Solitude." Adopting the
criticism of the biographers--its prominent defects were exaggeration of
feeling, confusion of imagery, want of simplicity of expression, stilted
and artificial style. But though dull as a poem, it shows facility and
talent for versification, breathes a warm aspiration for virtue and truth,
and is creditable to the scholarship of its author.

After the loss of his wife he sought relief from painful thoughts in the
laborious duties of a large and increasing business. His position at the
bar was prominent, and he was engaged in nearly all the cases of
importance. His manner to the jury was earnest and spirited; he managed
his causes with tact (that great acquirement of the successful lawyer:
being, as a distinguished barrister now dead and gone said to Dr. Hosack,
the same sheet anchor to the advocate which mercury or bark is to the
physician), was ready in attack or defence, and possessed great eloquence
of expression. As an advocate he showed a sagacity of perception which no
intricacy of detail could blind, no suddenness of attack confuse, and
which afterwards so distinguished him as a Judge. He was thrown among the
leading lawyers; and undaunted as all young lawyers should be (although
preserving their modesty of deportment and learning), he measured swords
with the most accomplished. Although sometimes vanquished, he always
received honors from even the victors.

It is a prevailing opinion with the junior members of the legal
profession, that their seniors delight in snubbing them; that they are
fond of being discourteous, and arrogant; that they are envious of some
and insulting to others. But it is rare indeed that the seniors err on
other ground in this respect than magnanimity. The industrious youngster,
the self-reliant youngster, the firm but respectful youngster, the versed
in elementary principles among youngsters, are always received with open
arms. Law begets law. If the junior commences a suit a senior may answer
it: and the reverse. The parson and the doctor are in perpetual
interference with the neighbors and brethren of their particular calling.
But lawyers, like bees in the beehive, must of necessity assist and succor
each other, or there will be less honey laid away when the summer is past
and the harvest ended.

Early in his professional career he became an ardent politician. He was a
Jeffersonian Democrat, and at the bar of his residence stood almost alone
in his partisan p