Memoirs, speeches and writings of Robert Rantoul, jr.

Preface

The design of this work being to present a just and true account of the personal character and public services of Robert Rantoul, Jr., I have given, in illustration of his principles and the objects at which he aimed, his own Speeches and Writings, and the circumstances which called them forth, as well as whatever information could be gathered from those who knew him most intimately from his birth to his death. I have, besides, enjoyed the benefit of a personal acquaintance with him from the commencement to the close of his public life ; and if I have not succeeded in forming a just estimate of his character, I may have been misled by the sentiments of respect and affection with which its noble traits and excellences never failed to inspire me. For I will not deny, that if a sincere admiration of Mr. Rantoul's private and public character be a disqualification for editing this work, its success must be particularly affected and hurt by it. To speak of him as he was, is to praise him. Let the reader, therefore, pardon me if he find sober narrative sometimes uttering the warm language of eulogy. It could not otherwise have been true.

The biographical sketch of Mr. Rantoul in his earliest years, and up to the time of his graduation at Harvard College, is from the accomplished pen of his kinsman and friend, Rev. A. P. Peabody, D. D., of Portsmouth. This, with the extracts from the letters of Doctors Ray and Torrey, and the three short poems, which are thrown in, not so much to show his poetical talent, as the delicacy of his sentiments, and the tenderness of his personal character, constitutes the first Chapter.

i v PREFACE.

I am also indebted to the kindness of Richard H. Dana, Jr., Esq., for a full and accurate report of the Sims Case, in which Mr. Rantoul's service, as counsel for the alleged fugitive from slavery, was so honorable to his ability as a constitutional lawyer, and to the humanity and justice of his sentiments. To C. L. Woodbury, Esq., I am also under obligations for information in relation to what is known to lawyers as the New Bedford Bridge Case, and to Mr. Rantoul's practice in trials for infringement of patent rights. Of whatever else in this work appears as editorial, I take the exclusive responsibility ; and that responsibility will appear sufficient to any one, who considers how many important subjects are touched upon, and how much one, who does his own thinking, hazards, in these times of panic patriotism, when republican America, in her pretty innocence, babbles, like the old despotisms of Europe, of finalities ; and a free word, spoken by free lips, is freighted with magic thunder to shake the pillars of the Constitution. Freedom must be at its last gasp, when such a man as was Robert Rantoul, Jr., can be excluded from a democratic convention, for holding fast the sacred rights of opinion and discussion, — rights essential to liberty and manhood, and hostile only to tyrants. But in the cause of human rights he spake, and " though dead, he yet speaketh ; " and could the voice of all the friends of freedom united, give to the dust that rests upon its native Atlantic shore its former vitality, the restored could not speak with more effective, if, " miraculous, organ" for truth, liberty, and the happiness of the people, than he has spoken in the works here republished.

If they shall enkindle in one human soul a new and more earnest sentiment of humanity, a profounder respect for justice in political institutions and laws, and a higher reverence for the majesty of virtue in private and public life, the editor will feel that his humble service is a thousand times rewarded.

Eoxburt, Juke 17, 1853.

Chapter I

Parentage and birth. Home influences. Permanent traits of character early displayed. His first school teacher. Extract from his Journal when eight years old. Phillips Academy, Andover. Testimony of a class mate, Dr. Kay. Habits of study. Harvard College entered, 1822. Character as a student. Industry. The subjects which interested him. Choice of companions. How regarded by those who knew him. Public spirit. Valedictory poem. Interest in Lyceum s. Dr. Torrey's letter. Summary view of his early character. Poems, Page 1 to 1 5

Chapter II

Commenced the study of law in 1826, with Mr. Pickering. Continued it with Mr. Saltonstall. Literary tastes. Love of history and politics. Admitted to the Bar, 1829. Trial of the Knapps, 1830. Effects of independence in discharge of duty. Lost the patronage of wealth by it. Married, 1831. Left Salem for South Reading. Lived there two years. First of his published political addresses. Removed to Gloucester, 1833. Resided there five years. A representative in the Legislature four years. Opened an office in Boston, 1838. Obstacles to his success and advancement. His democratic opinions injuriously affect his professional practice. It was so in the case of Story. Genius finally triumphs. Several important cases mentioned. " Journeymen Boot-Makers' Case," from Democratic Review. The Rhode Island Trials. Circumstances which led to them. Account of Mr. Rantoul's argument from "Providence Express." Appointed Collector in 1843. District Attorney in 1844. Vindicated great principles of constitutional law. New Bedford Bridge Case. Learned argument. The Spitfire Case, (a slaver). The Crafts Case of fraudulent wrecking a ship. Great length of this trial. Extracts from Journal of Commerce and Boston Times. In 1835, on the Committee for Revising the Statutes. In 1836, 1837, 1838, one of the Judiciary Committee. Extract from his Journal, written 1835. Found the advantage of journalizing not worth the trouble. Codification of the Common Law ; for his views of, see Chapter IV., in his v j CONTENTS.

Oration at Scituate. His unexpected call to defend an alleged fugitive slave. Report of the Sims Case, byR. H. Dana, Jr., Esq. Mr. Rantoul's argument never answered, and unanswerable, 16 6 "

Chapter III

His love of knowledge prompt bis labors in the cause of Education. His estimate of the value of knowledge. Theme of one of his earliest addresses on Education. The worth of knowledge determined by the moral character of its possessor. The highest office of the Teacher. The cultivation of the moral sentiments the best part of education. Illustration from his own character, which was as pure and elevated as his love of knowledge and facility of acquisition were great. Hence his unaffected interest in the cause of Moral Reform. Labors in favor of Temperance, and his view of the means of promoting it, (see, also, on this subject, Chapter V). Made numerous Speeches not published or written out. Plymouth county Normal School Convention. Massachusetts Board of Education. Mr. Rantoul an active member six years. Lectured often before Lyceums. Article of his published in the North American Review, here reprinted. Also his Address before the American Institute of Instruction, 67 140

Chapter IV

His political principles early matured. Originated in his natural character, and love of historical and statistical knowledge. Believed in the progress and improvement of the race, and the ultimate triumph of the right and the true. Regarded government us an evil to be borne because necessary; and to be dispensed with as far as possible. The world governed too much. Held to the strict construction of the Constitution of the United States. Frank, explicit, and consistent from first to last in avowing bis opinions. Extracts from his writings of 1834 and 1851, compared, proving identity of opinion at those two periods. Advocated a system of equal rights, equal burdens, and free trade. Wrote much for the press. Character of the "Gloucester Democrat and Workingmen's Advocate." Ably supported Jackson's Administration. Extracts. Unavoidable responsibility imposed by republican institutions. Vigilance necessary to preserve them. He acted up to bis principles fearlessly and faithfully. Sought the public good. His principles consistent and homogeneous. Superior to mere party. Above selfish considerations. Always boldly on the side of freedom. Oration at South Reading, 1832. Oration at I Gloucester, 1833, as published in Wbrkingmen's Library, vol. I. ; Chief Justice Marshall's opinion of this Oration. Address to the Workingmen of the United States. Oration at Scituate, 1836. Extracts from Oration at Lenox, 1838, on the true basis of free governments, 141 — 307

Chapter V

Position and influence in the Legislature. Representative from Gloucester the first time, is:;;,. Eminent qualifications for that office. His aims as a representative. The character of his constituency. Opposition in the House. Effect of his bold

CONTENTS. vii

and skilful assaults on special legislation. Though in a small minority, his wisdom and eloquence often carried the House. Incomparably the ablest debater in that body. Made himself master of every subject upon which he spoke. The whole whig talent of the house was no match for him. Unfair means on the part of the majority sometimes used against him. His course in debate singularly clear, direct, logical, and free from all injustice towards his opponents. Forgot himself in the subject of discussion. An evident earnestness and directness of purpose distinguished him. His purpose always well considered, his words ready, apt, and suited to his meaning. Historical and statistical knowledge ; facts were the well used weapons of his oratory. His personal appearance. Extract from New York Evening Post. Speech on incorporating the Boydcn Iron and Steel Company. Danger to liberty from incorporations. Extract from Boston Advocate in reference to this speech. Remarks on the Tavern Bill. Warren Bridge Question. Speech on this subject September 8, 1835, in the House. Eemarks at the Bridge Celebration, March 2, 1836, in Charlestown. Remarks on the Remonstrance against the passage of Mr. Cambreleng's Bill for reducing revenue from imports. Protection. Free trade. Extract from New York Evening Post on monopoly in Massachusetts, and Mr. Rantoul's opposition to it. Oaths, Mr. Rantoul's views of them. Superior to party and sectarian prejudice. Extract from Gloucester Democrat on the burning of the Convent at Charlestown. Vindicated the rights of the Catholics, February 25, 1835, by a speech in the House. Maintained liberty of conscience. Sunday travelling. Views of the means of promoting the temperance cause. His speech, February 23, 1837, on the "Witness Bill.' Extract from Gloucester Democrat on Ten Million Bank Question. Mr. Rantoul's speech on the same, March 22, 1836. Public opinion concerning this speech. Governor Hill. Decision of the Speaker and Mr. Rantoul's Remarks, January 17 and 18, 1838, concerning stockholders' rights, etc. Oration at Concord, Union Celebration, . . . 308 — 424

Chapter VI

Capital Punishment. Mr. Rantoul advocated the repeal of the death penalty in all cases. His principles early imbibed concerning it. His father, in 1809 and ever after, favored this reform. Brief history of Massachusetts legislation on this subject up to 1833. R. Rantoul, Jr., first reported a bill for the repeal of the law of Capital Punishment, 1835. His reports elaborate and of the highest authority. That of 183G quoted with great applause throughout Europe, where the subject has been discussed. His Speech in support of report. His report here republished. Also letters on the death penalty to Governor Briggs, . . . 425—515

Chapter VII

Opinions on Banking and the Currency, and his efforts to correct some prevalent errors on these subjects. Gave great consideration to the effects of Banking Institutions. Constantly watchful for facts. His writings full of knowledge on the subject. One of the ablest supporters of General Jackson's course against the Bank. The evils effected and intended by that institution a warning to the countrv. Supported the Veto. Removal of the Deposits by speeches and the press.

Viii CONTENTS.

Law of paper money fluctuations defined by him. Predicted, in 1S35, the suspension of specie payments which took place in 1S37. Repeated it in 1836, in his speech on Ten Million Bank. Made several speeches in support of the Sub-Treasury in 1838 — only one ever printed. Extracts from " Gloucester Democrat" on suspension of specie payments, etc. Speech delivered in Salem, March 31, 1834, — effects of paper money. Oration at Worcester, July 4, 1837. United States Bank lessons. Debate on Mr. Rantoul's Order for inquiring into the banking system in the House of Representatives, March 17, 1838. Remarks on Resolves against Independent Treasury, March 22, 1838. Mr. "Webster's ideas revived. Speech on said resolves. Remarks on Report upon the mode of keeping public money, March 24, 1838, 516—675

Chapter VIII

Opinions on Commerce and Trade. Demanded for those interests the greatest freedom. Wrote, in support of his views of free trade, for the Salem Gazette in 1827, 1828, and 1829, various essays. His opinions ever remained unchanged on this great subject. He did as much by his pen and his eloquent addresses as any man of his age, to diffuse information on the true principles of commerce. Singular for the great extent and accuracy of his statistical information. Repeatedly aided the highest officers of the government by furnishing information which few possessed. Always ready to meet and answer the arguments of the friends of restriction and a high tariff on imports. Often proved the inherent injustice of such a mode of raising a revenue. He went before and beyond his party for free trade. Advancing knowledge and civilization favorable to the speedy triumph of his principles. Numerous as were his speeches, few of them published. His full and thorough knowledge of the subject induced him to speak without written preparation, and sometimes without notes. Fancuil Hall Speech, October, 1844, referred to as illustration. Speech at Salem, 1848, in full. Speech on the interest of the old States in Western avenues of intercourse in United States House of Representatives, February 18, 1852. Speech in favor of limiting the liability of ship-owners, in United States Senate, February 26, 1851. Speech on the River and Harbor Bill, in United States Senate, March 1, 1851, ..... 676 — 717

Chapter IX

Opinions of Mr. Rautoul on Slavery in the United States. Discussions Originated under British rule. The colonies protested against it in vain. Inconsistent with republican principles. Denounced by the fathers of the United States Constitution. Hateful in itself as an evil and a wrong. Seen to be so by the civilized and intelligent everywhere. Mr. Clay's declaration in the United States Senate. Perfectly true, but inconsistent with his previous political course. Mr. Rantoul lived up to his avowed opinions on slavery. They were the same in 1832 as in 1852. Mr. Rantoul not a disorganizer or agitator, but an honest and true vindicator of freedom of opinion and discussion for himself and others. The consequences of this fidelity to reason and conscience. His reply to questions of an Anti-Slavery Convention in ls:{S. Speech at Lynn, April 3, 1851, on the Fugitive Slave Law. Speech on the constitutionality of the Fugitive Slave Law in the United States House of Representatives, June 11, 1852, 718 — 769

CONTENTS. i x

Chapter X

Mr. Rantoul'a brief congressional career. Baltimore Convention, etc. Mr. Rantoul's peculiar fitness for political life, both from the character of his taste for several branches of knowledge and his great acquisitions. The natural justice and philanthropy of his disposition. His fame to live and flourish while his character and principles shall be studied, surviving party feuds and memories. His native county. The obstacles before him. The prevalent hostility to the democratic party and measures. The federal or whig party vastly most numerous. He could have had any office in their gift by surrendering his principles. But joined the minority and labored to organize the friends of democratic principles. His political life a series of victories. Lived to be the most popular and influential man in New England. First nominated for congress in 1838 ; many times since unanimously. Elected in 1S51. Previously filled Mr. Webster's place in the United States Senate. How received ; objected to him that the opponents of the Fugitive Slave Law supported him. How that was. No excuse for injustice to him. Spoke but a few times, and briefly, in the Senate. Extract from his speech in the House of Representatives, June 11, 1852. Comments. Always has been a panic party in the United States. The Slave Law a result of panic. Mr. Rantoul's speech, January 24, 1852, in answer to Mr. Davis's attack. His speech, March 9, 1852, on Coalition in Massachusetts. Mr. Rantoul regularly elected by the unanimous vote of the democrats of District No. 2, a delegate to the democratic United States Convention at Baltimore. By infamous injustice and tyranny deprived of his seat in that body. His district disfranchised, because he claimed freedom of thought and speech. "Was this democratic 1 Proceedings of the Baltimore Convention. Mr. Rantoul's Speech at Salem, July 5, 1852, . . 770 — 846

CHAPTER XL

Mr. Rantoul's sudden illness and death. Everywhere mourned by the leading men of the country as a national loss. The rare elements of true greatness blended in him. Moral purity and worth, intellectual activity, earnest benevolence and philanthropy. Great quickness of apprehension joined with unsurpassed industry. Singularly utilitarian in the application of knowledge, yet modest and unobtrusive. Everything had to yield before his sense of duty. His personal appearance referred to. Singular character of his illness. His death painfully shocked the nation. Greatly beloved by those who best knew him. Mourned by multitudes as a public benefactor. His family. His great worth conferred on his name an undying celebrity. Extract from Mr. Rantoul's Eulogy on Judge Woodbury just in application to himself. Proceedings of Congress, in the Senate — in the House. Hon. Horace Mann's speech, extract. Hon. Charles Sumner's speech. Resolutions of the House — in Beverly — in Salem — in Lynn — in Charlestown — in Worcester — in the Massachusetts Legislature, 1853. Account of his Funeral. Sentiments of the public press, 847 — 864

SPEECHES AND WRITINGS

OF ME. EANTOUL, CONTAINED IN THIS WORK.

Page.

Address to the Workingmen of the United States, 219

" to the American Institute of Instruction, 112

Article on Education from North American Review, 73 -

" on Oaths, from " Gloucester Democrat," 337

" on Suspension of specie payments by Banks, from do., . . . 674

" on Ten Million Bank, from do., 350

Extracts from articles in Gloucester Democrat on distinctive principles of the

two great parties, 143 '

" on Jackson's Administration, from do., 148

" from several legal arguments, 26"

Letters to Governor Briggs on Capital Punishment, 492

Letter to Anti-Slavery Convention, 1838, 722

Remarks at the Free Bridge Celebration, Charlestown, 326

" on incorporating a Tavern Company, 320 - \

" on legislating to prevent Sunday travelling, 337

" on the License Law, and the means of promoting Temperance . 340- 1

Oration at South Reading 157

" at Gloucester 184

at Scituate 251

" at Worcester 557

at Lenox 296

at Concord 392 -

Report on Capital Punishment 436 -

Speech on Capital Punishment 429 '■*>

" on Corporations, Iron and Steel Company ..... 313

" on Ten Million Bank 352 xu

CONTENTS.

Steecii on Warren Bridge Question

" on Remonstrance against Cambreleng's Bill .

" on Witness Bill

" on Decision of the Speaker, January 17 and 18, 1838

" delivered at Salem, Anti-Bank Meeting ....

" on Interest of the old States in western avenues of intercourse

" on limiting liability of ship-owners

" on River and Harbor Bill

" at Lynn on Fugitive Slave Law

" on Constitutionality of Fugitive Slave Law .

" in answer to Davis, January 24, 1852 ....

" do. do. on the Coalition in Massachusetts

" at Salem, July 5, 1852, on the doings of the Baltimore Convention

MEMOIRS, ETC.

Chapter I

PARENTAGE AND BIRTH.— HOME INFLUENCES. — PERMANENT TRAITS OF CHARACTER EARLY DISPLAYED.— HIS FIRST SCHOOL TEACHER, ETC.

The family of Rantoul is of Celtic origin. The name, not unknown to Scottish history, is derived from two Gaelic words signifying mountain cavern. Robert Rantoul, Jr. was born in Beverly, Mass., August 5, 1805. He was the eldest son of Robert and Joanna Lovett Rantoul. Of his father, ripe in honors as in years, we trust that it may yet be long before we can speak in such terms as delicacy forbids us to- apply to the livinsr. His mother, who died in the summer of 1848, was a person of superior discernment and discretion, of a serene and gentle spirit, and of the most cheerful and loving piety, — one whose youth had the wisdom of age, and whose age the guileless simplicity and fresh affections of youth. Under the most salutary home influences, Robert developed in his very infancy the prominent traits of character that marked his whole subsequent life ; such as reverence for the truth, frankness, and openness in expressing his convictions, strong domestic attachments, modest and unassuming habits of social intercourse, and uniform courteousness of demeanor towards persons of every age and condition. His childhood has left, in the memory of his superiors in age, recollections of ingenuousness, veracity, modesty, docility, and tender conscientiousness. His advantages for intellectual culture were unusual at that day, when the floodgates of juvenile literature had not been opened, and but little had been done by the press or by improved modes of education to smoothe the ascent of the hill of science. The books to which he had constant access, were those of Berquin, Dr. Aiken, Mrs. Barbauld, Miss Edgeworth, and Hannah More, — all of them writers adapted to awaken the mental curiosity, and to give a right direction to the moral purposes, without fostering the inordinate love of amusement or excitement, which is cherished by so much of the juvenile reading of the present time. He was peculiarly happy in his first school, and to the last day of his life expressed greater obligations to its teacher than to all the instructors in his subsequent career as a student. She was a bold innovator in her department, and had anticipated all that is valuable in the ameliorated school system of the present, generation. She was not a mere imposer of tasks or hearer of lessons. School books held a secondary place in her administration. She imparted knowledge orally, read to her pupils extracts from works of history and science, and by a Socratic mode of interrogation drew out their powers of reasoning and judgment. We have before us a journal commenced by Robert in his ninth year, which bears such marks of careful thought, discriminating habits of reading, and accurate expression, as do equal credit to the child and to those who participated in the formation of his character. A single extract from his journal reads as follows: 'Jan. 4, 1814. Gained the following idea, namely, that I had better sometimes be imposed upon, than never to trust.'

From this school he was removed to the public grammar school of his native town, where, with a brief interval under the 1 nil ion of Mr., now Rev. Dr., Rufus Anderson, he acquired the rudiments of classical learning. The wishes of his friends and his own tastes and capacities pointing to a liberal education, he was placed, at the age of fourteen, at the Phillips Academy in Andover, then under the tuition of the veteran teacher, John Adams. We cannot better portray his character at that period, and the promise of future eminence which he then gave, than in the words of a class mate and room mate, now a distinguished member of the medical profession, Dr. Ray, of Providence, R. I. " After an interval of more than thirty years, my recollection of his mental manifestations calls up some of that 'especial wonder' which they excited then. The poems he had planned and even begun, the systems of philosophy he had conceived, and the numberless improvements of one kind or another he had meditated, evinced remarkable fertility of mind, and indicated very plainly what were the objects of his ambition. The trait which impressed me most, was his unquenchable thirst for knowledge, which sought for gratification in every field of human inquiry. Whatever arrested his attention, whether it were a paper in the Spectator, a speech in Congress, a new poem of Lord Byron's, or a recent invention in the arts, it absorbed all his faculties, and was thoroughly mastered and digested before he left it. A speculation in metaphysics, or a theory of political economy, seemed to be as welcome as the lightest productions of the press, and more capable of exciting original thought.

This extraordinary mental activity was accompanied by great tenacity of memory, which enabled him to retain whatever he once learned, and which, I believe, was never diminished in after life. It placed his immense acquisitions always at his command, and rendered it easy for him, at any time, to pour a flood of light on points which, from men less happily endowed, would have required days and weeks of laborious investigation. His remarks on the books he read showed a degree of originality and independence not often witnessed in lads of his age. He scrutinized very closely what he read, taking nothing on trust, and never passively adopting the conclusions of others, but using them for forming opinions of his own. He was fond of discussion, and was one of those who could argue just as well after being vanquished, which was not often the case, for his command of language, his quickness of apprehension, and great acquisitions, rendered him a formidable opponent. Metaphysics had engaged his attention, like almost every thing else, and judging from my impressions, he had completely mastered Locke. In English literature, his reading had been extensive and critical, and Shakspeare and Milton were his favorite authors. In the politics of the day and the great questions at issue, he was deeply interested, and though the views of a school-boy on subjects which divide the prominent men of the time can be of no moment, except as indicative of tastes and tendencies, yet it is a fact worth notice, that the doctrines of free trade which afterwards constituted a cardinal principle in his political creed, were then advocated as sincerely and earnestly, if not with equal copiousness of illustration, as at any subsequent period. In the political history of the country, and especially of public men, he was well versed, and made it a frequent topic of conversation. His intellectual superiority was universally acknowledged among his companions, the more readily perhaps because it was free from all pretension and conceit. He was equally ready to recognize the merits of others, and feelings of envy or jealousy were never among the number of his moral infirmaries."

During his residence at Andover, if not previously, Robert acquired the habit of studying less with reference to the requisitions of his teachers than to the demands of his own intellect, — for the sake, not of reciting, but of knowing. His engrossment in the theme that was uppermost in his mind for the time being was so entire, that he could hardly call himself off from it to perform a prescribed task. Thus while his standard very highly transcended that of his school, and his acquirements took a wider range than seemed within the scope of a school-boy, it seldom happened that his pursuits coincided with the academic course. He undoubtedly held the minutiae and the mere technicalities of learning in undue disesteem ; but at the same time he was in his novitiate so thoroughly grounded in the rudiments of the classical languages, and in the fundamental principles of mathematics and natural science, that they were ever afterwards at his free command and ready service.

In 1822 he entered the Freshman Class at Harvard College. Here he manifested in fuller development the traits that had marked his career at Andover. He was indefatigably industrious, frequently studying fourteen hours out of the twenty-four, but pursuing his studies with so little reference to the college course, as often to absent himself for days together from the regular exercises of his class, or to omit all special preparation for them, and to rely solely on his previous acquisitions or genoral knowledge. He thus on ethical, metaphysical, and especially political subjects, often made copious and brilliant recitations, in which the professor's slow finger sought in vain to track him down the pages of the text-book, till failing to identify a single sentence with the words of the author, he cut short the harangue with " you may sit," and marked with a cipher incomparably the most scholarly exercise of the hour. We do not name this as worthy of imitation. We believe that Mr. Rantoul himself would have been the last person to commend his own example in this regard to any college student. Nor is there one youth of seventeen in a thousand, whose aims are sufficiently definite, and the scope of whose intellectual horizon is sufficiently enlarged, to enable him to give a profitable direction to his own course of study.

During his residence at Cambridge, Mr. Rantoul devoted a then unusual amount of time to the languages and literature of continental Europe. These he pursued with but little tuition, except in the German, in which he was a member of the first class of volunteer students under the late Dr. Follen. His reading in these languages was far from being desultory. His chief object was to familiarize himself with national characteristics, institutions, and political history of the nations of Christendom. With reference to France especially, he commenced in college a course of patient and elaborate research, which he pursued at brief intervals through life, and which made him in later years hardly less familiar with the French chroniclers of the Middle Ages, and with the codes of Charlemagne and his successors, than he was with the news of the day and the laws of Massachusetts. He was at this early period profoundly interested in the science of government and legislation, and became intimately conversant with the leading continental writers in these departments, especially with Beccaria and Montesquieu. The plans of reformation in the administration of justice which enlisted much of his most assiduous industry and most earnest effort in after life, were already familiar subjects of inquiry and conversation ; and the questions of this class which he subsequently sought every opportunity of discussing before popular and legislative assemblies, were raised and mooted under his auspices in college debating societies and at the social meetings of