rds was second
in command to General Sickles, in the Southeastern Department,
and exercised practically all the powers of government for
a year or two. This command was of very great importance
to him as a part of his legal training. Upon him practically
devolved the duty of deciding summarily, but without appeal,
all important questions of military law as well as those affecting
the civil rights of citizens during his administration.

He was offered a commission in the regular army, which he
declined. He came back to Worcester in 1866; renewed his
partnership with me for a short time; was appointed Justice
of the Superior Court April, 1867; was appointed Justice of
the Supreme Court of Massachusetts in 1873; was offered the
appointment of Secretary of War in the Cabinet of President
Hayes March 5, 1877; a day or two later was tendered the office
of Attorney-General by the President, which he accepted and
held until the expiration of President Hayes's Administration.
He was offered the office of Judge of the Circuit Court of
the First Circuit at the death of Judge Shepley, which he
very much desired to accept. But the President, although
placing this office at his disposal, was exceedingly unwilling
to lose his service in the Cabinet; and General Devens, with
his customary self-denial, yielded to the desire of his chief.
He was again appointed Justice of the Supreme Court of Massachusetts
in 1881, and held that office until his death.

He was elected a member of the American Antiquarian Society
October 21, 1878. He was a member of the Massachusetts Historical
Society. He received the degree of LL.D. from Harvard University
in the year 1877. He was chosen President of the Harvard
Alumni Association, and again elected President of that Association
in 1886, in order that he might preside at the great celebration
of the 250th anniversary of the foundation of the college,
which he did with a dignity and grace which commanded the
admiration of all persons who were present on that interesting
occasion. He died January 7, 1891.

General Devens gained very soon after establishing himself
in Worcester the reputation of one of the foremost advocates
at the bar of Massachusetts. He was a model of the professional
character, of great courtesy to his opponent, great deference
to the court, fidelity to his client, giving to every case
all the labor which could profitably be spent upon it. The
certainty of the absolute