd — Scarcity of Supplies — March down the Ocmnlgee — Panic south of the Altamahii — High Waters on Route — Arrives at Fort Barrington — Becmits the Army — ^Takes possession of Darien — Orders to prevent Pillage by the Enemy — ^British Fleet near St. Mary's — Fort and Magazine at Point Petre destroyed — ^Negroes enticed by the British — ^Admiral Cockbnm — News of the Victory at New Orleans — ^Intelligence of Peace from the Secretary of War — Cessation of Hostilities — ^Demonstration of Joy in Savannah — ^Troops disbanded, February 27, 1815 — Militain Correspondence — Gen. Blackshear returns to his Farm — Thanks voted by the Legislature — Oconee Navigation — Public Spirit — Service in the Legislature — Chairman of Committee on the State of the Republic — ^Influence — Withdraws from Public Life in 1825 — Besignation as Brigadier-General — Letter from Govemor Troup — Conduct of Jndge Fort investigated by the Legislature — Social Correspondence — Letters from Members of Congress, Dr. Moses Waddel, &c. &c.— Presidential Elector — Family Record — His Death, July 4, 1837 — Character, &c

Index

To the Documents and Correspondence attached to the Memoir of General Black- SHEAB. [Where several Despatches or Letters appear between the same parties, only one of tiiem is referred to in the Index.]

OTFICIAI PAPBBS.

PA0E

Adams, Major-General — Orders for Frontier Service 414

Barnard, Timothy — ^Transmission of Despatches **°

Blackshear, Lt. Col.— Wsorders in Militia. 413

Calhoun, Secretary of War— Claims for Military Service 467

Carter, Army-Contractor — Escort for Supplies 423

Early, Govemor — Tendering Command of the Army 415

Fannin, Quartermaster — Deposit of Rations 4o2

Fauche, Adjutant-General— Prospect of War, 1797 403

Floyd, Brigadier-General— Defence of the Islands 460

Freeman, Secretary of Executive Department— Army Intelligence 408

Groce, Captain— Organizing First-Class Militia 430

Hawkins, Colonel— Message to Indian Chiefe 444

Hopkins, Major— Disposing of Command after Peace 463

Irwin, Governor- Indian Troubles on the Oconee 414

PACE

Jackson, Governor — Indian Trespasses and Remedy 405

Lamar, Secretary of Executive Department — Eeoeiving Gen. La Fayette 480

Lane, Captain — Ordnance Stores to be supplied. 450

Massias, Captain— News of Victory at New Orleans 458

McDonald, Forage-Master— Loss of Public Stores at Ferry 434

Mcintosh, Major-General — Ordering Detachment to Mobile 440

Mitchell, Governor — Examination of the Frontier 412

Monroe, Secretary of War — Announcing Peace with Great Britain 463

Navey, Forage-Master— Supplies for the Army 434

Newnan, Adjutant-General — Regiments for Gen. Jackson 422

Patten, Major— Organizing Militia in Twiggs 433

Pinckney, Major-General— Muster of Troops in U. S. Service 461

Porter, Secretary of Executive Department — Ammunition for the Army 454

Rabun, Governor — Court-Martial in Laurens 467

Rutherford, Colonel — Regimental Reviews in 1799 405

Thomas, Captain — Swords and Pistols for Cavalry. 433

Tooke, Lt. Colonel — Indian Attack on Hartford 420

Wimberly, Lt. Colonel — ^Arming the Forts in Twiggs 412

Winchester, Brigadier-General — Reinforcements for New Orleans 439

PEIVATE lETTEBS.

Blackshear, James H. — Student at Franklin CoUeg#. 468

Blount, Richard A. — Oconee Navigation 481

Chandler, Daniel — Soliciting Influence in Legislature 483

Crawford, Joel — ^Public Offioersat Washington 467

Crawford, Peter — ^Depraved Party Movements 482

Elliott, John — ^Presidential Campaign in 1824 472

Floyd, John — ^Public Rejoicing at News of Peace 463

Franklin, Bedney — Introducing Dr. Abner Franklin 426

Hammond, Samuel — Militia Claims in Congress 411

Hardin, Mark — ^Army Gossip, European Affairs, &c 424

Harris, Charles — Candidate for City Court of Savannah 480

Jones, James — ^Western Territory in 1800 409

Jones, Seaborn — Lawsuit of Ridley vt. Blackshear. 476

King, Henry — Relief before Legislature 480

Mcintosh, John Houstoun — British Outrages on the Coast 465

Parke, Ezekiel — Introducing Dr. William W. Strain 421

Perry, James — Introducing Member of the Legislature 481

Sawyer, John — British plundering Private Property 455

Strong, Christopher B.— Troup Victory in 1825 480

Tattnall, Edward F. — Introducing Col. Daniell. 469

Waddel, Moses (Rev.)— Affairs of Franklin College 475

Wilde, Richard H.— Cabinet Officers and Prospects in 1825 479

Preface

This work in its present arrangement differs from the plan first intended. When the author made np his mind to publish sketches of the Bench and Bar of Georgia, he persuaded himself that his inquiries would draw forth many things — enough to constitute a volume — ^which he would have only to place under suitable heads, with such remarks of his own as might be necessary to preserve the connection. It was designed more as a compilation of facts than a treatise on character. The idea was to separate the incidents into a class, with distinct chapters, leaving the matter which was purely biographical to appear under the names introduced. The author aimed to devolve the composition chiefly on others who were adequate, — to place them as laborers in the field, whilst he would follow and gather up the sheaves with humble acknowledgment. But those whom he invited to the harvest had many excuses. Some were silent ; others feigned inability to write; some had no leisure from other engagements ; a portion had forgotten all the good things they ever knew, but were kind enough to refer to certain other gentlemen, who would gladly relieve their overburdened memories for the accommodation of the author. A few sat down at once and gave him a crumb to stop his importunity. And here the author takes occasion to thank his correspondents, to whom he is indebted for his best materials. References in the margin will guide the reader to the sources of his information.

The author begs to say that his search has been liberally

rewarded, as the work itself will show. Old family chests

12 PREFACE.

and drawers have been opened to Hm, with the privilege to examine and select papers. The aid from this quarter has been most gratifying. Many letters and documents, too valuable to perish, have been thus given to the public. They will be found in their proper connection in the work. To claim for them the privacy in which many of the letters were written only adds to their interest. Of course, names have been withheld in certain passages where the freedom would give pain to the living. A picture drawn in confidence is more to be relied upon for its truth, its fidelity to nature, than the coloring of the artist who paints for the public eye. A leading feature in this work is the frankness and simplicity of its statements, both by contributors and the individual who writes himself the author. On no occasion, however, has any unkindness been intended, either to the dead or the living, in the course of these memoirs, — as there may be candor without malice.

It may seem out of place for the author to qualify his sketches of individual character, after the labor he has bestowed on them. Knowing that many persons who were personally acquainted with the gentlemen of whom he has written will be apt to accuse the author of exaggeration on the one hand and perhaps injustice on the other, as his remarks may happen in each case, he here takes occasion to disclose a secret in book-making by way of explanation. Most writers, in all periods of the world, in all countries, — ^from the huge metropolis to the veriest hamlet, — ^have been influenced by a common ambition to appear well on paper, as that is the only arena on which they are to figure with any hope of success. To give their labors a sort of attraction, they are compelled to invest every thing they touch with more than ordinary importance, — to give warmth and force, so as to render significant that which seems devoid of interest because it is familiar in every-day life. The author, however, insists that he has not exceeded, if indeed he has fulfilled, the usual license in this respect. Of the thirty-two characters noticed biographically in his work, he has seen twenty-three of them, heard

PREFACE. 13

tbem converse or make speeches, or in some other mode had an opportunity of judging each individual on his own merits. With several of them he was personally intimate, as the facts in the memoirs will show. At the time, no very striking idea or occurrence was presented worthy of historical note. But on review, after the grave has improved the vision and the heart of survivors, generosity supplants even a fault-finding disposition.

The author has made these remarks, not that he prides himself on their boldness or originality, but from a much better motive. While he charges this habit of writers without fear of successful contradiction in the mind of any experienced reader of history, he asserts, in behalf of the statesmen, jurists, and advocates whom he has chronicled, a perfect claim to the distinction and credit severally awarded to them. In the mean time, the author has too humble an opinion of himself to appear in any other light than as a mere pioneer in the solitudes of forensic biography in Georgia. He has pointed to the buried treasures, the correspondence, the briefs, the career of many who acted well their part and whose memoirs would be a gain to the public. In this connection the author may be permitted to express his gratification that he has accomplished enough, under singular disadvantages, to stimulate others better qualified to rescue from decay the materials of which the legal profession furnishes an ample store to interest the whole community.