¦'¦ ¦ m ¦ ,»-'_ t;A,Af ,^" '¦<,s. *.••«' IS i^j:! ; :,'V'.'W ^t' t ,' »f » ,<» ir It «. 1-*. I CU7.e95t ^S9S. MEMOIR S. S. P REI T I S S. VOI-. I. MEMOIR S. S. PRENTISS. iSDITED BY HIS BROTHER VOL. I. NEW YORK : CHARLES SCEIBNEE, 124 GRAND-STREET, 1861. EiTTKHKD according to Art of Confess, in the year 1SS6, Dy CHARLES SCRIBNER, Bb the Clerk's Office of the U. S. Dietrict Court, for ihe Southern District of Neur TfK , ftTKJlEi.TYt-»*. PREFACE. The first plan of this Memoir contemplated no larger audienoe than the little circle of Mr. Pren tiss' own family and kindred. It w^as hoped that the sharpness of their grief, caused by his death, might be soothed by a few simple memorials of his life. But the materials were soon found to be ample for a biography ; and, encouraged by many friendly voices, I resolved to attempt it. The task has proved far more serious than was anticipated. But it has beep, a most grateful labor ; and were the result quite worthy of the theme, I should be well satisfied. The fact that the work has been written in odd moments, stolen from an exacting profession, may serve to explain, and perhaps to palliate, some of its imperfections. In arranging the materials, my aim has been, aa much as possible, to shape them into an autobio graphy. This has led to the insertion of the speeches VI PREFACE. into the body of the narrative. It has also led to what, I fear, may be regarded as an exces sive use of the domestic correspondence. If any one should think that some of the letters, whe ther on the score of taste or value, might better have been omitted, I beg him to consider this point ; and, also, how hard it is in such a choice, not to be biased by mere personal feeling. During the first ten years of Mr. Prentiss' residence in the South West, this correspondence is almost the only record of him that remains. As it is, not a few of his most beautiful and characteristic letters are left out. It is proper to say, that in describing his election eering campaigns in 1837-8, as also his speech at Portland in 1840, and that at Natchez in 1844, several distinct accounts— oral, written and printed — have been condensed into one. This seemed better than to publish three or four sep'arate notices of the same address. My best thanks are due, and are hereby most heartily tendered, to all who, in any way, have aided me in my fraternal task. Nothing could exceed the kindness with which my brother's old friends, in the North and South, have answered my inquiries and given me the benefit of their i-eminiscences. To my brother-in-law, the Eev. Jonathan F. Stearns, D.D., rRHiHAVjr,, Vi) 1 am under special obligations. Without his con stant encouragement it is doubtful if the work would ever have been completed; that its imper fections are not far more numerous, is chiefly owing to his critical taste. Should these unpretending volumes render the name of S. S. Prentiss dearer to his old friends, or make it honored amongst those who never knew him, I shall be rewarded a hundredfold for all the pains they have cost me. New York, Aug. 2, 185.'5. CONTENTS OF VOL. I. CHAPTER I. His Parentage, Birih and Childhood — Removal of the Family to Gorham— His Grandfather Lewis — Devotion to his Mother, and early Taste for Reading. 13 CHAPTER U. The District School-house — His Fondness for Gunning and Fishing — It is decided that he shall go to College — Preparatory Studies at Gorham Academy— Rev. Reuben Nason— Anecdotes of his boyish Wit and Oratory— Enters Bowdoin College— Reminiscences of him at this Period — Graduates, and commences the Study of Law — Jndge Pierce's Recollections of him — ^Letters from his Friend Appleton,. .......... 23 CHAPTER IIL Emigration of Educated Young Men from New England— Maine Twenty-five Years ago — He determines to go West— His setting out — His Letters Home, describing his Journey to Cincinnati, and thence to Natchez — Notice of his Uncle, Rev. James Lewis — Obtains a Situation as Teacher, . . , , .49 CHAPTER IV. Letters Home while teaching in the Family of Mrs. Shields — Notice of George "W. Pierce — ^Letters from his Class-mate, Appleton — Takes Charge of an Academy — Trip into Louisiana — Anecdotes of him by one of his pupils — Is Licensed, and commences the Practice of Law in Partnership with Gen, Huston — His Appeai'- ance at this Time — ^Anecdote of his first Speech at the Bar — Trip to Columbia Springs — His Views of Slavery, . . . . . . .69 CHAPTER V. Essay on Toasting — Removes to Vicksburg — Mr. Chilton's Reminiscences of Him — Letters Home — Visits Washington City — Advice to a College Student — Forma a Partnership with Mr, Guion — Letters, ...... 109 1* CONTENTS or VOL. CHAPTER VI. The Southwest a Quarter of a Century ago— Hostile Meeting with Gen. Foote— Frequency of Duels in Mississippi at that time — Lord Bacon's Opinion of this "Desperate E/il," its Causes aud Cure — Letters Home — Rapid Increase of Business — Recollections of him when riding the Circuit — A Night's Imprison ment — Eulogy on Lafayette, ....... 129 CHAPTER VIL Letters — Voyage to New York — His First Visit Home — Letters — Serious Accident — Is elected a Member of the Legislature — Entrance into Political Life — Anecdote of a Backwoods Speech — Session of the Legislature — Letters Home — Visit to Kentucky — His Trips up and down the Mississippi — Scenery and Scenes on the RiTer— Vicksiburg in 1886-7, ....... 157 CHAPTER VIII. Adjourned Session of the Legislature — Mr. Prentiss's Speech on the Question of admitting the Delegates from the New Counties — Protest against their Admis sion — Resigns his Seat, . . ..... 137 CHAPTER IX. Recollections of him in the Winter of 1S.3&-7 — Letters — Gains the great Commons Suit — Second Visit Home — Fourth of July Speech at Portland — Becomes a Candi date for Congress — His Views on the Question of a National Bank — Mississippi in 1837 — Opens the Canvass with a Speech at Natchez — Electioneering Campaign — His Letters describing it, . ..... 218 CHAPTER X. Arrives in Washington— The Lower House of Congress in 1888— Mississippi Con tested Election— His first Speech on claiming his Seat— The Admiration it excited —Mr. Webster's and Mr. Fillmore's Opinions of it— Mr. Legare's Reply to it His second Speech— What followed— The final Result— Is rejected- An Error corrected touching a Remark of Mr. Clay— Public Dinner on the Eve of his Return to Missis sippi and a Union Speech of Mr. Webster— Letters, . . . .244 CHAPTER XI. Speech on the Mississippi Contested Election, .... 265 CHAPTER XII. iddress to the People of Mississippi-Return to Vicksburg-Second Canvass of the State— Reminiscences of it— Speech at Natchez— Anecdotes illusti-ating the Efi'ect of his Eloquence— His own Account of Scenes with a Menagerie— Result of the Election-Address to a Jury— Letters-Return to Washington-Claims hii CONTENTS OF VOL. I. xl Seat under Ine November Certificate of Election — Characteristic Incident men tioned by Mr. Word— Speech on the Sub-Treasury Bill — Letters — Speech on Small Note Bill— North and South, . . . . . ,317 CHAPTER XIII. Visits Portland — Attends the Public Dinner given to Daniel Webster in Pancuil Hall — Letter from Edward Everett — His Speech on the Occasion — Trip to the White Mountains — Invitation to a Public Dinner in New York — The Correspon dence — Reminiscence by Judge Wilkinson — Returns to Mississippi by Sea — Reception at New Orleans — Extract from a Speech at Vicksburg on Disunion- Letters, S£iS MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. CHAPTER I, His Parentage, Birth and Childhood — Removal of the Family to Gorham— Hil Grandfather Lewis — Devotion to his Mother, and early Taste for Reading, ^T. 1-10. 1808-1818. The subject of the following memoir was descended from one of the oldest New England stocks. His paternal ancestor, Henry Prentite, came over from England and settled as a " Planter," in Cambridge, Mass., some time before 1640. He was a member of the first Church in Cambridge, formed in 1636, and of which Rev. Thomas Hooker, who soon removed to Hartford, Conn., was the first pastor. His eldest daughter, Mary, married Deacon Nathaniel Hancock, great grandfather of John Hancock, the illustrious President of the Continental Congress. Not a few of the most respectable families in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont, trace back their origin to Henry Prentice, of Cambridge. Rev. Joshua Prentice, minister of Holliston, Mass., and great-grandson of Henry, altered the spelling of the name to Prentiss, in order, probably, to distinguish it from other 14 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. branches of the same family ; an alteration, which seems to have been generally adopted by the descendants of Henry, of Cambridge.* Samuel Prentiss, the grandfather of Seargent, was gra duated at Harvard University in 1171, and after the birth of his eldest son William, removed to Gorham, Me., where he resided until his death. Seakgent Smith Prentiss was born at Portland, Maine, September 30, 1808. His father, William Prentiss, a highly respected and prosperous shipmaster, was a man of much energy and decision of character, of quick intelligence, and strong domestic affections. His return from sea was always the signal for great family rejoicing ; a season, too, redolent of oranges, pine-apples, and other products of foreign climes, sweet to the taste, or pleasant to the eye. Few things contribute so much to give variety and anima tion to the household-life of a New England seaport as the * I am indebted for these facts to The History a/nd Genealogy of the Prentice Qr Prentiss Family in New England^ from 1631 to 1852, published in Boston, 1852, by C. J. P. Binney. The work contains much curious and valuable informa tion about the family, but is not free from inaccuracies ; e, g. in stating that the Editor of this Memoir was " a Representative to the Massachusetts Legislature, 1848, from New Bedford." Mr. Binney says the name is an old one in England. In Rhymer's Foedera, vol. iii., page 730, mention is made of Thomas Prentiz, Anno Domini 1318, An. 12, Ed. 2. Also, John Prentys, Rector of Winterborn, Bradston, Aug. 22; 1413, and Prebendary of York, North Newbold. The first of the name in America was, probably, Valentine Prentice, who came over with Elliot, the Apostle to the Indians, in 1631, and settled in Roxbury, Mass. " He lived a godly life, and went through much affliction by bodily infirmity, and died leaving a good safr (savor) of godliness behind him." Deacon Henry Prentice, grandfather of Samuel, "owned the Presh Pond property in Cambridge. A valuable document, written and signed by him, Instituting the first prayer meeting, is in possession of Rev. Mr. Albro, of the Shepherd Congregational Church. He was a tall and very grave- looking man, sat in the Deacons' seat in church, directly in front of the minister, and in cold weather he put on a green woollen cap with a tassel on the top, to keep his head warm, it being bald on top." ORIGIN 01 HIS LAMENESS. 15 constant coming and going of husbands, fathers, sons, and brothers, on their more or less distant voyages. The home of a sea-captain is marked by peculiar excitement and glad ness during his visits, followed by unusual fears, anxiety, and loneliness while he is away. How differently affected are his wife and children by the wintry blasts, by tidings of shipwrecks and storms at sea, by reports of pirates and naval captures, from those of the landsman. And when, after long and perilous voyages, he comes back in safety, with what eagerness do the children listen to his story. How they talk it over among themselves, and feast their young imaginations upon its wonders. Capt. Prentiss had not a few hair-breadth escapes to relate. He had encountered storms and hurricanes, had been repeatedly shipwrecked, chased by pirates, and boarded by a British man-of-war. Many of these things happened while Seargent was a boy, and all were among the familiar traditions of the fireside, repeated a hundred times by his mother during the long winter evenings. It was in these early days, no doubt, his memory became stored with those wild, ocean images which, in later years, he wrought into forms of such exceeding beauty and grandeur. While yet an infant, he was seized with a violent fever, which reduced him to the verge of death, deprived him for several years of the use of his limbs, and was the cause of the defect in one of them, from which he never recovered. For his partial recovery he was indebted to the unwearied care and devotion of his mother. Every day she was accus tomed to spend an hour or two in rubbing and bathing his torpid limbs ; this she continued to do, as far as her own infirm health would allow, year after year, until one by one they became strong enough to perform their appropriate functions : the right leg alone refused to be entirely healed, 'emaining lame and feeble to the last. With this exception, 16 MEMOIR OP S. S. PRENTISS. his physical development was perfect; that of an ancient wrestler could hardly have been more so. Those who knew him in after years, will, perhaps, recol lect his horror of cold water bathing. It had its origin in infancy. After trying in vain all other appliances, his mother was advised to dip him every morning in cold water drawn directly from the well ; and this she did, except in winter, for several years. It proved effectual in hastening his restoration ; but he could never after hear of a cold bath without shuddering. He did not forget the patient love that rescued him from the misfortune of growing up a helpless cripple. The filial piety, which will form a chief attraction of these pages, had in it a depth of tenderness and gratitude of which that love is the best and only solution. Seargent's parents were members of the congregation over which Rev. Edward Payson, then in the first glow and outburst of that apostolic zeal which, at length, consumed him, had been recently ordained minister. They were among the earliest of a great company who were indebted to his pious labors for their Christian hope ; he was endeared to them, therefore, not merely as a beloved teacher and friend, but as the father of their religious life. The impression made upon Seargent by this devoted man, was strong and abiding. Aside from the veneration he cherished for him as the one by whom he had been baptized, and who was regarded by his parents with an affection scarcely "this side idolatry," he felt, doubtless the electric touch of that genius for which Dr. Payson was no less eminent than for his seraphic piety. One fond of tracing the subtle influences which shape and give tone to the development of the indi vidual mind, could easily believe that in this close contact of the embryo orator with the ardent and eloquent divine, lay the secret cause of not a little that he afterwards became REMOVAL OF THE FAMILY TO GORHAM. 17 He ever retained an affectionate respect for the memory and virtues of his early pastor, and often spoke of his peculiar talent for original, happy illustration, in terms of congenial admiration and delight.* He retained, too, through life an almost boyish attach ment to his native town. Casco Bay, upon which it lies, he once called, in poetic phrase, " the fairest dimple on ocean's cheek." It is studded with pretty islands, some say one for each day in the year. No stranger who visits Portland in the summer, or early autumn, can fail to admire the charming variety and beauty of its scenery. The sea-views, sweeping down the coast, or opening out upon the broad Atlantic, are singularly fine ; while the land scapes, bounded far away in the distance by a magnificent prospect of the White Mountains, are not less attractive. During the war with Great Britain, Captain Prentiss removed to Gorham, a town distant some eight or nine mUes from Portland. Like many others, he was driven into the country by the ruin which had fallen upon commerce. Portland was one of the leading shipping-ports in the Union ; the amount of its tonnage being less than that of only three or four others. The prostration of business caused by Mr. Jefferson's embargo policy, and then by actual hostilities with our great transatlantic customer, was complete. It is remembered to this day with terror by old merchants and shipmasters, some of whom, during forty years, have not been able to recover from its blighting reverses. So long as the lessons of the war of 1812 are kept in memory, the commercial temper of the country is not likely to be belligerent. • In a letter written in 1843, he alludes to Dr. Payson as " our old family pastor one of the most, if not tli^ moat, eloquent of the American divines, whose name ia reverenced by all good men." 18 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. This removal to Gorham was fraught with the most import ant results, being one of those domestic changes which, appa/^ rently trifling at the time, in the end prove to have been turning-points in the destiny both of parents and children. It gave form and coloring to Seargent's whole subsequent life. Gorham was a pleasant farming town, especially distin guished for religious and educational advantages. Its. original settlers, a. hardy, intelligent and pious race, were sprung of the genuine Pilgrim stock. Some of them still survived, full of anecdotes of the Revolutionary times, and of their early conflicts and adventures with the wild beasts and Indians, who, long after their coming, continued to haunt the forests of Gorham.* In this town lived Seargent's maternal grandfather. Major George Lewis. Like most of the early settlers of Gorham, he was a native of Cape Cod, whence he had emi grated after the close of the Revolutionary War. His farm was situated at a little distance from Clement's Corner, on the old county road to Standish, at the point where it turw off towards Buxton. The house, erected by him in tht wilderness, three-quarters of a century ago, is yet standing, but untenanted, and ready to vanish away. Major Lewis was a man of great weight and force of character, of excellent understanding, and noted for the earnestness of his religious and political convictions. One might have gone far before finding a truer specimen of the Puritan deacon, or of the old-fashioned Washingtonian Federalist. Before emigrating to Maine, he had been out in the Revolutionary war, served as an officer in the battle of Bunker-Hill, and was deeply imbued with the patriotic * For an Interesting account of the settlement and early history of Gorham. with sketches of its leading men, see Judge Pierce's Centerini'al Discourse, Portland, 1836. HIS GRANDFATHER LEWIS. 19 spirit of the times. An aged aunt, recently deceased, used to depict, with much vivacity, the scene of her father's setting out to join the Provincial army. All hands were busy in preparing for his departure ; but it was a task of mingled fear and hope. The dread shadow of approaching war and revolution was resting upon every household in New England ; and many a wife's, mother's, daughter's or sister's heart already presaged the agony that was to come 1 Neither mother nor daughter, on that night, gave slumber to her eyelids ; long before daybreak the retreating footsteps died upon the ear, and the house was .left solitary and desolate. How different was the scene, when her father and his fellow-townsmen returned home with the laurels of Bunker Hill still fresh upon their brows. Among Major Lewis's intimate friends were his cousin, Hon. George Thacher,* of Biddeford ; General Peleg Wadsworth ; Judge Longfellow, of Gorham ; and the late Hon. Prentiss Mellen, Chief-Justice of Maine. When visited by these friends, the state of the country was an invariable subject of discourse ; and they would often sit up till after midnight, absorbed in warm political discussions. Major Lewis, as has been intimated, was a strong Fede ralist, of the school of Washington ; and, like many others of that school, " hated" Mr. Jefferson " with perfect hatred.'" To his boyish intercourse with his grandfather is to be * Mr. Thacher died in 1824. He represented the District of Maine in Congress for several years, and was then appointed an Associate Judge of the Supreme Court of Massachusetts. He continued on the Bench almost to the day of his death. He was a man of superior ability, gifted with the keenest wit, and endeared to all who knew him by his fine social qualities. While in Congress, he was chal lenged to fight a duel. His reply has passed into a proverb. It was to this effect, —that in matters of such gravity he always consulted his wife, then at home in Maine, and he should feel especially bound to do so In the present instance. In the meanwhile, if the other party would chalk out a man of just his size, and shooting at it according to the rules of the duello, should hit it, he (Judge T.) would cheerfully admit that, had he stood in the ilace of the chalk-man, the baU would have ihit him- too. 20 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. attributed much of the poUtical spirit which marked Sear gent's mature years. Hardly a pleasant day passed, during the latter part of the venerable man's life, in which he failed to pay his daughter a visit. Seargent was a par ticular favorite with him, and, unconsciously, perhaps, waa thus early imbibing principles and a habit of feeling in reference to public affairs, which underwent no essential change to the day of his death. In this connection the name of his uncle, Hon. Lothrop Lewis, should not be omitted— a name still cherished by all who knew him with peculiar respect. For many years he was entrusted by his fellow-citizens with numerous important offices, and, but for his untimely decease, bid fair to ivach the highest honors in the State. A man of eminent worth, mildness, and dignity of character— a model of public virtue —he was admirably fitted to inspire the young with just and honorable sentiments. Seargent was much in his family, and conceived for him the greatest regard and veneration. Capt. Prentiss' farm was about half a mile from Major Lewis's, on the road to Standish. The old homestead, built on a gentle elevation, has a very pleasant outlook, while from a neighboring hill the eye rests on a landscape, or rather series of landscapes, of more than ordinary attraction. Owing to his lameness, which precluded walking for several years after the removal to Gorham, Seargent passed the greater portion of his boyhood in-doors, and under the immediate eye of his mother. He was emphatically the son of her right hand. The sufferings of his infancy, long oscil lating between life and death,* and his still crippled state, * While his father was absent at sea, a sweet little sister, whose memory is still cherished in the family, died; but, by some mistake, the report reached his father that it was Seargent. He immediately wrote to the mother, congratulating her that it had pleased Providence to spare Caroline, and to take away the poor cripple, whose prospect for life seemed so hopeless. How little do we know when we are most blessed 1 DEVOTION TO HIS MOTHER. 21 would of themselves have especially endeared him to her— for what touches the maternal heart like a sick, unfortunate child ? — but he was endeared to her yet more by his extreme beauty, sprightliness of mind, and affectionate disposition. Everybody was struck with his noble fore head, fine eye, and frank, open countenance ; a countenance beaming, even in its dawn, with that intellectual fire which, in later years, was' wont to shine with such lightning brightness. Everybody, too, noted his mental forwardness, and predicted that he would one day be heard of in the world. The tradition of him and his witty sayings is still fresh among the old neighbors and his playmates at school. But more than by his beauty, or his wit, was the little cripple endeared to his mother by his sweet disposition. Prom the first, he was a tender-hearted, generous, loving boy ; singularly free from that selfish petulance and ill- nature which too often cast a shadow over the face of childhood ; and all these fine qualities crystallized, as it were, into devotion to his mother. Never was he so happy as when sitting by her side or nestling m her bosom. When, according to the good old Christian custom, she on Sabbath evening retired with the younger children to pray with and for them, he always insisted upon kneeling beside the same chair with his mother. What began in weakness and suffering, grew into a habit, a necessity, and " A joy for ever." His in-door life afforded excellent opportunity for reading. There were few Puritan families of New England in which one might not meet, in whole or in part, the writings of John Newton, Baxter's Saint's Rest, Bunyan's Holy War and Pilgrim's Progress, Edwards On the Affections, Milton's Paradise Lost, Young's Night Thoughts, and similar works. The list wonld have now to be greatly enlarged. In many 22 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. a plain, rural household, may be found a select library of the best poets, historians, essayists, and divines of England and America. The sons and daughters of the intelligent New England farmers are early initiated into the noblest litera ture of their mother tongue. Before reaching his tenth year, Seargent was master of every book upon which he could la.y his hand. The Bible, in particular, he read and re-read, until his acquaintance with its contents was aston ishing. He would repeat large portions from memory. When no one else could " find the text " on Sabbath evening, he was seldom appealed to in vain. Next to the Bible, his greatest favorite was the Pilgrim's Progress. Over this matchless allegory he pored with unceasing delight ; he knew by heart every step which Christian travelled from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City. The copy used by him was full of pictures, of the Palace Beau tiful, Vanity Fair, the Cave of Pope and Pagan, Giant Despair, Doubting Castle, and the Delectable Mountains ; and so deeply were the scenes, thus graphically depicted by pen and pencil, engraven upon his fancy, that in after years Pilgrim's Progress, like the Bible, was to him a never- failing treasury of felicitous allusion and illustration. Thus passed away the first ten years of his life ; the season of budding to the intellect and the affections. No feature of his mature character was wanting in that of his boyhood. Those who knew him, from the cradle to the grave, recognized the same high-souled, genial, and affec tionate being at ten and at forty. " Ths Child was Father of the man." THE DISTRICT SCHOOL HOUSE. CHAPTER II. ffhe District Soliool-houBe— His fondness for G-unnlng and Pishing— It Is decided that he shall go to College — Preparatory Studies at Gorham Academy — Rev. Reuben Nason — Anecdotes of his boyish Wit and Oratory — Enters Bowdoin CJoUege— Reminiscences of him at this period — Graduates, and commences the Study of Law— ^ndge Pierce's Recollections of him — Letters from his Friend Appleton. ^T. 11—18. 1618—1827. At a little distance from Captain Prentiss's farm stood, and still stands, the district school-house. It was thus described by his son, more than a quarter of a century later : — Behold yonder simple building near the crossing of the village roads! It is of small and rude construction, but stands in a pleasant and quiet spot. A magnificent old elm spreads its broad arms above, and seems to lean towards it, as a strong man bends to shelter and protect a child. A brook runs through the meadow near, and, hard by, there is an orchard ; but the trees have suffered much, and bear no fruit except upon the most remote and inaccessible branches. From within its walls comes a busy hum, such as you may hear in a disturbed bee-hive. Now peep through yonder window, and you will see a hundred children, with rosy cheeks, mischievous eyes, and demure faces, all engaged, or pretending to be engaged, in their little lessons. It is the pubKc school — the free, the common school, — provided bylaw; open to all; claimed from the community as a right, not accepted as a bounty. Here the children of the rich and poor, high and low, meet upon perfect equality, and commence nnder the same auspices the race of life. Here the sustenance ii4 MEMOIR OF S. S. PP.ENT1S3. of the mind is served up to all alike, as Spartans served their food upon the public table. Here young Ambition climbs its little ladder, and boyish Genius plumes his half-fledged wings. From among these laughing children will go forth the men who are to control their age and country ; the statesman, whose wisdom is to guide the senate ; the poet, who will take captive the hearts of the people, and bind them together with immorta; song ; the philosopher, who, boldly seizing upon the elements themselves, will compel them to his wishes, and, through new combinations of their primal laws, by some great discovery, revolutionize both art and science.* Until his eighth or ninth year Seargent continued so lame that he could only walk by means of crutches ; a little carriage was, therefore, provided, and for several winters his elder brother was in the habit of drawing him to and from school. At length, he-was able to move freely by the help of a single cane. No sooner was this the case than he conceived the greatest passion for roaming abroad in the fields and woods, — but especially for gunning and fishing. The principal game, which he went in quest of, were partridge, wild duck, grey squirrel, and wild pigeon. In the time of harvest, immense flocks of the latter would fly over the country, and thousands of them alight in the neigh boring woods. It was the custom of his brother and himself, as soon as the wheat-fields were reaped, to raise two dead trees, and prepare beneath them a long bed of earth, covered with grain and tinctured with certain fragrant oils, which the pigeons were supposed to scent from afar. Hard by, a booth was built, in which they could conceal them selves and await the coming of their prey. When a goodly number had alighted on the bed, a net was sprung upon them. Seargent's excitement was always irrepressible ; the instant • Address before the New England Society of New Orleani. THE GREAT BROOK. 25 the string was pulled, he could be seen, — there are some, who, in the mind's eye, see him even now — leaping from the booth, and hurrying at the top of his speed to survey the haul. Sometimes, instead of a net, the old farm gun was resorted to, and, although it had a habit of "kicking" badly, having dislocated his brother's shoulder, and repeat edly knocked him to the ground, he would never be per suaded to give up using it — even his attachment to his mother was here at fault. But his greatest delight was in angling. Old Izaak Walton could hardly have excelled him in devotion to this " treacherous art," or in the skill with which he pursued it. There were two trout streams in the vicinity, whose names will recall many a happy day to some readers of this memoir, the Branch, and the Great Brook ; the latter, — including Jordan's Brook, — was Seargent's favorite resort. He pronounced it "the most classic stream in North America." It took its rise in a forest, called the Haith, and, after winding through fields, woods, and pasture lands, for several miles, emptied itself into a neighbouring river. It was, indeed, a notable stream ; abounding in trout of unequalled flavor, and whose quick, dashing bite was the admiration of all true anglers. There were certain holes, often at unsightly points, and quite hidden from the eyes of tue uninitiated, which rarely failed to furnish a kingly victim. How well remembered are these favored spots ! There was something almost mysterious about them ; they were never approached but on tiptoe, stealthily, and with eye half-averted ; or, if concealed amid the tangled brushwood, one must creep towards them on all fours ; and then with what an anxious glance and careful hand w^as the fatal lure let down into the water. There was hardly a foot of the Great Brook which Seargent had not traversed again and again ; not a nook or bend with which he was 2 26 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. not familiar. When talking of it once, in Mississippi, he maintained that, even in the night, he could find his way direct to the old holes, and, kneeling down, put his hand upon the identical hooks which had been caught and lost in 1 hem twenty years before. Many and many a long sum mer's day did he spend in wandering slowly up and down the Great Brook ; and never, in after life, was the subject mentioned without reviving some of the pleasantest memo ries of his youth. Captain Prentiss brought up his sons to working on the farm ; but, in consequence of his infirmity, Seargent was, in great measure, exempt. There were a few things, however, which he was able and accustomed to do ; such as, riding the horse to plough and harrow, dropping seed in planting- time, husking corn, weeding and bunching onions. He loved none of these employments, — but of the last he had a cordial detestation. The only relief he found in it was to get through his stint in season to go a-gunning, or fishing. He was utterly insensible to the dignity of labor. His parents now cast about to see what should be done with him, his lameness and his character alike warning them that he would never be a farmer. Conscious of his remarkable qualities, they felt a strong wish to give him a liberal education. But the family had become large, its expenses heavy, and the farm swallowed up well-nigh all the profits of the ocean. Capt. Prentiss had undertaken, like many before and since, to combine two things essen tially incompatible — to cultivate at the same time the sea and the dry land. He thus gained for his children, health, plain habits, and the many other blessings incident to a country life ; but he lost money. The question, however, after remaining for a year or two in debate, was at length decided in Seargent's favor. Buf, in any case, he had EEV. REUBEN NASON. 27 resolved upon going to college, often declaring to his mother, that, if there were no other way, he would learn a shoemaker's trade, and work at the last, until the mean? were acquired of accomplishing his purpose. His preparatory studies were pursued at Gorham Aca demy, distant some two and a half miles from the farm. In the winter he boarded at the village, but the rest of the year at-home, one of his brothers usually conveying him on horseback, and going to meet him on his return in the evening. How vividly does the writer recall those sum mer rides. It seems but yesterday, as it were, that he took them ; and he can almost fancy his arms still clinging for support around that form of youthful genius, as they were wont to do thirty years ago. Every step, each turn and aspect of the road, every successive landscape ; the pleasant glimpses of Portland, in going ; the beautiful mountain-prospect, in returning ; all are engraven upon his memory as "with the point of a diamond!" Gorham Academy was one of the foremost institutions of the kind in Maine. It was, at this time, under the charge of the Rev. Reuben Nason — a ripo scholar, an excellent preceptor, and a truly good man. Hundreds of his pupils, scattered all over the Republic, still live to cherish and revere his memory. There was much about him to remind one of the old English head-master, of whom we read in books. He had a similar predilection for clas sical learning, the same pride and delight in a promising boy, a like intolerance of blockheads, and, occasionally, the same impatience and sharpness of temper. He has been known {haud ignota loquor) to flog a delinquent with the Bible, when no profaner weapon was at hand. He usually prayed with one eye, at least, wide open, on the look-out for transgressors ; and often was "Amen" followed msianter 28 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. by the imperative " Come up, sir I" and the quick report of birch, or'ferule. But, for all that, he was a man of genuine kindness, and always had an encouraging, friendly word for those who were worthy of it. No one enjoyed more, or had a keener appreciation, of a good joke, or a well-told story. Many are the traditions of the readiness and dry humor with which he would meet the pranks, sometimes played off upon him. On entering the Academy, one summer morning, he found the school all assembled, and his desk pre-occupied by a notorious donkey. Naught disturbed, he at once exclaimed, with a sarcastic laugh, — "Well, young gentlemen, I compliment you upon your taste. You have made an admirable selection. Set a donkey to teach donkeys !" The animal was never caught there again. While pursuing his academic studies, young Prentiss greatly enlarged his acquaintance with books. There was a respectable collection attached to the Institution, and several private libraries in the village, to which he had access. It was, probably, during this period that he became acquainted with the Arabian Nights Entertainments, Don Quixote, and other works of a similar description, for which he had a passionate fondness. He read with extraordinary rapidity, and whatever he read — whether history, bio graphy, poetry, or romance — was ineffaceably impressed upon his memory. Among other works which fell in his way at this time was Lempriere's Classical Dictionary. Many years afterwards, he spoke of the perfect delight with which, in the leisure school-hours, he read and re-read this book. He almost knew the whole of it by heart. Lem- priere, he used to say, was an invincible weapon for giving interest and effect to a stump speech ; when all other illus trations were powerless, he never knew the shirt of Nessus, the Labors of Hercules, or the forge of Vulcan, to fail 29 He was noted at the academy for the same personal and intellectual qualities which distinguished him in after life. Anecdotes, illustrative of his wit and biting sarcasm, as also of his physical daring, are still rife among his old scool- fellows. On one occasion some dozen boys were called up and punished by the assistant, for a certain trick, whose author could not be.detected. The next morning a sharp reproof in doggerel rhyme was posted about the village, of which a friend recalls the following : — ¦ " Mr. Blank, I must confess You have well proved your foolishness By whipping us poor fellows so. To find out what we didn't know. No doubt you very oft have read What God to Abraham once said. That for the righteousness of ten He'd save two cities, full of men. But you the contrawlse have done And flogged a dozen to punish one 1" A lady, now resident in one of the Middle States, writes : — It was a rule at the Academy that each student should once a week declaim a piece selected for the occasion. Seargent, then but twelve or tliirteen years old, had been for some time behindhand. Mr. Nason at length told him that he would take no excuse ; the declamation must be made on the spot. Where upon the little fellow started out upon the rostrum, and deliv ered a most ludicrous original poem, full of wit and humor, apologizing for his previous remissness. Mr. Nason who, as yon know, was a very nervous man, was so convulsed with laughter that he was obliged to hide his face in his handkerchief, until the fun was over. But he first looked round the school-room to see that everybody else was participating in his delight. How well I recall tlie whole scene. I recoJect an incident which occurred about this time, illus' 30 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. trative of his bold, impulsive nature. He was at our house during one of tliose terrible northeast snow-storms, which none but a New-Englauder can appreciate. Towiirds its close he remarked to my mother, that upon a certain condition he would jump from the top of the house (it was a pretty high one), into a snow-bank towering in front of the window near which she sat sewing. "Do so by all means!" she rephed jestingly, at the same time promising to partially comply with the condition; but she did not for an in.stant suppose him in earnest, and con- tintied her sewing. Presently, however, he disappeared from the room ; in a few minutes the window was suddenly darkened, and there lay Seargent buried in the huge snow-bank ! My mother rushed out almost beside herself with fright, but he was uninjured. On another occasion there was an immense spring freshet, which swept away most of the bridges in the town. A large crowd had collected near one of them to witness the catastrophe, Seargent among the rest. Already the body of the bridge was gone, leaving, however, a fragment, which projected far over the raging flood. Lost in the excitement of the scene, he crawled out and perched himself upon this extreme verge. There he sat for some time, perfectly heed less of his peril and of the remonstrances of the crowd. He had scarcely abandoned the spot, when the whole fell in with a crash, and in a moment was seen dashing furiously down the current. For the following reminiscences of him during this period, the reader is indebted to his fellow townsman and classmate in college, Wm. T. Hilliard, Esq., of Bangor, Me. The perusal of your letter tore asunder the veil that years had woveii, and my childhood and youth, with all their varied a-soeia;ions, and the dear and cherished companions of the way, were once more spread out before me. In that young arid joyous company 1 still see my early, and always, friend. HIS CHARACTER AT THE ACADEMY. 31 S. S. Prentiss. Our intercourse commenced at Gorham Academy under the tuition of the venerable Mr. Nason. At this period, no one could be with your brother, for any length of time, with out remarking a peculiar maturity of intellect. Once interest him, and, boy as he was, easy and indifferent too, as he fre quently seemed, he would surprise you with his promptness and brilliancy, and perhaps make you angry by his saUies of caustic wit. He loved sport, and engaged with zest in all our amuse ment? ; but, even when ai: play, his mind seemed at work, so to express it, on its own account. I do not mean to say that he was absent-minded ; but his mind was thinking, active, philoso phical. He had, at this early period, an inexhaustible fund of anecdote, and a most happy mode of telling a story, beiug peculiarly effective in his embellishments. He was, at times, terribly sarcastic ; but he would cut and heal at one aud the same moment. A better, more feeling, and generous heart never beat. Miscellaneous reading was his delight : he devoured history, fiction, biography, &c., with perfect avidity. I never knew one so young, who would read so rapidly, retain so thoroughly, or so readily reproduce, when occasion called. The language he never reproduced, — it was the pith and sentiment which he had made his own property. A boy in his feelings and habits, and a modest boy too, he could, in the company of men, as if by magic, become a man in all save stature and years. "When no one was present but myself, or perhaps one or two other intimate friends, he would often suddenly start up, and with some flourish, and as if addressing a jury, or an audience, repeat passages from speeches and poems, not infrequently extemporizing withal.* He had a wonderful command of his mother-tongue, and always used the most apt and appropriate words to express the ideas he intended to convey. In reading * On visiting, not long since, an old Gorham neighbor, he remarked, " I'll wage that I heard the first stump speech Seargent ever made. It was over yonder, in your grandfather Lewis's old orchard. It was at an apple-gathering; there was quite a company of us, men and boys, your father among the rest. Of a sudden, Seargent mounted a stump, previous to the shaking of Ji tree, and Baid he would address us. We were all attention, of course, to hear what the little fellow had to offer. He began thus, — 'My friends, you must, in th» 82 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. the dead languages, which he did with much fluency, he never troubled himself about a literal translation, but would read off a sentence in the original, and then clothe it in an ample, grace ful, yet correct English drapery, seeming all the while, as if by intuition, to seize the intent and meaning of his author. There was about hira, witlial, an atmosphere of easy and brilliant joyousness — I speak now generally, because 1 never knew, and probably there never was, a mind moulded hke his but ha'l its dark and bitter liours, full of gloom and despondency. Thib was sometimes the case with him; but his strong common wnse, and indomitable will, soou dispersed the clouds. There was another trait of his character, as a boy, which I may have hinted at before — I mean his coolness and self-possession. One could scarcely find him unprepared for a reply, prompt and to the purpose. In the autumn of 1824, at the age of fifteen, he entered Bowdoin College, then under the presidency of the Rev. Wm. Allen, D.D. From motives of economy, he joined the junioi class, having gone through the studies of the first and second years at the Academy ; a wretched practice, which nothing but stern necessity can ever justify. He always regretted it, as also that he went to College so young. Professor Packard has kindly furnished the following interesting reminiscence : — I remember, with perfect distinctness, the examination of your brother for the junior standing. He was very youthful in his appearance, and feeling much sympathy with him on account first place, set your faces like a flmt towards the Tmtt of the tree.' He then went on, as fast as his tongue could move, for half an hour, or more, in a speech which astonished us ; I never heard a boy talk as he did that after noon, betoro or since. Your father was perfectly delijhted." His son, who was one of the boys at the apple-gathering, gave the same account of tb<. Bpecch. IS EXAMINED TO ENTER COLLEGE. 33 of his physical infii-mity, as also on account of his youth and the severe examination required for one to enter two years in advance, I was disposed to be very gentle with him ia my opening, lest he might become embarrassed. But I found, at the outset, that he did not need any forbearance at the hands of his examiners. With entire composure, and almost as if in a playful mood, with remarkable readiness, clearness, precision, and fullness, he passed the trial in languages, and in mathe matics; for in the condition of the College, at that time, it fell to my lot to have a hand in both branches. The testimony of all the examiners to the high promise shown by that examina tion, was full, and I cannot recall an instance of an examination, which, considering the extent of it — embracing a dozen separate authors and subjects — has, during the many years of ray concern in such scenes, been so successful and triumphant. That scene is so indelibly fixed on my memory, that, were I a painter, I could give a drawing of the fixtures, and the persons, at the time in the apparatus-room of the Medical College. Your brother's collegiate course was a brilliant one, and 1 often said, that it was one of the few instances, in College life, of decided indications of future success and eminence. He exhibited talents, which we used to think would ensure him all he might aspire after, in a Western or Southern career. His remarkable facility in debate, and his wit and humor, were manifested in College scenes. His letters home, written while in College, give few details respecting his studies ; but they are replete with expressions of filial love, and also of the eager restlessness with which he was already looking forward to the battle of life. In the winter of 1825-6 both these feelings were greatly increased by the death of his father ; an event which made an indelible impression upon the whole house hold, and excited in Seargent a sentiment of filial and fra ternal responsibility, which waxed in strength and tender- oefis to the day of his own death. 2* 34 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. In reference to his college course, Mr. Hilliard remarks. in the communication already cited : — Although the College Government had a high estimate of his abilities, his classmates, — who knew him intimately, and who generally are the most competent judges, — assigned him a much higher place than his tutors. He felt no anxiety about his standing in his class, and made no extraordinary exertion in any particular branch of study. He excelled in metaphysical investi gations. I well remember when we were reading Butler's Analogy^ which to most students is no play, he seemed to give it about as much time as an ordinary mind would spend on a book of travels or a novel ; but he made both the matter and the mode o.r reasoning completely his own. The fact is, everything he did was, or at least appeared to be, free from unnatural or violent effort. He never thrust himself forward, but when sum moned, and the necessity was upon him, like a young Samson, he felt his strength, and failed not to make others feel it. As to his oratorical powers, which the event showed he possessed in such perfection, college is a poor place for their development. I can i>«w remember two or three instances, perhaps more, in the presence of some six or eight of his classmates, when he gave ipdications of a fine embryo debater. Another classmate* writes : — My recollections of your brother, while at college, are still very distinct, and of ^he most agreeable kind. His youthful face, with its briglit, sparkling expression; his ii-resistible humor ; the manly spirit which he ever exhibited ; and his physical energy, even with the lameness under which he labored ; are, at this distant day, vividly before me. I believe 1 can truly say, that nearly all the shining qualities, both of mind and heart, which distinguished his brilliant career, w« "i exhibited at this early period of life. * John T. Gihnan, M.D., Portland. THE SPOUTEROI CLUB. 35 Still another writes : — The presence of your beloved brother s still vivid: the characteristic energy of his mien, his famihar manners, conver sational enthusiasm, uniform flow of spirits, wonderful fluency of speech, exuberant fancy of diction, sparkhng wit, sarcastic retort, as well as humorous repartee, are stereotyped in the memory ; but the wear and tear of hfe has obliterated nearly all particular incidents and details. The only little spot yet green in our classic Olympiad is your brother's connection with a small club of kindred spirits. It was formed in our junior year, and consisted of six classmates, never more, never less: we were brother Peucinians, and that was an additional bond of union. Our first object was, improvement in extemporaneous speaking ; we wanted something more frequent, and more famihar, too, than the opportunities presented by the college societies. We had no constitution, no oflSoers, no by-laws ! We met regularly in each other's rooms ; the occupant was the presiding officer of the evening: he assigned a subject for present discussion, and literary exercises for the subsequent meeting. The only law that we had was, that every member, nolens nolens, should take part in the debate. As the topic was not Tnade known till the moment for discussion, there was, of course, no opportunity for preparation. In this respect our forensic exercise was strictly ex tempore, and not like many, now so called, conned by midnight lamp and delivered memoriter. The stimulus, in the absence of flues and penalties, was a cigar, which the oflttcer, ex loco, was expected to provide. The names of those who composed our little coterie, were as follows : William Appleton, the brother of Mrs. President Pierce, early cut off by death from a life of promise,'* — Leonard • William Appleton was my brother's " chum " during his last year in college, and one of his moat intimate and beloved friends. He accompanied him home to spend the vacation preceding Commencement, and charmed the whols household as well as neighboring families, by his genUemanly bearing and quiet, scholar-like taaLes. His name, for many years, was closely associated with tiat of idy brother, 36 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS, Apthorp, of Boston, one of the best scholars and writer* of the class of 1826 ; his contributions to the Boston Galaxy ( now Courier) were well known; especially his Miseries of a Country Schoolmaster, — Isaac MoLellan, of Boston, the poet, — William Paine, Esq., present Marshal of Maine, — and your brother, who with the writer, made the complement. For want of a name sufficiently significant of the forensic and social character of this little band, we had to manufacture. None but a classic one would do, therefore, a Greek termination was added to a Saxon ro(5t, and 'Znov-epoL (Spouteroi) was adopted. We had other exercises in our weekly meetings; I well recol lect a burlesque composition your brother introduced on one occasion, descriptive of the explosion of a torpedo. The usual monotony of college life had been disturbed by an incident of this kind, to the great excitement of the Faculty, and the per sonal danger of some officers and students. The circumstances of time and place were detailed with much minuteness, — the state of the college halls, — the hour, that noon of night when thought mounts her zenith with the stars! — the relative position of the heavenly luminaries, — the ominous forebodings of the celestial signs were portrayed in a grandiloquent style, — the very elements were described as hushed in consternation ; the heavens were hung in black in anticipation of the denoument of the tragedy ; the stars, as if conscious of the plot, watched the - progress of the fearful catastrophe, and ever and anon were with whom he kept up an atTectionate correspondence until his lamented death, which occurred, I think, at Cincinnati in 1830, at the age of twenty-two. His father, the Rev. Jesse Appleton, D.D., second Prj;sident of Bowdoin College, was one of the most profound religious thinkers of his day. His ethical and theological writings exhibit more of the peculiar spirit and method of Bishop Butler than, perhaps, those of any other American divine. The lady, whose letter has already been quoted, writes :— "I never knew a face, at the age of seventeen, that expressed such intellectual power and beauty as Seargent's. It was the perfect mirror of a bright, glowing and versatile mind. No one could see it without reading in every fea ure the signs of genius. I recollect his being at our village church with h's friend, young - Appleton, when a lady, sitting beside me, called my attention to them, and observed that, she had never seen two such remarkably intelleotual-lookiiig youug men- 'Surely,' said she, 'they are destined to play some striking part on the stage of JUDGE Pierce's reminiscences. 3*! seen, here and there, peeping out from behind the clouds to witness the consummation and be 'in at the death!' In his connection with this Club, your brother's fine intellec tual and social qualities appeared in all their force and beauiy.'* Immediately upon leaving college, he commenced the study of Law, in the office of Hon. Josiah Pierce, of Gor ham, now Judge of Probate ; a gentleman, whose many noble qualities of head and heart won from him a strong and lasting regard. Judge Pierce has furnished the following reminiscences : When I first knew your gifted brother, he was a young boy, attending the Academy in Gorham. 1 had no particular acquaintance with him at that time ; I used occasionally to visit the school, and was struck with his appearance, and manner of reciting his lessons ; he was sprightly, and evinced that his per ceptive faculties wei'e unusually quick and discriminating. 1 had known and highly esteemed his parents ; and, thei-efore, felt an interest in their son. For a short period, previous to his enter ing college, Seargent and myself boarded in the same family. 1 tlien found him sportive, mirthful, ready and -sharp at retorts, full of good humor and kind feelings, possessing an exuberant imagination, and vivid perception of the ludicrous. His irony was polished and keen, but never malevolent. While an undergraduate of Bowdoin College, 1 had few oppor tunities of seeing him, or of knowing much about his acquire ments. He graduated on the first Wednesday of September, 1826, at the age of seventeen, and on the 20th of the same month, entered my office as a student of Law. He also boarded in my family. Mrs. P. and myself soon became much attached to him, and that attachment never, afterwards, suffered any diminution. Though several years my junior, we lived as equals, and felt as brothers. He speedily proved himself a dehghtful companion, possessed of warmth and purity of feelings, and deeply sympathizing in the weal and woes of others. As an • Charles Lord, Esq., of Portland. 38 memoir of s s. prentiss. instance of the latter, I would state, that soon after Seargent became a member of our family, Mrs. Pierce had a sister die in our village. I was absent from town during her sickness. Your brother then showed himself to be a friend to the afflicted. He did all that the nearest relative could have done on the sad occa sion ; he participated in our sorrows, and his attention and ser vices to Mrs. P. and the mourning family of her sister, were anremitting, and were performed in the most kind and deUcate manner. Those services and that sympathy we ever held, and still hold, in grateful remembrance. While he resided with me, his habits were unexceptionable. He usually passed his evenings at the house, and mingled with zest in all our little family parties and social gatherings ; he would read aloud, and was fond of playing chess, also draughts, or checkers. While living with us, he occasionally went a gunning — ^bnt more frequently a fishing to our rivers and small streams. He was a frequent and successful trout-catcher, and sometimes boasted of being a true disciple of old Izaak Walton. There was one brook, that contained many trouts ; it had been one of the favorite haunts of his boyhood. To that stream he often resorted. Your brother had quite a taste for natural beauties, and delighted on fine afternoons in autumn to ramble in the wood lands, or chmb high hills, and in vivid language express the pleasure he derived from viewing the beautiful rolling country, and the rich and highly colored foliage of our October forests. He interested himself in plants and flowers, and we have yet. flourishing in our garden in Gorham, a wild rose bush that bears deep green, poMshed leaves, which he took from the forest, and planted near our windows with his own hand. It is a beautiful memorial, with which we should be very unwilling to part. He was fond of poetry, and while with us, wrote several stories in rhyme ; he made, too, quite a collection of old ballads and uncouth verses, written by unlearned men on occasions of fires, shipwrecks and other accidents. In my office, he read law studiously in the former part of the day, but in the after noon perused other works. The writings of Walter Scott, Wash letters from his friend appleton. 39 ington Irving, Cooper, and Byron, afforded him much amuse- ment and pleasant instruction. His favorite author was Shak- spere, and 1 think a week never passed without his perusing more or less of the productions of the great dramatist. He read with wonderful rapidity, and seemed to gather, by intuition, the prominent facts and incidents of every book he looked through. He passed over a book so quickly, and at the same time so understandingly, that a fellow pupil once observed : " Prentiss reads two pages atjihe same time, one with his right eye, and the other with his left." He quickly made himself master of the common office busi ness ; and I soon perceived that he possessed the qualifications required for eminence as an advocate. His memory was aston ishingly tenacious, his imagination warm and prolific; he leasoned with great accuracy and logical force, while his power of illustration seemed exhaustless. He was generous and high- minded, despising all meanness, and loved to satirize folly, and ridicule affectation. When he left Maine for the West, he hoped to better his for tunes, and acquire fame in his profession ; at that time, I think, he had little ambition for political life. To him it was painful to leave his home for a distant land, and yet there was in it some thing romantic, which suited his disposition. He had confidence in his own success, and thought, that in a few years, he should return to New England -with a competency of property, and a well-established reputation as a lawyer. His part of the correspondence with his classmate Apple- ton, is missing. But the following extracts from his friend's letters to him, while he was in the office of Judge Pierce, will, in some degree, supply its place. WILLIAM APPLETON TO 8. 8. PRENTISS. Ahhbbst, N. H., February 28, 183T. Mt Dear Chum: I am very much obliged to you for your last letter, but was a good deal amused at the morahzing tone which was preserved through the whole of it, as I had always con- 40 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. sidcred you, of ah my acquaintance, the one mosit calculated ta enjoy hfe. Pardon me for saying that 1 tliiuk it rather foolish for a person whose prospects for the future are as bright as yours (and I really think that you have a better right to enter tain high expectations than almost any of your classmates), to rail at the world and permit a few scurvy blue-devils to take away the comfort of your existence. The world is good enough for any of its inhabitants; at any rate we have no reason to expect an Expurgata edition of it, compared and revised, and as we cannot hope that it will change its organization to adapt itself to our wishes, we had better try to make the necessary change in ourselves, that we may fall in with it. You talk a good deal about the complying easiness of my disposition. I consider it as one of the gi-eatest misfortunes of my life, that I have gone to extremes in that respect. I have never scolded about the world much, because 1 unfortunately have always found, on tlie slightest examination, that much the greatest num ber of my troubles I am to thank myself for, and 1 have not possessed energy and perseverance enough to remove the causes. But our cases are materially different. I have a right to be low- spirited if I will. But you have no possible reason for being so ; leaving college and entering on the study of a profession, as you did, with a high reputation both for talents and scholarship, and with a fluency of speech which is almost enough in itself to ensure one success at the bar. The Court of Common Pleas has been sitting in this town for the last week, but has been enlivened by no interesting trial. The bar of this county contains no very brilliant orators, and there is scarcely ever a plea worth hearing even in the Superior Court, except those of the Attorney-General (Mr. Sullivan). I am still engaged in wallowing in the deep mire of old Coke's Commentary, and shall, I assure you, be really rejoiced when 1 finish it. There is unquestionably a good deal of valuable law knowledge contained in it, but it requires the patience of Job to extricate it from uie aua?ni gaeb In which it is arrayed. You have before this, I suppose, read tnrough half the elementary works ; but I find that I am obliged to read very slowly to effect 41 anythi.ig, and after all find myself most .amentably ignorant ol what I have been reading. I have some expectation of a visit from T next week. I had a letter from him a short time since, and was surprised at the common-sense manner in which it was written. He says that he has discarded Lord Byron and phrenology "in toto," and gives Tom Paine to the devil, who, he doubts not, has long ere this boiled him down to the consistency of calves'-foot jelly. He says that he "has determined to be a minister, and shall begin the study on leaving college." He mentions hearing from you not long before he wrote. He has been teaching school. I am in daily expectation of a letter from MoLellan, although he is very little to be calculated upon, from his carelessness about writing. He still unites the professions of law and poetry. As the stage has just arrived, I beg you will excuse me one moment while I run to the post office to see if any letters have arrived. [Five minutes after.'] — ^Not a line nor a syllable from any of my friends, not even a newspaper to console me in some measure for the disappointment ; so I will proceed with my letter. 1 had a letter from Hilliard the next day after I received yours, although the dates of the letters differed more than a week. The delay of yours was owing to your not directing it " via Boston," as did Hilliard. I wish that you would do so in future, as I want to get your letters as soon as possible. Hil- hard mentioned that he expected a visit from Farrar. Remem ber me very particularly to him if you see him. Your description of our jovial times while in college, thrilled through my very heart-strings. As our friend Ossian very well observes, "the memory of joys that are past are pleasant and mournful to the soul." I wish I knew the line which rhymes to " Yes, they were happy days but they are fled," and 1 would give you as pretty a little quotation off-hand as you have seen for some time. I have grown most extravagantly ' sentimental lately, to quahfy myself to talk to our girls, whose conversation is divided between sentiment and scandal ; so yoil must not laugh if I do sometimes quote poetry just by way of 42 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRINTISS. keeping n.y hand in. The topics of conversation among th« Gorham belles are not, I hope, so limited. Tell Hilliard that I shall answer his letter very soon. My respects to your family and all my other friends. Ever yours affectionately, Wm. Appleton., Write as soon as you can possibly with convenience. Bemem- ber me to Capt. E.'s cigar-box. , FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME. LoNDOSDjaBT, N. H., May 6, 188T. Well, Ohum, I will again endeavor to hammer out my small ideas to cover three pages of letter paper. I received yonr epistle, by due course of mail, with the pleasure that I always feel in hearing from you. Since writing to you I have cut Blackstone and the law, and am now a sober, plodding peda gogue. My stipend is, of course, increased with the time that I spend in instruction. Thirty dollars per month for teaching scholars what I never knew myself; next term I shall have thirty-flve dollars. I had some thoughts of accepting an offer of a school in Baltimore, which would bring me in something hke six or seven hundred dollars a-year, but concluded that my age, and other reasons, would make my present situation preferable. In case 1 had accepted, I should have been obhged to take the superintendence of a large and, for aught I know, a turbu lent school. " I am very sorry that you are so much disposed to submit to the dominion of the blue-devils, and I know of no reason for your giving up yourself to their tyranny. With regard to your scheme of a Western expedition, I know of no reason why it should not succeed, f you feel disposed to settle so far from your » friends. That congideratiou would, I should think, have consi derable weight with you — it certaiuly would with me. I hope you have given up all idea of going off, however. Talents and perseverance will succeed anywhere ; and Maine, if we may OLD COLLEGE FRIENDS. 43 judge by the numbers of professional men that emigrate there, presents a fair field for exertion. If I should over be admitted to the bar, I thick I shall nail up my shingle in some back town, where there are good mill privileges, and trust to Providence for an influx of clients and business. 1 shall pursue my present occupation at least .two years, I think, as I have no desire to become a lawyer until I have arrived at the legal age of discre tion. "I suppose Hilliard is still at Warren; I am expecting a letter from him every day. Do you know whether Lord has returned home? 1 directed a letter for him to New York some time since, which was, however, 1 fear, too late. I had a letter from T a short time since, in which he inquires after you. He will return to Brunswick next term, to take his degree. He tells me very soberly that he is engaged to " an excellent girl in N .' I shah write him a letter of congratulation on the event and, also, on the comihon-sense style that characterizes his letter. This excellent girl, whose name I don't know, will, I hope, sober him down into an every-day sort of man. If some strange and fool ish traits in his character were smoothed down a little, he has talents enough to enable him to make quite a figure in the world. John Cleveland is keeping school within twenty miles of me, at Andover. Time creeps vdth me very much, about these days. I have no acquaintances to visit, and no books to read out of school hours. If it' were not for Sir Walter Raleigh's discovery, I should have a most miserable time; but I find tobacco-smoke an infallible specific against blue-devils, as well as the mosquitoes. I wish, chum, you could contrive some means of visiting here. The preceptor whom 1 assist, is a very pleasant and sociable man. His family is about the only one that I visit. This is very dull for me — to whom existence, without intercourse of friends to enliven it, was always a burden. Study occupies some of my leisure time; but you know, by experience, how hard it ia to bend one's mind down to study after spending six hours in that confuser of ideas, a public school. I am obliged to study 44 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. some, however, as there are several scholars in Greek, and I never possessed a tolerable knowledge of the language, and long ago forgot what little I ever knew. My Latin, I find, holds by me better ; so that I can about always explain a hai-d sentence to an inquiring scholar. There are two or three scholars in Geo metry and Nat. Phil. ; and, that 1 might not show my ignorance, I rattled off so about angles, and sides, and the attraction of gra vitation, and Sir Isaac Newton and the apple, and solids, and fluids, and convergent and divergent rays, that, I verily beheve, the fellows thought me a sort of prodigy ; when, in truth, if a person who knew anything about the matter, had been present, he would have laughed in my face. 1, as well as the scholars, am impatiently expecting the vacation, which commences in a day or two, and lasts three weeks. So your next letter, if written withiu two or three weeks, must be directed to Amherst. I shall send 3'-ou a catalogue of this academy — not that I have the slightest idea that you care anything about it, but in order to dispose of one, out of twenty which the boys have handed to me. You will light some cigars with it, and when you use the third page for that purpose, let tender recollections come athwart your mind of your absent friend. I will however, bore you no longer. Remember me to all my friends in your quarter. My respects to your mother and family. Your affectionate Quondam, Appleton. from the SAME TO THE SAME. LoNDoNDEEET, June 26, 182T. Deab Chum : — While I was writing those two words the con founded bell of the academy tolled a death-note to the hopes I had of writing to you by this morning's mail ; but I will try if I can prepare a letter in readiness for the next, I continue to prophecy of THE HUNDREI) THOUSAND DOLLAR CASE. 45 Joze on in my usual torpid state — a state which a campaign in school-keeping will produce in any one; I am now so accustomed to it that it does not make me, as at first, positively miserable, and, I am sure, it can never make me more than negatively happy. I doubt not that you will succeed well in the Western States; indeed, I tliink the chance of success so much greater there than in New England, that, if it were not for one or two reasons, I should almost be tempted to accompany you. 1 heard from our friend T yesterday. Ho has entered col lege again, and appears to be as much as ever dissatisfied with things about him. He said he should write you soon ; confirms what he formerly wrote me about his engagement : and says he shall commence the study of divinity immediately upon leaving college, with one of the Episcopalian bishops ! I am sorry to hear, by a letter from Lord, that his former complaints have, of late, somewhat disturbed him ; he says, if they increase, he shall, probably, cross the Atlantic. What a grand thing this money is, chum! as you will experience when you gain your hundred- thousand-dollar case, pui'ely by the force of your eloquence, with neither law nor reason on your side. You still, 1 suppose, find your cigar a never-faiUng refuge in your troubles. I don't know how I should be able to support existence without some such comforter — not that it gives me any positive pleasure to smoke, but it deadens the acuteness of my feelings whenever anything happens to trouble me. You have, by this time, become quite a proficient in legal lore, I imagine. I left the study before I had gone any further than the rudiments, and the very little that 1 learned I have for gotten. I shall not recommence the study if I can continue in iny present situation, or obtain another as eligible, for a year at least ; at the end of that time I hope to be more able to pene trate its mysteries. A very large proportion of osr class are studying law, I should think. I shall have an orjportunity of seeing their success before I attempt the practice. Bob S is in Andover Institution ! He must make a most dignified appearance among 46 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. the black-bearded, long-whiskered stildents of divinity, whose age averages at least twenty-five years. Cleaveland is studying ' law in Andover; and Jonas we pedagogues rank in our frater nity. I know not how it is, but I feel a great interest in all my class-mates, though there were but two or three that, while in college, I ever cared a copper about, or who, I have reason to think, held me at that value. If 1 could meet any member of the Spouteroi, 1 should feel iu the seventh heaven. Judge Pierce alludes to his fondness for the writings of Sir Walter Scott. Large portions of Scott's poetry he early committed to memory. The introduction to Canto III. of Marmion, was a great favorite with him. A portion of it deserves to be quoted, as the lines, by some subtle link of association, became indissolubly connected with his recol lections of New England, and the home of his boyhood.. Those who heard him recite them, many years afterwards, cannot have forgotten the subdued and gentle spirit in which he did it. As by an enchanter's wand, they seemed to unseal the mystic fountain of memory, and the watirt gushed C'U. But say, my Erskine, hast thou weighed That secret power by all obeyed, Which warps not less the passive mind, Its source concealed or undefined ; Whether an impulse, that has birth Soon as the infant wakes on earth. One with our feelings and our powers. And rather part of us than ours ; Or whether iitlier termed the sway Of habit, formed in early day ? Howe'er derived, its force confest Rules with despotic sway the breast, And drags us on by viewless chain. While taste and reason plead in vain. Look east, and ask the Belgian why. Beneath Batavla's sultry sky. He seeks not, eager to inhale. The freshness of the mountain gale, Content to rear his whitened waU A FAVORITE PASSAGE FROM MARMION. i*T Beside the dank and dull canal? He '11 say fi-om youth he loved to see The white sail gliding by the tree. Or see yon weather-beaten hind, Whose sluggish herds before him wind, Whose tattered plaid aud rugged cheek His northern clime and kindred speak ; Through England^s laughing meads he goei, And Gugland's wealth around him flows ; Ask, if it would content him well, At ease in these gay plains to dwell, Where hedgerows spread a verdant screen, And spires and forests intervene, And the neat cottage peeps between ? No, not for these will he exchange His dark Lochaber's boundless range ; Nor for fair Devon's meads forsake Bennevis gi*ey and Garry's lake. Thus while 1 ape the measure wild Of tales that charmed me yet a child. Rude though they be, still with the chlmet Return the thoughts of early time ; And feelings, roused in life's first day. Glow in the line, and prompt the lay. Then rise those crags, that mountain tower. Which charmed my fancy's wakening hour. Though no broad river swept along To claim, perchance, heroic song ; Though sighed no groves in summer gale. To prompt of love a softer tale ; Though scarce a puny streamlet's speed Claimed homage from a shepherd's reed Tet was poetic impulse given. By the green hill and clear blue heaven. It was a barren scene, and wild, Where naked cliflfs were rudely piled ; But ever and anon between Lay velvet tufts of loveliest green ; And well the lonely infant knew Recesses where the wall-flower grew, And honey-suckle loved to crawl Up the low crag and ruined wall. I deemed such nooks the sweetest shade The sun in all his round surveyed ; And still I thought that shattered towef The mightiest work of human power; And marvelled, as the aged hind With some strange tale bewitched mj mind, Of forayers, who, with headlong force. 48 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. Down from that strength had spurred their bom. Their southern rapine to renew. Far in the distant Cheviot's blue, And home returning filled the hall With revel, wassail-rout, and brawl. Methought that still with trump and clang The gate-way's broken arches rang ; Methought grim features, seamed with scars. Glared through the window's rusty bars. And ever, by the winter hearth, Old tales I heard of woe or mirth, Of lovers' sleights, and ladies' charms, Of witches' spells, of warriors' arms ; Of patriot battles, won of old By Wallace wight and Bruce the bold ; Of later fields of feud and fight, When pouring from their highland height, The Scottish clans, in headlong sway, Had swept the scarlet ranks away. While stretched at length upon the floor, Again I fought each combat o'er, Pebbles and shells, in order laid, The mimic ranks of war displayed; And onward still the Scottish lion bore. And still the scattered Southron fled before. Still, with vain fondness, could I trace. Anew, each kind familiar face, That brightened at our evening Sre : From the thatched mansion's grey-haired slrfe^ Wise without learning, plain and good. And sprung of Scotland's gentler blood; Whose eye in age, quick, clear, and keen. Showed what in youth its glance had been ; Whose doom discording neighbors sought, Content with equity unbought ; To him the venerable priest, Our frequent and familiar guest, Whose life and manners well could paint Alike the student and the saint : Alas t whose speech too oft I broke With gambol rude and timeless joke: For I was wayward, bold, and wild, A self-willed imp, a grandame's child; But, half a plague and half a jest, Was still endured, beloved, carest. KMIGKATION OF YOUNG MEN FROM NEW ENGLAND. <0 CHAPTER III. Emigration of Educated Young Men from New England— Maine Twenty-five Yean ago — He determines to go West — His setting out — His Letters Home, describing his Journey to Cincinnati, and thence to Natchez — Notice of his Uncle, Rev James Lewis — Obtains a situation as Teacher. ^T. 18-19. 1827. A PERSON who had never examined the sabject, would be surprised at the number of educated young men of New England, who annually go forth to seek theu' fortunes in other parts of the land. Sons of Massachusetts, Con necticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Maine, fill no small portion of the offices of trust and honor throughout the new sections of the Union ; they are also found occupying the highest positions in neigh boring States, and in the middle and southern mem bers of the Old Thirteen. It was stated^ several years ago, that thirty Representatives, in the Lower House of Con gress, were natives of Connecticut, although Connecticut was, at that time, entitled to but two or three members ; aud this instance is, probably, no unfair specimen of the general fact. Fronting the old world — the home of modern civilization ; trained in habits of free. Christian thought ; deeply imbued, too, with the spirit of virtuous intelligence and mental pro gress, New England must, for ages, continue to be a chief seat of American culture. From this hive of States and Statesmen, young men of superior talent, education, and 3 50 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. practical energy, will still swarm to near and distant parts of the Republic — to Nebraska, Kansas, and Minnesota ; to New Mexico, Oregon, Washington, and California — there to win the prizes of wealth, honor, and renown. Maine, a quarter of a century ago, held out small attrac tions to talent and enterprise in any of the great spheres of intellectual life. The professions were crowded to excess. Large numbers, therefore, of the young men, who had received a liberal education, emigrated to other parts of the country, especially to the West and Southwest ; some with a view of returning in a few years ; but the most for the purpose of seeking a permanent home. The West and Southwest then seemed a hundred times further off than they do now ; indeed, so rapidly have railroads, steamboats, and telegraphs, brought the most distant parts of the Con tinent into neighborly contact, that California and Oregon now appear nearer to Maine than Ohio and Mississippi did twenty-five years ago. Before leaving College, young Prentiss had formed a plan of going to the New States ; but no specific point of settlement was fixed upon, nor was he decided, on starting, whether he should remain, or return, after a few years, and make his home in his native State. How well I remember the scene of his bidding us adieu, and going forth in quest of fortune ! It was a beautiful afternoon, in the last month of summer ; the wagon and Old Gray were at the door ; a huge trunk, filled with a two years' outfit, and many a token of maternal and sisterly affection, was in its place ; amid numerous tears, the fare well embrace was given ; then, climbing quickly to his seat, his manly countenance bright with hope, and followed by devout benedictions, he rode away towards Portland. I was just old enough to feel the romance of the scene, without appreciating its import ; and, were I to live a JOURNEY TO NEW YORK. 5 J thousand years, the pleasing, strange emotin is of that hour would not be forgotten. Indeed, if I were now to witness one quietly departing for the moon, it could hardly appear so wonderful as his setting out for the Far West then seemed to me. He proceeded to Boston the same night, and remained there, visiting a class-mate, and other friends, nearly a week. Unfortunately, his letter from Boston is lost. Of his journey from thence to Cincinnati, the following letters give his own description : — TO HIS MOTHER. New Yo«k Citt, Aiiguat 9, 182T. Mt Dear Mothbb: I sit down this evening to write to you, as I promised yon I would upon my arrival in New York. You have, probably, before this time, received the letter I wrote you from Boston. I went to Mr. F.'s the same day it was dated — stayed there that night, and also the next day. I was very much pleased with thera. Mr. F. appeared like an old acquaintance, though I never saw him before. I shall always remember their kind attention and hospitably. I left Boston yesterday morning at three o'clock, in the stage for Providence ; arrived at P at ten in the forenoon ; went immediately on board the steamboat for this city, and ai-rived here at six this morning. The distance from Boston to Providence is forty-two miles, and from Provi dence to New York something like two hujiJred and forty, — so that in little more than twenty-six hours I came almost three hundred miles. Yesterday morning I was in Boston,— this morning in New York. From Providence, on board the steam boat, it was very beautiful; Long Island being continually in sight on one side, and the shores of Khode Island, Connecticut, and New York, upon the other. For about fifteen miles before arriv ing in the city, the scenery — especially upon the mainland side- is superior to anything I had ever imagined. It s« jmed like one vast garden ; and the eye could hardly be kept at rest upon any 52 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. single object-even for a moment- so many others were contin- uaUy courting the view. I could count, and distinctly see, from the boat, more than a hundred beautiful country-seats— large and elegant, and situated in the midst of luxuriant groves. These superb seats pleased me much more than the city itself— though the vastness of that astonished me. The view of it, however, on entering the harbor, is very much injured by its low situa tion, as you can see but a small portion of it at once. The City Hall is the most elegant building I have ever seen, — far superior to anything in Boston : and the Battery is a delightful place for a walk. I am now at the American Hotel, in Broadway— the most fashionable street in the city. At dinner to-day we had plenty of fruit, peaches, musk-melons, water-melons, &c. I wish I could send some of them to the children. I have concluded not to go to Paterson, but shall leave the city to-morrow morning for Albany. I shall make no stay, I believe now, except to see the Falls of Niagara, as I am very anxious to get to the end of my journey, and to know whether or not I shall be able to do anything. I called this forenoon upon Mr. Fcssenden,* — the gentleman to whom Mr. Pierce gave me a letter of introduction. I found him very polite and affable. I sat and talked with him about an hour on various subjects, and when I rose to come away, he told me he would give me a letter to a gentleman — a friend of his — in Cincinnati. He, accordingly, wrote me one ; and, upon looking at it, I found it was directed to Mr. Wright,t a lawyer — the same one to whom I told you I should be glad to have a letter. He says in it, he was " very much pleased with the young gentleman's manners and address;" don't laugh now — for these are his very words. I called also at Mr. S.'s, where I drank tea, and from whence I have just returned. They were very agreeable, indeed, and made a thousand inquiries about Gorham, and their friends there. Mrs. S. says she was always acquainted with you from a child — asked a great many questions about you — and desired • Thomas Fessenden, Esq. t Nathaniel Wriglit, Esq. TRIP UP THE HUDSON. 53 to be particularly remembered to you, as did also the rest of thi family. I have now written you a long letter, and as I shall not pro bably stop, perhaps I shaU not write again till I get to Cincin nati. You must (one of you) write now, so that I may hear very soon after my arrival. My love to all the children, and to all my friends — and now good night to you all. Your affectionate son, S. S. Pebntiss. TO HIS BROTHER WILLIAM. BnPFALo, August IT, 182T. Mt Dear Brother : — Being obliged to stay in this village* a day, wait ing for the steamboat to go up the Lake, I thought I would not omit so good an opportunity for writing — though 1 told jou on leaving New York that I should not probably write again till I arrived at the end of my journey. The next morning after I wrote you from New York, I started for Albany in one of the steamboats up the North River, and reached Albany before dusk the same day. This was far the most interesting part of my route. When about twenty or thirty miles from the city, we passed what are called the Pali sades — a vast range of chffs extending about a dozen miles along the right bank of the river, and varying from SOO to 1,200 feet in perpendicular height. They receive their name from their regular and uniform structure, and are, altogether, very grand and beautiful. But they are far exceeded both in grandeur and beauty by the Highlands, which rise thirty or forty miles further up, and in the very wildest part of which — close- upon the bank of the river — ^is situated West Point, an important post, as you well know, in the revolutionary war. It is still strongly forti fied, and is, a.\^:; the seat of the Military School established by the United States. It is, indeed, a most imposing situation, being many hundred feet above the river (which is here very • The city of Buffalo had, in 1850, a population of 42,000. 54 MEiroiR or s. s. prentiss. narrow), and of which it has the most perfect command. We also passed many beautiful villages upon both sides of the river, where passengers were landed and received, and that, too, in a very curious manner. Just before arriving at any landing-place, tlie small boat was let down, having a long rope attached to it, the passengers and baggage put aboard, and the rope let loose. The boat would tlien run along the landing-place, leave the passengers — take new ones — and the rope being immediately attached to some of the machinery of the steamboat, in a few moments the small boat would be drawn alongside and taken up. The steamboat all this time going at the rate of twelve or more miles an hour. The distance from New York to Albany is about one hundred and sixty miles, and we were about twelve hours in passing it. I made no stop at Albany, but have come directly upon my route so far — except yesterday, when I visited the Falls of Niagara. Part of the way I have come in the canal packet boats, which are made expressly for carrying passengers, and part of the way by stages. The boats go at the slow rate of about three miles and a half an hour. I stayed six or eight hours at the Falls, and viewed them as much as that time would allow. They are truly grand and magnificent; though, I must confess, I was somewhat disap pointed in thera — especially in the noise, which is not half so great as I had anticipated. Still, they are, probably, the most sublime and tremendous sight iu the world ; and, I have no doubt, if I should see them again, I should be even more struck than at the first time. I leave this place to-morrow in the steamboat, and go up Lake Erie to Sandusky, in Ohio ; from there I shall take the stage to Cincinnati. I have had a fine time so far — notwith standing that I have sometimes felt a little home-sick, as I suppose you would call it. However, I am not yet so sick of my bargain but that I would start again if I were at home. It seems a little odd, to be sure, to pass day after day without seeing any one that I know. But this does not much trouble me, for when I am a little home-sick I can think of my friends at home, and this is, in some degree, as if I saw them. Tell arrives at CINCINNATI. 55 mother that I have met with no accident, nor ovei-slept myself a single morning, since I left Gorham — though she will hardlj believe so strange a story as the last. I shall expect a letter from one of you very soon after my arrival at Cincinnati. Give my kindest respects to Mr Pierce and wife. Remember me also to cousin Wm. Peabody,* and to all my other friends ; and now, last of all, my best love to mother, yourself, and all the rest of the children. Your affectionate brother, S. S. Prentiss. to his mother. CiNOiNNATi, August 28, 182T. Mt Dear Mother: I arrived in this city last Friday night, and should have written immediately — but I thought it would he better to wait a day or two and deUver my letters, so that I might give you some account of my prospects. I presume you have received the letter I wrote William from Buffalo. The next day after writing it, I went on board the steamboat bound up the Lake to Sandusky. We were thirty-six hours on the Lake ; the distance is about 250 miles. The next morning after arriving at San dusky, I took the stage to this place. The roads in this part of the country are very bad indeed. We were four days in coming through, travelling every night till twelve o'clock, and then starting again at two in the morn ing. This, as you may well suppose, was the most disagreeable part of it, considering how well I like to lie abed in the morn ing. After I had rested here a day, I went round and dehvered my letters. The gentleman to whom they were directed, received me with a great deal of politeness, and offered to assist me in any plans which I might have in view. My first intention was to attempt immediately to obtain a school, but my class- • wniiam H. Peabody, M.D., now deceased. He was an able physician ; full ot devotion to the science, as well as the practice, of his >iobl! profession. He was ttlso, an accomplished Christian gentleman, public-spirited kind to the poor, and devoted to his friends. Long wiU they cherish his memory 66 MEMOIR OF s. s: prentiss. mate Boyd and several others, advised me against it. I am now m Mr. Wright's office— the gentleman to whom Mr. Fessenden, of New York, gave me a letter. He appears very friendly, and says he has no doubt I can support myself and pursue my studies at the same time. In my next lettei- 1 sha.l probably be able to tell you more about it. Cincinnati is a beautiful place. It is considerably larger than Portland, and is dehghtfuUy situated on the right bank of the Ohio. My office is within a few rods of the river, and looks directly upon it, so that I can at any time see the steam and other boats passing and repassing before the city. You would be astonished to find how cheap produce of every kind is in this State. Corn is sold for ten or twelve cents a bushel, and wheat for twenty. Apples, pears, peaches and melons are all ripe, and cheap as any one could wish. I shall now expect a letter every day from you — you must be sure and write often, and WilUam must write me too. I shall want to hear all about the farm, and how things turn out upon it this year. My love to all the children. Give my respects to Mr. Pierce and wife, and remem ber me to all my friends. Your affectionate son, S. S. Prentiss. TO his brother WILLIAM. Cincinnati, September 2T, 1327. My Dear Brother: I received yonr letter about three weeks since, and was, I assure you, exceedingly glad to hear from you. I am looking now every day for another letter, and hope I shall not be disappointed. You must write me as often at least as once in three weeks, and don't take the trouble to pay the postage of your letters. I am glad to hear your crops are like to turn out so well. I suspect you'll miss me a little in husking corn and bunching onions. The screwed hay, I suppose, lies on your hands yet ; however, I've no doubt but you'll get a good price for it in the course of two or three years. I presume your apples did not not turn out very well this year, at least they did not bid fair for it when I left home. You m ist tell me how 51 many barrels of cider you make. There is here an abundanct of fruits of every kind, peaches and melons especially. For three cents I can purchase more peaclies than you wih raise from the tree in the front-yard. They sell from twenty to twenty-five cents a bushel, and melons you can buy — as large as watei'-pails— for a cent, or a cent and a half apiece. The markets here are the cheapest, perhaps, in the world. Meats of the best kind sell for two cents a pound, and every thing else in proportion. They have their markets every day at five o'clock in the morning, and I often get up, even though so early, and walk through them, just for the sake of observing the abundance of everything necessary for the support of life. I am afraid mother won't believe this about my rising so early, but it is a fact. There is more doing here than at any place of its size in the United States. The number of inhabitants is at present about 17,000,* and during the year past, some 300 new buildings have been put up. I have not been out of the city a gunning yet, though I intend to go shoitl}'. There is plenty of game of every kind, especially wild turkeys, an animal I pre sume you never saw. They are about as large as tame turkeys and very much like them. I saw a great many flocks, as I came through the State, on the trees and in the road. I have not yet obtained a situation, but have several in view, and shall probably have got one by the time I write again. I would give not a little I assure you, if I could drop in and see you of an evening. Not a day passes but I think of you all, aud I hope to see you all again, though not probably very soon. Tell TJnole James I sliall be very glad to receive a letter from him.t Give my love to aU the children. Tell her dollar is on good interest, and one of these days she shall have principal and interest. Samuel * The population of Cincinnati in 1850, was 115,000. t The Rev. James Lewis, a venerated elder and local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church, now in the eighty-sixth or seventh year of his age. There are few men in Maine who have been in the ministry so long, or whose Christian labors have been fraught with such abundant and lasting good. He entered upon hia work in 1800, and now, after the lapse of more than half a century, is still able, occasionally, to resume it. During most of these fifty-five years, he has been wont to preach every Sabbath, generally three times, rarely losing an appointment by •ickness, and still more rarely, V ever, by storm, in summer or winter. His labors 3* 68 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. and Abby must write me themselves, and A. and G. too, as soon as they are able. My best love to you mother. I shall write you next. Give my respects to Mr. Pierce and wife, and all the rest of my friends. Remember me kindly to all the neighbors, and write again soon. Yours affectionately, 8. 8. Prentiss. P. S. To Mother. — Thinking you might be a little anxious about my health, I will just say that I do not think there is a healthier place in the world. I never was in better health. Your affectionate son, ' 8. 8. Prentiss. TO HIS MOTHER . LonisviLLE, Kt., October 4, 1827. Mt Dear Mother : You are probably much surprised to see the date of my letter, and you will, perhaps, be much more so to hear have been pretty equally divided among all the towns within fifteen miles round, and /lis rides out and back, often over the roughest roads or through heavy snows, would, probably, average from fifteen to twenty miles. It is estimated that he has officiated at not less than 1,500 funerals, sometimes riding for the purpose forty miles. The distance travelled by him in meeting his various Sabbath and week-day appoint ments, would, doubtless, amount to considerably more than 50,000 miles. If his fune ral and camp-mect;ng sermons be included, he can hardly have preached less than from 8,000 to 9,000 times. He has never received a single dollar of compensation for his ministerial s-srvices. Unto all the tens of thousands to whom he has preached, he could say, with St. Paul: "//ta«e coveted. 710 Tnan^s silver^ or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yoursrl/ces Icnou that these hands liave ministered unto my iiecestdties:^ Though far from rich, his hospitality to his itinerant brethren used to be unbounded. Many a Mslhodist preacher recalls with delight hia sojourn at Father.Lewis's farm. 1e has been instrumental in organizing numerous societies, or local churches, and sliio in building many hoirses of worship. Indeed, in sevei-al towns of Cumberland t,nd adjoining counties, he was the youthful pioneer, as he is now the universpjy beloved and revered patriarch, of Methodism. There is not a man living, the jii,/it of whom, riding in his old gig, is so grateful to the eyes of thousands su crorham, Buxton, Scarborough, Cape Elizabeth, and other neighboring townj. ji he news of whose death would fill their hearts with such deep, filial grief. Here i'; r si the place to depict his meek and guileless virtues ; but this I will venture to affirm, that when Elder Lewis departs for Heavtn, he will lear* no better man in aU the State to follow after him ! — Ed, LEAVES CINCINNATI FOR NATCHEZ. 59 that I am on my way to Natchez, iu the State of Mississippi. I wrote to William but little more than a week since, aud I bad then no more idea of leaving Ohio, than I had, ten years ago, of leaving Maine. Indeed, it is only three days since I thought of it. I had, when I wrote last, several places in view in the city of Cincinnati, but have been disappointed iu some of them, and others did not please me. I was, notwithstanding, on the point of taking a school, the wages of which would but little more than have paid my expenses. I thought, however, I would first ask the advice of those gentlemen with whom I had become acquainted ; and they all, without exception, advised me — if I wished to spend a year or two, both pleasantly and profitably — to go down the Mississippi to Natchez, where I should, undoubt edly, obtain a situation as tutor in a private family. In Ohio it is much the same with regard to schools as in New England ; but it is quite different in Mississippi, and the other Southern States. There they have no .system of common schools ; and the rich planters, living at a distance from each other, are obliged to have, each of them, a teacher in his own family. Mr. Storer introduced me to a couple of gentlemen who reside in Natchez, and who are now returning with their families from a visit to the North. I am in company with them, and they tell me there is no doubt I can obtain immediately such a situation as I have described. I have, also, an abundance of letters of introduction to persons in Natchez. When I first thought of going South, I was rather at a loss for the means, as my money was about expended. I had concluded, at length, to take one of the common schools for two or three months, till I had earned enough to carry me to Natchez ; but, on mentioning the plan to Mr. Wright (with whom I have been studying), he told me I should not take a school, and very kindly offered me any sum I wished for, without security, and to be repaid whenever I find it convenient. I, at first, refused to avail myself of his generous offer — but, v pon his repeating it, finally borrowed sufficient to carry me down the river. Mr. Wright is, himself, a New England man, and formerly kept the Academy in Portland. He is one of the finest men I ever me*. 60 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. with, and I shall always feel under the greatest obligations to him. I leave here in the steamboat immediately ; and shall, pro bably, be ten or twelve days iu descending the Ohio and Mississippi to Natchez. It is now late in the evening, and I must bid you all ' Good night.' My love to William, Samuel, and all the children ; and be assured that, though my distance from home is somewhat increased, my love and affection for it will never be diminished. Your affectionate son, 8. 8. Prentiss. In a letter, dated Cincinnati, March 29, 1852, Mr. Wright writes : — I assure you I remember well your brother, S. 8. Prentiss, and have always remembered him, with much interest. He w.os introduced to me by Bellamy Storer, Esq., of the Bar here, for merly of Portland ; and, having spent some time in Portland myself, and having many warm friends there, I was led to such conversation with him as occasioned his stating to me his object in visiting the West, his plans, &c. I saw in him very interest ing and very promising traits of character, young as he then was, and tendered to him my services, and invited hira to spend his time in my office as long as he chose. We took considerable pains to flnd a school for him, but found no situation at all mviting ; one place, at a village about twelve miles out of town, had engaged his attention, and he was thinking strongly of going there to teach a school for the wiuter, though he disliked it exceedingly ; for our Western villages were rough and dull, and he would be removed from all the friends he had made in town. He evidently felt rather downcast at this time, not dis couraged — for he always showed much energy — but a little horae-sick, I thought. There were so many young men flocking West, that it was difficult for them to find employment; teacliers were not in demand, as iu New England ; he was short of LEAVES OHIO FOR MISSISSIPPI. 61 money, and, I saw, was very unwilling to apply to friends for it. He spent hig time pretty much in my office; but lawyers' offices here furnish no compensating employment for students. I con trived, liowever, tothrow some trifle into his hands. In Sep tember he became acquainted with a gentleman residing, or well acquainted, at Natchez, who became interested in him, and made such statements to hira, in rektion to prospects in that region, that he was disposed to try his fortune there. He hesitated a good deal about it, however, and seemed reluctant to separate himself so far, both in place and people, from his early associations. But his native energy prevailed. I told him I had no doubt he would flnd employraent there for the time being, and a good field for enterprise. Yankees of talents and integrity generally succeed there. My only fear was, that lie was too modest for that region, — diffident, perhaps, I should say. " I gave him a couple of letters, one of thera to a man who died before he got there, and he started off. I have not often parted with one, after so short an acquaintance, with so much regret. He left here about the beginning of October, 1827, spent near a month in descending the river ; and, after teaching more than a year, and corapleting his legal studies, was admitted to the bar iu 1829 ; and after this, rose, like an eagle cut loose from the cord tliat had bound it, till he soared above all of his profes sion in the State, and among the first orators of his times. " He wrote to me repeatedly, after reaching Mis^issippi. He could hardly reconcile himself to the country, the manners, the want of New England comfort and neatness; and, for some time, expressed a determination to return North, as soon as ho had accumulated the means of finishing the study of his profes sion. " While in my office here, he was very studious, sociable, and pleasant; showing clearness and quickness of mind, and great eomniand of language, for one so young. He was retireJ, nitlier secluded in his course of life, keeping his main object ever in view. I ever felt great interest in him, and regarrled h.s death, In the very prime and vigor of life as a national loss. 62 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. TO HIS MOTHER. Natchez, Miss., November 8, 1827. Mr 'Dear Mother: You have, probably, received before this a letter dated at LouisviUe, Ky., informing you that I had left Cincin nati for this place. I arrived here yesterday, having been about three weeks in performing the journey. The steamboat ran agi-ound several times upon the sand-bars, on one of which she lay a week. While the hands were getting her off, the passen gers would go ashore, and hunt, there being plenty of game in the woods. I came very near, at one time, being left behind by my love of hunting. The boat had run aground one morning, and the captain told us we might go a gunning, as he didn't think he should be able to get her off before night. Accord ingly several of us went ashore with our guns, anA went into the woods. I parted from the rest, and followed up a little creek in pursuit of some wild ducks. Having spent a couple of hours, and killed three of the ducks, I returned to the bank of the river — when, behold! the boat was gone. There was a little log cabin close by (the only habitation for perhaps thirty miles I'ound), where I immediately inquired what had become of the boat, and was told she had started at least an hour before. I was, as you may well imagine, in a pretty pickle. They told me, however, that she would, probably, stop to take iu wood about two miles below, and that, if I was expeditious, I might, possi bly, overtake her. I accordingly threw away my ducks, shoul dered my musket and marched on as fait as I could. Upon arriving at the place, I saw the boat had left it, and was nearly half a mile on her way. I hailed her as loudly as possible, when slie put about, came back and took me in. But if I had been one minute later, I should have lost my chance. I could have staid, however, at the log-cabin, till another boat came along. But it was a dreary place, and in the midst of the forest. Tell Abby to look upon her map at about the middle of that part of the State of Indiana which borders on the Ohio river, and she will be near the spot. The country is very httle inhabited on the banks either of the 0BTAI.\S A SITUATION. 63 Ohio or the Mississippi. Most of it, along the Mississippi espe ciully, is entirely overflowed for half the year. Sometimes there 's a little spotwhich can be cultivated, and in such jilaces I have Been the corn fifteen feet high. The banks of the Mississippi are also covered with immense brakes of cane, or reed, which grow very thick together, and are of a most beautifid green. I had letters to some of the flrst men in Natchez, which I have delivered ; and they tell me they have no doubt I shall obtain, in a few days, such a situation as I wish. They appear Very friendly, and offer to assist me in any way I may desire. I am very anxious to hear from you all. You must write often, and tell me how everything goes on at home — how the neiglibors do, and what crops you have raised from the farm. Tell Uncle James to write me too, if he has not already done so. You will hear from me again soon. In the meantime, my love to you all. Your affectionate son, S. S. P. TO HIS BROTHER WILLIAM. Natchez, November 21, 1827, Dear Brother : You will, no doubt, be glad to hear — at any rate I am glad to be able to write you— that I have' at length obtained a situation. It is in the family of a widow lady, who lives about twelve miles from here, in the country. She has five children, wliorn I shall have to teach. It is said to be one of the most respectable famihes in the country. Tlie lady, too, I under stand, is very pious, which will suit mother exactly. Her name is Shields. The great advantage of the situation is, that Mrs. Shields has in her house one of the finest law-libraries in the State— her husband having been formeriy Judge of the Supreme Court. I am to have the entire use of this library; so that I shaU bo in as good a situation for pursuing my studies, as if I were in a lawyer's office. I made the engagement yesterday, and to-morrow shall go out to stay. I suppose it is not far from Thanksgiving time now. I would 64 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. walk a great way to be at home on that day. You must remem. ber me when you carve the roast turkey, and cut the pumpkin pies. I am exceeding anxious to hear from you, having had but one letter since I left home. Remember me, as usua., to iny friends and the neighbors. My love to you all. Your affectionate brother, S. S. Prentiss. TO MRS. EVELINA PIERCE, GORHAM, ME. Natchez, Miss., December 6, 1827. Mr Dear Madam : — It is with the greatest pleasure that I comply with your request that I should write you some account of my f(U-tune after I left New England. It is a task too agreeable to orait, though, alas! my. adventures have been of so ordinary a nature that I am afraid they are hardly worth relating. I have met no giants — seen no damsels in distress — and, upon my honor, have been neither robbed, drowned nor murdered, — although I have travelled about three thousand miles since I left home. I beg leave to correct myself — I did see one damsel in distress, and it was a case in which ray knight-errantry was of some avail. It was on board one of the packet-boats between Albany and Utica, and thus it was : — A young lady, one of the passengers, looking over a newspaper, saw the article about a Frenchman's mounting in a balloon from the vessel which was to go over the Falls of Niagara. " Good heavens!" said she to the gentleman next to her; "Is it a fact, or is it only a quiz?" He could not inform her ; she applied to the next one— he was as ignorant as the former. The poor girl was in an agony of curiosity ; to one and to all the question was put, " Was it a fact?'' "Was a Frenchman to rise in a balloon?" — one and all were profoundly ignorant. At last she applied to me— but it was with a kind of desperation, and a look which told that she did not expect much from so insigiiificant a looking animal as myself I pitied her sad condition, and, thinking it would be uncharitable to suffer so fair a maiden to die of curiosity, told ber that it was absolutely a fact — that I had seen the French- NIAGARA PALLS. 65 man in New York, and conversed with hira. The gentlemen stared at me, as much as to say, in plain Enghsh, I lied. But the damsel — thinking she had learned a wonderful piece of information — repaid me with a smile that was richly worth forty — lies. But I beg your pardon for talking such nonsense, and would advise you to skip the preceding page. I travelled very rapidly from Portland to Cincinnati, stop ping only at Boston, New York and Niagara Falls. At Boston I stayed a week — part of which I spent at Mr. F.'s, and very pleasantly, too. At New York I stayed but three days, nor had I any desire to stay longer — two or three hours were entirely sufficient to gratify all my curiosity for seeing. I have some what the feeling of the trapper in the Prairie in that respect ; and the Highlands of the Hudson afforded me far more gratifica tion than all I saw in the city of New York. I stayed at Niagara but two days, though I should have been glad to tarry there a week, could I have done ic conveniently. I was disappointed in this stupendous cataract ; as, indeed, I could hardly fail to have been. I had heard and read of it so often that I had formed a vague idea of something vast aud grand beyond what it is possi ble for nature to produce. Of course when I saw the real cataract, though far the most suMime and magnificent sight I had ever beheld, still it did not equal my expectation. In fact, I have been disappointed in almost everything I have seen, and begin to suspect that there is not so much difference between one part of the country and another as I had imagined. Indeed, I have a vastly better opinion even of the good town of Gorham, than I had before I left it. The imagination is very prone to clothe remote objects with a thousand charms which, in reality, they do not possess ; and whatever knowledge of fact is want ing, is amply made up by the illusions of fancy. For this reason we prefer visiting remote places, to those which are near us ; and a person will often go a thousand miles to see an object, which a man who lives within twenty of it, has never taken the trouble to examine. »Tis distance lends enchantment to the view, And robes the mountain in its azure hue. 66 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. At Cincinnati I stayed about two months ; during which time I pursued my studies in the office of Mr. Wright. My funds beginning then to wax low, I was obliged to bestir myself, and concluded to try my fortune further south. * * * * I have now written you a letter, which, I am afraid, will exhaust your patience in reading. I hope, however, you ai well as Mr. Pierce, will consider it worth an answer ; not so much on account of itself, as the feeling which dictated it. The plea sant days I spent at your house will not soon be forgotten — for they were among the pleasantest of my life; aud I shall always gratefully remember the kind interest which Mr. Pierce and yourself were pleased to express in my welfare. Accept my sincere and respectful wishes for your happiness. Your obedient servant, 8. S. Prentiss. Nota Bene. — The lasses are not so handsome here as they are iu Maine. TO HIS MOTHER. Natohbz, Miss., December 22, 1827. Mt Dear Mother: I am afraid you will think I write almost too often. At any rate you can hardly complain that I do not write often enough, since I have sent you, I believe, sorhe niue or ten letters within the short time I have been from home. I wrote to Wil liam about four weeks ago, informing you that I had, at length, become stationary, which, doubtless, you were very glad to hear, as you might begin to think I had become a wandering sort of a character. I have been now three weeks in my new situation, and am very much pleased with it indeed. It is an extremely pleasant family, and my labor is slight, in comparison with what it would be in a common school, and the only objection I have is its great distance from home ; a circumstance which I presume I think of fully as often as you can yourself. If I could run over a couple of thousand miles in the course of an evening, you would be likely to see me amongst you two or three times a winter at THE SOUTH, AND COTTON. 61 week, at least. However, as that is impossible, at least for such a slow traveller as I am, I Liust even make the best of it, and visit you in imagination, if I cannot in reality. I shall probably continue here a year, at any rate till a better situation offers. I mean in point of salary, for iu other respects I should not wish a better. I have, as I told you iu my last, three hundred dol lars a year and hoard. I have also the privilege of taking in two or three of the neighbors' children, which will probably bring me in another hundred. I am confined about three or f ur hours a day, and the rest of tne time I have entirely to myself. I spend it in studying law, reading and gunning. I have a horse whenever I wish to ride, and gun and ammunition, when I wish to go a hunting, which I do an hour or two almost every day. Indeed, I have everything found rae I Can possibly wish, and the only expense I can be at, will be for my clothing, of which I have a sufficient quantity for a long time to come, thanks to the care of a mother. They have no snow in tliis part of ttie country; of course no sleigh-riding, a thing I shall miss very much. It is already their winter here, yet a fire is seldom needed, and the roses are blooming every day in the garden. They sow green peas at Christmas, aud in February the spring opens, and they go to work in the fields. For myself, however, I prefer the cold weather of the North ; it is so delightful to sit by a good fire and hear the storm whistling without and beating against the windows, while all is comfortable and pleasant within. Still this is a very beautiful climate in the winter, and perhaps I shall like it even better than my own, when I become a little more accustomed to it. Cotton is the production of this part of the Union, and here they raise nothing else upon their plantations. I have seen thousands of acres of it since I came here. It is picked from the stalks by negroes, and being cleaned of the seed by machines called gins, is then packed up in bales. nearly as it comes to you. The cotton plant is about the size of your currant bushes, or perhaps a little larger, and the cotton grows in pods as large as hen's eggs. When it is ripe the pods burst open, so that a field of ripe cotton looks somewhat as if it ¦vere covered with snow\ The plantations yield from fifty ,to 68 MEMOIR Oi' S. S. PRENTISS. three or four hundred bales each. I wrote to Mr. Boyd, at Cin cinnati, a month since, to forward me any letters there might be for me there. In a few days, I presume, I shall receive Ihemi which I am very anxious to do, as I have had but one letter from any of you since I left home. I wish you to write me at least once in three weeks, and tell me all the news of your part of the world ; how the children do, how they come on with their studies, how much you have raised on the farm, who araong my acquaintances are getting married, how the neighbors all do; the most trifling things will all be interesting to rae, now I am so far from home. I believe I told you in my last to direct your letters to Natchez, Miss. I also date mine there, though I live teu miles from the city. My love to Wilhanr. and Samuel, and all the children. Remember rae, also, to ill the neighbors. Receive for yourself the best wishes of you.' truly affectionate son, S S. Prentiss. THK iMRjI SOLD. "jq CHAPTER lY. Letters Home while teaching in the Family of Mrs. Shields— Notice of George W Pierce— Letters from his Class-mate, Appleton— Takes Charge of an Academy- Trip into Louisiana— Anecdotes of him by one of his pupils—Is Licensed, and commences the Practice of Law in Partnership with Gen. Huston— His Appear ance at this time — Anecdote of his first Speech at the Bar — Trip to Columbia Springs — His Views of Slavery. JEt. 19—22. 1828-1831. TO HIS MO THEE. Natchez, February 12, 1828. Mt Dear Motubk: — I again sit down to the pleasant task of writing to you — and, for a little while, shall almost imagine myself at home. Indeed it requires very little stretch of the imagination to carry me back amongst you ; and often, when I awake in the morning, I expect to hear you caUing me to breakfast — forget ting that I am two thousand miles beyond the reach of your voice. I received, last week, a letter from you and WiUiam, dated December 24th ; and was very glad that you had heard of my safe arrival here, as I knew you would be anxious about mo till you did. William says you were all astonished at my letter from Louisville — you cannot have been more so than I was to find, by his letter, that you had sold the farm, and moved into the village. Though I doubt not it is for the best, still, I assure you, it made me feel disagreeably to learn that the 'ilace, where we had so long hved together, where I have so often been a-gunning and fishing, had passed into the hands of a stranger. Perhaps, one of these days, one of us will be able to repurchase it. But I doubt not, as I said before, it was much the beat 10 MEMOIR OF S. S. PKKNTISS. thing you could do ; and I am more especially glad because it will free you from so much care aud trouble, and will give the children such great advantages for schooling. You must now be very pleasantly situated — that is, if you have got into your new house. I imagined it could be no other than Mr. 0 's, as I had heard you speak frequently of purchasing that, in case you should ever move to the village. I am glad that William has given up the idea of going to sea ; in my opinion he has acted wisely. What does Samuel turn his mind to ? As for G , we were to make an admiral, or some other great character, of him ; tell him to mind his book, and take care of the garden. I am glad Abby has the advantage of the seminary, for she is sufficiently old to attend some such institution. The girls ought to have all the advantages possible; we boys can easily take care of ourselves. I am very much alarmed to hear that your health is not as good as it has been. I hope you will take every possible care of it — do not be over anxious about us children. . The first quarter of my school is out to-morrow night. I go into company very little, though I have been introduced to most of the people hereabouts — I feel no inclination for society — and, besides, I cannot afford the time from my studies. I wish to get through with my profession, and settle somewhere as soon aa possible. Sometimes, however, I am very lonesome, and would give a good deal, could I drop in of an evening, and find yon all together. I do not like the manner of living here, so well as I do our Northern fashion. The white people themselves differ very- little, as I can perceive, from those of our own part of the country. Slavery is the great pest of this as well as all the other Southern States. It is considered disgraceful for a white man to do any kind of hand labor — and everything is done by the slaves. Of course, things are done in a very poor and slovenly manner ; and, though the people here are far wealthier than they are in the North, yet I do not think they live so com fortably or so happily. The negroes themselves, however. appear to enjoy life, and are, for aught I see, as happy as theii HIS PUI'lLS. 11 masters. It is not often that they are treated so cruelly as wa are accustomed to suppose, and in general they are better off than they would be if they were free — still it is a hard case for them at best. I have nothing new to tell you concerning myself since I wrote last. As I shall probably continue here a year, at least, and should like to liave the news from Maine, I wish you ¦vi'ould send me the weekly JEastem Argus. If you will speak to Mr. Pierce, he will attend to it. And now, my dear mother, as it is very late, I bid you good night, and also the children, to all of whom I send my love. Remember rae, as usual, to all my friends. Your affectionate son, 8. S. Prentiss. to his brother WILLIAM. Natchez, April 20, 1828. Dear Brother : — I was very glad, as you may well suppose, to hear from you all again, and to know that you are well and happy. I have nothing new to tell you concerning myself, as I keej) pretty close to my business — studying all the time I can spare — and, of course, meet with nothing very interesting or extraor dinary. I continue to be much pleased with my situation — and, indeed, do not think I could have found one in the whole State so well adapted to my views. As I told you before, I have the sole use of a very extensive aud excellent law library, which I consider as good as a hundred dollars a-year at least. There is also a large library of miscellaneous books — so that I am in no want of this essential article, without which, indeed, I should hardly be able to exist. The family is a kind and amiable one ; and, if I did not utterly detest the business of teaching, ray situation would be quite bearable. Mother requests the names and ages of ray scholars. They are as follows : — William, who has just returned from Nashville; he is about eighteen years of age, and a fine young fellow. The 72 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS next is Gabriel, who is sixteen, an excellent scholar, and also a fine young man. The others are Francina, Joseph, and Elizabeth, of the respective ages of thirteen, nine, and six. They are all of good disposition, and I find no trouble whatever in managing them. I am glad to hear you have given up the idea of going to sea ; at least if you can get business on shore. Probably you will turn your attention towards trading, with the intention of becoming a merchant. At any rate that is what I would do myself, had I not a profession. I consider it far the easiest, as well as one of the most respectable, roads to wealth ; and did I care much about wealth, I would, even now, change my pur suits. For I consider the profession of law in New England (where I think I shall settle myself eventually, after all ), as one of the very poorest, in point of eraoluraent. In this State, how ever, the lawyers "live in clover," as we say; the most ordinary make two or three thousand dollars a-year, and some of them five, six, and seven. Perhaps you will ask me why I intend leaving a place where money is so easily made? I am not sure that I shall; but the reasons which induce me to think about it are these — one of the first and most powerful, as you may well suppose, is that 1 may be nearer my friends ; another is, that I would dislike to live in a slave-holding State ; furthermore, I have seen no part of the Union which I think pleasanter, all things considered, than that which I left. The only advantages which these Southern States possess over those of the North, are the greater facilities they afford for the accumulation of wealth, and this, you know, I consider a very small item in the account of human happiness. At least, I know it would have - small influence upon my own. There are some other reasons which induce me to think that, in the course of two or three years, you will see me amongst you again. You astonished me very much by your account of the won derful things that are going on at Gorham. A dancing school ! and you attending it ! ! Why really, brother, I should not have expected that of you. I am afraid you have become entangled with some of the young ladies at the village, and are trying to "bop" into their good graces. AUNT n 73 Pray write, you or mother, as often as every three weeks, and oftener still, if convenient. Tell me everything that hap pens — even the most minute news will be interesting. My love to you all. Remember me particularly to Mr. Pierce and wife — as well as to all our relatives and acquaintances. Your affectionate brother, 8 S. Prentiss. My kindest respects to my new-married cousin B , and tell her I wish her much joy. How is Aunt D ? Tell her I think of her often.* to his brother WILLIAM. Natchez, Jwne 23, 1828. Dear Brother: — The weather here, for two months past, has been intensely warm ; I do not, however, suffer so much from it as I anticipated — owing in a great measure, as I think, to my very profuse perspiration, which is so great that ray clothes are almost continually wet through with it. My health has, as yet, been very good, and I have hopes will continue so through the summer. I have ridden round the country considerably since I have * Thia venerated relative died Id 1849, at the advanced age of more than four score years. She was a native of Cape Cod, and an excellent specimen of the household energy, thrift, good sense, and self-denying toil, which marked the noble women of New England in the age of the Revolution, or in the earlier days of the Pilgrims. Her kindness and personal devotion to the sick, were quite wonderful. At Gorham, where the most active portion of her life was passed, she was a true Bister of Charity ; and long will her memory be cherished In that pleasant village. For many years hardly anybody could be sick without sending for " Aunt D ;" and whether it were night or day, in summer or winter, sunshine or storm, who ever knew her refuse to come, if she had strength to do so ? It was worth a fit of illness to have her to tend you ; she was always so cheerful, and motherly, and strong-minded. It would be a long record that should commemorate all her acts of mercy and neighborly love ; that should tell how many nights of watching she spent in the sick-rooms, alike of rich and poor, or how many eyes were, by her friendly hands, closed in death. This passing tribute to her worth is the more grateful, inasmuch as she had a particular affection for the subject of this memoir. — Ed. 4 74 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. been here, but have seen nothing worth relating.* The appear anoe of things is as uninteresting as you can well imagine There are no mountains to enliven the prospect ; the streamv and brooks are httle muddy puddles, running through gulhea and quagmires, — and the lakes, of which there is a great num ber, are perfect honey-pots, very similar to one or two little ponds, which you may recollect, on the way to Sebago Pond. These lakes abound in snakes and alligators. I have frequently rode out to several lakes a few miles from here, for the purpose of hunting wild ducks, and have seen some of these enormous alligators — twelve or fifteen feet in length. In the heat of the day they come out of the water upon the banks, where they delight to lie and bask in the sun. I have been up to several as they lay asleep on the shore — within two feet— and examined them as closely as I pleased. They are not dangerous upon land, though considered so in the water. The houses of the planters, notwithstanding their wealth, are * The spot where Natchez stands forms the principal scene of the romance of The Natchez — of which Aiala, mentioned in your letter, is you know, an episode. I have read the work since I have been here, and with great interest, as you may imagine. * * The appearance of the country, in the vicinity of Natchez, is the most singular I have ever seen — especially when contrasted with the rest of the Mississippi banks. I have been in every direction for forty or fifty miles around, and have, therefore, had a good opportunity for observing it. Though there are no hills of any magnitude, yet it is the most broken and uneven country in the world. Apparently it might once have been level, but has been torn to pieces by the rains, which, by-the-by, are tar more violent here than in the North. Indeed, the country is a continued succession of ridges, ravines and gulUes. The nature of the soil is such, that a single rain will often tear a field to pieces, and render it entirely unfit for cultivation. It is principally of clay, and destitute of all minerals. I have not seen a rock as large as my head since I came here. With respect to the state of society, I have not found so great a difference between the South and the North as I had anticipated. Still the distinction, in many respects is marked. It being considered here, degrading for a white man to labor in the Held, the people, of course, have much time upon their hands, to get rid of which they have balls, parties, ride about, and, especially, employ much of their time in hunting ( deer are their principal game, of which there Is a great abundance ; the largest portion of this State being still a forest). They live rather more freeh) than we of the North, an..l are what, perhaps, we should caU a little dissipated; yet, on the whole, I think the state of society is more correct, and the people morn' moral, than thry are usually considered.— XeMer to Judge Pierce, April 11, 1828. GEORGE W. PIERCE. 7 not better than those of our common farmers. They are, usually two or three miles distant fi-oiu each other, and each one sur rounded by some ten, twenty or thirty negro cabins, which are the very pictures of misery and filth. Yon inquire about politics. I can give but slight information on that subject, as it is one concerning which I trouble myself none at all, and for which I do not care a brass button. Old Hickory, I suppose, has this State, though the friends of the Administration are quite nume rous. When I go into Natchez, I will have one of our papers sent you, by which you will learn more than I can tell you on the subject. I have received the Argus regularly, and am much obliged to you for it. It will give me all the news from Maine. I am glad you have become acquainted with Hilliard and G. Pierce. Hilliard is a particular friend of mine, and though I can boast of nothing more than a common acquaintance with G. Pierce, I think hira a very fine fellow.* My love to you all. Your affectionate brother, S. S. Prentiss. * George W. Pierce was born at Baldwin, Me., December 2, 1805. He graduated at Bowdoin College, in the class of 1825, and studied law at Portland, with Hon. Stephen Longfellow (a name not less honored by the social worth, patriotic virtues , and legal ability of the father, than oy the poetic genius of the sou), and aftei-wards at the Law-school in North Hampton, where he occupied the same room, I believe, with his friend and distaht relative. President Pierce. He was admitted to the Bar of Cumberland County in 1829, and in 1832 married the eldest daughter of Mr. Longfellow. He was rising rapidly in his profession, having already twice represented PorUand in the State Legislature, and been elected in 18-S4, County Attorney, when sudden disease cut him off, in the very bloom of man- . hood, Nov. 15, 1835. His untimely decease was regarded as a public misfortune, and smote with grief an unusually large and cultivated circle of kindred and friends. At the opening of the Supreme Court, on the day preceding the interment, the late Chief Justice Mellen announced his death with the touching eloquence of a perso nal bereavement, to which Judge Parris responded in a similar strain. Had liis life been spared, he bid fail- to reach high honors in the Democratic party, of which he was so bright an ornament. I remember him well when studying, for a while. In his brother's office at Gorham. Though a mere boy at the time, I shall never lose the impression he made upon me by his manly beauty, the gentle courtesy of his manners, and the cordial, benignant smile with which he always accosted me. He was, indeed, a fine specimen of humanity ,_ and one might almost wish to die as early as he died, for the sake ot being mourned with such holy and nndecaying affection as has enshrined his memory ! — En. 76 MEMOIR OF S S. PRENTISS. About this time he became extremely restless and melan. choly. For several months a dark cloud seemed to hang over his mind. He avoided society, and refused to tell any one the cause of his gloom. In the letter to Judge Pierce, just quoted, he writes : It was, I assure you, with no common degree of pleasure I received the kind letter from yourself and wife, which came to my hand a few days since. It gratified me much to hear of your welfare, and also to perceive I was not entirely forgotten by those whose remembrance I value so highly, more especially as I had begun to feel the sorrowful conviction that I was already blotted from the memory of all except the few whom the ties of kindred place under a kind of necessity of recollecting me. I know not how it is, but though there is no person in the world whose heart responds more warmly, when touched upon the chord of affection, it has yet been my fortune to make very few friends (perhaps not one) in the short portion of life through which I have travelled. I speak not now of the common herd of acquaintances, such as I have here, such as any one may have, who will laugh when you laugh, but when you look sorrowful, flee from you as if you were infected. I mean those who would at least drop a tear over your grave, and read with a sorrowful eye, the " Hie jaeet " upon your tombstone. I doubt not but the defect is in myself; but I have seldom met the person whose feelings were so much in unison with my own, as to make an intimacy either practicable or desirable. You may judge, then, of the great pain I should feel, upon losing the remembrance of the very few whose remembrance I care anything about pre serving. 1 am very grateful, [he adds, in a note to Mrs. Pierce, of the same date] both to yourself and Mr. Pierce, for the interest you express in my fortunes, and can only assure you that yonr kind feelings are fully and heartily reciprocated. The short time I sgent in your house, seems to me now like one of those green spots which frequently spring up in the midst of a desert, and which are the more delightful from the barrennesa that surrounds thera. LETTER EROM HIS FRIEND APPLETON. 11 The following additional extracts from letters of his friend Appleton, though partly belonging to an earlier period, reflect light upon this phase of his inner life. The last of them is a model of good sense and friendly counsel. Happy would it have been for hira, if his morbid impulses had always been aj wisely and kindly treated. WILLIAM APPLETON TO S. S. PRENTISS. Derrt, August 11, 182T. Dear Chum: I received yours in due course of mail, and yester- day a letter from T , informing me of your leaving for Ohio. I am glad that you received, before setting out, such favorable accounts of matters and things, and trust your anticipations will be reahzed. I thought I had told you of the intentions I formerly had of going to the South. If I had gone, however, 1 should have hardly been nearer you than I now am. I have some thoughts of engaging here for some time longer, but it ia uncertain ; I want you to write me in your next, with regard to the faoihties for the study of the law, at Oincinnati. Whether it is possible to get situations which will defray expenses, while, at the same time, one is pursuing the study. How long a time is required for admission? Can a person of moderate abilities succeed better there than here, or support himself and gain a competence more easily ? These questions I will thank you to answer to the best of your ability, and also, give such other information as you may think useful. I have, for some time thought that I should practise my profession in some place more free from lawyers, and fruitful in clients, than Few England ; but I have as yet formed no definite plan for my future life. The pro • spect of being near you would be a very great inducement to me to go. Indeed the prospect of finding so old and firm a friend, would alone reconcile me to leaving so many. You will oblige me by writing me about the matter as soon as possible. I don't think it at all probable that I shall go for some lime, if indeed I ever do, but I should like to have some means of comparing the advantages of the two States, before I form any plans frr a 18 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. permanent residence here. As I told you on my first page, I heard from T , yesterday. He was on the eve of leaving Bruns wick, and did not intend to return there. I shall probably attend the Cambridge Commencement, and go to N , from Boston. I hope uothing will happen to prevent, ¦ as I anticipate much pleasure in seeing T again, and talking over auld lang syne. The recollection of two or three college friendsliips are the only things which I can recur to with plea sure, as happening during my college life, and I trust you know me too well to think there is any afiectation of sincerity in my saying that through life I shall remain true to the friends I have acquired. You did not inform me with regard to your intentions, whe ther they were to enter the practice as soou as possible or pur sue some other employment, for some tirae. You saw, I suppose, some of our classmates on your way. I am entirely ignorant of the fate of most of them. I shall endeiivor to hunt up McLellau and Apthorp, iu Boston. I saw Joe a short time since. He appears already, what in college was aiiparently the highest object of his ambition, a complete blood. If your letters give me favorable accounts of the place, it is possible that I may then set out for the Western Canaan. I wish I could tell you some news, but I know of nothing. I have neither seen nor heard of any person or thing lately, which would interest you in the least. Indeed, I can think of nothing else to say, unless I should reiterate expressions of my friendship for you, which you are too well assured of to require. Write soon, and long. Sincerely yours, Wm. Appleton. FROM THE BAMB TO THE SAME. „ „ . Buret, Oct. 14, 1827. Uear Chum : — I received your letter in due course of mail, and was sorry that I had proposed to vou tl ose questions, the answers college news. 19 to which, almost filled your letter, as you had so little room to talk about yourself. A day or two after I last wrote you, I made an engagement to remain here a year longer, so for the pre sent, at least, I shall not think of visiting the Western Country. You almost frightened me by the story jou told of the state of your finances, hut I trust you have ere this obtained a situation lucrative enough to reimburse you. You want to hear all about matters and things, and I will tell you as well as I can recollect. I attended Cambridge Commencement, saw Mac. in Boston, also, Tom McDougall. Cleaveland and Merriam visited me some days since. They are at Andover. Cleaveland intends going to New York soon, to finish his study, and to practice Law. Merriam to be a pedagogue for hfe. They had a tolerable Commence ment at Bowdoin. I had a letter from Lord lately. He will soon go into business as a merchant. He mentions having seen several of our class mates, Farrar and others. I saw Moulton, of the class after us, at meeting to-day, but not long enough to learn the Maine news. I will see him to-mor row, and on the faith of his having something interesting to communicate, I will not finish my letter till then. I trust you find good cigars in Ohio. The Lord knows how I should get through with the day without my two. To speak the truth, chum, this is a curious world that we live in. We are perpetually either lamenting the shortness of life, or devising measures to kill time. Would that you could help me puff away the blues. It was really good to see Cleaveland with a cigar iu his mouth, in my chimney corner. As the blue cloud settled over our heads, 1 almost fancied I could trace in it the phantoms of old college friends, armed with similar mouth-piece. Moultoii has told me that Bowdoin C , has become very witty, and is the greatest wag in college. He takes a high rank iu his class. Moses will turn his brilliant taleuts to the study of medicine. Moulton has entered Andover Institution. Abbot had the first part. Peabody* dehvered a splendid poem; Dorr, the Salutatory. *Rev. Ephraim Peabody, D.D., of Boston, 80 MEMOIR OP S. S. PRENTISS. We have had some prett}' severe frosts here, which did not, 1 suppose, reach to your latitude, and for a fortnight past I have enjoyed the comforts of a blazing fire. I assure you that I often, about nine o'clock in the evening, resting my feet over the fire place, and my head on the back of my chair, recall the memory of the last winter evening we spent in college ; when, unconscious of the blessings we enjoyed, we talked of pleasure that we were to taste when emancipated from college walls. We have both of us found perfect happiness as far off as before. For my own part, I intend to make up my mind to take life as it is, and so drink down the bitter, as I would a dose of medicine, in one swallow, and have done with it, and let every drop of sweet dwell long on the tongue, as I would a draught of good Madeira. Hoping you have the same mind, and that you will find your cup but little diluted with the bitter, I bid you good night. Write me soon, and tell me all about your situation and pros pects. Everything about yourself will be interesting, Yours, Wm. Appleton. FROM THE same TO THE SAME. Dkrbt, February 6, 1828. Dear Chum : I received your letter this morning, and, I assure yon, am well disposed to obey your injunctions to answer it immediately. I had begun to be a good deal troubled lest you should have met with some misfortune, or I had met with that of losing your remerabrance and friendship. I had heard once that you had settled in Kentucky, but from your saying nothing of a temporary residence there, suppose I was misinformed. In the first place, chum, I sincerely congratulate you on your good fortune, for though not exceedingly lucrative, your situation must be in every other respect very eligible. But you want to know about matters and things in this region, and I will proceed tarn ceremonie, as Tutor Abbot would say, to tell you. To begiu DEATH OF APTHORP. 81 with the personage of the most importance in his own eyes, 1 am still in this Academy, receiving for my labors about the same compensation as you. I shall continue here six months at least At the end of that time I may remain here, or resume law, or instruct somewhere else. Every day's observation serves to convince me that professional men, especially lawyers, in this quarter, must have uncommon talents to secure even a compe tence. Scai'cely any of our young lawyers are independent of their friends for the fii'^t years of their practice. I, of course, am desirous to secure this independence, and if the chances to a person of common capacity, of realizing a comfortable aud tol erably genteel support, are in favor of the Western States, they possibly may be my final destination. You, probably, feel some interest iu the fate of our class. I will give you all the inforona- tion I am master of. You, perhaps, have not heard of Apthorp's death. He died about two months since, of a very rapid con- sumption. He had been engaged as private tutor near Balti more, aud returned on account of his health, and died at home. I have understood him to be the fifth victim to that complaint, of the children of the family, aud that one of his sisters is thought DOW iu a decline. You and I shall remember him, for who more conduced to the enjoyment of our college life than he, bj his wit and humor? Abbot, Southgate, and Trask are in Andover Institution. ] had a letter from Lord a few days since. He has engaged ic mercantile pursuits ; says that Farrar is studying law in Phila delphia, Paine in Portland, Granger and Lelaud iu Saco. Cleave laud made rae a visit of a day a few mouths since. Is novi studying law in New York. Our friend Jonas is teaching school iu Amherst, and succeeds uncommonly well. They think so highly of him, that they say they mean to build an Academy, and engage his services permanently. I suppose you are now in the very head-quarters of Jacksonism, but as you as well as I, have not much personal interest in the struggle, I trust you have not become very warm on the side of the "Hero." I understand that Bowdoin College goes on very quietly, with reduced numbers, it is true, but improved scholarship. Thia 4* 82 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. Academy will send two or three very fine scholars there next Comuienceraent. I see by your letter that your afi'ecticn for Spanish cigars remains undiminished ; knowing that, I shall, at least twice a day (after dinner and supper), call to mind the pleasant hours we have spent together. We then railed at our lot— but, though were we to live that life again, we might know how to enjoy it more, and, I at least, improve it better ; yet it must be confessed that there were some few crumbs of comfort amidst all our troubles. I have felt the want of suitable books to read very much since leaving B. This place is as barren of them as any town I ever knew. The newspapers, among them the Farmer's Cabinet, which you will recollect, for its containing the story of the good woman, who blessed the Lord for nothing, constitute -my soul resource against the blues. I saw Mac. some months since in Boston. He was in a law ofiice, aud had a treatise on Keal Actions in his hand, by chance, I suspect, for his table was covered with the same medley of newspapers, maga zines, novels, and song books, as when he was iu college ; the drawer as he showed me, was filled with pieces of old gloves, flints, pistols, gunlocks, cakes and apples. In short, everything about him was the same as when he was in college. He poetizes considerably, I believe. T is studying Divinity in Hartford, Oonn. If you continue to have any thoughts of acting Cato's soliloquy with a butcher knife, I would advise you to act Mac- beth's fir.^t, and the flrst line, " Is this a dagger," &c., will cure you of any design of making your quietus with so vulgar an implement, compared with which a ''bare bodkin" would be genteel. As you are iu the land of sporting and duels, I hope yonr excellence as a shot will be of service to you. I trust you will find smaller game plenty, however, and will not be under the necessity of firing at a larger mark, with the uncomfortable reflection that you yourself are at the same time a target. No*v, chum, you see that I have answered your letter the day on which I received it, and that, too, with a closely written sheet of foolscap. As I have thus obeyed yrur commands, I have, in luy turn, a right to command you too. Sit down as soon as you have read this, (if you finish reading it), and tell me all about ALFRED MASON. 83 yourself, and whatever else you please, iu an epistle as long, at least, as this; for certainly you have ranch more of the variety which makes letter-writing easy and letters intere.sting, than I enjoy in this quiet, sleepy place. Ever yours, Appleton. FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME. Cebbt, May 13, 1828. Mt Dear Prentiss: If I may judge by ray own feelings of impatience for receiving your letters, you will be glad to hav e an imme diate answer to that which reached me this afternoon. Yonr answers to my inquiries only served to confirm me in my former ideas of the comparative advantages and disadvan tages of the Western States. I think I shall conclude to tr}- my fortune among the Yankees, and if I don't succeed, it will theu be time enough for me to visit the laud of wealth, slaves, fevers and mosquitoes. I shall remain in my present situation at least three months longer, perhaps another year, and after bidding farewell to Academy walls, mean to renew my acquaintance with Blackstone and some other of our mutual friends. You will want to hear the news of this section of the countiy. I shall be rather at a loss to supply you, for my correspondent Lord, who is my most faithful chronicler on subjects of common interest to us, has not written to me for some time, and probably will not till I entitle myself to an epistle, by answering his last. Oue, to me, melancholy circumstance, you have not, perhaps been acquainted with. My cousin, Alfred Mason, died in New York not long since, of a fever which he caught in attending the patients in the hospital. I understand ho was considered the first among three hundred medical students, as to professional talents. Several obituary notices of him have appeared. Among others, a very well written one, by George Pierce, in the Port- ^omA AAcertiser. 84 memoir of s. s. prentiss. You say nothing of politics, but I suppose you are by this time a strong Jacksoniau. Our political papers are quarrelling at a great rate. I make it a point of believing both sides, and conse quently, have come to the conclusion that our politicians are a race of as mean, unprincipled scoundrels as ever polluted the earth with their tread, or the air with their breath. I have fully made up my miud not to become a candidate for the Presi dency, till the characters of the political men are purer, or the press less calumnious. I wish you to communicate these my sentiments to the Legislature of your State of Mississippi. I have a vacation in about a week, aud although I have only been absent about ten weeks, I anticipate a visit home with no small pleasure. The consideration of so great a separation from my fi-iends would weigh with me more strongly than any other, against going to the South. My attachment to ray friends, I flnd, rather increases as I grow older. Bowdoin College goes on quietly, with a small number of students. I have not heard whether the Peucinian Society has decayed still more, or regained its former standing. Your recollections of your college life appear to be pleasing. I have none such, except the remembrance of our friendship. While at B , you railed most about the miseries of college hfe. I then tried to make myself belieye that I enjoyed it, but the more I think of my situation then, the more convinced am I, that were I to live my college life over again, I should not only improve, but enjoy my tirae far better. I believe I am not naturally prone to indulge in unplea-saut reminiscences, but, I feel every day the want of having formed habits of application and mental abstraction while my studies were directed by others, and I had nothing else to occupy my mind. But a truce to moral izing. We have both of us seen letters written by students after finishing their college course, and I am not vain enough to suppose ray own croaking more interesting than that of others. I wish to hear from you oftener than our practice of waiting for an answer will admit, aud will suggest the plan of writing e^very other month. For instance, I shall write again on the first of July, and if you are willing, should like to have you pursue the GOOD ADVICE. 86 same plan, that each may receive letters at intervals of everj two months. My mode of life here is not unpleasant, as I have become acquainted with several agreeable families, and do not feel, as much as I did at flrst, the want of some more agreeable com panions than my own thoughts. The last time I heard of George Pierce, he was about goin% into business with his brother Daniel — his health not allowing hiin to pursue his law studies. I think it must be rather unpleasant to him to be obliged to give up all his prospects of professional and literary eminence, though, probably, his business will not deter him from cultivating his literary taste. Goodnight; beware of paying homage to the chmate by a fever. Ever yours, W. Appleton. FROM the SAME TO THE SAME. Dekbt, N. H., July SO, 1828. Mt Dear Chtjm: — I must begin with acknowledging myself very much to blame for not writing the first of this month, as I said I should ; I have had engagements sufficient to justify a want of punctuality in a comraon correspondence, but I acknowledge they should not have prevented me from doing ray part in the execution of a plan which I first suggested. I am very sorry that you have made up your mind to be unhappy, and am also a little surprised, as I had supposed your situation tolerably pleasant as well as lucrative. Would not you enjoy yourself better if you went into society more? I, of course. know nothing of the state of things there, but although you may not find those to whom you can feel warmly attached, yet I hold that any society is better than none ; and that, even if a man were among the Hottentots, it were better for him, for the time being, to conform himself, in some degree, to their habits, 86 MEMOIR OF s. s. prentiss. and try to feel some interest in objects around him and wi:hiii his reach, than to suffer himself to despond because he does not find everything to his mind. But iu so large a place as Natchez, it is impossible but that by exertion you can find some agreeable acquaintance. There are two gentlemen from this State who, if report speaks true, are both uncomraouly pleasant raen — Dr. J. Bell, and Mr. Dinsmoor, a lawyer from a town adjoining this. If you are not already acquainted with them, I suppose it is not very difBoult for Yankees to become acquainted with each other when so far from home. At any rate, chum, if you can not find any society more pleasant than solitude, do not allow yourself to be low-spirited ; " send care to the dogs," as you said, in a former letter, you meant to do, and do not think because you have not realized all your ex*ectations in this Southern excursion, that your prospects for life must necessarily be blasted, and that all chance of future success or eminence is taken away. We neither of us are old enough to exclaim with Soioraon, " all £ vanity ;'' and I cannot but believe that when you return to ,his quarter, which, I trust, will be very soon, you will attain that success to which your character and talents entitle you. If your health is not injured, I think you will, on the whole, find few reasons to regret having gone on your tour, for you are not so old as to render it absolutely necessary that you should enter on professional practice immediately ; and you have had oppor tunities of seeing parts of the Union which otherwise, very pro bably, you would never have seen. I trust that you feel no more inconvenience from the heat of the summer than the dehihty which you mentioned. You, of course, feel the necessity of a great deal of care, and, with suitable attention to diet and exposure, I suppose the climate raay be prevented from seriously injuring the constitution. I trust if either of us is permitted, at some future time, to drop a tear over the other's grave, it will be when he has lain down to rest after a long, happy, and useful life, among friends who reciprocated his affection. I heard from Lord but a day or two since: he mentions having heard of you through Mr. Pierce of Gorham — he is engaged in business with his brother. Both Hilliards are in Mr. P 's oSice, as you probably know. BOWDOIN NEWS. 81 Farran has engaged iu business with his brother iu Blojmfield. Iu an excursion which I made into the interior of Massachusetts and Connecticut, a few weeks since, I saw McLellan, Eveleth, and Bridge, at Northampton. McLellan has applied himself a good deal, I understood, and took a very respectable rank in the Law School. At Hartford, Conn., I met Baldwin, who hap. pened to be in town ; he is studying divinity at New Haven He said Brinsmade was keeping school at a town in the western part of the State. David Shepley preached in Amherst during my last vacation. I was to-day informed that Stowe has been appointed Professor at Bowdoin College, and has accepted. I do not know what department he will take charge of. I still continue in the business of school-keeping, and shall, probably, another year. It is rather a gloomy prospect to look forward to, but I shall endeavor to submit to circumstances with as good grace as possible. You speak of doubting 'Whether you shall pursue your legal studies. I trust you have no serious thoughts of discontinuing thera; the law is the profession for you, if any. I hope you will write me, in your next, that you are making your arrangements to return to New England, to finish your studies aud enter on the practice. I cannot believe you have any serious thoughts of going to tlie countries of Spanish America, as you seem to have no fixed object in view. In New England a competence is ensured to but a moderate share of aiiplication aud abilities, and a compe tence iu New England, I presume, you would think quite as desirable as a large fortune in those new republics, or even iu the region where you now are. Let not rny failure break up the plan which I suggested about our letters. I will write again within two months, and hope to hear again from you before that time. And now, chum, as my paper is growing scanty, I have only time again to recommend to you to take some measures for the ejection of the blues ; live as happily as you can while at Natchez, and come back to New England as soou as possible. Most truly your friend, Wm. Applkton. 88 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. B. S. PRENTISS TO HIS MOTHER,. Natchez, July 26, 1828. Mt Dear Mother: — Since I wrote you last, I have, rather unexpectedly made a considerable change in my engagements and situation But you need not be alarmed — my move has been but a short one, and the change, I believe, for my advantage. I have left the family in which I resided, and taken an academy about eight miles from Natchez. When I made ray forraer engagement, I reserved the privilege of availing myself of any better offer I might have. I had the offer of the academy about three weeks since, and immediately accepted it. I felt a good deal of regret at leaving Mrs. Shields — I had got to be so much one of the family that it seemed almost like leaving home again. I taught with Mrs. Shields between six- and seven months. My salary for that time has enabled me to pay off all my debts and the money I borrowed from Mr. Wright. I have fifteen or twenty dollars left, and can now begin square again. How long I shall continue here I do not know. They would like to engage me permanently, but I have only engaged for a year, aud am doubtful whether I shall continue longer — I wish to finish my profession and conclude where to settle as soon as possible. Week before last I made a trip into the State of Lousiana to St. Francesville, about eighty miles from this place, partly for the sake of seeing the country, and partly because I had heard there was a vacancy in a college near there, which I thought I might, possihl}-, obtain. I had been, however, misinformed, there being no vacancy in the college. St. Francesville is on the Mississippi Eiver; it is a pretty village, and situated in an extremely fertile country — but is one of the most unhealthy places iu the United States. I went on horseback, aud was gone three days — during which time I rode two hundred miles ; you may judge from this that my health is very good. I should liardly have been able to take such a ride before I left Maine. Their saddle-horses here, however, are all pacers, which makes it much less fatiguing — I would not willingly undertake to rid« our old Oray two hundred miles in the same time. ANECDOTES BY ONE OF HIS PUPILS. 89 I am at present very hearty ; and, as some of the -vrarmest weather has passed, I am in hopes I shall get through the sum mer without the tax which strangers are usually obliged to pay the first season. I Jiave sent Wilham a Natchez paper, The Ariel, aud would like to have him send me The Yankee, published in Portland, by John Neal. I wish you would write to me as often as once in three weeks. You know not what pleasure it affords me to hear from home. Give my love to all the children, and remem ber me to my friends at the village, as well as elsewhere. Your very affectionate son, S. S. Prentiss. The following communication from one of his pupils, Joseph D. Shields, Esq., of Natchez, will be here in place : — As I was a mere child, while your brother resided iu my mother's family, my own impressions of him as a teacher, are very indistinct. But I can give you a few incidents, illustrative of his character at that time, which may not be uninteresting to you. Not far from my mother's residence was a log school-house, where the gentry, and young men of the surrounding neighbor hood, formed a Debating Society. In this woodland forum your brother gave abundant earnest of his future greatness as an orator. His speeches were especiaUy remarkable for their sprightliness, wit, and withering sarcasm. On one occasion, as an actor in the scene told me, his opponent in debate was a vehement declaimer, whose thoughts, when at ^hite heat, would so far outrun his words, that he generally became exceedingly confused. After speaking some tirae with much violence, he suddenly stopped while under full headway, threw up his hand, and clasping the back of his cranium, exclaimed : " Mr. Presi dent, I've got the idea, sir, but I can't express it." "It is very well the gentleman has informed us," quietly retorted Prentiss, " or we never should have suspected it." 90 memoir of s. s. prentiss. The old school-house has disappeared, and its last vestige been destroyed by the plough-share. While teaching, he was very temperate in his habits. Indeed, so far as I know, his -habits were unexceptionable while he was at Natchez. But on one occasion, he joined a party of young men, who rode into the city to dine. As usual, the juica of the grape mingled with the flow of soul, and, before the social, after-dinner converse was over, they all got somewhat merry. Mounting their horses, at rather a late hour, and having twelve miles to ride, they determined to make a dash of it, and thus save time. Now, it so happened that Prentiss was mounted on a horse which had been raised for the turf, but not having ful filled his destiny, had been degraded to a saddle nag. He retained, however, all the fire of the racing breed. Indeed the animal was a very Gunpowder of lohabod memory, and had passed from his former owner to the Brom Bones of the neighbor hood, in consequence of having unceremoniously immersed him in a duck pond. The jolly company started off iu full gallop, but had not tra velled many hundred paces before Prentiss and Oscar (that was the name of the beast) darted on ahead, and were soon lost in the distance. The rest of the party finding pursuit useless, at length cooled down into a quiet pace, convinced that Oscar and his rider would, after a while, reappear. But as mile after mile lay behind them, and it was getting very dark, they began to feel somewhat uneasy, when of a sudden, they were hailed by that unmistakable voice, with its pecuhar lisp — " Hallo, Boyths ! hallo! I say, Oscar has spilled me !" They approached through the darkness, and found hira seated on a bank by the roadside. He had clung to his dare-devil steed as long as he could, and finally with great reluctance, " let him travel on alone." With no small effort, he was in due time mounted behind one of his com rades, aud the gay cavalcade made the best of their way home, quite charmed with the adventure. It were well had he, as second endorser, never came off worse in after life. He was always eager and impulsive. Soon after leaving our roof, he heard of a situation in Louisiana, and immediately went down to apply for it — while there, it al at once occurred to him ibuits. • 91 that a bosom friend was to make his debut in a Fourth of July oration, at the old sihool-hou-e. He had seventy or eighty m,ih-s TO travel, in order to be there, and only one day to " make The point.'' He ordered his horse at daylight, rode hard all day and reached Natchez late at night. Explaining to his host the necessity of his beiug at the celebration, which was some fifteen miles distant, he gave direction to be called up very early, but when he awoke the next morning, he perceived, to his chagrin, that the sun was far up iu the heavens. Ordering his horse quickly as pos-ible, he spurred, or rather caned him to the top of his speed, and reached the rostrum just as his friend got through his peroration. S. S. PRENTISS TO HIS SISTER ABBT. Natchez, September 24, 1828. Mt Deae Sister: — I received, a few days since, your letter of July ; aud shall answer it with a great deal of pleasure — especially as it is the first oue I have received from any of you, except William and mother. I am glad to hear that mother has recovered so much from her illness, and that all the rest of you are well. I, too, continue to enjoy an uncommon degree of health, and, if possible, am more hearty even than when I left home. As the sickly season has nojv pretty much elapsed, I have little fear for the present year. I am well satisfied with my new situation, and have had an addition of two scholars since I wrote last. I suppose apples are about getting ripe with you now. They do not thrive well here ; neither do cherries or plums ; but peaches aud melons grow in abundance, and also the fig, a most delicious fruit, of which I am extremely fond. I wish I could send you a basket of thera, I know you would hke them. Wild grapes grow in profusion in the woods, and some of them are equal to our best plums. There are man/ kinds of fruit which we have not in the North ; but still I think those of the Norili are preferable. I am glad yon are so pleasantly situated at the village, and 92 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. have SO good a school to attend. You have improved very much in your handwriting : and the watch-paper you sent me is quite a pretty one ; I shall keep it a long time. You say S talks of going to sea ; he had better try some otuer business ; go to a trade, or into a store. Encouragement for sailors must be very poor, since the restrictions laid, last wiuter, by Congress, upon commerce. However, if he wishes, let him go one voyage, and he will soon be sick of a sailor's life. G , I suppose, does not begin to think yet what he shall do ; teh him to study hard. I must not forget A among the rest of you. You must write me again, and tell me all that is going on in the vil lage. You will hear from rae again in a few weeks ; in the meantime my kindest love to you all. Your affectionate brother, S. S. Prentiss. TO HIS mother . Natchez, November 18, 1828. Mt Dear Mother: — I have been iu daily expectation, for a fortnight, of healing from you, and have delayed writing some days on that account. My wishes were gratified yesterday, by receiving a letter from you and sister Abby — whom I thank very kindly for writing me again. I need not assure you how glad I am to hear that you are recovering from your illness : the news of which had very much alarmed me. My school is going on well, but I am perfectly disgusted with the business of teaching ; it does not suit either my temper or disposition. Nothing would tempt me to make a profession of it. I shall, next fall, either return to Maine, or s'ettle here as & lawyer. I have been somewhat doubtful on this subject : should I settle in this State, I have no doubt I could make a fortune with the greatest ease, and my friends here urge me very strongly to do it^ But you know I never considered wealth as the most impor tantingredieut of happiness; perhaps Hook upon it with too little regard. In every other respect I should far prefer the North tt thinks of returning north. 93 the South. The society is better, the country is more beautiful, and, besides, you have, iu the North, no slaves — a strong objec tion to the South. But yourself and the rest of my relatives and friends, afford a still more powerful inducement for me to return. All these considerations have determined me upon set ting my face towards home next autumn. You will, perhaps, think I had much better have staid at home in the first place ; but I am of a different opinion, aud were I at home now, would make the same trip again. I shall consider the two years that will have elapsed when I return, as far more profitably spent than any others in my life. I intend to return very leisurely through the interior of the Union, visiting whatever is curious or remark able, so that when I get home I shall have made a pretty good tour of the United States. You must write me immediately, aud[ tell me what you think of all these plans. I suppose your Thanksgiving will come on presently — if I were withiu a couple of hundred miles I would be with you. Next year you may have a few pies extra, for you know I am a tough hand araong pumpkin pies, and it would be no wonder if I should pop in upon you about that time. It is growing late — Good night, and my love to you all. Your affectionate son, S. S. Prentiss. TO HIS BROTHER WILLIAM. Natoexz, February 4, 1829. Dear Brother : — You think, perhaps, that I have forgotten you, by my delaying to write so long beyond my usual tirae, but you will excuse my apparent neglect when I inform you of the rea- eon. In my last letters, you will recollect, I had come to the fluterraination to return, next autumn, to New England. Upon more mature consideration, however, I am convinced that I should act very much against my interest; aud, though I had fondly cherished the idea that, in the course of a year, T should 94 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. revisit the spot which will always be to me dearer than any other, yet I think you will agree with me that it is my duty to remain here. Since I wrote last, I have been making more par ticular inquiries than I had before done, with respect to my prospects, should I continue here a few years ; and I find them far superior to anything the North can hold out. By studying this winter, I can be admitted to practice next July — whereas, iu Maine, I should be obliged to study more than a year. I have, accordingly, given up my school, and am iu a law-ofiice in the city. The gentleman with whom I am studying, is a Mr. Walker — the first lawyer in the place; he has promised me evei-y assistance in getting a start. I have money enough to support me, with prudence, till I get into practice — and I have no fear of success after the first year. I have been several weeks in doubt on this subject ; and the reason I liave delayed writing was, that I might inform you, with certainty, of the result. Be assured that my feehngs towards home have undei^ gone no alteration, and my determination is as strong as ever to come back to Maine. Should I collect a little wealth, I know nothing in the world that would afford rae such pleasure as to return and share it with ray friends. Your affectionate brother, S. S. P. TO HIS BROTHER WILLIAM. Natchez, April 9, 1829. Dear Brother: — I have been from town for the last month, which is the reason I did not receive your letter until yesterday, and is also my excuse for not writing sooner. As I have nothing else worth relating, I will give you some description of the trip I have been making. One of the young Shieldses purchased a sugar plantation in Louisiana, about thirty or forty miles south west of New Orleans,— upon a bayou, or stream, called De Arbonne— and, going down a month since to settle it, persuaded A FRENCH SETTLEMENT IN LOUISIANA. 95 ine to accompany him. We started from this place in a fla^ boat, and proceeded down the Mississippi to the bayou La Fourche which took us about six days. We entered the bayou at a small town called DonaldsonviUe, aud proceeded down some sixty miles to another viDage, called Thibodeauxville— where we landed, took horses, and rode twenty-flve miles to Shields's place. This part of the State has just begun to be settled by the Americans. It had been considered of httle account till within a few years; when, upon examination, it was found to contain the best sugar lands in the United States, and perhaps in the world. It has, however, been settled for some time, by the French — and even at present, they form at least nine-tenths of the population. They are the poorest, most ignorant, set of beings you ever saw — without the least enterprise or industry. They raise only a little corn and a few sweet potatoes — merely sufficient to support life ; yet they seem perfectly contented and happy, and have balls almost every day — I attended one, and was invited to several others. The lands here lie in a very curious manner. There are a great number of creeks, or bayous, as they are called, running up from the ocean, parallel to each other. Upon each of these is a strip of high land, from one to ten acres in depth, on either side, after which it falls into a swamp, and so continues till you come to another bayou ; thus, between every two bayous there is an extensive swamp. I stayed with Shields four or five days, and then returned to the La Fourche, where I took a, steamboat to New Orleans. I stayed in New Orleans three or four days, and never was so heartily tired of a place in my life. I saw nothing worthy of observation, except the immense quantity of business, aud that was truly astonishing. I tried to flnd out if there were any vessels from Portland, but could hear of none. Taking a steamboat at New Orleans, I arrived yesterday at Natchez, well pleased with my trip. Month after next I shall apply for admission, and commence the practice of law. My sincerest love to mother and to all the children. Beheve me vour affectionate brother, S. S. P. 96 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. Mr. Shields thus refers to this trip : — Another instance of his impulsiveness occurs to me. The sann friend, whose Fourth of July oration he made such effort tf hear, moved about this time from the homestead. Taking his stock and other movables to Natchez, he shipped them on a flat-boat. There are two landings at N , and after loading at the upper, he cast off and drifted to the lower. Prentiss was on the boat to take his leave, and accompanied her this short distance. Just as they were again casting off, and in the act of bidding adieu, his friend suggested. "Prentis.-!, suppose you go down with us and enjoy the varie ties?" "But, my dear sir, I've no clothes." " Oh, never mind that, we'll supply you." After a little persuasion he consented, and left for an indefinite trip without money and without clothes. I rather fancy that what with cattle, sheep, hogs, horses, and fowl, to say nothing of dogs or cats, he had about the roughest fare on that " broad- horn" that he ever endured. Still it was probably the most dehghtful trip he ever took. His friendship with the captain and chief mate, gave him the run of the kitchen, while every incon venience was the subject of jest aud merriment. He was the light and soul of the party. I have recently heard an amusing anecdote of this expedition, which is as follows : — You are aware that our Father of Waters is a most head strong and gyratory stream. Instead of flowing on smoothly, like other rivers, it rolls and tumbles in all directions ; while its eddies are a terror to the small craft, that depend for progress upon a regular current. If caught, they sometimes revolve for days in an orbit of a few hundred yards. It unluckily happened that the broad-horn aforesaid, became involved in one of these eddies. Round and round it circled, hour after hour, in fipite of the efforts of an able-bodied crew, to extricate it from the snare. Of course all hands were ordered by the captain, who v;a3 a rer-on of indomitable energy, to man the oars, and when iVJiKVlNU HIMSELF FOR AN EMERGENCY. 91 the boat veered to the edge, to give " a long push, a strong push, and a push all together." But in the midst of all their activity, Prentiss kept his seat, and jeered the crew. In vain they begged him to come to the rescue ; no persuasion could induce him to lend a helping hand. Every volley of jocular abuse from the captain, was replied to by a volley of sharp raillery from his imperturbable passenger. To all entreaties he returned a characteristic answer. "Come,, come, Prentiss, for heaven's sake, do now help us just a little, will you?" '¦ Can't do it, Boyths, I'm saving myself for an emergency!" After a hard struggle, the rim of the miniature maelstrom was weathered, and the boat floated out into the current. A day or two after this incident, there occurred a storm so violent that the party tied up to the bank. The weather was intensely cold for our southern climate, and they huddled around die fire on board. In the midst of the hilarity aroused by the novelty of their situation, and the amusing incidents of their voyage, the crew were startled by the cry of fire ! fire ! The hoafs afire! Every man sjjrang to his feet and rushed for the water buckets, except Prentiss. He scrambled to the side of the vessel, tumbled overboard, seized his hat in lieu of a bucket, and began to pitch the water into the flames, nearly extinguish ing them before the rest of the party reached the scene of action. He was warmly congratulated on his quickness and presence of mind. Pufling and blowing from his sudden exertions, draggled with wet, and with a dripping, starchless hat, he replied to tho thanks that were showered upon him, with his inimitable arch ness, '¦ There ! boyths, didn't I tell you I was reserving myself for an emergency!" Many are the stories of his wit and humor, after the party reached their destination. The country at that time was a wilderness, skirted along the margin of the bayou, by settle ments of Canadian French, and yet Prentiss's friend, as is usual with emigrants to a new home, was infatuated with the region. H e had described it as a second Eldorado, blending the glory of the tropic with the mildness of the temperate zone. It yielded the sweet cane and the orange, and abounded in all manner of 5 98 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. tropical fruits. Such was the picture of the country. But when they arrived at the Golden Valley, things did not look so invit ing by a great deal. Big timber, mud cottages, lagoons, Spanish moss, the concert of alligators, frogs and musquitoes — these and congenial phenomena, afforded Prentiss an inexhaustible theme for raillery, and he improved it without mercy. Yet his satire was so good-humored, as well as keen, that it gave infinite amusement to his companions. " My dear sir," he exclaimed to his friend, " you've moved to a country that's afloat. It ought to be sawed off with a whip- saw, and pulled out to sea. It abounds in all manner of tropical fruits, indeed ! I see an abundance of hlacTcberries." His friend was one day praising the morals of the community, and boasted they did not require a jail ; there was none in the country. " Perhaps so, but then this very fact may prove that the rascals are in the majority, and won't build one." I give you the above, at secoud-hand. Of the numberless bright and witty sayings, that sparkled from his hps, but few are pre served. They were jewels cast upon the waters of oblivion, and have sunk to the bottom — you may recover one here and there, from the memory of a friend, or the tradition of an observer, like myself, but not enough, I fear, to give any adequate idea of the richness of the mine from whence they emanated. S. S. PRENTISS TO HIS SISTER ABBT. Natchez, May 81, 1829. Mt Dear Sister : — I have sat down this Sunday morning, while you are all preparing, I suppose, for church, and intend to give you a long letter. I have been studying pretty hard of late, prepar ing for examination. Candidates for admission are examined at the Supreme Court, which sits next week at Monticello — a town about eighty miles from Natchez, in the interior of the State. I shall go out on horseback a week from next Wednes- A TALK ABOUT HOME. 99 day; so that, I presume, by the time you read this letter I shall have a lawful right to the title of "Esquire." I shall leave Natchez innnediately aftei-, and settle, probably, at Port Gibson ¦ — a flourishing village some forty miles above this place. It is it very pleasant town, aud not visited by the yehow fever. The winter and spring have been uncommonly cold in this country, till within a few days, but now the weather is excessively warm. I have no news to tell yo\i: my health continues good, and my spirits are also pretty good. But now let us talk a little .about home — which is a much more interesting subject to rae than any other. How do you all do ? And how do all the good people at the village? Though it has been almost two years since I left you, yet it seems but yesterday. Everything is fresh in my recollection; I know how all the houses and yards and trees stand ; and if I should return to-morrow, I could tell in a moment every alteration that had taken place, even to the nailiug-on of a shingle. Two years seem very long in looking for ward, but are as a moment when recalled from the past. I ara afraid, however, by the tirae I return, some years hence, things will be greatly changed. My old acquaintances will have grown up, and left the country. The girls I used to jilay and romp with, wiU all be married and hardly recollect me ; W will have taken to himself a wife ; S wiU he a stout, careless sailor, with a short jacket on ; G , a shrewd, calculating, good-looking, young feUow ; you, my dear, will be a tall, hand some, grave, young lady; A , a roguish, laughing, giddy- headed girl; as for mother, I shaU know her immediately— she will always look the same to me. You do not write half often enough from home : I should like to have a letter every fort night — and if you would take turns, you might write as often as that without any trouble. You are not half particular enough when you write — you ought to teU me every little thing that happens in the family. And now, my dear sister, I have written you a long letter, and 1 am sorry it is done, for it is a great plea sure to write home. My love to you ah. Your very affectionate brother, S. S. Pbenxisb. 100 memoir of s. s. prentiss. In a letter to his elder brother, dated June 18, he writes : I found no difficulty in passing the examination and obtaining the license. Yesterday I returned to town. Monticello is one hundred miles east of this, upon Pearl River. I am now a law yer, but how I shall succeed is a doubtful question. The pros pect, I confess, is rather dull, even here — the profession being very much crowded. However, if I can make out to get a start, t have no doubt I shall ultimately succeed. With respect to your idea of emigrating to this country, I hardly know what to say. There are few sorts of business which a young man can go into, unless he has capital. He will have to obtain a clerkshiji, or a situation as a schoolmaster. It is extremely difficult to obtain the more lucrative clerkships, on account of the great number of young men who yearly come do wn the river, from the Western country, iu search of business. I would have you to consider carefully before you take so important a step, whether you cannot make a good living, aud enjoy as much happiness in Maine as anywhere else. I confess, too, I should be sorry on mother's account, as well as the children's, that you should leave home. Still, if you are bent on emigrat ing, I would not discourage you, and I do not doubt you will succeed in the end. However, if I was myself in Maine, with my present experience, I would not leave it. TO niS MOTHER. Natchez, Jxme 24, 1829. ilv DfciK Mother: 1 have made an ari-angement of considerable impor tance, for the ensuing year — and, as I think it is a very good one, I have sat down immediately to inform you of it ; for I know you feel more interest than any one else in the world in my ^v^'lfare. I have entered into a partnership with Mr. Huston*— a lawyer in this place, of high standing and extensive practice. I am to have a sufficient poi'tion of the profits of the business to support me handsomely, and defray my expenses of every kind, • Gen. Felix Huston. LETTERS. 101 Next year, in all probability, I sbaU be able to continue with him on much raore favorable terms. But the great advantage of the thing is, that 1 shall gain raore knowledge of business this year, than I should in two or three years, had I started by my.^elf. Mr. Huston has a plantation iu the country ; so that, if there should be an epidemic this summer, I shall have a place to retreat to. I have seen no people here whom I ever saw before, with the exception of my classmate, Boyd.* But I frequently meet with Yankees, who are much more numerous here than I had sup posed : quite often, too, I see individuals from Maine. A large portion of the men are emigrants ; they are very enterprising — but associate little with each other, except in the way of busi ness. Self is here the sole object — each one being entirely absorbed in his own views, and caring little or nothing for his neighbor. As to the women here — their general character is, that of being extremely reserved and distant in their manners, especially to strangers. But I ara ashamed to say that I know very little about them. Youinquire about churches — there are in this town, a Presbyterian, an Episcopal, a Roman Catholic, a Baptist, and Methodist church. They are preUy well attended, and the sabbath is kept here very near as strictly as iu Portland. I attend sometimes the Presbyterian, and sometimes the Episco pal, service. With regard to sending brother G to West Point, I am decidedly in favor of it. It will afford him the opportunity of getting a good education, without the expenses incident to a college; for, if I recollect right, the cadets are not only found, but receive twenty or thirty dollars per month pay. It is not absolutely necessary that a young man should go into the army after beiug at West Point ; but still, if G goes there at all, he ought to make up his mind for the army and a soldier's hfe. That is the purpose for which the Institution was founded, and I do not think it right for a young man to avail himself of the advantages of it, unless he intends to pursue a military course. * S. S. Boyd, Esq., of NalBhez. 102 memoir of S. S. PRENTISS. My dear mother, you have not written me lately, nor have the girls. They must write me frequently, and tell me what they are studying, the news of the village, and all that kind of matter. Do you keep a cow and the old horse ? 1 shall expect a letter now in a few days, as I have not received oue for three or four weeks. My love to all the children. Your affectionate son, S. S. Prentiss. His correspondence during the next year affords no inci dents worthy of note. He was much gratified, in the course of the winter, by a visit from his elder brother, which seems to have revived his desire to return and settle in Maine — for his letters breathe an unusually home-sick feehng. He occasionally alludes to his labors and speeches in court ; never saying more of the latter, however, than that ho " believed they did pretty well." There are many persons in Mississippi, who retain a vivid recollection of his personal appearance and forensic efforts at this period. " I have his picture in my parlor," writes Judge Wilkinson, of Yazoo City, after his death. " It is like hira, but it is not hke him as I first saw him. I well remember the impression he produced upon me, twe«ty years ago, when he entered the hotel at Natchez, as I sat by the fire, an entire stranger to every one. I had never heard of S. S. Prentiss, and saw many strangers every hour in the day. I did not hear him speak — and he was gone in a moment — but there was a Hght in his face that I had never seen in any other, and which prompted me to inquire who he was, from the keeper of the hotel. ' A young lawyer just called to the Bar,' said he. Little did I dream of the relation in which we were afterwards to stand to each other I" " His never-failing readiness and self-possession are well exemplified in an anecdote I have often heard, of his first appearance at the bar. The Judge who presided, and ths ANECDOTE OF HIS FIRST APPEARANCE AT THE BAB. 103 names of the parties, I have never ascertained. The locality was Brandon, a small inland town, ten miles from Jackson, in the very backwoods of the State at the time the incident occurred. He was a slight-made, beardless boy, extremely youthful looking, by ncr means physically imposing, and a stranger to all at the court. It was a case he was appear ing in for Mr. Huston ; and when it was called, he respon ded to it, and stated the nature of the case, and that it stood on demurrer to some part of the proceedings which he desired to argue. The Judge, with some nonchalance, told him he did not wish to hear argument on the subject, as he had made up his mind adversely to the side Mr. Prentiss appeared for ; upon this, Mr. P. modestly, but firmly, insisted on his client's constitutional right to be heard, by himself or counsel, before his cause was adjudged against him. The right was recognized — and he was heard, and made a speech that astonished both court and bystand ers : and the Judge, to his honor be it spoken, was not only convinced of the error of his previous opinion, but had the manliness to acknowledge it. Few young men, in a strange place, with a cause prejudged and the decision announced, would have so boldly asserted and maintained their client's rights."* TO His MOTHER. Natchez, July 11, 1880. Mt Dear Mother: — Before this time, I suppose Williatn has got home, and I almost envy him the pleasure which he must experience on seeing you all again ; even after his short absence. You may judge from his pleasure, how great mine would be to visit home, from which I have been absent now something hke three years. It has been a very long period ; though it takes but a * Wm. C. Sraedes, Esq. 104 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. moment to carry me back in imjgination to the day when I left you, and started off iu the wagon, with my large trunk and still larger expectations. I hope before three years have again elapsed, I shall be with you; on a visit, at least. I sent b)' Wilham, some little presents to the children, which, though nor of much value, I know they will receive with pleasure, a* coming from their brother. To George I sent the watch which I had when I left home. To Abby, a small diamond finger ring, and to Anna a work-box, with a number of little articles in it ; of which, however, she will know the use hettei than I. My flrst year at my profession has just closed, during which time I have been able to support myself, and also, to pay my debts, so I am now just about square with the world. I have to-day arranged with my partner, the terms on which we are to continue together. He offers me one-third of the business, which I shall accept. If my success answers my expectations, I shall feel it my duty to continue here some years — though my inclinations strongly urge me to go home, and settle in my native land. I see by G.'s letter, that he feels an inclination to go to col lege. If he continues of that mind, I should advise letting him go, by all means. It will take him one or two years to prepare, and by that time, I think, I shall be able to assist him. If 1 am, I will most assuredly do it with the greatest pleasure, for I hold a good education to be worth a thousand times more than it costs. Tell him to think seriously on the subject, and to write me about it. — My love to all. Your affectionate son, S. S. Prentiss. TO HIS TOUNGER BROTHER. Natchez, Sept. 22, 1880, Bear George: — I received, with a great deal of pleasure, your let ter, and hasten to answer it. I should have written before this, A MOTHERLY FKIENt. 105 but I have been absent for the last three weeks, on a trip to the Eastern part of the State. I have been out to Columbia, on Pearl River, where there are some Springs, to which the people resort in the warm season, for recreation and pleasure. I went on horseback, and more for the sake of the exercise than anything else ; I did not enjoy myself, however, as much as [ expected ; for I was alone, and the country through which I passed is extremely uninteresting. The Eastern section of this Slate, after you get twenty or thirty miles from the Mississippi lliver, is one continued Pine-Barren, precisely Hke the plainSf upon which we used to go blueberrying, and indeed, the country continues of the same sort, entirely through to the Atlantic Ocean. You may judge, theu, Isow dull it must be, travelling through such a region. I found but few people at the Springs, and stayed there only a week. The exercise, however, was of very great advantage to me, and I am now as hearty aa I ever was in my life. I have also spent a good deal of the summer out at Mr. Huston's, or rather his mother-in-law's, plantation. By the by, I do not know as I have ever mentioned her to you. She is one of the finest old ladies in the world, aud treats me with all the kindness of a mother. Tell mother, if I should ever happen to be sick, I should receive almost as much attention and kindness as I possibly could at home. I ara glad you take such pleasure in your studies, and in reading. You could read nothing more advantageous to you than history. It would be well also to read some biography — more especially, the lives of the great men of our own country — Washington, Franklin, &c. It will raise your ambition, aud show you what can be done through industry and exertion, by those whose advantages have not been as good as your own. I approve of your studying the languages, and fitting your self for college. I hope that by the time you are fitted, I shall be able to assist you; if I am, I shall certainly do it with pleasure. Tell WiUiara, that if he comes to New Orleans, as he pro poses, I will probably come dowr and see him next winter. 5* 106 memoir of s. s. prentiss. My best love to mother, and to all of you, especially to Samuel, whom I wish to write me immediately. Your affectionate brother, S. S. Prentiss. TO HIB MOTHER. Natchez, Moo. 10, 1880. Dear Mother : — I intended my next letter for Samuel ; but Abby informs me, that he expected to sail for Europe in two or three weeks, so that he is probably gone by this time. I can truly sympathize with your feelings upon parting again with William, and I can assure you, that your regret at the absence of your children cannot be greater than what is felt by one of them, at lea.st, on being so far separated from you and the rest of his friends. Indeed, so far from becoming reconciled to a residence in the South, or forgetful of my native land, I become every day more tired of the former, and look back with more regret to the latter. Still I feel bound to stay here, though I am soraetiraes alraost sorry that ray prospects of success render it my duty to do so — and I do not think I should have at all regretted it, had my ill-fortune compelled me to return to Maine. I expect daily to hear from Wilhara, as he must, by this time, have arrived in New Orleans. I shall take some leisure week during the winter, and go down and ¦o'isit hiin. It is only a couple of days' trip. I have enjoyed excel lent health this summer, much better than I did last. Natchez has also been free from epidemic this season, and extremely healthy. I have, for the last two or three weeks, been riding about the circuit, which must be my apology for not writing sooner. Tell Abby, I thank her very kindly for her letter; she must Boon write mo again, so must Anna and George. I wish G. to write me a full account of his studies- how far he has advanced, iind what occupies him at present. HIS VIEWS OF SLAVERY AT THIS TIME. 107 Give my respects to all my friends, especially to Mr. Pierce and family. My love to yourself and the children. I shall expect a letter from you loon. Your affectionate son, S. S. Prentiss. TO HIS TOUNGEST BROTHER. ,^ .„ Natchez, July 25, 18S1. Dear Brother: — I received your letter of May last more than a month since, but, as I was indebted to Abby for a letter, I wrote her first, and will now proceed to answer yours. I have nothing new to teU you concerning myself. My health continues good. Business is at present very dull — as, indeed, it always is at this season of the year. If I was within a hun dred, or two hundred miles of home, I should soon mount my horse, aud be with you. You ask me about the slaves iu this country — how they are treated, &c. That slavery is a great evil, there can be no doubt — and it is an unfortunate circumstance that it was ever intro duced into this, or any other country. At present, however, it is a necessary evil, and I do not think admits of a remedy. But the situation of slaves — at least in this State— is not half as bad as it is represented, and believed to be, in the North. They are in general, as far as my observation extends, well clothed, well fed, and kindly treated — and, I suspect, fully as happy as their masters. Indeed, I have no question, that their situation is much preferable to that of the free negroes, who infest the Northern cities. To be sure, there are, occasionahy, raen who treat their slaves cruelly and inhumanly — but they are not coun tenanced by society, and their conduct is as much reprobated as it would be anywhere else. To free the slaves, and let them continue in the United States, would not, in my opinion, bo any advantage to thera ; though if they could be transported to Africa again, it would be hotter. But that is impossible on account of their numbers — and even if they were all offered the 108 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. privilege of going to Africa, I do not beheve half of them would accept it. The sin of the business hes at the doors of those who first introduced slavery into the country. The evil now is too deep-rooted to be eradicated. As for the Indians, about whom you inquire, I think they have been badly treated in this State, and stiU worse in Georgia. Their lands have been taken from them without law or justice; and they will, most of them, have to go west of the Mississippi. However, this is not a new thing, but has taken place at one time and another in almost every State in the Union. The fact is, " Might makes Bight," all the world over. I did intend to write you something about your studies, but must defer it to another time. My love to you all. Your affectionate brother, S. S. Prentiss. The rest of his correspondence, in 1831, contains little that would interest the reader, though overflowing with expressions of filial and fraternal affection. The education of his sisters and his youngest brother, began now more and more to occupy his thoughts, and serve as a stimulus to his exertions. Almost every letter shows his solicitude upon the subject. On the question of his ultimate place of settlement, his mind still wavered ; sometimes he " felt very home-sick, more so than he did the first year after leaving Maine, and was tempted to throw up his business, and come back there to live ;" then, in the event of remaining South, he waa almost determined to remove to New Orleans; but, towards the close of 1831, he finally resolved to establish himself at Vicksburg. TOASTING PATH TO GREATNESS. 109 CHAPTER V. Essay on Toasting — Removes to Vicksburg — Mr. Chilton's Reminiscences of Illm-" Letters Home — Visits Washington City — Advice to a College Student — Forms n Partnership with Mr. Guion — Letters. ^T. 22—24. 1832—1833. While at Natchez he continued to cultivate, with much diligence, his literary taste. He read almost every new book that appeared ; and occasionally occupied a leisure hour by writing articles, in prose or verse, for the local journals. Some of his poetical effusions, particularly one entitled The Ice Palace, yet live in the recollection of his friends in the Southwest ; but we have not been so fortun ate as to procure any of them. The only specimen of his prose that has fallen in our way, is a sportive essay on Toasting, from which the following passages are extracted: Perhaps the most remarkable property of Toasting, is its won derful facility in making great men. It was the ancient opinion — though one which has been long exploded — that to be great, a man must have performed some great, virtuous, or noble action, must have shown, either mentally or physically, some superiority over his fellow-beings. Now, thank heaven, nothing of this sort is required ; for the whole secret of greatness is comprised in the single word notoriety ; and the most approved method of becoming notorious is by Toasting. Does a raan wish to become notorious — that is, great : — he gets a friend to propose his health at some public dinner, with an enumeration of all the good ' quaUties he does not possess. The people, fllbd almost to bursi- 110 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. ing with the fat things prepared for them, overflowing with charity and good liquor, drink the health with great applause; which is elicited, however, iu most cases, not by the person, but by the flavor of the wine. Fired by such manifest signs of popular favor, the candidate for greatness rises, and assures them, very truly, that they are pleased to honor him more than he deserves ; that modesty would induce him to be silent, but his heart ( he had better say his stomach) is too full for restraint; that no sacriflce would be too great for their kindness towards iiim ; that he would go even to Congress, for the love he bears his country; he assures them that the United States is the greatest nation on the globe — his own State the flrst in the Union — the county iu which they are eating the best in the State — at the same time modestly insinuating that he is himself the greatest man in the county — and, flnally, winds up by pro posing himself a candidate for the next election. The people are astonished to find they have had so great a man amongst them, without ever dreaming of it ; and they send him to Con gress forthwith. Thus sure and easy is the Toasting path to gi'eatness. The god Momus found fault with Jupiter for not placing a window in the heart of man ; which would have enabled one, merely by looking in at it, to have ascertained a person's character as well at first sight, as after a dozen years' acquain tance. Mankind have sanctioned the criticism of the heathen deity ; as is manifested by the great pains they are contin ually taking for finding out the real sentiments of their fellow- beings. It is to their anxiety on this subject, that we owe the various theories which have, from time to time, been broached for discovering a man's character by outward signs or appear ances. Thus Lavater considered the features, aud the various and complex lines upon the countenance, as the true handwriting of Nature, which she hath affixed as a label upon the face — precisely as an apothecary mai*ks upon a vial the nature of its contents. Within a few years, Craniology has been made to answer the purpose of the window of Moraus ; aud the human head, like the United States, is divided off into a number of independent humps, which have, however, a reciprocal influence CRANIOLOGY AND A REPUBLICAN GOVERNMENT. HI upon each other. The character of each of these bumps is as well ascertained, as that of the people of any of the aforesaid States, and the character of the individual is made up by a com pound of them all — each bump beiug taxed for this purpose just in proportion to its bigness. Now, although it is a digression, I cannot help observing, what a wonderful argument this system affords in favor of a republican form of government, showing that Nature herself has chosen it as the best, in her arrangraent of the human miud. Take an example: Suppose that, like honest Jack Falstaff, my bump of discretion exceeds ray bump of valor, and that some oue insults me; the community of courage, residing iu the bump of valor, is immediately enraged, and rises in arms to punish the aggressor : but, " Stop," cry the cautious, though more numerous, citizens of the commonwealth of discretion, '• Most haughty Valor, we don't choose to be dragged into this contest — if you wish to fight, you must fight it out alone : for ourselves, we have advised with counsel, and intend taking the law of the fellow." At this reraonstrance, the community of courage lay down their arms, like good citizens, obedient to the will of the majority. But to return. Though I have great belief in physiognomy, and though I doubt not that the rapid development of inteUect raay force out cor responding protuberances of the cranium, just as we see moun tains arise on the face of the globe by the operation of internal fire : yet both these theories are so liable to error, the exceptions to the general rule are so numerous, that I have been led to try some other method of getting out a man's true character. I have found nothing answer this purpose as well as his toasts. At such times caution is entirely off its guard ; the Cerberus reason is quieted with a sop. The sentiments, finding them selves unwatched, fly out as surely as birds from an opened cage. It is under the jovial influence of good liquor, that the words of scripture are peculiarly verified : out of the abundance of the Iieart the mouth speaTceth. Take a few examples, by way of illustration of my theory: "The star-spangled banner, oh, hmg raay it wave," &o. Now, who doubts for a moment that the author of this is a young poet ? I don't know him, but I'll lay anything he has made at least oue line towards the oomple- 112 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. tion of an epic. "The ship United States, with her prcsoiil commander aud crew; all ready for sale (sail)," by a politica. punster ; one of those inveterate perpetrators who, even if he was going to the gallows, would ask why hangmen are like physicians, merely that he might answer, because they both kill their subjects by drops. " The Island of Cuba— justice to our selves requires that we should take imiuediate possession thereof." Now I will venture to say, that this man has no character at all ; but I perceive from his toast that he is an old smoker, and he wishes us to appropriate Cuba to ourselves, because he thinks it would lessen the price of Spanish cigars. His four years in Natchez and its vicinity, laid the founda tion for. some of the strongest friendships of his life. No portion of the Southwest contained at this time a social cir cle of greater intelligence, or refinement. There was, to be sure, not a little of the ignorant, pretentious, aristocracy of mere wealth ; and this was to him a never-failing subject of ridicule. But there was also the aristocracy of cultivated minds and manners ; the offspring of leisure, travel, and liberal pursuits. One might go far before finding a more generous, hospitable, and high-toned breeding than that which distinguished not a few of the families, then resident in and about Natchez. He often revisited this lovely spot, his first home in the Southwest, and never without being greeted by the warm affections and admiration of a host of old friends TO niS MOTHER. Natchez, January 6, 1882. Mt Dear Mother: — You will be surprised to hear that I intend to leave this place. I shaU remove to Vicksburg, the last of this month. Vicksburg is about a hundred miles above this, on the Mississippi Eiver. It is a flourishing towu, nearly as large as Natchez, and much superior for business. Natchez has HIS ARRIVAL AT VICKSBURG. 113 oeen dechning in business for many years, althougu I have done as weU as I could have expected ; yet I do not think the prospect here suflaciently flattering, to induce me to make it any longer my place of residence. Vicksburg is situated in the midst of a rich and flourishing country, and is increasing rapidlj in wealth and population. I have deliberated a long time on this matter, but did not wish to mention it in my letters, till I had fully made up my mind. I have had serious thoughts of returning to Maine, but the competition there, in my profession, is so great, and the pro spect of success so small, that I ara deterred — at least for the present — from leaving Mississippi. My present movement shall not, if I can help it, prevent my coming home next summer. Still I wish you not to be too sanguine. We have, for the last two, or three weeks, experienced some of the coldest weather ever known in this country. I think I suffered as much as I ever did in the North. The ground was covered with snow for a fortnight, and it looked quite like old times. Your affectionate son, S. S. Prentiss. The following reminiscences are from the pen of John M. Chilton, Esq. of New Orleans, long a distinguished member of the Vicksburg Bar : — "In the year 1831, pending a Circuit Court at Vicksburg, then almost a frontier town, there arrived with other members of the bar, from Natchez, a limping youth iu plain garb, but in ¦whose bearing there was a manly, indeed, alraost a haughty mien ; in whose cheek a rich glow, telling the influence of more Ncrthern climes, in whose eye a keen but meditative expression, and in whose voice and conversation a vivacity and originality that attracted every one, and drew around him, wherever he appeared, a knot of listeners, whose curiosity invariably yielded, in a few moments, to admiration and delight. There was then & buzz of inquiry, succeeded by a pleased look of friendly 114 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. recognition, and a closer approach, aud in most instances an introduction, to the object of this general attraction so soon as it was told, that the stranger was S. S. Prentiss, of Natchez His fame had preceded him, and men were surprised to see only beardless youth in one whose speeches and learning, and wit, and fine social quaUties, had already rendered him at Natchez, ' the observed of all observers.' He was at once taken by the hand, and attracted by the brilliant rewards then promised in our courts to lawyers of genius and eloquence, he determined on adopting Vicksburg as his home. His first appearance at the Bar, at once fixed public opinion iu his favor. The case was one involving the power of the cor poration to cut off by quarantine, a pubhc hotel from all inter course with the rest of the town. The hotel stood alone on a square, and was infested with the small pox. The Mayor and Council had passed an ordinance forbidding all persons out of it from going to it, and all persons iu it, from coming out of it. Without any previous notice or preparation, except the exami nation of testimony. Me. Prentiss spoke for two hours, and by an argument replete with metaphor, satire, and logic, he gained his cause and induced an immediate repeal of the obnoxious ordinance. Some time after this, at a political meeting, he was called on by the Anti-Jackson men, then a sad minority — in presence of a large number of the dominant party, to address the people. Democracy was then everywhere prevalent, and the word of General Jackson considered as binding as the Koran — his will a rule of action — his name too sacred to be uttered without a blessing. Mr. P. boldly " broke ground " against Martin Van Buren, the adviser of General Jackson, aud subsequently his nominee for the Presidency. I shall never forget the intense excitement produced by his speech on this occasion. It was to the Anti-Jackson men as inspiriting and effective as General Taylor's order at Buena Vista — ^^ a little more grape. Captain Bragg .'" He described General Jackson's influence over the multitude — his nomination of Martin Van Buren, whom ha represented as " Albany, with feeble hand " receiving, "Borrowed t-uncheoD of command;** AN ANTI- JACKSON SPEECH. 115 »nd the violation of our Constitution in thus virtually transfer ring the appointing and elective power from the people to one man, and that man at once their idol and despot. He then pro phetically depicted the effects of such unbounded executive influence In the utter prostration of the coordinate departments of the Government. The personal diflBculty between General Jackson aud Mr. Calhoun, growing out of the refusal of the latter to associate with the family of the Secretary of War, had jest occurred. The flrst Cabinet had been dispersed to yield to a ' unit.' That unit was Martin Van Buren ! In allusion to Mr. Van Buren's survivor-ship, (if I may so call it,) Mr. P, exclaimed: "While the stately and gallant vessels, which braved the battle and the storm, have been wholly wrecked, the cockle-boat of Martin Van Buren has risen, cork-like, securely above the waves, and floated safely into the port of Democratic favor." In allusion to the merit then claimed for Mr. Van Buren, of having settled, while minister to England, the question of Grea* Britain's right of search, he exclaimed: "I thought this question had been settled years ago, by the war of 1812, and that even the American sailor boy, seated at the mast-head, if asked by a Briton whether such right existed, would point to the cannon's mouth, and say indignantly — ' Go, take your answer thence!' The manner of this exclamation gave to it a marvelous force, aud even his political adversaries forgot, iu the nationality of the sentiment, the bitterness 'of partisans, aud united iu the acclamations of applause, which it produced." S. 8. PRENTISS TO HIS MOTHER. ViCKSBORGH, March 16, 1832. Mt Dear Mother: — I'll lay anything you can't guess who has been to see me since I wrote you last. I was sitting in ray oflBce the other morning, and who should pop in but S. I knew him immediately— though he was iu his sailor's dress, and has grown greatly since I saw him. He looks well, and is iu good health and spirits too, considering he had, when he arrived here, 116 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. hut one dollar in the world. He does not seem to mind it at all, and says it is not the first time he has been without both clothes and money. It was well, however, b^ found me at home ; for this is a bad country for a man to be in without money. For tunately I had some, which I divided with him ; £.nd after stay ing with me three days, he started again, last night, for New Orleans. He appears to be rather sick of a sailor's life, and will, I think, quit it. I am very glad to hear that Abby has recovered her health, so that she can attend school again. Tell her that when she gets to Portland, she must become a regular correspondent of mine, and write me all that is going on in the city; and Anna can take up the home-department, and tell me what occurs of great importance in the busy httle village of Gorham. I pledge myself to answer all their letters regularly. I have got some business already, and think it will increase. It is easy to make money in tliis country ; but the expenses are so enormous, they eat up one's money as fast as it accumulates. If George is well prepared to enter, the Sophomore Class this fall, let him do so ; I think it a great disadvantage to enter two years in advance. He is, however, young, and unless well pre pared — not only in his Greek and Latin, but iu his English studies — had better put it off another year. I am confident I entered college too young ; had I been two years older, I should have derived double the advantage. Tell G. to write rae fully his own views and wishes on the subject. I wish he would take two or three dollars out of the enclo>ed, and send me one of the Portland papers, say the Advertiser, or any Clay paper. My love to you all. Your affectionate son, S. S. Prentiss. to HIS SISTER ABBT. VicKSDnEO, September 17, 1832. Mt Dear Sister: — I almost envied brother Willifiin the happiness which he must have felt in being again in the midst of you. It AN IMAGINARY VISTT HOME. Ill IS impossible for you to imagine the feelings which a long resi dence among strangers — people for whom you care nothing, and who care nothing for you — produces in one's mind towards home and the scenes of youth. Frequently I sit down in my office, after a fatiguing day's work, or a fit of the "blues," and get rid of the whole of them by paying a visit to you all at Gorham. It is the easiest thing in the world — it does not take me more than a second to go frora Vicksburg there. After I get there, I seat myself among you, aud look around to see what changes five years have produced in you all. I see mother sit ting beside me, with, perhaps, a few more of the marks of age than when I left, but in other respects the same — with the same gentle and kind look which she always turned towards rae. even when reproving me for some idle scrape, or foolish act. There, too, I see sister Abby, shot up from a fair- haired httle girl, to a taU, handsome, demure-looking, young lady — and thinking, for aught I know to the contrary, which of half-a- dozen beaux she likes best. And who is this laughing, romping, bright-eyed girl, who looks so full of fun and mischief? I think, as near as I recollect, it must be sister A. Brother G. I recognize in a minute — for he has got his books, and is study ing as soberly as a deacon. Have you heard yet from S. ? I have not, aud cannot conceive what has become of him. I suppose you are at Portland yet. Write me often, and tell ma what studies you are pursuing ; are you taking lessons in musia aud painting ? My love and kindest wishes to you all. Your affectionate brother, S. S. Prentiss. TO THE SAME. ViCKaBUBO, November 11, 1832, Dear Abbt : — I was gratified, a day or two since, in receiving a letter from you. I have just heard, too, from George, and per ceive that be is pleased with college. He is to room, it seems. 118 memoir of S. S. PRENTISS. with Reuben Nason ; that wiU do very well. By the by, when you see Mr. Nason remember me to him, wifeh my best respects. Tell him I have not forgotten, nor ever shall, my old preceptor — under whose instructions I acquired a great portion of the information which I possess ; and which, slight as it is, I would not exchange for a fortune. He always treated me kindly, and I never shall forget it. I am gratifled, my dear sister, that you have the inclina tion and the opportunity to improve your mind, to acquire those accomplishments, which will not only greatly increase your own means of enjoyment, but what is equally valuable, enable you to add much to the happiness of those with whom you may associate in after-life. There is nothing which would afford me more pleasure, or of which I should it&\ prouder, than to see my sisters accomplished and well educated : not merely accomplished iu ' appearance, and in a few superfloial acquire ments, but with well cultivated intellects — capable of conversing upon, and understanding, the ordinary occurrences of the world, and conversant — to some extent, at least— with the history of the planet upon which they live. I have known very accomplished young ladies, who did not know whether the earth was flat or round — whether the government under which they lived, was monarchical or republican. Such, however, I have no fear of finding my sister Abby. Since I wrote last, we have had the cholera in Vicksburg. I did not leave town, nor have I had any reason to regret it. My health has been, and still continues good. It broke out very suddenly and very violently; most of the people fled — but I thought it about as safe to remain iu town, where I could get medical assistance immediately, in case I was taken. There is not danger if medical aid is obtained in time — but half-an-hour's delay may be fatal. It is a terrible disease. I saw persons walking about the streets perfectly well, that were corpses in two (u- three hours afterwards. Only two or three respectable citizens died — most of the deaths being among the negroes and transient i)ersons. It is raging awfully iu Netv Orleans. They are dying at the rate of three hundred a-day. Here it is al) THE CHOLERA. 119 over now ; so mother need not be uneasy. My love to you all. Write soon. Your affectionate brother, Seargent. TO HIS brother WILLIAM, AT NEW TORE. VioKSBnEQ, November 18, 1882. Dear Brother : — Since I wrote you last we have had a pretty severe touch of the cholera in this place, but it has now left us entirely. There has been no new case for a week or more. It prevailed here about teu days, more severely than at any other place of the same size I have heard from. Most of the inhabi tants, however, were panic-struck, and fled to the country. There were not more than two or three hundred left. There were about seventy cases, and about twenty-five or thirty deaths, besides a large number of deaths from steamboats. I did not leave town during its prevalence. I thought it was about as safe to stay here. I did not care much about it any how. I had none of the symptoms of the disease, and was never in better health in my life. We are on the tip-toe to hear the result of the Presiden tial election — but I fear there is no chance of defeating Old Hickory. Louisiana has gone for Jackson ; Kentucky, however, has redeemed herself, and gone for Clay by a large majority. We are now waiting, with the utmost anxiety, to hear from your great State of New York. Pennsylvania, I fear, has gone for Jackson. I received your letter a few days since, and am extremely sorry, I assure you, to hear that you have suffered so much from the effects of the cholera on business. I trust by the next time you write, your prospects will be better. Business here is, also, very dull at present. Washington Irving passed down the other day. He stopped here a few hours. I was much pleased with him. Write me again soon, and believe me Your affectionate brother, S. S. Prentiss. 120 memoir of s. s. prentiss. to his sister abbt. Washisotos Orrr, Febrtuvry 8, 1888. Deae Sister : — I wrote to mother a few days since, informing her of my arrival in this place, and promising, before I left, to write to you. It is with pleasure that I redeem my promise. I expect to leave in a day or two, though it is somewhat uncer tain, inasmuch as I have not yet finally arranged the business on which I came. That business, as I mentioned in mother's letter, relates to some land-claims. I shaU get away this week certainly — for I am heartily tired of the place, and extremely anxious to return to Mississippi. It was a sacrifice to me to leave my business there, but I thought it would also be of great advantage to spend a few weeks at the Federal City, and becorae acquainted with the principal men from the different quarters of the Union. And now, I suppose, you will wish to know how I am pleased with the Metropolis of the United States, and the people and things that are therein. On the whole, I have been extremely disappointed. Washington City is not half so hand some or pleasant a place as Portland, The houses are very ordinary, and scattered over so large an extent of ground, that it gives the city quite a desolate appearance — as if there had been a great many fires in it. I was not, however, disappointed in the Capitol. It is a most raaguificent edifice, and is the only building I have ever seen, which answers fully to the descrip tions of palaces that we read of iu novels aud story-books. The President's House — or, as it is generally called, the White House — is also a fine looking building ; but is by no means so splendidly furnished as I expected. I had read so much about it in the papers, that I thought I should see an oriental palace — but on the contrary, most of the rooms are so plainly furnished as to appear rather desolate aud gloomy. 1 visited the White House in company with one of the Sena tors from Mississippi ; and was introduced by him to the President, with whom we chatted about fifteen minutes. General Jackson is an old looking man, and answers very well HIS OPINION OF GREAT MEN. 121 to the prints you see of him in the shops. I think him about as fit to b^ President of the United States as I am. But I ought not to talk so — for, for aught I know to the contrary, you and A. may, both of you, be " Jaclcson men" and then I have got myself into a pretty scrape ! I have seen nearly all the great men of the nation, aud have become acquainted with some of them. Hereafter I shall have a much less opinion of great men. They are by no means so much superior to the rest of mankind, as they are apt to imagine. You have no idea how destitute of talent more than one-half the Members of Congress are ; nine out of ten of your ordinary acquaintance are fully equal to them. There are, however, some truly great men here — among the foremost of whom are Webster, Clay, and Calhoun ; I consider these the three most talented men in the nation. I am glad to hear that W. will be married in the spring; I think it will increase his happiness. If he marries Angelina H , he will marry an excellent girl, and I know of no one whom I should be more pleased with as a sister-in-law. She is an old friend of mine ; you must remember me to her with my best respects. My love to you all. Your affectionate brother, SlABOENT. TO his mother. ViCKBBmio, March 80, 1888. Mt Dear Mother: More than the usual delay has occurred since I wrote last ; but, in fact, I have just got home — ^having been detained more than twice as long as I expected. I did not leave Washington City till the first of March, although I was in daily expectation of leaving for three or four weeks before that time. I believe I told you ray business there. I was employed to argue a case in the Supreme Court, and for more than three weeks I attended the Court every day, expecting to get it tried. 6 122 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. I succeeded at last ; and had the honor ol addressing their Honors the Judges of the Supreme Court of tne United States. I made a speech three or four hours long ; and I suppose you wiU say, I have acquired a great deal of brass since I left home,' when I tell you I was not at all abashed or alarmed iu address ing so grave a set of men."^ Had I had any idea of being detained so long, you would have seen me at home ; but I did not dare to leave Washington for fear the case would come on in my absence. I ought to have got back here more than a month ago, and the consequence is that my business has suffered materially. Having been very careless in the collection of my fees, I have lost a good deal the past winter by the failure of several individuals, who owed me con siderable sums of money. I fear, therefore, I shall be compelled to disappoint you — but still more, myself — of my expected trip home this summer. I could sit down and cry about it, like a child, if it would do any good. AprUn. I have just returned from attending court about forty miles in the interior, and have to start to-morrow to attend another still further distant. We have no stages here, and I go to all these courts on horseback. I think nothing of riding fifty miles a day. I ride a great deal, and have no doubt it has contributed much to my health, while use has made it a very pleasant exercise. I hope you will not think hard of my having again disap pointed you in the visit, which we all anticipated with so much pleasure. Indeed you must not; for that would double my regret, which is great enough already. It is not any want of affection for you all, but the desire I feel to assist my brothers and sisters, that has induced me to forego, for another year, the delight of coming home. And I well recollect that one of the * " When young in years and young ag a lawyer, h-e appeared before the Supreme Court of the United States, and his pleadings, in spite of his youthful fire and highly-wrought fancy, were so happily fortified by deep reading and deep thought, as to instantly attract the notice of Chief Justice Marshall, and call forth from that master-mind involuntary praise." — T. B. Thorpe^s Reminiscence, Whig Review, 1851. RIDES THROUGH A SWAMP. 123 last injunctions of my dear father, just before his death, wag that I should assist the children ; and he seemed to have a con fidence that I should, oue day, be able to do so. My love to you " all, and don't forget to write often. Your affectionate son, Seargent. TO HIS brother WILLIAM. ViCKSBORO, April 80, 1883. Dear William : — I have just returned from attending the Circuit. I have been gone ever since I wrote you last, and have had a pretty rough time of it. I have been east of Pearl River. I travel entirely on horseback, and have had to swim on my horse, over creeks and bayous that would astonish your northern people, who>e roads are all turnpiked. Beyond Pearl River, 1 had to ride, and repeatedly to swim, through a swamp four miles in extent, iu wliich the water was all the time up to the horse's belly. What do you think of that for a lawyer's life ? It would kill your New York cockneys iu a week. To these hard rides 1 attribute, as much as to any other cause, the excellent health which I have always enjoyed. Tlie cholera has appeared again in New Orleans, and all along the Mississippi. The boats are full of it, and we have had several cases here. I feel, however, no apprehension on the subject. I hope you will not have it again in New York, as it bore so hardly on you last year. Mr. Huston will he in New York by the tirae this letter reaches there. He passed up the river the other day ; I intended to have written you by him, but did not see hira when he passed here. I wish you would find him out, and he can tell you all about me. Your affectionate brother, Seargent. 124 MEMOIR OF S. S PRENTISS. TO THE S AM B . VicKSBUttG, June 24, 1888. Dkab Brother : — I have just returned from spending several weeks at Satchel, and much to ray gratification found a letter frora you awaiting me in the post-ofiice. The cholera has been raging here to a horrrble extent. Every place on the river has suffered raore or less, and not only on the river but for many miles in the inte- rioi-, the disease has prevailed so as wholly to depopulate many plantations; scarcely one has escaped wilhout some loss. In fact, the ravages of tliis terrible epidemic have been much more exten sive than they were last year, and God knows when or where they will stop, I see the disease is travelhng north, and is already desolating rho interior of Kentucky and Tennessee, and bef(u-e long, you wi/sfc, have it again at the East. — I would advise you by all me*ns, to regulate your business under the supposition that you wd! have it among you this summer. I have reason to ooiigratulate myself upon my escape so far without even the sligbbcot premonitory symptoms. I waa never in better health, I ara glad you opened yotii' uunc', co me so freely on the subject of your mari-iage. I agree pevfootly with you ; I believe there is no situation in which marriage is not an advantage to a man, even in a pecuniary pointof view, without mentioning the incalcu lable increase of happiness which must result from a well-assorted match. My candid and reasonable advice is, marry, and you may rest assured that such a union as you will form, can never impede your success, or advancement in the world. I am sorry to hear of Captain H.'s death. Remember me to A- — ¦ — , when you see her. At presen', business has entirely ceased with us here. Goods are rotting on the merchants' shelves for want of buyers. Books sometimes sell here in the winter, hut would not sell at all at any other season. Law Books sell very high in this country, but they must he the latest editions. QUANTITY OP KNOWLEDGE NOT POWER. 125 I am alarmed about S., since the cholera has appeared or the river. Take care of yourself, if it comes among you. Your affectionate brother, Seargent. TO his TOUNGEST BROTHER.ViCKSBURO, Arigust 9, 1883. Dear George: — I am gratified to flnd you are pleased with College, and properly appreciate its advantages. Let me particularlj recommend to you to cultivate, as much as possible, your powers of elocution, for which the society you belong to, will afford ample opportunity. By this, I mean the faculty of debating; of expressing your own ideas iu the best and most effective manner. This attainment is to every raan of the utmost importance. It is no less than the power of using his other attainments, for of what advantage is information, unless one is able to convey it and show the world that oue possesses it ? Indeed, my obser vation of mankind has convinced me, that success in life depends not so much upon the actual quantity of knowledge, which a raan possesses, as upon the skill and facility with which he is enabled to bring it to bear upon the affairs in which he may be engaged. This is particularly true with regard to great men. Their greatness consists less in the extent of their knowledge than in the way in which they use it. There are hundreds, perhaps thousands, of men in the United States, who exceed Henry Clay, in information on all subjects; but his superiority consists in the power and adroitness with which he brings his informa tion to bear. I would again press before any other acquisition, that of expressing forcibly and with ease any idea, which the mind may entertain. This faculty is attained with difficulty in after life, hut with ease in youth, at College, and nowhere so well as in the Debating Societies of such Institutions. 126 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. TO HIS MO THER. ViCKSBORO, Aug. 27, 1888. Mt Dear Mother: — Though I have nothing new to tell you, I believe it is about time to write you according to my usual custom. But were it not that you assure me^o the contrary, I should expect you to have become heartily tired of the frequency and dullness of uiy letters. j: am glad you are reconciled to the disappointment in regard to my visit this summer ; for I assure you I have suffered as much regret on your account as on my own, and that is by no means small. I start to-morrow to attend the Courts of several counties in the interior of the State. I go on horseback, and shah have a long but healthy ride of H before I get hack. I suppose I shall have to ride altogether at least 250 miles, so you see a lawyer's life in this country is by no raeans a lazy one. ^ Since I wrote last, I have formed a partuer^ip in the practice of my profession, with a gentleman of the name of Guion.* He is a good lawyer and a very excellent man. He has been for many years practising iu this place. The partnership is a plea sant one, and I think will prove advantageous to rae. Your anxiety about S., cannot be greater than mine. Still, I cannot think anything has befallen him. If so, we must some of us have heard of it. An acquaintance of mine is just going from this place to St. Louis, aud he has promised me that he will make a thorough inquiry about him ; and if he has been at St. Louis at all, I think I cannot fail of getting information. If I cannot learn something shortly, I shall go up to St. Louis myself, for the purpose of ascertaining his fate. As I said before, I cannot believe any accident has befallen him, notwithstanding his long silence. My own impression is, that he must have joined one of those trading or hunting companies, that are .continually leaving St. ? Hon. John I. Guion. LETTERS. 12 '5 Louis, and are frequently absent two or three years at a time, in the Far West. You ask me, my dear mother, my sentiments on the subject of religion. I hardly know what answer to make you. I cannot pretend to say that I have experienced any change on that sub ject since I left home. I trust the pious manner in which I was educated, and the excellent examples, which T had in my parents, of the value of religion, will induce me never to look upon it otherwise than with respect aud reverence. In all its great principles, I also trust, I have implicit belief. I confess that with regard to what is called conversion, I never well understood it. So far as religion teaches us to do good, aud to abstain from evil, I acknowledge its excellence, and hope I ara not entirely without its influence ; but the distinction of sects, and the necessity of belonging to any one of them, as well as a great many of the abstract articles of belief — considered essential by some deuominations, by others not — are all beyond my comprehension. If I am wrong, it is from want of under standing and not frora wihfulness. Whatever may be ray notions on this matter, however, I trust the time wiU never come, when I shall be forgotten in the prayers of my mother. My love to you all. Your affectionate sou, Seargent TO HIS SISTER ANNA. f ViOKSBDBG, Dec. 22, 1838. Dear Sieter: — In gratitude for your kind letter, of Nov. 18tli, which I have just received, I shall make you my correspondent this time. Your letter both pained and gratified me. I was deeply alarmed, as you may well suppose, to hear that our dear mother had been suffering from so severe an illness ; but my 128 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. joy was also vejy groat to learn, at the same time, that al! dan ger was over. I ara very glad you did not write me till you could g've me the good news with the bad ; for I slioiild have suffered uore than I can express, at the idea of even a po.s.si- hility of los.'ng a parent, whom we all have such reason to love. If the very thought of such an event makes me tremble, what would the reahty be? And you too, my sweet sister, liave been ill, but you mu-^t not be so any more. I shall take it very unkind of you, if you are — you know I have never been sick, nor caused you any alarm on that score. However, your epistle is so sprightly and good-humored, that I cannot think the fine spirits which it exhibits can be accom panied by very bad health. If you are as sprightly aud amusing in conversation as you are in letter-writing, I imagine there will he a noisy house, when we meet, and it will require all our sober and demure sister Abby's authority to keep us quiet. And tlien we shall have such delightful quarrels ; indeed I have one with you now, and won't wait till I see you. What! you think to put rae off with sorae old maid, do you? Now I can tell yon, that when I get to be rich (which I mean to be one of these days), and own a cotton plantation, and all that — the youngest and prettiest of your girls will jump at the chance of marrying — not your poor brother Seargent — but his fortune. You giils, are all very romantic when you tallc about love and marriage; but when you came to act on the subject, you can have as sharp an eye for the " main chance " as any of us, mercenary men. There, now, I think 1 liave thrown down the gauntlet, and I have no doubt you will take it up and belabor me well for what you will call my vile slander. But, dear me! I am writing a very simple letter, and haven't room enough left to, redeem my character in — I must, therefore, to use a professional phrase, "throw myself upon the mercy ol the Court," and if you punish me at all, do it by writing a letter equally simple. But good by. God bless you all. Your affectionate brother, Seargent. THE SOUTHWEST TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO. 129 CHAPTER VI. The Southwest a Quarter of a Century ago — Hostile Mee'.mg with Gen. Foote— Piequency of Duels in Mississippi at that time — Lord tacon's Opinion of thia " Desperate Evil," its Causes and Cure — Letters Home — Rapid Increase of Business — Recollections of him when riding the Circuit — A Night's Imprison ment — Eulogy on Lafayette. Mt. 24—26. 1833—1835. The Southwest, twenty-five or thirty years ago, was a country very different from what it now is. The emigrant character of a large part of the population, the adven turous spirit of the new-comers, most of whom were young men in quest of fortune, the absence of many of those restraining influences and domestic habits which mark an old established community, the sharp competitions of busi ness and professional rivalries, almost wholly unchecked by previous acquaintance or familiar ties of friendship and kindred — these, with similar causes, naturally engendered a peculiar and anomalous state of society. Every man stood on the arena of life, alone and unpropped ; his sole armor was his own native strength of will, courage and intellectual prowess. If he lacked either mental or physical nerve, the gate of fortune seemed barred against him. This was, no doubt, a severe school both for the trial and development of individual character ; but it was a school which few could pass through, even successfully, without learning much of evil as well as of good. The vices which usually infest such a condition of society, 130 MEMOIR OF.S. S. PRENTISS. were not wanting here ; intemperance,* skepticism, profane- ness, gambling, and fashionable dissipation — not to speak * In reference to the drinking habits of society in Mississippi, at this time, a few pas. Bages may be cited to advantage, from a highly interesting article, communicated to the Boston Medical Journal^ of 1853, by Dr. Cartwright, a veteran physician of the Southwest. Nothing could be more instructive, or impressive, than such statistics. " The writer is one of three physicians, who located in Natchez thirty years ago. The new-comers found only one practitioner in the city belonging to the same teaiperance school with themselves. The country and villages, within fifteen miles around, afforded only three more. All the rest believed in the hygienic virtues of alcoholic drinks, and taught that doctrine by precept and example. Besides the practising physicians, there were ten others in the city and adjacent country, who had retired from the profession. They were all temperate. Thus, including the new-comers, the total number of temperance physicians, in and near Natchez, thirty years ago, consisted of seventeen. Of these, five have died: Di". Henry Tooley, aged about seventy-five years ; Dr. Andrew M'Creary, aged seventy; Dr. J. Kerr, sixty; Dr. Wm. Dunbar, sixty; Dr. James A. McPheeters, forty-nine. In 1823, the average ages of the seventeen was about thirty-four years. According to the Carlisle Tables of Mortality, and those of the Equitable Insurance Company of London, seven, instead of fi've, would have been the ratio of mortality in England. Those at presenf living are, Drs. D. Lattimore, W. Wren, Stephen Duncan, James Metcalf, W. N. Mercer, G. W. Grant, J. Sanderson, Benjamin P. Young, T. G. Elliott, — Phcenix, Professor A. P. Merrill, and the writer. " On the other hand, every physician of Natchez and its vicinity, thirty years ago, whether practising or retired, who was in the habit of Uppling, as the practice of di'inking alcoholic beverages is called, has long since been numbered with the dead ! Only two of them, who were comparatively temperate, lived to be grey. Their average term of life did not exceed thirty-five years ; and the average term of life of those who were in the habit of taking alcoholic drinks frequently between meals and in an empty stomach, did not reach thirty years. In less than ten years after they commenced practice, the most of them died, and the whole of them have sub sequently fallen, leaving not one behind in city, country, or village, within twenty miles ai*ound. "To fill the places of those who died or retired from the profession, sixty-two medical men settled in Natchez and its vicinity, between the years 1S24 and 1835, embracing a period of len years; not counting those of 1828, already mentioned. Of the sixty-two new-comers, thirty-seven were temperate, and twenty-five used alcoholic beverages between meals, though not often to the extent of producing intoxication. Of the thirty-seven who trusted to the hygienic virtues of Nature's beverage — plain, unadulterated water — nine have died, and twenty-eight are living. Of the twenty-five who trusted to the supposed hygienic virtues of ardent spirits, all are dead, except three I and they have removed to distant parts of the country. Peace be to their ashes! Though mostly noble fellows, misled by the deceitful syren, singing the praises of alcoholic drinks, to live too fast, and to be cut off in the outset of useful manhood, it is to be hoped they have not lived in vain ; us bg their sacrifice science has gained additional and important proof of the fallacy of the theory wtiich attributes health-preserving properties, pi a Southern clunate, to alcoholic beverages l-i any shape or form." THE SOUTHWEST TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO. 131 now of duelUng— were sadly prevalent. It would be a great volume, written within and without with lamentation, which should record all the melancholy and tragical ends to which young men of finest promise— the pr'de and hope of some of the best families in the country — were brought by reason of these enemies : and such a story, if faithfully and candidly told, would, perhaps, often call forth our pity and charity quite as strongly as our moral censure. In truth, the temptations which beset a young man of talents, wit and companionable temper, in Mississippi, twenty-five or thirty years ago — especially if he came from the North, and was unprotected by high religious principle — were like a burning fiery furnace ; one can only marvel that anybody escaped. The free and habitual use of intoxicating drinks was at that time, to be sure, pretty general throughout the country ; but gambling, and a profane disregard of the sabbath,* public worship, and other institutions of Christian society, were, unquestionably, much more common in the Southwest than among the same class at the North. It was rather a fashion, and the mark of high spirit for young men of education to be skeptical, and to shoot the keen — alas I * " When Mr. Prentiss was a member of the legislature, a propositloa waa intro duced to grant, on the part of the State, a lot of land at Jackson — the newly located Beat of Government — to each denomination of Christians, for the erection thereon of a house of worship. The proposal encountered opposition ; whereupon Mr. Prentiss rose to speak on it — no one knowing which side he was going to take — and poured forth one of his most eloquent speeches in behalf of th,g law. He described the happy effect of the obseiTance of the Christian Sabbath upon a community, and the vices which spring out of its violation ; drawing, in the course of his remarks, a vivid picture of a New England youth, ingenuous, free from moral stain, straying from his native hills to the far South, and there, on some bright Sabbath morn — no church-going bell warning him of his danger — seduced by one grown grey in sin into a ruinous game of cards, when he should — and, perhaps, had there been a house of God near by — would have been very differently engaged. " The law passed in due form ; and now each of the denominations have a placa wherein they can worship God according to the d (tates of their own cODScienceB." Letter from W. C. S. 132 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. too often poisoned — arrows of their wit at the sacred truths. records, and venerable observances of religion. The tone of much of the popular literature, the Byronic rage and misanthropy, the influence of a flippant and shallow Biblical criticism echoing from across the water ; and, let the truth be told, the revulsion from nOt a little cant, morbid feeling, and narrow prejudice, which were mixed up with the genuine piety of the country ; these all conspired to make many a young man talk and act like an infidel, whose edu cation and real principles were far above such conduct. But there were others whose early associations, and whole training alike fitted them to be scoffers ; young raen of talent and liberal culture, perhaps, but who had never known a religious home, and whose conception of Christi anity was derived, not from the New Testament, but from the writings of Thomas Paine, Mr. Jefferson, and the French infidels. It was a favorite custom with this class to deride what they called '' conventionalism," in which they included, not merely the factitious rules and empty formal ism of society, but much of its substantial morahty ; that. morality which separates between virtue and vice, and stamps the latter with public dishonor. It would be hardly possible to appreciate the following narrative without some knowledge of this darker phase — for it was but one of the phases — of the social life of Missis sippi, a quarter of a century ago. On the 5th of October, 1833, a duel occurred between Mr. Prentiss and Gen. Henry S. Foote, late Governor of Mississippi. They met at sunrise, on the Louisiana side of the river, opposite Yicksburg, and fought with pistols at teu steps. The former writes, a few days later — " I threw up my pistol as I fired, not intending to hit him at all, but so near had I been to killing him that my ball, even as I hostile meeting with gen. foote. 133 threw up my pistol, hit him du the shoulder, slightly wounding him in the flesh.'' His correspondence with his elder brother, describing its cause and circumstances, together with the reasons, which, in his view, justified his conduct, lies before me ; but no good end would be secured by its publication. Not long after, a second meeting took place, in which Gen. Foote was wounded. These were the only duels which he ever fought. In later years, he and Gen. Foote became warm personal frieuds. During his last visit North, allusion was made, in his presence, to certain unhandsome reports touching that gentleman — then Senator in Congress — and which grew out of the above duels. I shall not soon forget his mingled expression of mortification and regret, or the energy of tone, with which he affirmed their entire falsity.* It is not to be supposed that he could so far depart from the principles in which he had been trained, as to fight a duel without some inward struggle and misgiving. He well knew that such an act would not ouly be regarded with severe disapprobation throughout New England, but would pierce with anguish the hearts of those, who were dearer to him than life. The latter consideration, in parti cular deeply affected him. After the first meeting with Gen. Foote, an old friend, R. T. Archer, Esq., of Port Gibson, congratulated him on his escape from the necessity of tak ing the life of a fellow-man. He instantly burst into tears, and alluding to his mother, replied with deep pathos, that no one could imagine his relief f But he was young, high-spirited, reckless of conrequences, * In a letter, dated " Sesate Chamber — August 21, 1850," Gen. Foote writes . "Your brother's lamented demise shocked my sensibilities, I assure you, most pro. foundly, and I beUeve that few of his surviving friends, numerous as I know them to be, have been more distressed than myself, at his unexpected decease." t Hu expressed the utmost solicitude lest his mother should know of the affair, and it is a singular fact, that she never did until after his death. In a letter to hii* elder brother, dated October 16, 1833, he writes :— " For the "ast three or four woekSi 134 memoir of s. s. prentiss. aud dueUing was, among men of the world, an established custom of the country. He had persuaded himself too, that not only his own reputation but that of New England was at stak3 ; he fancied he was challenged because he was "a Yankee, and would not fight." In answer to a letter from his youngest brother, strongly remonstrating with him respecting his conduct, he wrote : — " I am very sorry you heard at all of my foohsh scrape. I regretted the occurrence as much as any one. I neither sought the difficulty nor sent the challenge, but having received it under the circumstances that existed, I could not have acted differently from what I did. If I had, I should have lost my own self-respect, and life itself would have had no further objects for me. I know that with your principles, no excuse will be sufflcient in such a case. I am no advocate of duelling, and always shall from principle avoid such a thing, as much as possible ; but when a man is placed in a situation where if he does not fight, life will be rendered valueless to him, both in his own eyes and those of the community, and existence will become a burden to him ; then I say he will fight, and by so doing, will select the least of two evils. I know you will say that such a case as I have supposed, cannot occur ; but, brother, I think you are mistaken, and such cases may occur, but not often. However, I trust' I shall never again have occasion to act in such a matter. You may rest assured, that I shall never seek a quarrel, and shall always avoid one, so long as I can do so, and retain my self-respect." The practice of duelling was, at this time, frightfully rife throughout the Southwest, particularly in Mississippi I have had some business on my hands, which has prevented my writing, and which I think it will puzzle you to guess. I will tell you, but you must not for the worl 1 let mother have the slightest hint about it. I have fought a duel." — Ho adds at the end of the letter : " Mother must on no account hear a word of this, for I know her religious feelings and principles are so opposed to what I have done, that it would o'.use her much uneasiness." DREADFUL EFFECTS OF DUELLING. 135 Human life had grown so cheap, that " it was set at the price of words, and every petty scorn and disgrace could have no other reparation ; nay, so many men's lives were taken away with impunity, that the very life of the Law was almost taken away under a reverend name of honor, and reputation." " It is a miserable effect," says Lord Bacou, from oue of whose charges the above words are bor rowed, " my lords, it is a miserable effect, when young men, full of towardness and hope, such as the poets call ' aurorsE filii,' sojis of ihe morning, in whom the expectation aud comfort of their friends consisteth, shall be cast away and destroyed in such a vain manner ; but much more, it is to be deplored when so much noble and genteel blood should be spilt upon such follies, as, if it were adventured in the field, in service of the king and realm, were able to make the fortune of a day, and to change the fortune of a kingdom." How many sweet homes, now desolate for ever — how many happy domestic circles, shattered past cure — how many sorrow-stricken hearts throughout the land, bear terrible witness to this " miserable effect !" If a veracious narrative of all the duels, and street-fights, which have ever occurred in the single State of Mississippi, including an honest account of all their evil consequences, in the subsequent history of the survivors, as well as of the famihes and relatives of the parties, if such a narra tive could be written and published, it would '' a tale unfold," which no man, not utterly heart-hardened, could read without a shudder. It is because these bitter and remorseful consequences are mainly concealed frcm the general eye, or seen only in remote and indirect connection with their proper cause, that any civilized community does not rise up in wrath, and put the stamp of infamy_ and reprobation upon this murderous custom. That instead of this, it should be still winked at, if not countenanced, b» 136 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. men of highest standing aud respectability, throughout large sections of the Union, especially that it should be permitted to infuse its fatal taint into the veins of the rising society of the Pacific — is a matter worthy of profound lamettatiou. Civilization must have apostatized very far from the ChristiaUj or even a refined ethical type, where this barbarous insti tution is tolerated.* * In the above remarks, a paragraph is quoted from " The charge of Sir Francis Bacon, Knight, the King's Attorney-General, touching Duels."— ^actrn's Works, vol. vi, p. 108. Montague's edition. The reader may not be unwilling to see the opinion of the same great Jurist and Philosopher, in reference to the causes and cure of Uiis " desperate evil." "Touching the causes of it; the first motive, no doubt, is a false and erroneous imagination of honor and credit; and therefore the king, in his last proclama tion, doth most aptly and excellently call them bewitching duels. For, if one judge of it truly, it is no better than a sorcery that enchanteth the spirits of young men, that bear great minds, with a false show, ^ species falsa :^ and a kind of Satanical illusion and apparition of honor against religion, against law, against moral virtue, and against the precedents and examples of the best, times, and vahantest nations; as I shall tell you, by and by, when I shall show you the law of England is not alone in this point. " But then the seed of this mischief being such, it is nourished by vain discourses, and green and unripe conceits, which nevertheless have so prevailed, as though a man were staid and sobei'-minded, and a right believer touching the vanity and unlawfulness of these duels ; yet the stream of vulgar opinion ia such, as it imposeth a necessity upon men of value to conform themselves, or else there is no living or looking upon men's faces; so that we have not to do in this case, so much with particular persons, as with unsound and depraved opinions, like the dominationa and spirits of the air which the Scripture speaketh of. " Hereunto may be added, that men have almost lost the true notion and under standing of fortitude and valor. For fortitude distinguisheth of the grounds of quarrels, whether they he just ; and not only so, but whether they be worthy and setteth a better price upon men's lives than to bestow them idly; nay, it is weakness and disesteem of a man's self, to put a man's life upon such liedger perform ances ; a man's life is not to be trifled away ; it is to be offered up aud sacrificed to honorable services, public merits, good causes, and nol>le adventures. It is in expense of blood as it is in expense of money ; it is no liberality to make a profu sion of money upon every occasion, nor no more it is fortitude to make an effusion of blood, except the cause be of worth, and thug much for tlie causes cf this evil. " For the remedies, I hope some great and noble person will put his hand to thij plough, and I wish that my labors of this day, may be but forerunnera to the work of a higher and better hand. But yet to deliver my opinion as may be proper for this time and place, there be four things that I have thought on, as the most effectual for the repressing of this depraved custom of particuhir combats. ** The first is, that there do appear and be declared a constant and settled reaoliu LORD BAGOi>f ON DUELLING. 137 The year 1834 found Mr. PreLtiss in the full tide of professional success ; his legal reputation was now firmly tion in the State, to abolish it. For this ia a thing, my lords, must go down at once or not at all; for then every particular man will think himself acquitted in hia reputation, when he sees that the State takes it to heart, as an insult against the king's power and authority, and thereupon hath absolutely resolved to master it ; like unto */iat which was set down in express words in tlie edict of Charles IX, of France, touching duels, that the king himself took upon him the honor of all that took themselves grieved or interested for not having performed the combat So must the State do in this business ; and in my conscience there is none that is but of a reasonable sober disposition, be he never so valiant, except it be some furious person that is like a fire-work, but will be glad of it, when he shall see the law and rule of State disinterest him of a vain and unnecessary hazard. " Secondly, care must he taken that this evil be no more cockered, nor the humor of it fed ; wherein I humbly pray your Lordships that I may speak my mind freely, and yet be understood aright. The proceedings of the great and noble commis sioners martial, I honor and reverence much, and of them I speak not in any sort ; bat I say, the compounding of quarrels, which is otherwise in use by private noble men and gentlemen, it is so punctual, and hath such reference and respect unto the received conceits, what's before-hand and what's behind-hand, and I cannot tell what, as without all question, it doth in a fashion, countenance and authorize this practice of duels, as if it had in it somewhat of right. " Thirdly, I must acknowledge that I learned out of the king's last proclamation, the most prudent and best applied remedy for this offence, if it shall please his majesty to use it, that the wit of man can devise. This offence, my lords, is grounded upon a false conception of honor, and therefore it would be punished in the same kind, in eo quis rectissime plectituf\ in quo peecai. The fountain of honor is the king and his aspect, and the access to his person continueth honor in life, and to be banished from his presence, ia one of the greatest eclipses of honor that can be ; if his majesty shall be pleased that when this court shall censure any of these offences in persons of eminent quality, to add this out of his own power and discipline, that these persons shall be banished and excluded from his court, for certain years, and the courts of his queen and prince. I think there is no man that hath any good blood in him, will commit an act that shall cast him into that darkness, that he may not behold his sovereign's face. "Lastly, and that which more properly concerneth this court; we see, my lords the root of this offence is stubborn, for it despiseth death, which is the utmost of punishments; and it were a just but a miserable severity, to execute the law witli- out all remission or mercy, where the case proveth capital, and yet the late severity in France was more, where, by a kind of martial law, established by ordinance of the king and parliament, the party that had slain another was presently led to the gibbet, insomuch as gentlemen of great quality were hanged, their wounds bleeding, lest a natural death should prevent the example of justice. But, ray lords, the course which we shall take, is of far greater lenity, and yet of no less efficacy; which is to punish, in this court, all the middle acts and proceedings which tend to the duel, which I will enumerate to you anon, and so to hew and vex the root in the branches, which, no doubt in the endwiU kiU the root, and yet prevent th« ex'remity of law." 138 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. established ; the fame, too, of his eloquence, wit, and remark. able character, was noised abroad over the State. Wher ever he went, he was quickly encircled by a crowd of curious and eager listeners. Business flowed in upon him from every quarter. In November, 1833, he writes to his mother : "Business is very flourishing with me now, and I think I have got so well established in my profession, that from henceforward I cannot fail to make money very fast. Indeed I do not know another lawyer in the State, whose business is, at present, better than my own." In February, 1834, he writes to his elder sister : "I am so pressed with business that I can hardly spare the five minutes, which I have absolutely stolen from my professional engagements, for the purpose of redeeming my promise of writing you once a month — a promise which it always affords me gratification to perform, and which, I believe, I have not yet vio lated." The following letters will show the character of much of his practice and the undiminished strength of his home affections. TO HIS MOTHBE . ViCKSBDRO, March 28, 1884. Mt Deae Mothbe: — I again sit down, as I have so often done before, to communicate with those whom neither time nor distance has rendered less dear to ine. On the contrary, if such a thing were possible, long absence has rendered my affection for home, and those whom it contains, even stronger than it was when I first left yini. "Wheji I wrote last I believe I told you that I should probably start for home in June ; but I shall be disappointed. I have Bome business placed in my hands, by which I feel almost cer tain of making three or four thousand dollars and perhaps more. But I am required, for the purpose of attending to it, to remain LETTERS HOME. 139 here till the middle or, perhaps, the latter part of summer. The bu>iness is this : — Some gentlemen of this place have a claim to a portion of this town, and the property to which they lay claim is of very great value. They have employed me to inves tigate the case, aud I have not the slightest doubt of their suc cess. Much, therefore, as I wish to be with you, my duty and my very love for you all, will not permit me to tln'ow away a speculation which bids fair to be so profitable. My business generally is very flourishiug, and continually in creasing. I have nothing new to tell you. The times here are very bad. The mad course of the President has caused more ruin in the country than was ever known before. Money, at present, seems to have taken to itself wings, and unless there is some change shortly, two-thirds of the people of this country will fail. I am very sorry to see it, though it will make plenty of fork for the lawyers. My love to you aU. Your affectionate son, S. S. Peentiss. TO THE SAME. ViOKSBDBO, May 22, 1834. Mt Deae Mothee: — I am in debt two letters — one to Abby and one to Anna — hut I know I am dealing with kind creditors, and consi dering I have been heretofore so punctual, I think I may risk throwing myself upon their mercy for this time. The fact is, I have for the last three or four weeks been so laboriously employed in business that, though I cannot say I have not had time to write, yet my mind has not been in a situation to com mune with home and my friends ; and I hate to write when I have not time to sit down and enjoy the luxury of thinking about yon all as long as I please. For the lust week, among other important business, I have been defending a man charged with murder; and after a long and laborious trial, succeeded in acquitting him. To-morrow I have to start to a corrt eighty miles iu the interior, for the pur- 140 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. pose of defending a man in another case of murder. I just received the letter requesting me to come and defend him; and as I shall be gone at least a week, I have sat down to write (though it is now twelve o'clock at night), lest you should think I had begun to forget you. I have been employed, in tlie last six months, in a good many cases where men were tried for their fives, and so far have been always successful. Tliis has given me some little reputation in such matters ; and now there is hardly a murder or anything of the kind takes place about here (and they occur very often), but I am employed on one ^ide or the other. I regret to hear from Anna's letter, that G.'s health is bad. I think he has acted very wisely in quitting his studies for a while, and trying the effects of a trip at sea; I trust it will have the desired effect. G.'s constitution used to be good, and I cannot suppose that his illness will amount to anything more than a teraporar}' indisposition. Tell the girls 1 thank thera very much for their kind letters ; and trust they will continue to write often. I have not heard frora W. for some time. Not a word frora S. ; where can he be ? My kindest and best love love to you all, Yonr affectionate son, S. S. Peentiss. TO HIS SISTEE ABBT. VicKSBOita, July 4, 1884. Deak Sistee Abbt : — I have just received your letter, and think I cannot Bjjend a part of the Fourth of July better than in answering it. I regret very much the misfortune which has befallen our pofir httle M in the loss of one of her eyes, which you mention ill your letter. It seems as if the poor girl was born for misfor tune.. This additional one will only render it the more incum bent upon u^ all to be kind to her. I have been in excellent health since 1 wrote last, and .apprehend no danger from sickness this summer. We have had no cholera yet at Vicksbutg, and J LETTERS HOME 141 trust shall escape it for this season. It prev.iiled a little upon the river, on the stearaboats, but at present, I believe, has pretty much ceased. I told you, in one of my former letters, that I should be detained here till August, on some important business in which I had become engaged. I fear that it will detain me even later than that, and should it do so, it is not impossible that I may again suffer the cruel disappointment of being compelled to defer my visit home. The business I allude to, is of too much importance to admit of any neglect. I believe I explained the nature of it in one of my former letters. I have no doubt I shall make by it three or four thousand dollarti. I still hope I may so arrange the business, that I can leave the first of August ; but should I be detained beyond that time, I shall be compelled to postpone my visit till the ensuing spring. There has not, since I left home, been a summer so important to my interests as the present ; and the very love and affection which I bear you all, may compel me to forego the pleasure of seeing you this summer, for the more important pleasure of making mysolf able to render you some assistance. I know it will be a severe disappointment to you all, and especially to mother, should I again fail in my promised visit. But if I disappoint you once more, you must do me the justice to believe it will be as painful to me as it can possibly be to you, and that nothing but absolute necessity shall prevent me from coming. Pray do not forget to write often ; and with my best love to you all, believe me, Your affectionate brother, Sbaegknt. TO his mothee and SISTERS. ViCKSBOEO, August 28, 1834. Mt deae Mothee astd Sistees : — I suppose, upon seeing a letter dated as late as this, at Vicksburg, it will be almost unnecessary for me to say that I shall i.ot embrace my dear mother and my pretty sisters this summer. I did hope, notwithstanding the detention wMoh 142 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. I informed you of in my previous letters, that I still would be able to steal away a couple of months this fall, and redeem the promise, which I have broken so often that I presume by this time it has becorae worthless. But in addition to the business concerning which I have already informed yoti, there has been an alteration in the time of holding several of the most important courts, at which ray engagements require my personal attendance. I start out to attend them in about ten days, so that you will perceive at once the impossibility of ray coming home this fall. I will not ask you to be confident that I shall come next year, but I feel confident myself that I shall. This much I do most solemnly prorai.-e, that I will make all ray arrangements in busi ness, wiih an eye to doing so, aud nothing but inevitable accident shall prevent it. Since I have been in this country, there has not been a year in which I could not have left the State with less sacriflce than during the present. I know it will be gratifying for you to learn, that 1 feel almost confident of being able, hereafter, to make at least three thousand dollars a year. This year I have attended to more business, than all the tirae I have been practising before. 1 have, in particular, engaged in a great many capital cases, where men have been tried for murder and other enormous crimes, and I have been very successful. Heretofore, I have made little money, and even now, the fees for most of my business are still owing to rae. I hope hereafter to be able to do more for those I love. If my views are not too sanguine, I shall be able to gratify myself by so doing. I know Anna will laugh at rae very heartily, when I tell her that I have been strongly solicited by some of the most infiu- ential men in the State, to become a candidate for Congress, and, further, that I believe, if I pleased, I could be eleotfid. But I have refused wi-,hout hesitation. I have stated to yoQ my situation here, no* by way of boasting, but because I knew it would gratify you, and because it might serve as some additional re.'won why I should not sacrifice my prospects, even to the pleasure of visiting home this summer. I received Anna's agreeable letter yesterday, and thanl her LETTERS HOME. 143 for it. The only complaint I have to make is, that she does not write often enough, nor does Abby, nor do you, my dear mother. Yon cannot tell how gratified I was to liear that S. was in the land of the living. The moment I can get two weeks to spare, I shall go to Mobile, and find him out. My love to you all. Your affectionate Seaegent. TO HIS SISTEE ABBT. VicESBURG, December 10, 1834. Deae Sistee Abby : — Most of my letters of late have commenced with apologies for my negligence in not writing raore regularly. But really it is now impossible for me to write as regularly as I used to do. My business compels me to be absent from Vicksburg at least half my time, and this in periods of a month or two months together. While away from Vicksburg, I find it out of the question to sit down with any pleasure for the purpose of com muning with those I love. Surrounded, during the whole time of my absence, by noisy and boisterous people — overwhelmed and perplexed by complicated business — subject every moment to be intruded upon by the calls of clients — I becorae so vexed and harassed, that when I return to Vicksburg and flnd a letter frora home, and thet sit quietly down in ray office to answer it, as I am now doing, it seems as if I had gotten into a new world. Indeed it is the greatest luxury I enjoy. I found on my return from court, a day or two since, a letter frora you and also one from Anna. I am much pleased that you are spending the winter in New York. It will afford you so much gratification, and "W and A , too. But more than all, I ara pleased with the advantages which you will necessarily derive from a residence there for a few months. It will enable you to see and know more of the world than years of residence nt home; and such knowledge is valuable. It opens new sub jects for reflection, and still more, tesfches one to compare the pleasures arising from intercourse with fashionable society — 144 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. with strangers who care nothing about you — and those arising from the exercise of the duties and affections, which flourish only araong those who gather round the same fireside, and form part of the same domestic circle. If I know anything of the disposition and character of my sweet and gentle sister Abby, she will enjoy^ fully all that presents itself worth her observation, during her stay in the great city, but will return to the little village with more pleasure than she left it; there to resume her former occupation of relieving the cares, aud increasing the enjoyments, of one of the best mothers iu the world : and no one is better fitted for such an occupation. Permit me to act as your banker; and accept the within note to defray such little expenses as you may incur ; ic is from your brother. I thank you most kindly for your offer to make up some linen for me, but I cannot permit it. I had rather you would spend your time for your own advantage and not for mine. When you have nothing else to do, read, write, take lessons in some aecomphshraent which you wish to acquire. If Miss Augusta is the same sprightly and lively young lady I once knew, she will not hesitate to join you. When you return home again, I will avail myself of your kindness. My love to William and his family, and believe me ever Your most affectionate brother, Seaegent. His journeys to attend the various courts in the interior of the State, referred to in the preceding letters, were generally made on horseback. They still live in the mem ory of his brethren of the bar, who were wont to be hia companions, among their most delightful recollections of him. He was, as has been said, a great lover of nature • and although the scenery of Mississippi has little of the varied beauty and grandeur which mark the landscapes of New England, there was yet much in it well fitted to excite his imagination. \ Its gorgeous flora, — the wild splen dor of its vegetation— the colossal forms and sombre aspect RIDING THE CIRCUIT. vl (1(45,. of its aboriginal forests, still inhabited by the' red'' man, abounding in all sorts of game, and haunted by savage- beasts — the lonely roads, traversing sometimes an old Indian trail, and memorable for tales of robbery, murder, or other fearful tragedies — the dark rivers and sluggish lakes, filled with alligators, or suddenly crossed by a flock of noble deer — these things wrought upon his fancy in a sin gular manner.* It was during these long rides through the forest, that he was most apt to be in the mood for dis closing the stores of his wonderful memory, or discussing high questions of philosophy, government, and human destiny. One of his friends, referring to this point, writes: "To him * A thing of beauty was a joy for ever.* His memory was extraordinary. Fused by his glowing enthusiasm, it received every impression made on it, deeply and indelibly. I remember having once ridden with him to a neighboring county court, and during the jaunty conver sations usually attending such journeys ( there were no railroads in those days) I would sometimes recite a line from Byron, and he would immediately take up the stanza and repeat whole successive pages, without hesitation. The Siege of Corinth will never be forgotten by those, who were so fortunate as to be present on those few occasions when, among his friends, he would recite it with a look and tone, accent, and gesture truly electric." f "Your brother was a bold and daring thinker. As we have rode together from one court to another, along lonely * The reader will find some graphic descriptions of the scenery and rural sports of the Southwest in The t/we-of the See-Hunter, by T. B. Thorpe, Esq. The pleco entitled Wild Tu/rkey HunUng, is a delightful specimen of word-painting. tJno. M. Chilton, Esq. 146 MEMt.IR OF S. S. PKENTISS and unfrequented roads, I have sometimes known him to push his thoughts, as it seemed to me, to the outermost verge of human conception, and then settle for many minutes, into painful and sickly melancholy, because his intellect could not peer beyond the field of mortal vision. His melancholy never lasted long, but it was intense while it was upon him. Fortunately nature had given him such animal spirits as to prevent the possibility of his becoming a misanthrope, or he, the most joyous being that I ever met, might have sunk into a moody and miserable man." * He was at this time in the very heyday of jovial good nature. Everybody liked him, and he was disposed to like everybody in return. The following anecdote will illustrate his popularity, and his pleasant temper, while it also throws light upon the character of the times. " On one occasion he was opposed before Judge Scott (now residing in Texas), by George C , afterwards, for many years, Judge of the Circuit Court, for the district, comprising Vicksburg ; and in the course of the trial, an altercation ensued, which resulted in blows. The Judge immediately fined both combatants, and ordered them to be imprisoned for twenty-four hours in the county jail. Mr. C , attempted by excuses to get off, but Mr. Prentiss (who by the way had been knocked down), rose quite alertly, and acknowledging to the Court the justice of the sen tence, added, with significant drollery, that before it was carried into execution, he had one request to make. The Court granted permission with twinkling eye and ill- concealed mirth. "May it please your Honor,'' said Mr. Prentiss, " I have nothing to say against the sentenqi just pronounced. I ?Judge Wilkinson. EULOGY ON LAFAYETTE. Ill have been guilty of unintentional disrespect to the Court, as well as great want of self-respect. But — but (and here he aflected a degree of naivete and sincerity, that for the moment deceived every one), I hope your Honor will not disgrace me by putting me in the same cell with Georgf C 1" The bystanders and bar were, of course, con vulsed with laughter, and the judge himself could oul} restrain his risibles long enough to order the sheriff to adjourn the court. Both were conducted to theii respective cells. On that night all the members of the bar, and many of the citizens, repaired to Mr. P.'s cell, where they spent the night in partaking of a sumptuous supper, and enjoying the exhaustless good humor of their captive guest. On the next day, a multitude guarded him from his prison to the court-house, and in the bold flight of the liberated eagle, every one soon forgot his temporary cap tivity." * In the month of August, of this year, he delivered an address at Jackson, the capital of the State, in memory of Lafayette. It is evidently a hasty effusion, and is said to have been written, at a single sitting, a night or two before its delivery. Although it may now sound somewhat extra vagant, even for a eulogy, it only echoed the sentiment which pervaded the entire nation, when the news came that their beloved friend and benefactor was no more. In one of his college letters, he speaks of having seen and shaken hands with Lafayette, when the latter visited Portland. The following extracts contain the substance of the address : — Death, who knocks with equal hand at the door of the cottage and the palace gate, has been busy at his appointed work. Mourning prevails throughout the land, and the countenances •John M. Chilton, Esq. 148 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. of all are sl.ro.ided in the mantle of regret. Far across the will Atlantic, amid the pleasant vineyards, in the sunny land of France — there, too, is mourning ; and the weeds of sorrow are alike worn by prince and peasant. And against whom baa the monarch of the tomb turned bis remorseless dart, that such wide-spread sorrow should prevail ? Hark ! and the ago nized voice of Freedom, weeping for her favorite son, will tell you, in strains sadder than those with which she shrieked at Kosciusko's fall, that Lafayette — the gallant and the good — h, aU 230 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. likeHhood, prevent a recurrence to the desperate remedy of a suspension of specie payments. I never heard an objection to the old United States Bank which cannot be easily obviated in chartering a new one, except the constitutional objection. I know that as honest politician? as any in the country have denied the constitutional power of Congress upon this subject. I have myself, however, always entertained a different opinion, and believe Congress has, under the present Constitution, power to charter a bank. I would, however, out of respect for those who differ from me, be glad to see the Con.stitution so amended as to leave no doubt on the point. I have thus, fellow-citizens, frankly given you my views on the Bank question — a question upon which my opponents, Messrs Claiborne and Gholson, entertain, I am informed, opinions diametrically opposite to my own. Indeed, I should never have placed my humble pretensions in opposition to theirs, had it not been for the opinion which they avow iu relation to this all-important subject. They are both gentlemen whose personal qualifications to represent the people of Missis sippi no one can doubt. There is no personal rivalry iu this canvass — it is, as it ought to be, a question of principle. Before accompanying him on his electioneering tour, it seems proper to give some account of Mississippi, particu larly of its population, at this time. The following table contains an ofiicial return of the census of all the counties in the State, except Tunica, in 1837. It is a very sugges tive document. The proportion of young men is particularly striking. The white male population of Warren County, for example, was 3,530 ; of this number only 124 were ovet forty-five years of age. POPULATION OF MISSISSIPPI IN 1837. 231 NAMES OF COUNTIES. 1 I! 3 & |! i 5 II!| Bit ill ill111 i 1 • 'S 1 s ¦a1 ll ;! 1 s !! li 11 .9 3 ¦s § li 1 = i <5 210 185 68 10 142 8492 155 75 202 84 126 61 166 314 128 668881 120 46 125 168289 176 86 240 188 104826158 8070 117 49 77 199 82 74 129 35 109 4149 162 98 124 86 56 149 86 182100 2414 548325 71 849110 469 970 216767277 405188 322 2137 637263191808507 100556166 442 346 568195 1359 1103 2T9 1688 728 123 237 698 360 191 548827 369 513 131847 169 806 626 346 2387 304165587894 1103nil 128 116 54 12 111 27 82 118 42 170 64 88 27 68 212114 8647 68 948079 2069 46 106 55 191 126 72 204 758864- 498 54 1156 177619 671 405 1192 563 607 327446 1695 764484893670637385 1013 143 628542 1058 195 1348 832 686 2208 1016 702 825 47 828112 478 644 803910 863898226850 1494 603 288290 878 506 -286 667 109891392765834 1109 693 888 1679 714133299618 273806788 242 299679 J 57 482218290 820 507 948142226671 442 1025 645 769772443 56 989169 644 668870 1145 488 442 267 414 1649 710 388310503496 261940109493470921274 1206 780512 20681005 150 416775 605 384957296853 741 224 622 308311 1069 661 787119245 684 678 1119 679 65662600 874892 2286 118 474 4433 265 1665 871 Totals 1254 179 857 70692683 99 199 866 4183 49 1008 162751249 1156 326 87676448 776 2663 173154217 2262 T67 208 1055' 520590 993 116418 136 780595 89 48412980 416 4706 484 20844204 6662 2476 334305 2277 113 485 4439 288 1733 426882 1293 218363 6S702478 91 194 410 4107 59 1180 145 700295 1066 215 85955790 779 2561 1165 169208 2176 712224 1110 412S68 963124 473 167 742 662 92 48452822 Bolivar, Carroll, .... Clarke, De Soto, Greene, Hinds, Lawrence, Leake, Marshall, 148 i 1086 16 63 119 6427 108 46 63 382 55 26 35 135107141 24869862 170110 206421854361 382 1151 384 414845261701328337 1112 751878160 276 728 684 1272 788 Octibbeha, Pike, Scott, Smith, Tippah, Tishamingo, Washington, Wilkinson, . . .... Winston, 213142-17 Yazoo, 6103 80594 4541 26181 27834 32461 81838 82555 232 MEMOIE OF S. S. PEENTISS. The following table, prepared from the last United States Census, gives an interesting statistical sketch of the growth and character of the population of Mississippi, down to 1850:— White hiCTease Free Slaves. Increftse Total loliabitaiitfl. per cent. Colored. poi- cent. PopiilatioD. isoo 5,179 182 8,489 8,860 1810 28,024 344.56 240 17,088 389.76 40,352 1820 42,176 88.18 468 82,814 92.02 75,448 1830 70,443 67.02 619 65,659 100.09 186,621 -1840 179,074 164.21 1,366 195 211 197.31 876,651 1860 295,718 65.13 930 309,878 68.74 606,626 We have no moans of ascertaining the different profes sions, occupations and trades, of the people in 1837 ; but the census of 1850 contains a table devoted to this subject, from which it appears that of a total male population of 75,082, there were 44,833 engaged in farming ; 5,343 were planters ; 2,324 were overseers ; 2,287 were students ; there were l,50fi merchants, 1,090 clerks, 5,403 laborers, 1,217 physicians, 590 lawyei's, 471 clergymen, and several thousand mechanics. As late as 1850, more than one-half of the free population were natives of other sections of the Union. A large proportion of them came from North and South Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee. Mississippi was formed out of territory ceded to the United States by South Carolina ; and was admitted into the Union, December 10th, 1817. In size it is the thirteenth State in the Union, being considerably larger than either Pennsylvania or New York. It covers an area of 47,151 square miles, is highly favored in situation ; — and has resources, agricultural and commercial, capable of almost unlimited development. In 1836, it had 1,048,530 acres of land under cultivation, and produced 317,783 bales of cotton. It is clear from these statements, that the great body of ELECTIONEERING TOUR. 233 the electors of Mississippi were plain farmers and laboring men. Many of them, moreover, came from different and distant parts of the country ; bringing with them, of course, their various local customs, prejudices and traditions. In each principal town could be found representatives — not only of every sectional — but of every party feeling in the United States. The popular assembly often contained men who had imbibed their earliest political sentiments from the lips of Henry Clay in Kentucky, of Andrew Jackson in Ten nessee, of Calhoun in South Carolina, or of Daniel Webster in New England. Not a few had always regarded the Rich mond Enquirer as the oracle of public wisdom. Some were born Federalists, some Nullifiers ; others, Jeifersonian Repub licans. Add to all this, a general dislike of Yankees — and the reader will see that Mr. Prentiss, in attempting to revolution ize the politics of Mississippi, undertook a pretty difficult task ; one requiring no ordinary degree of skill and oratorical power. His letters give some account of the toil and travel attending this canvass ; but they afford no conception of the enthasiasm with which he was everywhere greeted. His fame had gone before him into every corner of the State ; the popular ear and eye were on the alert to see and hear one, whose pithy speeches and independent, manly course in the Legislature had already won for him uni versal attention. The Whig newspapers of the day teemed with glowing reports of his reception and ad dresses, as he passed in triumph from county to county. Ou each new occasion he seemed to surpass himself, and before he had completed the tour of the State, the convic tion of his extraordinary character and abilities, long enter tained by his friends, was the public opinion of Mississippi. Such was the victorious power of his eloquence, that he might have exclaimed concerning almost every spot he visited,— uemi, Dixi, rid ! His return to Vicksburg was like 234 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. that of a young general from the sudden conquest of • province. The following brief reminiscences of this canvaiss, may not be unacceptable to the reader. Mr. Peentiss opened the campaign by a brilliant speech at Natchez, in the presence of a host of his oldest and most devoted personal friends. Nothing could exceed the pride and gratifica tion, with which they witnessed his political debut on this theatre, where he had gathered his earliest forensic laurels, and where, too, he had found his first home in the Southwest. Many in the crowd well remembered him, when eight years before, a lame and lisping boy, he used to ride into and out of Natchez, charming all who met him, by his genial wit, his gay repartees and mirth-provoking Yankee stories. None, who then knew him, where surprised to find the modest young school master from New England, grown into the persuasive orator and ripe statesman ; for it was only the fulfillment of many a friendly prophecy. There was the utmost eagerness to hear him on the part of Democrats as well as Whigs ; the feeling was increased by the unbounded praises, which a speech, made by hira in his native town during a recent visit North, had elicited from the Portland press. Notices of this speech were copied into the Mississippi papers, and naturally excited a very kindly sentiment towards him. He had refiected honor upon his adopted State in the most distant corner of the Republic. Among the many personal friends, who welcomed him on this occasion, the name of one ought not to be omitted— that of John M. Eoss ; a young lawyer of eminent promise — accomplished, of flue literary taste, full of high aspirations, and the very soul of honor — but destined, alas ! in a few weeks for the grave. He and Mr. Peentiss were most warmly attached to each other.* * In a letter of Gen. Quitman to Mr. P., dated Sept. 17, 1837, 1 flnd the folloirllig reference to this gentleman : " Mt Bear Prentiss; — I am scarcely recovered frora the shock my feelings have sustained at the loss of our noble, gallant, aud accomplished friend Ross, to reply to your ADDRESS^ AT NATCHEZ. 235 Of Mr. P.'s address it is, of course, impossible, after the lapsa of so many years, to give any fitting account. It related chiefly to the currency, then the all-absorbing question of the day. Edmund Burke, I think the remark is his, has observed that some of the most important convulsions in society, have grown out of money questions. The great civil revolution now in pro cess throughout the country, and which was to be consummated by the Presidential election of 1840, was a striking instance in point. Mr. Pebntiss had evidently studied with much care the whole subject, both in its theory and practice. The masterly ability, with which he discussed it on this occasion, and the original, ever-varying and beautiful imagery, by which he ifius- trated and enforced his arguments, impressed the entire audienoe with admiration. In showing how the Administration party had availed themselves of the vulgar prejudice against banks, and thus subsidized the Agrarian or Locofoco faction, then just emerging from the maze of New York politics, he drew a pic ture of the great national " wire-workers " and their operations, so graphic, exact, and characteristic, wheel within wheel, that in your mind's eye; you seemed to see the vast machinery of partisan warfare in veritable moti(m. It called forth shouts of applause. In such descriptions, his oratory was " terrible as an army with banners ;" notbing could stand against the energy of his look, gesture, and impassioned logic, when once he was fairly under way, in depicting and denouncing the tricks, dupli city and selfish cunning of mere party management. No person, who ever listened to him when thus aroused, could doubt, for an instant, the intense sincerity and force of his convictions. Scorn of all meanness and double dealing, whether in one man or a million of men, appeared to be a dominant instinct of his nature. He had abundant opportunities of witnessing both letter, which came to my hands several days since. Alas I I can hardly realize the fact that our brave and generous friend is no more. It was but a week since that, in a public speech, he pronounced upon your character one of the most elo quent, chaste, and beautiful eulogiums I have ever listened to. It now sounds In my ears like the melody of the dying swan. He died of yellow fever, and has left a void among us, which cannot be filled. He was buried by the Fencibles with ail the honors of war.'*- -Ed. 236 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. qualities during this canvass, and rarely afterwards did h« address the people, North or South, without expressing hia abhorrence, and warning them against the perils, of what ha called "political jugglery" and "thimble-rigging." This, of itself, imparted to his speeches a lofty moral tone, which could not fail to impress his bitterest opponents with respect. Even when dealing with their opinions most severely, and, as they felt, most unjustly, they readily admitted that he did it "all in honor,'' and were not unfrequently the first to congratulate him on his unrivalled eloquence! In the address at Natchez, and, as far as I know, throughout the canvass, his tone, when speaking of his opponents personally, was, in the highest degree, courteous and dignified. There could he no better proof of this than the fact, that the Adminis tration organ at Natchez ; — a newspaper, characterized at that time, like too many of the party presses, by a spirit of extreme violence and blackguardism, admitted, in noticing the speech the text day, that in the treatment of his opponents, Mr. Peentiss made use of only one exceptionable word. But this was only a momentary admission, elicited by a sudden impulse of honor and fair dealing. As soon as Mr. P. had left town, there were let loose upon him from this, and subsequently from other Administration presses in the State, full volleys of poison-dipt slanders and mis representations.* Not that the editors of these presses had any private pique against him, or failed to admire his splendid talents and frank, generous bearing ; but it was a part of the game, by which they hoped to secure his defeat. If Mr. Pebntiss after wards lost somewhat of that amenity and kindliness of tone towards his opponents, which distinguished his treatment of them at this time (and it cannot be denied that he occasionally • In the letter of Gen. Quitman, already cited, I find the following allusion to thia jubject :— " The infamous attempts of and his advisers, to injure you, will not succeed. You have already a specimen of the low malignity of the wire-workera here. All decent raen regard with abhorrence the late assassin-like stab at your character. It is beneath your notice. I trust that your health will be preserved, and that yon will energetically follow up the vigo.-ous onset you have made. If you fail, I ohaU despair of the Republic."— Ed. ELECTIONEERING TOUR. 231 did), it was partly, no doubt, in consequence of the irritating effect of these rude assaults. A man's political nerves must be made of iron — and iu this country, they should be composed of no softer stuff — not to grow sensitive under such abrasion. It was no wonder that there should have been a strong desire to prevent Mr. P.'s election. His speech at Natchez had sent terror into the Administration ranks, and it was instantly decided by their leaders that the owner of such a tongue would be a very troublesome member of the House of Kepresentatives, at Washington, and ought by no means to have a chance of wag ging it there. But all their efforts were in vain. He had "set the ball in motion," and it continued to roll with irresistible force until the battle was won. I doubt if a more signal in>tance of the triumph of personal appeal and argument over party dis cipline, prejudice, and hostile opinions, can easily be pointed out in the history of Congressional elections. In the Northern sec tion of the State, a very strong feeling had been aroused against him, on account of his course in the Legislature upon the ques tion of admitting the members from the New Counties ; but his frank explanation of the motives which governed him, changed that feefing into cordial approval, and nowhere was he more warmly sustained than in these very counties.* * When Mr. Prentiss reached Holly Springs, it was ascertained that Judge Ru ling would decline the nomination, and much difficulty was encountered in supply ing his place. The Whiga were in a minority in the State, and especially in the ten Chickasaw counties — and Mr. P. was Tnore unpopular in those counties than the Whig cause, in consequence of his course in the Legislature. At length my name was placed on the ticket, from my supposed personal popularity. My friends would not permit me to decline. Mr. Prentiss canvassed the whole State — and here, in my own section, where it was expected I would give him strength, he beat me. He beat me even in my own county. I have often thought that I occupied, in that race, about the relation to Mr. P. that a yawl on the Mississippi river sustains to a splendid steamboat I He was a great favorite with all classes of the people — all learned from him, and, therefore, he suited all. In politics, as in his private relations, hjynest/y was hia guiding star. But I am at a loss to speak of him in a general manner ; for he was altogether out of the general order of men. He was, certainly, the great man, not only of Miasisaippi but of the Southwest — and from the end of thia remarkable MsrasB, few could pretend to compete with him for the honor of being so regarded. Later from Mr. We'd, 238 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. In the midst of the canvass, Mr.VanBuren's message at the called session arrived, a document which excited great dissatisfaction araong the Democrats, while it was everywhere regarded by the Whigs as virtually identifying the financial policy of the admin istration with the absurd and destructive doctrine of the Loco Focos. Indeed, the general designation of the party in power by the name of that sect, dates from this period, and was in con sequence of Mr. Van Buren's message. An interesting and most instructive essay, hy the way, might be written upon the rise and infiuence of party-names in the United States since the establishment of the Constitution. It It is a pity some competent person .would not undertake the task. The terms Federalist, Jeffersonian Republican, National Eepublican, Jackson-man, Democrat and Whig, Free-Soiler, and the like, contain, each one of them, a valuable political history. Mr. Van Buren's message, and the cheering news of great Whig victories in Tennessee, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Maine, and other States, doubtless helped to determine the result in November. But notwithstanding, it was mainly Mr. P.'s own extraordinary exertions which secured the triumph. From beginning to end of the campaign, the eyes of the whole party were turned upon him as their champion ; and when, at its close, victory rested npon the Whig banner, he was hailed by acclamation as the hero of the contest. The rejoicing of his friends at this result was unbounded ; for they well knew what honor he would reflect upon Mississippi. Their joy was heightened by the deep mortification which, in common with many intelligent Democrats, they felt at losing, through the folly of a double ticket, a Whig governor, and the con- Bequont election to that important office (alack the day !) of Alexander McNutt — destined to unenviable notoriety as the Great Eepudiator. From this time to that of his abandoning the State, S. S. IPebntiss was the pride, the dehght, and the chosen standard- bearer of the Whigs of Mississippi. The following extracts from a letter, written at the time, ELECTIONEERING TOUR. 239 may not be uninteresting in connection with the above. It is dated Benton, Miss., Sept. 4, 1831. Several chapters might readily be filled with similar letters from all parts of the State. The voice of the eloquent and patriotic Peentiss had scarcely died away upon my eare, when I seated myself to announce to you, that he addressed a very large assembly of his fellow-citi zens of Yazoo in this place to-day. Never in my life do I recol lect to have seen so delighted an audience, manifested by the breathless attention which they gave the speaker for the space of over two hours. Although there were those present who are commonly known as Van Buren men, and consequently are dis posed to entertain different political opinions from Mr. Peentiss, there were none who exhibited, throughout the address, any other feeling than that of the utmost satisfaction. Although Mr. P. was unsparing in his denunciation of what is commonly called " the experiment" upon the currency of the country, yet he was strictly courteous towards those who had the misfortune to differ with him in opinion. He said he came not amongst us to tear open old political wounds, or to excite old political feuds. That was not his business. He came here, he said, as the humble ad vocate of great political principles — principles which intimately concerned the well-being and happiness not only of every man who heard him, but of the whole people of the United States. He asked not ofiice simply because he was a member of a parti cular party. He believed that a period had arrived in our coun try when something must be done by legislation, or our most sacred rights, if not our liberties, would be wrested from us amidst the general wreck of property. * * * Would to God every citizen of Yazoo could have heard this masterly speech I I wish much I could do it justice^but that is utterly impossible. Mr. Peentiss, if elected, will make a proud representative for Mississippi. His eloquent voice could do much In these trying times to stay the waves of corruption, which are rolling over the land. 240 MEMOIR OP S. S. PRENTISS. The psople of Holly Springs insisted upon his partaking of a banquet with them before going on his way. Some of the sentiments offered on this occasion, show better than any description could do, the political temper of the day, as well as the feelings excited by Mr. P.'s address. The fol- following are samples : The good old Republican Principles — May they soon take place of the new-fangled deipooracy. Our Country and our Oovernment — One and indivisible — the same currency for each. S. S. Prentiss — Like the mighty men of old, may he traverse our country round, and wherever he goes, leave deep impressions of political truths upon every human heart. 8. 8. Prentiss — A scholar and a statesman worthy of onr con fidence — may we be honored with him as our Eepresentative in Congress. 8. 8. Prentiss — The Champion of Mississippi — Hu?za for him and the National Bank. The Ides of November — May they show that the people of North Mississippi feel a returning sense of justice towards our distinguished guest. The following letters will fittingly close the account of this canvass : TO HIS YOUNGEST BEOTHEE. Columbus, SIiss., October 6,1'SSI. Dbae Gboegk: — Since I wrote you last from Vicksburg, I have oeen upon my electioneering campaign, and so busily have I been engaged, that this is absolutely the flrst opportunity for lending you a line, which has occurred to me. I have visited ahout half the counties, containing two-thirds of the population of the State. I have made about fifty stump speeches, averaging in length two hours each, and have ridden thirty miles a day ; so you see that electioneering is no sinecure. I am much pleased LETTERS. I 241 with my prospects, and should not wonder if I was successful in the canvass, notwithstanding my prognostications to the con trary. I have visited the counties most hostile to me (the new counties), and think I have in a great degree succeeded in re moving their prejudices. I have had an arduous but pleasant and healthy time of it. I have been several times lost in the woods, and out nearly all night among tho Indians, of whom we have 6 or 7,000 in the State. The election in July, I am satisfied, was no test of the strength of the Whig party, and I make proselytes every time I make a speech. My health is fine and my spirits good. I shall continue my exertions till the day of the election, (first Monday in November), by which time I shall have completed the tour of the whole State. I have, how ever, accomplished the most diflScult part of my labor, and have now to visit the older counties. One of these times, tell Anna, I intend to give her an account of some of my adventures, which will be equal to a romance ; though, to be sure, an election eering hero will be soniewhat of a curiosity. After the day of election, I shall return immediately to Vicksburg. Times are terribly bad in this country, and, at present, there is but a small prospect of better. I will write again soon. My love to you all. In haste, Tour affectionate brother, Seaegent. TO WM. O. SHEDEB, ESQ., VIOKSBUBG. CoLDUBUS, Oct. 8, 18ST. Deas Smedes: — I arrived at this place day before yesterday, but this is the first moment of leisure which has been afforded me. I have visited all the western and northern counties, and have little doubt of my success in November. I have experienced a favorable reception in the Chickasaw counties, far exceeding my most sanguine expectations, and believe I have succeeded in removing all the prejudice arising, out of my course on the Chickasaw question. We were all mistaken and made a ^reaifoMxpas In the nomi- 11 242 HEMOIR OF 3. S. PRENTISS. nation of Judge Huling. He has decUned running. We have, however, a candidate in the field, who will answer the purpose as well as Huling. Thomas J. Word, Esq., a member of the bar at Pontatoc, has been nominated at that place, and also here. He has taken the field, and will prove an efficient aid to our cause. He is a gentleman of high standing, both for charac ter and ability. He is perfectly orthodox in his views, and advocates precisely the doctrines contained in my circular. Mr. Word is popular in the new counties and will be of great seiwice ihere. You must have his name run up at once in our Whig papers, and let it be generally known. Our friends in the west must support him unanimously on the ticket with me, for I have assured him he will receive the full support of the party there.* He will confine his canvassing to the Chickasaw and Choctaw counties, while I shall take the eastern counties. This is the arrangement between us. By concert and action on the part of our friends, our ticket is certain to succeed. I have had a laborious but agreeable time, and have not visited a single county in which I have not received great encouragement. Indeed, I doubt not that three-fourths of the people are in favor of aNational Bank. I have visited about twenty-six counties, and made some forty speeches. In Marshall, I think we shall divide the county, or perhaps get a majority. I have not been in a single county iu which there will not be a change in our favor in November. Try and let it be as generally known as possible, that Mr. Word is a candidate, and is now on the stump before the people, and is the right sort of a man in every respect. I have not time to write as fully as I wish, and perhaps shall not write again. Assure all my friends that if they will exert themselves, our success is certain. Show Guion this, as I have no time to write another letter. In haste. Your friend, S. S. Prentiss. • Mr. Word's vote, which, in other parts of the State, fell behind that of Mr. Prentisa more than 1,300, was in Warren, Mr. P.'s own county, exaotly the same— rli. 870.— Ed. LETTERS 24 S TO HIS TOUNGEST BEOTHEE. ViOKSBOTia, Nov. 14, 188T. Deae Geoege: — I returned two or three days since from my elec tioneering tour, and have delayed writing till I could give you some information as to the result. I have had sufficient returns to assure me of my election by a larger vote than either Claiborne or Gliolson got in July. Though many of the Democrats would not vote at all, yet I anticipate a full majority of the whole strength of the State, polled and unpolled. My election by a large majority of the votes given, I consider placed beyond doubt. As you anticipate in your last letter, I shall claim my seat, and armed with the great " democracy of numbers," as the Democrats call it, I have som'e hopes of procuring a reversal of the outrageous and party-vote in Congress. Claiborne and Gholson have ruined themselves by their course, wbich has created very great excitement here. I visited forty-five counties during my canvass, and performed a task in riding and talking unparalleled, I imagine, in electioneering annals. For ten weeks, I averaged upward of thirty miles a day ou horseback, and spoke two hours each week day. I had my appointments made in advance through the State, and did not miss a single one, rain or shine. I enjoyed excellent health during the trip. In about two weeks, if I am not much mistaken in my calcula tions, I shall be wending my way to the Federal City, though I consider it extremely doubtful whether I succeed in ob taining the seat. I found a number of letters from home on my return, and need not assure you that they were welcome messengers. I was much alarmed to hear of mother's illness, but trust, from your last, that she has entirely recovered. It was fortunate you had moved before it occurred, on account of the superior comfort of your present situation. S. was here on my return, and is still with me. He is well and in good spirits. I shall write again soon, giving you more fully the result of the election as I learn it. My love to you all. Your affectionate brother, Seaegent. 244 MEMCIR OF 8. 8. FKENTISS. CHAPTER X. Urilvea in W^ahington— The Lower House of Congress in 1838— Mississippi Con. tested Election— ms first Speech on claiming his Seat — The Admiration it excited —Mr. Webster's and Mr. Fillmore's Opinions of it— Mr. Legare's Reply to it^His second Speech— What followed— The final Resull^-Is rejected— An Error corrected touching a Remark of Mr. Clay — Public Dinner on the Eve of hia Return to Missis sippi and a Union Speech of Mr. Webster — ^Letters. ^T. 29. 1838. He did not reach Washington until near the end of the year. The day after his arrival he wrote home : Washington Citt, Deo. 27, 1837. Deae Geoege : — I am at length in the " city of magnificent dis tances." I arrived here last evening, after an exceedingly tedious and disagreeable trip up the river and across the mountains. I left Vicksburg about the 10th inst., not so soon by two weeks as I had expected ; but the returns of the election came in so slowly and I had so much private business to arrange, that it was im possible for me to leave at an earlier period. I see, however, that some of the newspapers have had me here for a fortnight, and one of the letter writers has even taken the liberty of re signing for me. I have not yet arranged my plan of operations, but shall do so in a day or two. I wish, first, to look about me and see how the land lies. I have my credentials and everything necessary for presenting the matter in the most imposing atti tude. I shall have a vigorous contest, and the result is doubt ful ; but my impression is that I shall obtain the seat. There would be no difficulty in the case, were it not that it will be •Kade a party question ; and the Van Bnren party are in too des- LETTERS. 245 perate a condition to give up, without a struggle, the two votes of Claiborne and Gholson. By the by, Gholson is vei'y sick, and will not be able to participate in the discussion or to apjiear in the House. Personally I care very little for the result. I have achieved a triumph in the election, suificient to satisfy my anibi tion. I received the largest vote ever cast in the State, between two and three thousand more than Claiborne received in July last, and that too in the face of the most bitter and unprincipled opposition. But enough at present of politics. I shall keep you informed of the progress of events as they occur. I found here a letter from you and also one frora Anna, and I shall expect a letter from sorae of you at least once a week while I am in the city. Tell A. I will order the Intelligencer for her. My love to you all. Your affectionate brother, S. S. Pebntiss TO his SISTEE ABBY. Washington City, Jan. 1, 183S, Deae Abbt : — I do not believe that I have written to yon for a very long period. I will, therefore, make amends by commenc ing a new year and a letter to you at the same time. And first let me wish yon all, a happy, happy new year. I would almost give my chance for a seat in Congress to be with you to-day. As it is, I am all alone, looking into books, papers, and docu ments of all sorts, to prepare myself for a speech in the case of " the Mississippi Election ;" but every moment or two my thoughts wander away to Portland, and leave the rights of the people of the State of Mississippi to take care of themselves. But I am with you in fancy, for I am so near you now, that im agination has little difficulty in accomplishing the rest of the way, I wrote to George the day after I arrived here, since which no thing of importance has occurred. I pre.'iented my credentials to the House ; they were referred to the Committee on Elections, ¦with insti actions to report the facts of the case, and I imagine 246 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. that in the course of a week the committee will report. There upon a disou'sion of a week or two, I suppose, will follow, in which I shall participate, and at the end of that period a fina: decision will take place. I am at present strongly inclined to think that I shall succeed in obtaining the seat, though it is diffi cult to judge as to the result .of the case, on account of the strong party-feeling wliioli is excited in relation to it. I feel but little interest in the matter, except tbat my pride is somewhat invol ved. If I am not admitted, I shall come on and see you at once. If 1 am admitted, I shall not be able to leave until the end of the session. You must all write me, and that often, and I shall keep you advised of everything of interest which occurs to me. My love to all. Your affectionate brother, Seaegent. The Lower House of Congress embraced, at this time, an unusually fair representation of the political talents and intelligence of the Nation. The names of a portion of its members yet survive ; some few of them will be likely to last as long as the Republic ; but the greater number already are buried in oblivion, or known only in the local circles to which they retired. It is interesting to look over an old Journal of Congress, and then reflect on the ephemeral character of popular honors, as indicated by such a review; a young man, tempted to barter away his self-respect and independence of opinion in exchange for some transitory office, could hardly be put to a more salutary task. In no other way, perhaps, could he better learn, that political fame is a very rare attainment — the fruit of great abilities, combined with uncommon toil, patient study, experience and favoring circumstances — and that, therefore, the pur suit of it by ordinary men is utterly visionary. Even the most brilliant talents for public affairs, win only a passing, notoriety, unless backed by time, fortune, and sub- LOWER HOUSE OF CONGRESS IN 1838. 247 stantial labor. If Henry Clay, Webster, and Calhoun, had all died at the age of forty, distinguished as they even then were, how small a figure would either of them have made in the history of this country, compared with the colossal space which his fame will now occupy ! Among the members of the House at this session, were the venerable Ex-President John Quincy Adams ; Millard Fillmore ; Thomas Corwin, of Ohio ; James K. Polk ; Messrs. Bell and Hunter, now members of the Senate ; George Evans, of Maine ; Levi Lincoln and Caleb Cushing, of Mass.; Ogden Hoffman, of N. Y ; Henry A. Wise, of Virginia ; Legare, of South Carolina ; Wm. C. Dawson, of Ga. ; John Sergeant, of Pa. : and others distinguished then, or since, in public life. The interest of the Mississippi contested election was very much enhanced by the precarious and nearly balanced .state of parties in the House. The financial policy of the Administration had loosened the confidence of many of its friends, and already were several of them on the point of deserting it. The members from Mississippi, chosen at the special election, were not of this number ; their votes were safely to be relied on ; upon their retaining their seats, therefore, the Executive policy was quite likely to depend. Some of the weightiest measures ever adopted by Congress, and not a few of the most momentous national and State elections, have turned, as is well known, upon the suffrage of one or two men. ; so that the importance of a single vote has passed into a proverb. It seems, at this day, almost incredible, that there should have been two opinions among intelligent men, concerning the claim of Messrs. Word and Prentiss to seats in the House of Representatives, on presenting their credentials to that body. Now that the motives^nd passions of the hour have pasted away, the case appears plain as daylight; 248 MEMOIR CF S. S. PRENTISS. its bare statement is a demonstration of the right. But it is no easy matter to see even daylight against the compul sion, or blind instinct of party feeling and discipline. Truth itself looks false in the presence of such influences. Nor is this to be regarded as wholly the fault of individuals, or as a pecuharity of any one party. For it lies in the very nature of parties, whether political or religious, that their members should be more or less their unreasoning instruments ; and that the spirit and interests of the body should predominate over all other considerations. In this fact consists both the good and evil of this species of organization ; it is at once the ground of its efficiency and of its debasing, odious despotism. One party may be constructed upon broader, and more beneficent principles, or be animated by greater intel ligence and wisdom than another ; and in that case, it will, of course, be likely to contain a larger number of men who think and judge for themselves ; but in itself considered, the spirit of party, whether in Church or State, is always and essentially dictatorial, intolerant and one-eyed ; only minds of the highest quality are able to rise above, or to see beyond it. To expect that in excited times, and especially on questions involving important party interests, the many will act from the impulses of that magnanimity, candor, love of truth and reverence for justice, which belong only to the noble, elect few, is a visionary hope ; one might almost as well look for stones soaring, like birds, into the air. The facts, bearing upon the Mississippi contested election, were briefly these : In consequence of President Van Buren's proclamation, calling a special Session of Congress, Governor Lynch, of Mississippi, issued a writ, command ing the sheriffs to hold an election for Representatives, to fill what he regarded as a constitutional " vacancy," " until superseded by the members to be elected at the next regu lar election, on the first Monday and day following, in Noveni' MISSISSIPPI CONTESTED ELECTION. 249 her next.^' At this special election, which occurred in July, Messrs. Claiborne and Gholson were chosen ; and received their credentials from the Governor for the period anterior to the November election. At the regular election in November, Messrs. Prentiss and Word, as we have seen, were chosen by a large majority to supersede Claiborne and Gholson. But, in the mean time, these latter gentlemen had been declared by a resolution of the House, to be duly elected members of the whole twenty-fifth Congress ; upon presenting their credentials* to the House, therefore, Messrs. Prentiss and Word found their seats pre-occupied. The question, thus arising, led to an elaborate discus!5ion of more than two weeks. No case of contested election ever before had created such universal interest. Indeed, no similar case had occurred since the establishment of the Constitution. The excitement in Congress was vehement, and it was felt throughout the country. This was owing in no small degree, as has been said, to the nicely-balanced • Ihe following is a copy of the certificate of election : THE STATE OP MISSISSIPPI. FxecuU^e Office. Jackson, Dec. i,A.D. 1837. Whbbeas, an election was held in this State on the first Monday, and the day fol lowing, in November, A. D. 1837, according to the ConstitutioQ of the United States, and the constitution and laws of Mississippi, for Representatives of the United States of America ; and, whereas, it appears from the ofiQcial returns, made to the ofiice of the Secretary of State, that Seargent S. Prentisa and Thomas J. Word received, each, a majority of the whole number of votes cast for Representatives to Congress, Now, therefore, I, Charles Lynch, Governor of the State of Misaissippi, do hereby certify that said Seargent S. Prentias and Thomaa J. Word are duly, and according to the Constitution of the United States, and the constitution and laws of the Sta.e of Mississippi, elected Representatives in Congress from the State of Mississippi, to serve for the 25th Congress of the United States of America. In testimony where of, 1 have caused the great seal of the State to be h'erewith affixed, at the city of Jackson, the Capital of said State, this 4th day of December, A. D. 1837. CHABLZa Ltkoh, By the Governor : Babrt W. Bdse, Secretary of State. 11* 250 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. state of parties in the House, and also to the vital impoi t ance of the principles involved ; but it was, in the end, still more owing to the masterly ability and eloquence of the youthful claimant. Very few of his auditors had ever heard or seen him, while to most of them his very name was, until a short time before, entirely unknown. Vague reports, however, of his remarkable character had preceded him to Washington City, and his Mississippi friends, who chanced to be at the Capi tal, were not backward to make their boast of him. In deed, nobody, who had once heard him at the bar or on the stump, seemed to feel the slightest doubt of his triumph. This, of course, only increased the difficulty and responsi bility of his position. " I ara much gratified," writes Ex- Governor Quitman to him, January It, " to learn from your letter of the first instant that the State has fair prospects of being i epresented by the men of her choice and not by counterfeits. I have never doubted that you would succeed in obtaining your seat. I could not doubt it. Congress dare not refuse our claim to representation. You have taken precisely the proper course. Insist upon it. Never give it up. We await with great anxiety further information on this vital question. I long to see you on the floor. I wish, sincerely wish, that I were with you. * * Your many friends here are looking with very great interest upon your movements. Much is expected from you. If you have am bition for distinction, you will not be sorry to find yourself and colleague, from a combination of circumstances, placed in a most conspicuous position before the whole Union. I have no fears for you. I have confidence not only in your talents, but in your discretion and tact." So far as ccn- erned the defence of his claim, these friendly anticipation? were not disappointed. The delight and admiration, callea forth by his opening speech, knew no bounds. On the daj SPEECH ON CLAIMING HIS SEAT. 251 set apart for him to address the House, nearly all the mem bers were in their seats, the galleries were crowded, and every eye and ear were fixed in eager expectation. His first sentence riveted the attention of the whole audience, and each succeeding sentence increased the surprise and pleasure awakened by the first. Some, anticipating an out burst of fervid but unpolished declamation, were charmed ta find them.selves listening to an orator, whose logic was as accurate and subtle as that of a schoolman, while the fairest gems of literary culture adorned his rhetoric. Others, ex pecting a violent partisan harangue, were no less astonished to find themselves in the presence of a statesman and jurist, dis cussing, with patriotic zeal, a great principle of constitutional law. He had not spoken long ere the fact was noised through the other wing of the Capitol, and soon one after another of the grave Senators was seen gliding into the House. Before he had concluded his argument, which lasted into the third day, the anxiety to heai;.him became intense. The galleries were crowded to suffocation, chiefly by ladies ; the lobbies and every vacant spot on the floor of the Hall were thronged by Senators, ex-members of Congress, officers of the Army and Navy, members of State Legislatures on a visit to the Capital, eminent Jurists and Judges, distin guished private citizens, and Foreign Ministers. At one time, as your eye glanced around and surveyed the scene, it was arrested, at every turn, by the presence of some illustri ous man. Directly in front of the chair, sat John Quincy Adams, the Nestor of the House ; just outside the bar (on the opposite side of the Hall), his tall figure towering above its fellows, stood Henry Clay, generalissimo of the Whig forces, watching with delight his young friend's manful defence ; near him were Judge White, of Tennessee, a white-haired patriarch of his party ; Preston, the eloquent Southern Senator, and Crittenden, the no less eloquent Ken« 252 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. tuckian ; close by rose the massive form of Daniel Webster, whose countenance, grave, unmoved, and almost sombre in its aspect, betokened the most profound attention. It was, indeed, a splendid assembly, illumined by a galaxy of genius, worth, statesmanship, beauty and station such as meet to gether but rarely in a generation — such as Edmund Burke, Charles Fox, or George Canning might have felt honored iu addressing. A breathless silence reigned from beginning to end, except as some fine passage ever and anon occasioned suppressed applause from the galleries. The speaker him self was evidently surprised to observe the magical power he was wielding.* He had never before addressed such an audience ; and when he witnessed the rapt attention and caught in their look the mystic signs of delight and approval from such veteran statesmen and orators as John Quincy Adams, Clay and Webster — men, whose names and noble eloquence had been the inspiration of his boyhood — no wonder if he was greatly excited and somewhat aston ished at himself. Still both the excitement and surprise were chiefly those of unusual pleasure — the pure gaudia certa- minis. His entire self-possession never failed him for an in stant ; there was no straining for effect, no trick of oratory ; but from the first to the last sentence, everything, in manner as in matter, seemed perfectly natural, as if he were address ing a jury on au ordinary question of law. Indeed, the great charm of this, as of all his speeches, was the simple, unfeigned sincerity which marked his whole bearing and every word he uttered. He felt that he was asserting a great principle, and, in his devotion to that, seemed to for get all personal claim. * After we hal been at Washington some time, Mr. Prentiss expressed to mo his fears lest he should not be able to sustain himself. But when the trial came ho eiceUed himself. Nobody had formed any correct Idea of his transcendent power* t do not believe he was conscious of them Um3e:\i.—LeUer from. Mr. Word. SPEECH ON CLAIMING HIS SEAT. 353 His peroration was short, but it thrilled the immense assemblage like an electric touch. Much of its force was owing to the tones of his voice, the glow of his eye and countenance, his peculiarly earnest manner, and the high wrought feelings of his hearers ; but no one can read it even now, without admiring its skill and beauty. The moment he had finished, his friends flocked around him with their^ enthusiastic congratulations, in which they were joined by not a few of his political opponents. As Mr. Webster left the Hall, he remarked to a friend, with comprehensive brevity : " Nobody could equal it !" And this may suffice as a sample of the innumerable compli ments elicited by his speech. It is still remembered with wonder by all who heard it. Few members of the House were less likely to be misled by false oratory than Ex-Presi dent Fillmore. In a letter, dated Buffalo, Nov. 28, 1853, he writes : " I can never forget that speech. It was, cer tainly, the most brilUant that I ever heard, and, as a whole, I think it fully equalled, if it did not exceed, any rhetorical effort to which it has been my good fortnne to listen in either House of Congress. It elevated him at once to the first rank of Congressional orators, and stamped his short but brilliant parliamentary career with the impression of un doubted genius, and the highest oratorical powers. I have never read the published speech, but I apprehend it is not possible that it should convey to the reader any adequate idea of the effect produced by its delivery." The feeling among his friends in Mississippi, upon hearing of his opening speech, is shown by the following extract from a letter of Judge George Winchester, of Natchez, a man unusually venerated for his many virtues, and who regarded Mr. Prentiss with an almost paternal affection. He writes, under date of Jackson, January 29, 1838 :— " The news that you had delighted a crowded auditory with 254 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. the commencement of a speech, transported me. Aftej hearing you, I am sure, a majority of the House could not decide against you. You will have obtained your seat before this reaches jou. I do not doubt the result. You were admitted at once as soon as you had finished the dis cussion. I would have travelled to Washington, if business would have permitted, for the bare pleasure of hearing your speech and witnessing its triumph. Yet here I feel a glow of triumph ; it runs warm through my veins, and animates and enlivens me like a shout of victory — ^like Homer's description of the eloquence of a Nestor or Ulysses, or as reading the most vivid passages in Shakespeare. Our courts are in session, and I am surrounded with persons talking to me in my room. If my letter is full of blunders, I have no time to correct them. The Chancellor tells me to send his respects, and says there is no man whose success pleases him more. God bless you." The printed speech is little more than a skeleton. Even the few rhetorical passages, that are retained, have lost much of their original form and beauty. The professional stenographers confessed themselves utterly baffled in the attempt to report him ; and he was quite as unfitted to re port himself Indeed, he complained that he never could reproduce the best thoughts, still less the exact language, of his speeches. Impatient and little practised in the use of the pen, he spoke not only with more power, but in bet ter style than he wrote. The following letter gives his own brief account of the speech : — Washinqton Citt, Jan. SO, 1838. Deae Geoege : — The " Mississiprii Election" is at length npon the «arpet. You have, probably, already learned by the newspapers that I have, in parliamentary phrase, been for tl ree days on mj H. s. legaRe. 255 ipgs ; in other words, I have made a three days' speech, and I have no doubt have convinced the House that I ouglit to be ad mitted. At any rate, as I tell them, whether they let me in or not, I have got my share of the session ; for if they divide it out, it will hardly afford three days apiece. I suppose you will won der what I could talk about so long. That's more than I can tell you ; though I have no doubt it was a sensible speech, from the fact that I had an attentive house and crowded galleries, from the latter of which I several times received very audible signs of approbation. Could I have put it to vote in the galle ries, especially among the ladies, I should have been admitted at once. But in good earnest, I feel highly gratified and flattered by what, I am told, was an unusual attention and interest on the part of the House. Many of the most distinguished senators hon ored rae with their presence, such as Webster, Clay, Preston, &c., so that I wanted but one thing to have made me very happy, and that was, that you should all have been present. I have dined with all the above-named gentlemen, since I have been here, yesterday with Mr. Webster and family, and have full as much attention as is agreeable to my modesty. I am more than ever of opinion that I shall obtain my seat, though it will be a very close vote, and I may be mistaken, I will not say disappointed. In the course of two or three weeks, as soon as the matter is decided, I will draw up the heads or substance of my speech and have it publisbed, though I shall not he able to do myself justice ta writing it off. My love to 3-ou all. Your affectionate brother, SEAEalNT. More than a week was consumed by members of the Ad ministration party in asserting the claims of Messrs. Clai borne and Gholson, and answering the argument of Mr. Prentiss. The last speaker on that side was the accomp lished Legare, of South Carolina ; a gentleman who surpas sed nearly all the public men of his time in the depth, accu racy and extent of his classical attainments. The articles 256 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. on Demosthenes, the Athenian Democracy, and kindled topics, contributed by him to the New York Review, show an acquaintance with ancient literature and politics, which would do credit to a German Gdehrter ; few things equal to them have ever been written on this side of the Atlantic. His early death was an irreparable loss to the cause of good learning, civil jurisprudence and cultivated statesmanship in the United States. On the present occasion a crowded house assembled to hear him ; but his speech was not considered equal to his reputation. His biographer himself intimates that "bril liant as was the figure which he made throughout that Con gress on all other questions in which he took part,'' his effort in the Mississippi Contested Election was a failure, and that in this instance " he certainly got upon the wrong side."''' On the 31st of January, Mr. Prentiss took the floor in reply. This second speech, while hardly behind the first in logical power and happy illustration, perhaps in some re spects even surpassed it. The various arguments, which, for seven or eight days in. succession, had been repeated by one speaker after another against the claims of Word and himself, aroused his feelings to the highest pitch. They seemed to indicate a foregone conclusion that the question was to be decided on the ground of party and not of justice. Their weakness, too, as well as the dull, tedious manner in which some of them had been presented, afforded him a good chance for exercising his unrivalled powers of wit and ridi cule. Nothing called out the whole of his intellectual forces like strong opposition ; and he never used them with greater skill or effect than at a retort. He was especially gratified in having such an antagonist as Legare, and no doubt the • Writiinns of Lefare, vol. i., p. 6,5. MISSISSIPPI CONTESTFD ELECTION. 251 unbounded applause now echoing though the country in re sponse to his first speech, helped to gird him for the second. The House was, if possible, still more crowded than on the 18th and 19th of January. A queenly array of grace and beauty filled the galleries, while the lobbies, as before, were thronged by senators and distinguished visitors. Scarcely a written vestige of this speech is preserved. At its close, a vote was taken on the right of Messrs. Clai borne and Gholson to their seats, and decided against them by a majority of seven. The course of things up to this point and until the final vote, is thus described in notes of an address, delivered by Mr. Prentiss at Natchez, shortly after his return to Mississippi : — The question was referred to a committee ; Messrs. Claiborne and Gholson on the one side, and Mr. Word and myself on the other, each contending that his was the Simon Pure representa tion. The committee were puzzled ; they thought we resembled the two Dromios so much that a decision was impossible. When the question came before the House, several able members main tained a vigorous and eloquent defence of the July election, and called forth all their powers to show that the people of Missis sippi were wrong in choosing members, according to their consti tution and laws, in November ; whilst another class, composed of many judicious and eminent politicians, argued a contrary opinion. The first question was taken on the title of Messrs. Claiborne and Gholson ; and during the arduous discussion of that question, in which party ingenuity appeared to be exhausted, nothing else was expected to follow a decision against those gentlemen than that the title of my colleague aud myself would instantly he admitted. It was certainly not dreamt of that they who, in their solicitude for Mississippi representation on the fioor of the House, contended so violently for the validity of the July election, would afterwards turn round and contend, with equal violence, that Mississippi's legal representatives should be 258 MEMOIR OP S. S. PRENTISS. sent hack ! It was amusing to view the contrast in their doo- trines. At first they were as narrow as the bridge that led to the Mahometan Paradise— but anon expanded to a breadth creater than the Way to Death. Their principles were like the lent in the Arabian Nights' Entertainments, which at times was so small that you could hold it in the palm of your hand: while, to suit convenience, it could be so enlarged as to cover a whole field and serve as au encampment for large armies. A vote was at length taken on the question of the July elec tion, and 119 members declared their opinion that it was null, illegal and unconstitutional, whilst 112 solemnly declared that it was vahd and constitutional. This was the rescinding vote. On the determination of this point, a general satisfaction was visible on the countenances of those in the House. All were in waiting, now that the difficulty seemed to be removed, to hear the November election sustained, and Mr. Word and myself sworn to our seats. To the astonishment of all, however, up starts a gentleman from Maryland, in a state of feverish excite ment, and, to the great and unsurpassed amusement of the House, with a voice which sounded to the ear like the very essence of pathos — begged the House to pause ! And for what ? Why, to find out that, as two men of the same political views as his had claimed seats as Representatives from Missis sippi against the will of the People, but could not retain thera — therefore that Sovereign State was entitled to no representa tion at all, and her Constitutional Representatives must be sent horae also. It was impossible to refrain from a smile at that gentleman's (Mr. Howard's) apparent feelings on this occasion. He spoke as if sorae dire misfortune was about to befall the Capitol. A discussion ensued, the result of which .vas, that the gentleman's pathetic appeal was supported, and your constitutional claims again postponed. Need I picture to you my burning indignation at this result? From that moraent I continued with unabated zeal to press a decision; day after day and night after night I watched with sleepless vigilance the proceedings -of the House; and although I could discover manceuverings going on in certain quarters, which THE FINAL VOTE 259 boded no good to your cause, still I could not find a reason why your right of repre,seiitarion was trifled with. At length, how ever, one night which 1 shall lone remember, those members who were adverse to 3-ou, gave notice that they were prepared for a decision. Now was unravelled the mystery of their delays, and there might be seen carried into the Representative Hall, men, whose sickness had prevented them from leaving their rooms, or attending to the business of the House for six weeks before ; others who appeared fitter for their coffins than their seats, and in such a ghasly state that one might well look around him to find where their graves had been dug. It was, indeed, hard to tell to which world they belonged. It may be well here to remark, that the questicm was not now whether A. or B. had a right to seats, but whether the State of Mississippi was entitled to representation. The difficulty inter posed by the presence of Messrs. Claiborne and Gholson had been removed. There was left, then, not a shadow of a pretence for member.s to travel beyond the true question — Is Mississippi a member of this Confederacy or not ? The vote was taken — it was a tie — and a certain gentleman who occupied the Speaker's chair, issued his soft veto on your claims. As deeply interested as I felt in the question just decided, as vital as it was to the rights and honor of the State for whose claims I had been battling — for a few moments I could not avoid philosophizing on what " Great effects from little causes flow I" We are told that in ancient times great events were attended by preternatural phenomena : earthquakes shook the world to its foundation, and the thunder's awful roarwarned mortals that some momentous occurrence was approaching; and I could scarcely credit my senses when I heard the most sacred rights of this Union wrenched from the State of Mississippi by the still small voice, hke that of some delicate woman, of Mr. Speaker Polk. This voice of usurpation was in tones so weak that, inchning my ear towards where he sat, I could scarcely hear itj attenuated sound. I confess I looked upon the matter as some. 260 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. thing curious. For a while I pondered on the whole transaeti.)!., and was lost to a sense of its importance. Thus, then, was the sacred right of Representation, for which our fathers fought and bled, denied to one of the Sovereign States of this Union, and that in the face of two classes of votes, given in the same assembly, wbich contended tbat such right was hers. For, as I have said, 112 members decided that she was entitled to be represented by her July delegation, while 117 other mem bers afterwards supported her constitutional election in Novera- her. Here we find 229 raerabers solemnly deciding that you had a constitutional representation, leaving five or six of all parties denying that you had a constituticmal representation ; and yet, by a curious combination, the Journal of the House shows a subsequent vote, which denies any representation !* The following reminiscence by Mr. Word, will recall to many readers the charge of grossly insulting the Speaker of the House, so industriously circulated at the time against Mr. Clay :— * For several hours the Hall was a perfect Bedlam. Between three and four o'clock a call of the House began, which drew up recruits from all quarters. Of 240 mem bers, 236 were in the city. Horses and carriages, ofl&cers and messengers were sent in every direction to bring in the missing. A member from Vermont appeared off a sick bed, looking like the ghost of Hamlet's father ; another, from Kentucky, pro hibited by his physician from leaving his room, was led in by two of his brethren, looking as if he had deserted the tomb — pale, d^ected, with no power to sup port bis own weight or lift his hand to his head ; another Western member, his face woe-begone^ seemed to be in his grave-clothes. At length, after hideous cries of ^^ question" "question," "order," "order," Mr. Howard's resolution came up : " Resoloed, That S. S. Prentiss and Thomas J. "Word are not entitled to seats in the twenty-fifth Congress." The qnestion came up upon the adoption of the resolu tion ; clouds rested upon the result ; breathless silence reigned throughout the Hall ; not a voice, scarce a whisper, was heard through the immense crowd, filling every nook and corner. At length the result was announced — UT to 117. There was a moment's pause, and the Speaker said, *' Tlie Chair votes in the affirmative ; thb RESOLUTION IS ADOPTED !" Thus was the long agony of three weeks ended. Mr. Wise instantly rose and poured forth an indignant rebuke. Mr. Prentiss followed, and, in a speech of five minutes, denounced the decision of the House as an act of palpable and gross " legislative usurpation"— declaring it to be the first of its kind on the records of Congress, Correspond&nce from Washington, Feb. 6, 1838. MISSISSIPPI CONTESTED ELECTION. 261 I well recollect an incident which occurred immediately after the final vote was taken, and which soon gained great notoriety in a very, distorted form. Almost all the members of the House were present, and we were rejected, as you know, by the casting vote of the Speaker, Mr. Polk. The Speaker's chair was on the north side of the Representative Hall, and Mr. Olay, Mr. Pres ton, and other Senators, were in the lobby on the south side. While the vote was goins on, I had taken a seat near the chair, and, keeping tally, ascertained that it was a tie. The clerk handed the vote to the Speaker, and was directed hy him, in an under tone, to cast it up again. While this was being done, I walked across the House to Mr. Pebntiss, who was standing within the bar, conversing with Mr. Olay, who was just outside the bar. The relative positions which they occupied, placed Mr. Pebntiss directly between Mr. Olay and the Speaker. I showed Mr. P. the vote, and remarked that it was a tie. This called the attention of the group to the fact, and instantly all eyes were turned to the Speaker. You will recollect that this was in 1838, long before Mr. Olay had attached himself to the Ohurch. You will also remember that the greatest familiarity, as well as the greatest friendship, existed between him and Mr. P. Keeping these things in mind, you will readily perceive how completely the incident was distorted, and how wholly misapplied was the language of Mr. Olay. When the clerk had run over the vote again, he handed it to the Speaker, who stated it to be a tie, and then himself voted to vacate the seats. Upon this announce ment, Mr. Clay, playfully pointing at Mr. Pebntiss and address ing hira, said : " Now go home, d — n you, where you ought to be!" All joined in a hearty laugh, and so the matter passed out of mind. But before we got home, the language of Mr. Olay was applied by some of the letter writers and newspapers as addressed to Mr. Polk, and that in the most profane, exaggerated form. You know what scandalous use was afterwards made of the charge.* How Mr. Clay's remark could have been addressed or applied to the Speaker, no sensible man could comprehend. • See's, g., editorials of The Globe, the then official organ, for February 10, 1^ und June 2, 1838— Ed. 262 MEMOIR OF S. .S. PEENTISS. I have always supposed that the per.-on who gave publicity tc the incident, must have been misled by not observing the relative position of the parties; Mr. Peentiss standing, as I have said, between Mr. Olay and the Ohair, Mr. C. pointing at Mr. P. might seem to point to the Speaker. The publisher of this oc currence may have been unaware, too, of the close intimacy and familiarity which existed between Mr. Peentiss and the illustri ous Kentuckian. But be this as it may, the facts were as above stated, and I am happy to give them to^ou, that justice may "be done to the memory of these two great and good men. A day or two after they were rejected, the House passed a Resolution, directing the clerk to pay Messrs. Word and Frentiss the usual mileage and per diem, while they were con testing their seats, amounting in all to nearly $2,000 apiece. But they disdained to touch it. The result of the Mississippi Contested Election only served to increase the public interest in Mr. Prentiss. His manly bearing throughout the struggle, and the fearless spirit, as well as the eloquence, with which he had defied the whole force of the administration, secured for him the re spect and even admiration of his more generous opponents ; none expressed for him those sentiments more cordially than Mr. Legare ; while the pride and high hopes which his course excited in his own party, were only equalled by their disappointment at his defeat, and the fear that he would not come back. On the eve of his departure for Mis sissippi, he received a very striking proof of the regard felt for him by the most distinguished members of his party, in the tender of a public dinner. A noticeable incident of this occasion, was a Union speech by Mr. Webster, made late in the night, which the guest, speaking of it several years after wards, declared to have been the most wonderful outburst of eloquence that he ever heard. He described it as marked LETTER HOME. 2C3 by all Mr. Webster's simple majesty, perspicuity and strength of thought, but with the addition of an impassioned fervor and inspiration of feeling, such as no one present had ever before witnessed in him. The following letter to his elder sister, will fitly close this chapter r WiSHlNOTON CiTT, Feb. 14, 1338. Deae Abbt : — I informed you in my last, of the result of ray business here, which I presume you have also learned from the papers. Though not quite as successful as I expected, yet on the whole. I believe I have, personally, no cause to complain. I am pertectly satisfied with what I have seen of political life, and without having my opinion of myself in any degree raised, I can truly say that ray estimation of others is .sadly diminished. I had no idea of the want of principle as well as the want of sense which characterizes a large portion of the political raen of the nation. For my own part, I am heartily sick of the whole matter, and shall feel greatly obliged to the people of Mississippi, if they will allow me to retire. I think, however, that they will send me back here, and if they wish to do so, I feel bound to submit to their wishes. I bad the honor of a very high and gratfying compliment on Saturday last. It was a public dinner given to myself and ray colleague, by the Whig merabers of both Houses of Congress. There were about seventy or eighty present, among whom, were Messrs. Clay, Webster, Orittenden, Southard, Judge White, Evans, Bell, Wise, &c., &o. Indeed, it Is said to have been the most talented selection of gentlemen that had ever assembled here at the con vivial table. Many speeches were made, and the whole affair passed off very finely. I need not tell you that I was much gratified by the attention and personal regard of such raen; though, generally speaking, I ara not ambitious about such mat ters, and, indeed, most of the gratification I experienced, arose from the reflection that it would afford, perhaps, some pleasure to my mother and sisters. I have just got a portion of my flrst 264 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. speech printed, and will send you some copies to-morrow. Yon will flnd it rather a dry thing,' as I was compelled, iu writ ing it out, to omit most of it, except the argument on the constitutional point. Had I written all I spoke, it would have made a volume; for I spoke altogether, from ten to twelve. hours, and that pretty fast. But I need not make apologies to such partial critics as you will all be. Tell G-eorge not to make as much fun of my prose as he does of my poetry, or I will get hold of some of his productions and retaliate. You must write me immediately at Vicksburg. Tell Anna she must mind and get well by the time I come home in the summer. My love to you all. Your aflfectionate brother, S. 8. FnENTiaB. SPEECH. 266 CHAPTER XI. Speech on the Mississippi Contested Election. We gire in this chapter the larger portion of Mr. Pren tiss' first speech on^;laiming his seat. Aside from the im portance of the principles discussed, it is entitled to a place here as one of the very few remains of his argumentative power. The reader will, probably, admit that it does no discredit to this feature of his eloquence. Me. Speakee : — As an Individual, I thank the House for the courtesy which has been extended to me. On behalf of the State of Mississippi, I acknowledge the somewhat tardy justice which has at length permitted her to be heard upon the ques tion of her right to choose her own representation on this floor. The first use I shall make of the privilege accorded to me will be to set the House right as to the attitude of the (juestion, for I perceive that many members labor under a misapprehension on this point, and I am anxious that the position I occupy in the matter should be distinctly understood. I have petitioned this House for nothing ; neither have I memorialized it; I have pre sented myself here as a Representative from thO sovereign Stato of Mississippi to the Congress of the United States, and claim a seat on this floor, not as a matter of favor ^ but as a matt er of right. I produced my credentials, properly authenticated, showing my due election, according to the laws of that State, and demanded to be sworn. No one objected to the legality of the election ; no one questioned my quahflcation or the correctness of the returns ; neither was there any doubt as to the authenticity of the credentials. The State of Mississippi, it was admitted on all 12 266 MEMOIR or s. s. pbentiss. hands, had, through her highest organs, and in accordance with the provisions of her Constitution and laws, solemnly accredited me as her Eepresentative. It was objected, however, that the seats belonging to that State were already filled, as appeared by a resolution of the House, adopted at its last session, which resolution the State had no right to gainsay. You, sir, refused to administer the oath, and referred the mat ter to the House. The Iiouse referred it to the Committee on Elections, with instructions to report the facts of the case, which report, with the resolutions based thereupon, is now the subject of discussion. Had I been permitted, I should have objected to this reference. I thought then, and still think, that a committee had no busi ness with the matter. It was not a case of contested election. No one denied the due election and return of my colleague and myself. Our credentials were perfect and unimpeached, and the only question which arose was upon the right of the State of Mississippi to hold any election in November for Representatives to Congress. The State had claimed the right, had exercised it, and through me, had asserted it to this House. No one gain. sayed the election, qualification, or return. It was the right of election itself which was controverted, and not the right of those claiming under it. The State of Mississippi asserted her right in November last to elect Representatives to the 25th Congress, in obedience to her laws, which she believes to be constitutional, and binding upon this House. The House denied the right, and set up its own action against it. Now, as far as the House had jurisdiction to decide upon this collision between itself and the State, I thought it could and should have proceeded at once, without the intervention of a committee. I listened with feelings of deep regret and alarm, to sentiments expressed by honorable gentlemen, whose only advantage over myself has arisen from an earlier action on the part of the States which they represent, and an assertion of their claims at an earlier period than was practicable on my part. Sir, is there a gentleman on this floor who holds his seat by virtue of a law more definite, under credentials more perfect, with an expres" SPllECH. 26" sion more extensive or more decisive of the popular will, than what were exhibited .and admitted in the present instance? And yet it was said that the high and solemn authentication, by a State, of her Representative here, stands upon the same footing, and is entitled to no greater consideration than an humble me morial, or a beggarly petition. Yes, sir, one of the twenty-six States of thig Confederacy, constitutionally entitled to furnish and compose a portion of this very body itself, stands, when as serting such right, in no better attitude than a private individual praying for a place, or petitioning for a, pension. I protest against such doctrines ; they are equally degrading to the char acter of the States and of this House, composed, as it is, of the Representatives of those very States whose rights are treated with such contempt. I deny that the action of a gre;it indepen dent political community is entitled to no other attention, or is subject to the same technical rules of procedure as the action of a private individual. Some beneflt, however, I will acknowledge, ha^ resulted from the reference ; the facts are now all before the House in their most authentic form, and, though portions of them have but little bearing upon the main question in controversy, to wit, the right of election, yet 1 doubt not they will produce a salutary effect in diminishing the prejudice which has arisen from an ex parte and mistaken view of the case. tn performing the high errand upon which I have been sent, I am conscious of the serious disadvaniages under under which I labor. In the flrst place, I am a stranger here ; and the claim which I advance is opposed by two gentlemen who doubtless possess and deserve the sympathies of this House. These gentle men, too, are in full enjoyment of the subject-matter of dispute, and upon their .lide is eidisted that natural prejudice which all mankind feel in favor of possession. One of them (Mr. Claiborne) has, in advance of this discussion, submitted to the House an addresn, in which, with great skill, he appeals to the personal friendships and social relations which he has so long had the opportunity of forming. Indeed, they have all the advantage of position. I come to them an unwel 268 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. come messenger from their master, that great Sultan, the People, bearing as a present the political bow-string ; and it is not to be expected that the rebellious Pachas will consent to be choked off without a struggle. Indeed, they boast that they have,, long since, entered into a treaty with this House, by which the House is bound to protect them in their treasonable practices, and to interpose its broad shield between them and their justly exasperated sovereign. I regret the position which I am compelled to occupy in rela tion to these gentlemen, with both of whom my intercourse has always been marked by the most kindly feelings. I have, how ever, a high duty to perform. I act for others, and not for my self; and I should be unworthy the confidence which has been reposed in me did I allow any personal considerations to in fluence my action or bias my judgment. A portion of the public press has interfered in this matter in the most licentious raanner. Even since it has been undergoing an acknowledged judicial investigation by this House, the ques tion has been decided out of doors with an air of ex cathedra authority, which is raanifestly intended to have an effect here. The official organ itself has spoken, and with an ignorance of the law only to be equalled by its perversion of the facts. I have alluded to this matter merely to inquire whether the god or the priest alone, is responsible for the lying oracle ; to deprecate .Er«c««Me interference in this controversy; and to express my .•lope that the sword of Brennus is not to be cast into the scale, compelling, by its massive weight, right and justice to kick the beam. Rumor, through some of her hundred mouths, has bruited it abroad that this case would be decided not upon its merits, but upon party grounds. In accordance with her ancient custom, she surely lied; for, when I cast my eyes around, and behold collected here the selected wisdom and worth of this mighty nation, I cannot restrain my indignation at the foul and ground less slander. What! tl,« right of representation of a whole State to be decided upon party grounds! the elective franchise to be sacrificed at the .shrine of party ! I do not believe it, sir, SPEECH. 269 I do not believe it. A degree of corruption which would war rant such a supposition, exceeds my comprehension. I have a better opinion of ray kind ; and, if I had not, sir, I would trust to fear even after I had lost confidence in honesty. No party in this country dares tamper with the elective franchi.se of a whole State. No party dares remove a corner-stone at the risk of bring ing the whole edifice tumbling about their ears. No party dares place the match to a magazine, whose explosion, they must know, will blow them to atoms. The People guard with more than Argus-vigilance the right of representation, for it has not been long since their fathers fought for it; and woe betide the party which shall attempt to steal from them the Hesperian fruit. Did I think that rumor spoke truth ; that faction would usui-p the seat of judgment, and partisan prejudice, instead of the Oon- stitution and the laws, furnish the rule of decision, then, indeed, I should deem it worse than useless to trespass upon your patience. With slow and melancholy steps I should return to those who sent me here, and tell them that the days of the Republic were numbered ; that the spirit of liberty had departed, and in its stead a demon had entered and taken possession of the. body, directing its movements and controlling its functions. I would tbat I wielded the spear of Ithuriel, that with il I might touch the foul fiend of party, should he dare " squat lake a toad" to whisper false suggestions in the ear of this Hou&a ; then would he start up in all his horrid deformity, with a vis*ge more hideous than that of the dark Mokanna, the Veiled Propt,.et of Khorassan.* But, as I have said, I cannot beheve ther{ its power of judging of the elections, qualiflcations and returns of its mem bers, nullify a constitutional law of a State, or of Congress, fix ing the time for the election of Representatives to Congress. This is not all ; it involves the right of the delegations of one- half of the States to the very seats which they now occupy. In fact, it involves the constitutional character of every House of Pe'--e of ascertaining the rights of their constituents ; that delicate .sensibility which could not brook a shadow of doubt as to the legitimacy of their repre sentative character ; that fostering protection of the elective franchise ; that deep veneration for the voice of the People ; that ready obedience to their will? Do the gentleraan really wish to represent the People of Mis sissippi, whether they will or not? Do they actually Intend to set up a majority of seventeen votes here against a majority of seven thousand at home? Did they obtain this decision for the purpose of extending the powers delegated to thera by the People ? Whom do they consider tlieir constituents, the People of Mississippi or the members of this House, that they should base their rights here upon the action and will of the latter, in stead of the former ? Does not their valor outrun their discre tion iu this matter? A bold man was he, that ancient one, who stole the fire from Heaven and hid it in a hollow reed ; but not less bold is he who would steal the elective franchise from the people of a whole State, and hide it in a hollow decision of this House. Let them remember the fate of Prometheus, " the vul ture and the rock." Come, I cast down my glove, and challenge them to do battle upon the merits of this cause. What! are they afraid to break a lance or shiver a spear in fair lists upon the open pl.ain, that thus silent and sullen they retire behind the wall, and hide in an intrenchment, constructed, oue would judge, for the very purpose of protecting themselves against their con stituents ? Perhaps they are content with tie laurels won on a former occasion, when, as I am told, in right knightly style they held a passage at arras, and challenged all comers. Thev pranced. SPEECH. 273 it is said, in gallant guise around the lists, and their trurapet of defiance rung fm-th loud and clear. But well they knew the while, that two thousand long miles, with many p lofty mountain and many a broad and rushing river intervened between themselves and those whom they thus summoned to the contest. That sum mons is at length answered by the People of Mississipp, on whose Dchftlf, and as an hiimble champion of whose rights, I now appear. Fast and far I have ridden to meet the gentleman's high defiance. Ivanhoe has returned from the Holy Land, and tho Disinherited Knight dares the proud Templar to the combat. Again, and for the last time, in the name of Miss'ssippi, the lady-love whose gage we both profess to wear, I call upon the gentlemen to corae forth from their castle of "?'«« adjudicata," as they call it, and meet this controversy upon fair and open ground. They decline the invitation. Well, if they will not come to me, I will go to them. 1 will attack this fortress in which they have taken refuge. It strikes me that it can be either stormed or starved into a surrender ; for I do not believe that its defen ces are tenable, or its garrison victualled for a very long siege. Let the gentlemen remember, too, that they have rendered themselves fully hable to the operation of that rule of war which denies quarter to those who attempt to defend an untenable position. Let us now examine into the character of this res adp'dicata, which, like the seal of Solomon, has closed up ths whole matter. At the special session of Congress in September last, Mesprs. Claiborne and Gholson appeared and took their seats on the first day thereof, as Representatives from the State of Mississippi. They participated in the organization of the House, and in all business transacted hy it, until the fourteenth day of the session, when Mr. Gholson introduced the following resolution, which was adopted bytheHcuse: " iS«sofo« as she was not a party to the proceeding upon which it w&s based, and had no notice thereof, either actual or constructive.' The general principle of law is, that the judgment of a cou?^ of corapetcnt jurisdiction is binding upon the parties only. Aftei the parties to a controversy have been heard, or have had a> opportunity of being heard, it is both just and proper that litig»- SPEECH. 283 tion should cease, and the decision be final. The puUio good requires it. Interest reipublicm ut sit finis litium. The general rule is based upon abstract justice aud public policy, both of which would be violated by its spphoation to the present case. The State of Mississippi was not a party to the proceeding at the special session. It is contended, I know, that she was substantially a party, and that she was present and heard in the matter, through her agents and attorneys, Messrs. Claiborne and Gholson ; but this is a clear begging of the question. Mississippi denies that these gentleraen were her agents for the purpose of claiming seats in the twenty-fifth Congress. They produced no power of attorney from her, authorizing them to act for her in this behalf. The power of attorney which they received from the State author ized them to act as her agents in claiming seats at the special session only. This power of attorney was suppressed, and evi dence given which deceived at least a portion of the House into the belief that the People of Mississippi had chosen these gentle men as their agents for two years. All that Mississippi asks now is the right of showing that Messrs. Claiborne and Gholson never were her agents to the twenty-fifth Congress. If she can show this, surely no one will pretend that she is bound by the acts of pseudo-agents. This question of agency, which gentlemen so cavalierly take for granted, is the very gist of the controversy — the very matter of dispute. But the petitio principii is an exceedingly convenient mode of argument in a bad cause; and it is an excellent and ingenious practice to assume what you can not prove. The only parties before the House at the last session were Messrs. Olaiborne and Gholson. Now if, in the action taken by them in obtaining the decision of the House, they were not the agents of Mississippi, but had transcended the authority dele gated to them, then it follows that Mississippi was not directly or indirectly, in point of fact, or iu legal contemplation, a party to the proceeding. That she had notice, ei her actual or con structive, no one pretends. I take it, then, to be clear that if she can show that Messrs. Olaiborne and'GhoLon exceeded tha 281: MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. authority delegated to them in claiming seats for the whok term of the twenty-fifth Congress, she can neither bo considered a party to, nor bound by, such unauthorized action on their part, I come now to the fifth and last branch of this .'subject, viz. "that said pretended adjudication was founded upon palpable mistake, and that this House is bound to review it." All courts, both of law and equity, review their decisions when they appear to have been based upon palpable' mistake : courts of law, by new trials and writs of error coram nobis; courts of equity, by bills of review. And it would be strange indeed, when wrong is done through mistake, if there existed no power to rectify it. The mistake under which the House labored at the special ses sion arose frora its belief that the People of Mississippi voted for Messrs. Olaiborne and Gholson as representatives' to the twnty-fifth Congress, and intended to elect thein for the whole lerin. In proof of this, I refer to the speech of an honorable gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Howard), in which he bases a large portion of his argument and opinion in favor of the sitting merabers upon this supposed intention of the People; in proof of the existence of which he expressly says, " that they had the positive testimony of the sitting members in the shape of state ments made in their places; while, on the other hand, the only evidence adduced to repudiate such statements was th^ procla mation of the Governor, which, it was contended, constituted no evidence of the intention with which the people acted in the election held under its mandate.'' I have been told, also, by many honorable gentlemen, that they labored under the sarae apprehension, derived from the same source. Now, was the terra for which the People intended to elect, and did really elect, in July, a material fact; and, if so, did the House labor under a mistake in relation to this fact; and was the decision, in any sort, b.ased upon such mistake? It seems to me, frora the very nature of representation, that the intention of the Peo ple constitutes the most material subject of inquiry in the inves tigation. Election is choice, and choice cannot exist without in tention, which is the very soul and life of the who^e matter. An election is, in fact, nothing more, in all its forms, than a mode of SPEECH. 385 '^iC -1tt\'. ascertaining the intent-ion of the electors. When, therefore, that intention is full}' and legitimately ascertained, the election can- ¦ not be construed as extending beyond the intent and object 0/ the electors; in other words, the act should not be construed be.vond the will of the actors. If, then, the People of Missis sippi did, in July last, intend to elect representatives for three months only, and did, in point of fact, vote for the purpose of filling that period of time alone, is it not an absurdity and a falsehood to assert that such election was for two years? It does not affect the matter at all to say that they had no right to elect for three months, but had a right to elect for two years. The only result of such a proposition would be, that the election was void, inasmuch as the people had attempted to do what the Constitution did not authorize them to do. It seems to rae that no proposition can be. clearer than this — that an unconstitu tional election for three months cannot be considered a constitu tional election for two years. To those members, then, who believed that the People of Mississippi had a right, in July, to elect representatives to the whole of the twenty-fifth Congress, the question certainly must be a material one, whether they did, in point of fact, do it. The House was raade to believe that this was the intention of the people, and many eloquent appeals were made upon this floor, and with great effect, as I am told, against too strict and technical a construction of the Constitu tion; which, it was asserted, would violate the acknowledged will and intention of the people. I trust, sir, that the sarae tender regard for the will of the People of Mississippi which pervaded the House at the last session, will continue to influence It at the present. But was the House mistaken in the view taken of the intent and object of the People of Mississippi at the July election ? Of this there cannot exist the slightest doubt upon the mind of any candid raan. I have traversed almost the entire State since the July election, and mingled freely with n en of all political parties ; and I assert, as a matter of fact, without hesitation or fear of contradiction, that the electors who voted in July did not vote or intend to elect for a longer period than what intervened 286 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. between that time and the regular election in November. No; sir ; if the gentlemen and all their party could be saved, like th« wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, by the production of ten righteous men, of any political creed, in the State of Mississippi, who would certify that the election in July was intended, or holden for a longer period, still they would not be able to avert the destruction which is ready to fall, like a consuming Are, upon their heads. But I wish not to rest upon my own asser tion onl}', notwithstanding opportunity has afforded me the means of deriving my information in the matter from the best possible source — the People themselves. What is the evidence before the House of the extent and object of the July election ? First is the proclamation of the Governor, ordering the election for Representatives to flU the vacancy, " until superseded by the members to be elected at the regular November election.'' It is admitted on all hands, that the Governor only intended to order an election to the called session of Congress ; aud that upon the face of the writ, an election is literally ordered only for that portion of the term anterior to the general election. So far, then, as the Executive action is concerned, the intention is conceded to have been in accordance with the terras in which it was expressed. Now, did the People vote in obedience to the whole writ, or did they select a portion of it as a legitimate mandate, and reject the remainder? In other words, did the people consider a portion of the writ surplusage, or did they act under it according to its admitted terms and meaning? In proof that they acted according to the whole command of the writ, and elected only for that portion of the terra therein spe cified, we have the evidence of two principal officers of the State, of opposite political sentiments, acting in obedience to the law of the State, under the responsibility of an oath, and both liable to impeachment, if they have offlci.ally asserted a falsehood. The law of the State requires that, after an election for Congress, the Secretary of State shall sum up the votes returned, and declare by publication the result of the oleclion. In this instance he performed his duty, and declared Messrs. SPEECH. 287 Olaiborne and Gholson duly elected to " the called session ol Congress." This was an official act of the Secretafy of State, who was, be it known, a political friend of the merabers elect, and therefore cannot be supposed to have been actuated by any inchnation unfavorable to their claims. The law of the State further requires that, upon such publication being made, the Governor shall issue proper credentials to the persons elected, &c. The Governor did issue such credentials, in which he asserted the fact, that Messrs. Claiborne and Gholson had been elected only for that portion of tirae anterior to the November election. These two official assertions of the highest functionaries of the State, in relation to the extent of the July election, are certainly entitled to some weight, at least until controverted ; for, how can the intention of the people be better ascertained, than through the very channels provided by their laws as the mediura of its communication ? But this is not all the evidence. Thirty days before the November election, the sarae sheriffs who had executed the Governor's writ, notified the people, according to law, that an election would be holden on the first Monday and day following in November, for Representatives to Congress ; thus positively repudiating the supposition that the e'ection which they had superintended in July was intended to fill the whole term. Here, then, is the evidence of more than fifty State officers, acting under oath, and asserting that the -July election was not intended to supersede the November election. Again, at the November election, about 20,000 electors, a larger number than had ever before voted iu the State, came forward and asserted at the polls that the July election was not intended to supersede the November election. Thus, we have on one side the united testimony of the Governor, the Secretary of State fifty-one sheriffs, and 20,000 electors. And what have we on the other side to counterbalance this great mass of evidence? The unassisted and unsupported verbal statements of the sitting members. The House was not only mistaken, but deceived ¦ for the proper credentials issued by the Governor, though in the 288 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. possession of one of the gentlemen, were suppressed, and nevei produced either before the House or the committee. The evi dence of their right, as appears from the last report of the com mittee, consisted of a printed statement of the vote in the several counties, certified to be correct, but without date, or any designation whatever of the tirae, place, or result of the election to which it professed to relate — a sort of floating claim, which will be as good evidence of right to a seat ten years hence as it was at the special session. Sir, I do not raake the grave charge of a suppression of evidence, in the ex parte examination which this matter underwent on a former occasion, without ample reason. Indeed, one of the gentlemen not only openly admits the suppression, but with a boldness which seems to indicate a total want of sensibility as to the impropriety of his course, avows that the reason why the proper and legal credentials were not produced arose from the fact that they limited his term of service to the special session. The following is the bold avowal raade by Mr. Claiborne in his written speech, which has had the peculiar good fortune to be placed upon the records of this house : " The ordinary certifi cate of election, or credentials, were forwarded to my colle.ague, ' but never received by him. Those sent to me were received : but perceiving that they contained tlie limitation of the term of service mentioned in the Governor's writ to hold the election, we applied for and obtained the statement from the Secretary of State, to be used in their stead." It thus appears that the regular and official evidence of the gentlemen's right to seats vi'as kept back, and spurious, secondary, and partial evidence, unknown to the law of the land, introduced in its stead, upon the express ground that the primary and legitimate evidence did not sustain their claim to seats in the twenty-fifth Congress. It is but justice,. however, to Mr. C. to say, that he charges the comraittee with the whole odium of the concealment ; for he says iu continuation of the remarks above quoted, " All this wag distinctly stated by us to the Committee of Elections in Septem ber last." But the Committee of Elections did not see fit to communicate to the House this important fact in relation to the SPEECH. 289 very certificate upon which they were instructed to report. Knowing, according to the statement of Mr. C, that a certifl cate of election was in existence, but kept back, solely on account of its insufficiency to sustain the claim set up by the gentleraen possessing it, the committee, in palpable violation of the instructions of the House, neither compel its production, nor take notice of its existence ; but raake a report favorable to the claimants, based upon partial and secondary evidence, avowedly obtained for the express purpose of avoiding the effect and -operation of the certificate of election. The committee have not denied the assertion of Mr. C, that he informed them of these facts. Possessing this information, I know not how they could reconcile it with their consciences to conceal it from the House. However, it is with the facts aud not with the consciences of the committee that my business lies. The facts which I have stated are now uncontroverted. I leave them without comment to the judgment of the House, with this single question. Were not many honorable gentlemen deceived and mistaken as to the intention and extent of the July election. And did they not consider that intention a material fact in arriving at a conclusion favorable to the claim of the sitting members ? In conclusion of this branch of my argument, I have only to say, that I have looked and listened in vain for the reason and authority upon which to sustain the assumption taken by my opponents, that this House cannot review or reverse its previous decision. Let us examine the position a moment. By what rule is this House imjieratively governed and bound ih its o*h proceedings? First, by the Constitution of the United States, and the laws passed in pursuance thereof; and, secondly, by the regulations adopted for its own governmfent, so long as these regulations remain anrescinded. It is bound ho further. The rules of pro ceeding in coiirts Of justice are of no force in this Hall beyond what propriety and a sense of justice may warrant. There is no provision in the Constitution, the laws, or the regulations adopted by this House, ivhich forbids a review and reversal of the de- 13 290 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. cision of the last session. The analogies, drawn from the courtB of law, address themselves only to the propriety and not to tho right of this House. From the technical arguments, so elabor ately deduced from that source, one would rather suppose this was a county court, than the high court of parhament. It would be strange, indeed, if the American Congress was the only body in which wrong once committed is incapable of repar ation, and error hardened into a judicial decision, becomes impervious to truth. The House has, by referring the subject to a committee, acknowledged jurisdiotion over it, and has thereby decided the matter to be still within its control : for it would be a mockery, after having proceeded for weeks, through its committee, in the investigation, now to say that it has the power to examine, but not the power to conclude ; the power to hear, but not the power to judge. I have thus, Mr. Speaker, endeavored to show, not only that this House has the power to review its former decision, but that justice requires it to exercise that power. I have attempted to clear the way to the examination of the great constitutional question involved, and trust my labor has not been entirely without success. Upon the supposition that the House will come to the conclusion that, if wrong has been done, no princi ple stands in the way of its reparation, I shall proceed to the examination of the propositions laid down in the early part of my argument. And, flrst, that the election of Messrs. Olaiborne and Gholson, in July last, was unconstitutional, nnll, and void. The election was holden in July, by virtue of the proclamation of the State Executive. Two questions arise: First. Had the Governor of Mississippi constitutional power to order at that tirae an election for Representatives to the Twenty-fifth Con gress? Second. Did he exercise the power ? First. Had he the power? He had it not by virtue of any provision in the Con stitution or laws of the State. AU his authority over the subjcet of election of Representatives to Congress is derived from the Oonatitution of the United States, and is embraced in the follow ing clause. Art. I., sec. 2: "When vacancies happen in the 291 representation from any State, the Executive authority thereof shall issue writs of election to fill such vaosiucies." Upon the construction of this clause the wh(de controversy as to the flrst point hinges. Let us; then, endeavor to ascertain what the framers of the Constitution meant by a " vacancy in the repre sentation from a State.'' The best rule of interpretation is to ascertain, if practicable, the intent and object of the law-giver, and then so construe the words as to cover the intent and attain the object. This intent may be best ascertained by a consideration of the necessity which gave rise to the provision. The framers of the Constitu tion, in prescribing the general modes through which the right of representation should be exercised, very wisely concluded that the regulation of this most important of all political rights should be placed in the hands of the Legislatures of the States respec tively, as the safest depositories of so important a trust. Accord ingly they provided, by the fourth section of the first article, that "the times, places, and manner of holding elections for Senators and Representatives shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any tirae by law make or alter such regulations, except as to the place of choosing Senators." Here the power of pre.=cribiiig the time, place, and manner of holding elections for Representatives is not given to the State Executive in any contingency, but to the State Legislature, sub ject to no paramount authority except a law of Congress. But if the Constitution had stopped here, it would have been de fective; for though the State Legislatures, knowing when the regular term would expire, could regulate the time, place, and manner of elections' to fill the term, yet they could not foresee and provide for vacancies which might happen in the representa tion after the term is filled. The regular vacancies which must occur in the office biennially and at stated periods could of course be foreseen and provided for by legit-lative action. The power to provide for the filling of these periodical vacancies, in the office of Representative, was clearly placed with the State Legis latures, subject to the control of Congress. But inasmuch as 292 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. vacancies raight happen in the representation from a State, chosen according to law to fil'i the term — by contingencies of various sorts, such as death, resignation, &c., and inasmuch as the State Legislature, not being always in session, could not con veniently provide for or act upon such unforeseen contingencies, it was thought proper to raake it the duty of the State Executive to notify the people, and direct an election to be held when such an event occurred. For though the peoi)le know, by the general election law, when they shall convene aud elect their Repre sentatives for each Congress, yet, having once elected thera, they cannot be supposed to know when a vacancy happens in such representation, neither can any law notify them. It is therefore rendered the duty of the Executive to issue his writ for the pur pose of informing them that a vacancy has happened. This of itself shows that it was not intended to give the Executive the power to order an election to fill the regular periodical vacancies which constitutionally occur every two years in the office of Representative, but only such vacancies as "happen in the representation from a State," after such a representation has been created under the general election law ; for if so, what necessity for a writ to notify the people of that of which, by the Constitution, they are already apprised ? The terms of the Con stitution, which clothe the Executive with all the power which he possesses on this subject, are peculiar, and have never before formed the subject of direct decision. The phraseology differs remarkably frora that used in relation to senatorial vacancies, to be provided for by Executive appointment. The language in the latter case is : " And if vacancies happen by resignation or other wise, during the recess of the Legislature of any State, the Exe cutive thereof may make temporary appointments, until the next meeting of the Legislature, which shall then fill such vacancies.^' Here the term vacancy is generally used, and might, with sorae show of propriety, perhaps, be applied to the office itself. But not so in relation to the provision under discussion; the term vacancy, in this case, applies not to the office, but to the repre- tentation. It is not, " when a vacancy happens," nor, " when a vacancy happens in the office of representative;" but, "when SPEECH. 293 vacancies happen in the representation fi-om any State, the Execu tive authority shall," &o. Now, I hold that the office is one thing, and the representation, which exercises or fills the office, an other ; and that, though there cannot be a vacancy in the repre sentation without a vacancy in the office, yet there may be a vacancy in the office without a vacancy in the representation. The representation from a State consists of the persons chosen to fill the representative offices of that State. This representaticm expires or goes out of office on the 3d of March biennially, by constitutional limitation; at least such is the construction which has always been recognized by the Gov ernment. Messrs. Claiborne and Gholson constituted the re presentation from the State of Mississippi in the 24th Congress. Their term of service and the 2-lth Congress both expired on the 3d of March last In July the Governor issued his writ to fill vacancies in the representation from the State to the 25th Con gress; but there had never been any representation frora the State to the 25th Congress. How, then, could there have been a vacancy in what had never existed ; in other words, how could there he a vacancy in a vacancy? There was, when the Gov ernor issued his writ, and ever had been, not vacancies in the representation from the State, but a total vacancy of representa tion to the 25th Congress. Whatever may be the correctness of my views upon this point, no one will deny that the language, spirit, and intent of the Constitution combine to place, as far as practicable, the matter of elections for Representatives and Senators under the control of the State Legislatures, and not under the control of tho State Executives. The power of the State Executive was manifestly intended to complete and perfect the system, by embracing that portion of the subject upon which legislative action would be inconvenient or impracticable. Indeed, so vitally important was it considered to the indepeur deuce of the States that the legislation should be entirely nntraramelled in prescribing the time, place, and manner of elections, that it was with great difficulty that the States were persuaded to aoquiesco in the controlling power given to Con- 294 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. gress to make or alter by law the State regulations. If you will look, sir, into the debates in the different conventions upon th'e adoption of the Federal Constitution, you will find that no pro vision was more debated or received with greater jealousy. All the States took the ground that the most iraportant of their political powers consisted in the control, through their Legisla tures, over the tirae, places, and manner of election ; and the ultimate supervisory power was reluctantly placed with Con gress, upon the express ground that it was necessary for the preservation of the Governraent ; that, without this provision, the States raight neglect to raake any regulations on the subject, or raight fix the times of election at such periods as to prevent a representation, and thereby cause a dissolution of the Government. It was admitted in all the debates that this power of providing for a deficiency or failure of action on the part of the State Legislatures did not and could not with pro priety reside anywhere else than in Congress. Still the States were so jealous on this subject that most of them accompanied their ratiflcations of the Constitution with a solemn protest against the exercise by Congress of this power, except in cases of failure or neglect on the part of the State Legislatures ; and also with standing instructions to their delegates, in all future tirae, to obtain, as early as practicable, an amendment of the Constitution, limiting the action of Congress on this matter to such cases of neglect and failure only. The ratifications of South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, if not others, contain such protests and instructions. In all the commentaries upon this provision of the Constitu tiou ; in the able essays of the Federalist ; in the interpretations of that eminent jurist. Judge Story; in the legislative con structions of all the States, it has been considered as well settled as any other principle of the Governraent, that the power to provide for any failure, or neglect, or improper rejula- tion ot the part of the State Legislatures in relation to the time, places, and manner of election, resides nowhere except in a law of Congress. That the power of supplying a d'-'iciency of legi* SPEECH. 295 lative action on this subject exists, as has been advanced in this discussion, in the governors of the States, is a doctrine not less novel than absurd. The second section of the first article, by which such power is supposed to be conveyed, was deemed so trifling in its character, and so incapable of misconstruction, that it was never once alluded to in the debates in convention of any State, nor in the commentaries of any writer. It remained for the boldness of the present day to assert that this clause contains the great conservative principle, the self-pre serving power, which the foolish framers of the Constitution, and the blind generations which came after them, imagined had been embraced in the fourth section, and confined in its exer cise to Congress alone. The whole power and jurisdiction over the subject is, by the Constitution, divided between the State Legislatures, subject to the control of Congress and the State Executive. Now, there is no principle of our Government more important or better settled than that which limits the exercise of a power to the department in which it is constitutionally deposited; It is this principle, more than any other, that constitutes the beauty and safety of our political system. The executive cannot exercise legislative, nor the legislative executive functions. Whatever, then, may be the meaning of the clause, "when vacancies hap pen in the representation from a State," &c., it is clear that the power and jurisdiction to direct elections to fill such vacancies belong exclusively to the Executive authority of the State. No one, I imagine, will contend that the Legislature could direct elections to fill such vacancies. So, on the other hand, it will hardly be contended that the Executive can exercise the legi.s- lative power given in the fourth section of the first article. The powers, whatever they may be, are distinct and inde pendent. I have attempted, by a fair construction of both sections, to show that the legislative authority embraced the general election, and prescribed the time, place, and manner of the election to fill the term, after which election the Executive jurisdiction at tached, with power to supply all vacancies which might happeu 2\)0 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. in the representation so previously elected. This construction prevents the executive and legislative power from clashing, ia consonant with reason and the spirit of the Constitution, and is based upon principles which have been repeatedly recognized. The case of John Hoge, page 135 Contested Elections, involved the question whether, in the absence of any legislation on the subject, the Governor of a State could, when a vacancy had hap pened in the representation from the State, not (mly issue his writ, but fix in it the time aud place of election. It was decided that he could, and upon the express ground that the fourth sec tion of the first article, giving the Legislature the power to fix the time, place, &c., applied to general elections, and not to cases of vacancies which might happen, and that the power given in the second section to the Executive authority was an exclusive, independent power, carrying with it all the incidental powers necessary for its complete exercise. I understand it to be ex pressly recognized, both by the decision and the ai'guinents in this case, that the executive and legislative powers over elections are distinct and independent, and not concurrent ; that the general election law of a State has no application to such cases as come within the jurisdiction of the Executive, but that the Executive can, in such cases, act without any regulation or law whatever on the subject. The case of Kensey Johns (Contested Elections, p. 874) is still raore in point. The facts were these : Geo. Read, Senator from Delaware, resigned his seat on the 18th September, 1793, during the recess of the Legislature. The Legislature met in January and adjourned in February, 1794, without electing a Senator. On the 19th of March, after said adjournment, Kensey Johns was appointed by the Governor to fill the vacancy. Upon this state of facts, the committee reported the following resolution, which was adopted by a vote of 20 to 7 : " Resolved, That Kensey Johns, appointed by the Governor of the State of Dela ware as a Senator of the United States for said State, is not entitled to a seat in the Senate of the United States, a session of the Legislature of the said State having intervened between the resignation -f the said George Read, and the appointment of the said Kensey Johns." Now this case was decided obviously upon the principle that SPEECH. 297 after the jurisdiction of the Legislature attached, the Executive power ceased ; and that the failure of the Legislature to exercise jurisdiction and perform its duty did not i-e-invest the Executive with any autlira the Governor's writ, not only do not diminish it, but enlarge its abundance. But what is this doctrine of surplusage? Surplusage, in legal definition, as well as in common parlance, means a superfluity — more than enough. Now, the writ in this case does not con tain any superfluity of substance or meaning ; the defect com plained of is, that it does not contain enough. The substance of the mandate is an election for three months, when, as gen tlemen contend, it should have been for two years. There ia clearly, then, nothing of surplusage in the substance of the writ. If there are more words than are necessary to convey the substance of the mandate, it would constitute a verbal surplus age, and such unnecessary words might be rejected. This, 310 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS however, is not the case. The words rejected by the committee as surplusage, form a component and essential part of the man date. It is manifest that there is no superfluous substance to reject; for the complaint arises from a deficiency, and 1 know of no rule by which, in the construction of an instrument, you can reject words, as surplusage, which form an essential part of the meaning ; when, by such rejection, you change entirely the substance and character of the document. Gentlemen say that the Governor had no right to limit the term of service. The conclusion, then, is, that he has issued an unconstitutional man date. If so, it is void. What right have you to construe an unconstitutional act into a constitutional one, in violation of the admitted intent and express meaning Of the actor ? You say the Governor had the authority to issue a writ of election for the whole unexpired term. Very well. The answer is, and it seems to mo a satisfactory one, he has not done it. Suppose he had issued no writ at all : could you have rejected his neglect as surplusage, and sustained an election held without any executive mandate ? It seems to me you could do it with as much propriety as you can sustain an election for two years under a writ ordering one for three months. If by construction eighteen months can be forced into a writ, against its admitted meaning, I see no reason why the whole writ may not be created by construction. It is perfectly obvious that, whether the Governor had or had not the power of ordering an election for the whole unexpired term of the twenty-fifth Ci.ragross, he has never exercised or attempted to exercise such power, and it would be a monstrous doctrine to assert that, constructively, he did what you admit, in point of fact, he did not do. Frora these considerations, as well as from the position which I have endeavored to demonstrate, that the Governor had no constitutional authority to order an election in July, I come to the conclusion erabraced in my first general proposition, to wit: " that the election in July last, under which the sitting raembers claim their seats, was unconstitutional, null, and void." - This brings rae to the second proposition, that the election in July, if good for anything, was good only frr the period SPEECH. 311 anterior to the general election. I shall say but little upon thi? point, inasmuch ;is most of the principles applicable t^ it have been already discussed in the previous argument. I ara decidedly of opinion that there was no vacancy whatever, within the meaning of the second section of the first article. But, if there was, what was its extent? It seems to have been taken for granted that it must necessarily be the whole of the unexpired term. Upon what principle, however, has this conclusion been adopted ? The Constitution does not define a vacancy; and the very reasoning by which gentlemen arrive at the conclusion, that there was in July a vacancy within the executive jurisdiction, would limit its extent to the regular November election. The reasoning which sustains the power of the Governor, is based upon the doctrine of necessity, and upon the supposed constitutional intention of authorizing provision by the executive writ, for any failure of legi.-'lative action. This is the ground taken by ray opponents. Admitting its truth, then, the fair measure of the executive power will be the deficiency of legislative action. Now, the deficiency of legislative action extends only from the 4th of March to the first Monday in November. After that, ample constitutional legislation embraces the subject, and fully relieves it from any further necessity for executive assistance. By extending the power of the Governor beyond the tirae for the general election, you carry it further than your own construction of the Constitution warrants, and make it trench upon and overrun the admitted constitutional action of the State legislature. From the arguments and upon the views of my opponents themselves, I should feel compelled to define the meaning of the word vacancy, as used in the second section of the first article, to be "that portion of the office the filling of which is unprovided for by constitutional legislation." Neither necessity, convenience, nor legitimate construction, can extend the definition. If it be correct, then there was a vacancy unprovided for by law, extending from the 4th of March to the tirae of the general elec tion in November, and the Governor's writ was in exact accord ance with his constitutional power. The only provision in tha 312 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. Constitution, in relation to the term of service, is that contained in the second section, first article. " The House of Representatives shall consist of merabers chosen every second year," &c. Now, this provision manifestly applies only to the general elections, and is simply a hmitation of the power given to the Stat« legislatures to fix the times, &c. Under this clause, the State legislatures are bound to provide for a general election every second year. The clause cannot have any application whatever to elections for filling vacancies. Merabers may be chosen to fill vacancies not only every second year, but every second month, should they happen so often. The assumption of my opponents, that a vacancy must necessarily extend to the whole unexpired Congress, is unsupported by any constitutional provision, and totally at war with the very principles upon which they base the Governor's vacancy-filling power. I corae, from these con siderations, to the conclusion, that, if there was a vacancy within the jurisdiction of the Governor, it extended to November only, when the regular legislative jurisdiction attached; and, consequently, that the election in July last, if good at all, was only valid for the period anterior to the general November elec tion. This brings me to the third and last proposition with which I set out, viz : that, in November last, my colleague and myself were constitutionally and legally elected representatives from the State of Mississippi to the twenty-fifth Congress. If I have succeeded in demonstrating either of the first two proposi- tious, this one will follow as a matter of course. The Constitu tion of the United States authorized the legislature of Missis-sippi to fix the time, places, and manner of elections for Congress. I have already endeavored to show that the Legislature did, in the constitutional exercise of that authority, prescribe the tirae, places, and manner; and that, under and in pursuance of all those regulations, my colleague and myself were elected, on the first Monday, and day following, of November last. Of all this the House has ample evidence, through the official organs of the State. There is no controversy as to the result of the election. The House judges of the election, qualifications, and returns. Was there any defect in the election ? If so, point it out. Was SPEECH. it not conducted in full accordance with the Constitution United States, and the constitution and laws of the State o Mississippi ? If not, show the variance. Well, then, the election was a valid one. On the score of qualiflcation, Is there any objection ? None ; no oue doubts or denies the qualifications of my colleague and mysel£ Of the returns, are they not legal and satisfactory ? Not a whisper has been breathed to the contrary. Upon which branch of its jurisdiction will the House base an objection : upon election, qualification, or return? If no valid objection arises out of either of these three points, then we are entitled to seats ; for beyond those three points the jurisdiction of the House does not extend. If the July election was void, or extended only to the Novem ber election, then the latter election must inevitably be sus tained, unless there is something averred and proven io vitiate it. It stands, otherwise, upon the sarae footing with the general elections of the oth'er States which have occurred since the 4th of March. There can be no sort of doubt that one of the said elections in Mississippi was constitutional and valid ; and I pre sume no one will advance the absurdity, that an unconstitutional and void election can vitiate a constitutional and valid election. I have now done with the argument of this matter. It is for the grave judges around me to say whether I have established any of my propositions. 1 have detained the House, in this opening of the cause, longer, perhaps, than its patience would warrant. But ample excuse, I trust, may be found in the mag nitude of the principles involved, and the inexperience of the humble iudividnal to whom their illustration has been com mitted. I have performed my duty ; it now devolves upon you to perform yours. In the performance of that duty, let me tel. you, sir, no ordinary responsibility rests upon you. The eyes of the nation are directed to your action, with an anxiety commen surate with the importance of the subject to be affected by your decision. That subject is no less than the right of representa tion, the elective franchise, the Promethean spark which imparts 'ife and soul to our whole political system ; without which, all 14 314 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. our institutions are but inanimate things ; dull, cole, and sensa- less statues. In your situation, even good intention will not justify error. At your hands the American people will require a strict account of that Constitution of which you are appointed guardians, and over whose raost vital part a fatal stab is now impending. You cannot respond, as did the first fratricide, " Who made me the keeper of my brother Abel ?" To you is entrusted the keeping of the Constitution ; see that you rob it not of its richest treasure. I advance here no personal claim ; it is the claim of one of tho sovereign States of this Confederacy which I advocate ; her claim to the right of choosing her own Representatives accord ing to her own constitutional laws. Will you deny her this right? Will you rend the brightest and the strongest link in the golden chain of Union-? Sir, if you persist in denying to Mississippi that right to which she is entitled in common with every other State, you inflict upon her a wound which no medicine can heal. If you are determined to impose upon her a representation not of her choice, and against her will, go on, and complete the work of degradation; send her a proconsul for a Governor, and make taskmasters to rule over her. Let her no longer sit with you, a young and fair member of'this proud sisterhood ; but strip off the robes of equality, and raake of her a handmaid and a servant. Better, far better, had she never emerged from the chrysalis condition of a Territory, to wear the gaudy honors and butter fly wings of a State, if you can thus, with your mere touch, brush her brightest tints away. Sir, you raay think it an easy and a triflidg raatter to deprive Mississippi of her elective franchise; for she is young, and raay not, perchance, have the power to resist; but I am much mis taken in the character of her chivalrous citizens, if you do not find that she not only understands her rights, but has both the will and the power to vindicate them. You may yet find, to your sorrow, that you have grasped a scorpion, where yon thought you were only crushing a worm. This House would as SPEECH. 316 .loon put its head in a lion's mouth, as take the course which Is threatened, towards the elder and more powerful States. Aud how hap[)ens it, that Representatives of the States which have always been the readiest in the assertion of their own rights, should now be most zealous in trampling upon the rights of Mississippi ? What has she done, that she should be selected as a victim ? No State is or has ever been more ardently attached to the Union ; and if she is placed beyond its pale, it will be your fault, and not her own. Sir, if you consummate thia usurpation, you degrade the State of Mississippi : and if she sub mits, never again can she wear the lofty look of conscious independence. Burning shame will set its seal upon her brow ; and when her proud sons travel in other lands, they will blush at the history of her dishonor, as it falls from the sneering lip of the stranger. Sir, place her not in that terrible and trying position, in which her love for this glorious Union will be found at war ¦with her own honor, and the pararacuint obligation which binds her to transmit to the next generation, untarnished and undiminished, her portion of that rich legacy of the Revolu tion, which was bought with blood, and which should never be parted with for a price less than what it cost. Is there a State in this Union that would part with it ; that would submit to have her Representatives chosen by this House, and forced upon her against her -will ? Come ! what says the Bay State — time-honored Massachusetts ? Frora the cradle in which young Liberty was first rocked, even frora old Faneuil Hall, comes forth her ready answer, and, before it dies away, again it is repeated from Bunker Hill : " It was for this very right of representation our fathers fought the battles of the Revo- Intion, and ere we will surrender this dear-bought right, those battles shall again become dread realities." Would Kentucky submit? Ask her, Mr. Speaker, and her Mammoth cavern will flnd a voice to thunder in your ear her stern response : "No ; sooner than submit to such an outrage, our soil shall be re-baptized with a new claim to the proud but melancholy title of the dark and bloody ground." And what says Virginia, ¦with her "high device — her " sic semper tyrannis," the loftiest 316 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. motto that ever blazed upon a warrior's shield or a nation's arms? How would she brook such usurpation? What says the mother of States and State Right doctrines; she who has placed instruction as a guardian over representation ; what says she to the proposition that this House can make Representatives, and f Dree them upon a State in violation of its choice and will ? And where is South Carolina, the Harry Percy of the Union? On which side in this great controversy does she couch her lance and draw her blade? I trust, npon the side of her sister State ; upon the side, too, of the constitutional rights of all the States ; and let her lend the full strength of her good right arm to the blow, when she strikes in so righteous a quarrel. Upon all the States I do mo.st solemnly call, for that justice to another, which they would expect for themselves. Let this cup pass frora Mississippi. Compel her not to drink its bitter ingredients, lest, sorae day, even-handed justice should "com mend the poisoned chalice " to your own lips. Rescind that reso lution, which presses like a foul incubus upon the Constitution. You sit here, twenty-flve sovereign States, in judgment upon the most sacred right of a sister State ; that which is to a State what chastity is to a woman, or honor to a man. Should yon decide against her, you tear from her brow the richest jewel which sparkles there, and forever bow her head in shame and dishonor. But, if your determination is taken ; if the blow must fall; if the violated Constitution must bleed; I have but one request, on her behalf, to make. When you decide that she cannot choose her own representation, at that self-same moment blot from the spangled banner of this Union the bright star that glitters to the name of Mississippi, but leave the stride behind, a flt emblem of her degradation. The reader can hardly fail to have observed, in reading this argument, how well Mr. Prentiss was prepared for it by his speeches in the Legislature of Mississippi, the pre vious winter, upon the question of admitting the New County Delegation. Some of the main points, involved in ?,he two cases, were identical. 811 CHAPTER XII. •Adul, high handed and tyrannical usurpation. I looked with scorn and derision upon the juggling and hypocritical pretence of sending the election back for the purpose of ascertaining your wishes, when you had spoken, through all your legal and constitutional forms, in a voice which an idiot could not fail to have under stood. The House has decided tliat both your election in July and Noveraber are void; and yet they permit the representative from Arkansas to hold his seat under two elections precisely parallel. I tell you candidly and honestly my own opinion of the whole transaction, and I have been a close and attentive ohserver. I be lieve you have been basely defrauded of your elective franchise, simply because you did not choose, in exercising it, to consult the political taste and complexion of tho majority in the House. It is for you to say whether you will bow in submission to the rod, and sacrifice your great and sacred rights at the shrine of party ADDRESS. 321 dictation, or whether you will assert jour right, free and untram. melled, to elect whom you please as your representatives. The true contest now is, whether you or the House of Repre sentatives shall designate the individuals who shall serve you in that body. To the honorable and highiiiinded of all political parties, I appeal for a dignified and determined assertion of the right of eleotiim. Believing as I do, before Heaven, that I am your constitutional representative, in spite of the tyrannical atid arbitrary action of the House; and believing, too, that the honor and character of the citizens of Mississippi are deeply involved in the action which they may take in relation to this matter, I have deemed it my duty to address to you some account of the result of the high errand upon which you sent rae. I regret that my task has been but half accomplished. The usurpers have been driven from the Capitol; but your representatives have been denied admittance. To the best of my humble ability, I have obeyed your high behest. It now devolves upon you to assert, in sneh manner as honor and duty raay dictate, your violated rights. On his return home, the citizens of Maysville and Louis viUe tendered him a public dinner ; but in both instances he modestly declined the compliment. " Defeated as I have been, in the high errand upon which I was sent, I feel that it would hardly be proper for me to tarry by the way and partake of those honors and rewards, which belong rather to the victor than the vanquished." The citizens of Vicksburg had long been upon the look out for him, and, on the night of his arrival, welcomed him with repeated rounds of cannon. A friend, writing under date of March 16, 1838, says: "Your brother was received with shouts and congratulations, and demonstra tions of joy which burst all bounds. His reception must have been to him a source of most gratifying pride. A public dinner has been given to him since his return, and I 14* 322 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. listened to his speech with a higher and more exalted admi- ration for his talents than ever. He is a great man, and I am proud of being his friend." His first intention, upon being rejected, was to resign hia seat, to which he conceived himself to be still entitled, and abandon the contest. But a sense of public duty and the entreaties of his friends overruled this purpose. He even consented to the toil of another canvass, though very much against his will, as appears from the following letters : — TO HIS TOUNGEST BEOTHEE. YiCKSBUao, March 16, 1838. Dear George : — I got horae three days since, after a most tedious and annoying trip. I had to come all the way to Louisville by stage, the river being entirely closed with ice. My health, however, was good; and I met with no accident, saving an overturn, which proved entirely harmless. I was right glad to get here, for my business has suffered sadly by my absence and inattention, since I was silly enough to engage in politics. Indeed, but for my sense of duty, I should immediately withdraw. I feel bound, however, to permit the neople to assert their rights through me, if they choose to do so. An election is ordered on the fourth Monday in April ; and I have very reluctantly allowed my name to be used, with the distinct avowal, however, that I do not re cognize the election as constitutional, but merely as an expression of the opinion of the citizens — and that if I have a majority, I shall claim my seat again, under the November election. I have also determined, though I have not avowed it, to resign so soon as I get my seat, even if re-elected, and to quit politics for ever and aye. But I deem it extremely doubtful whether I shall be sustained by a majority of tho people; for I do not intend to canvass the State, while my opponents will do so and make the most desperate exertions. I am iudifferent as to the result. My LETTERS. 323 friends here are all well, and much gratified at my debut in Congress. March IT. I have nothing new to tell you. Considerable excitement prevails in the river counties upon the decision of the election case; but, generally speaking, the people will vote upon party- grounds alone, and I am strongly inclined to believe that the State is administration. Did I feel disposed to canvass, I doubt not I conld again get a majority ; but as I don't intend to do so, I shall not be surprised if the Vanites succeed. For ray part, I am heartily sick of being alternately praised, abused and belied. I am as thoroughly cured of ambition as were the Spartan youths of drunkenness, by viewing the effect in others. I am annoyed to death by my friends, who urge me to go out among the peo ple, and who seem to use all the exertions I have made only as arguments for more. As soon as I get a little leisure, I will .write you fnlly of my views and feelings upon this matter. At present, business of all sorts, which has accumulated during the winter, distracts my attention, and hardly affords me tirae to write this letter. So good-bye, and don't turn politician. Your affectionate brother, Sbarobnt. TO HIS SISTER ANNA. TicESBtiRO, March 25, 1888. Mt Dear, Sweet Sistee : — I sat down a week ago, with my pen all nibbed (I don't know whether there is such a word) to write you a letter, when the puffing of a steamboat compelled me to forego the pleasant occupation, and travel forthwith to Natchez, in obedi ence to the calls of business. I have just returned from that place, and shall proceed at once to make both the apology and the reparation for the wrong I have done you. I had been at home only two or three days, and was waiting to furnish you with the best political information as to the state of things here (presuming that you have become a violent poli- 324 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. tician), when I was so suddenly called away. I did not loava Washington City so soon by a week or ten days as I expected to do, and I had a tedious and raost uncomfortable trip home; all the way to Louisville by stage, on account of the ice, which obstructed the Ohio. My health, however, was and still is admirable. Indeed, I believe I have a constitution of steel ; nothing seeras to affect it. I had deterrained, on my return, to have nothing to do with the election, and to resign the right to which, I conceive, I am still entitled, as the Representative of the State, notwithstanding the outrageous act of the House of Representatives. I found that the Governor had ordered a new election, and the people were determined to express, at that election, their opinions in relation to the action of Congress. Contrary to my wishes, I have been compelled by the solicita tions of my personal and political friends, to permit my name to be run, not for a re-election, but for the purpose of ascertaining whether the people will sustain the previous election. I liave distinctly stated to thera, that I consider myself still their Repre sentative, and that if a ma,jority of thera sustain me at the April election, I will again go on and claim my seat under the old November certificate ; but if I do not receive a majority of the votes, I will resign, because 1 scorn to vindicate the rights of those who have not independence enough to wish it done for them. Indeed, so disgusted have I become with pohtics and everything connected with them, that I shall feel rather pleased than otherwise at my defeat. So far as I have seen, however, everything indicates a favorable result. I was received here with the most unbounded enthusiasm; and also at Natchez where I addressed one of the largest audiences ever convened in the State, among whom were sorae fifty ladies of the aristocracy, who did your humble servant the honor to sit two hours in the open, pubhc square, listening to his political eloquence. I shall never be a candidate again ; and as soon as this matter is fairly finished, shall so announce it, for I have the utmost disgust for politics and politicians as they now exist. I shall have to visit,- contrary to my wishes, some of the interior counties of the State, and shall start the last of this week. I shall be gone about three HIS SECOND CANVASS. 32£ If I do not go on to Washington City, I sh&»> coin« home in Juno. What a delightful time we shall have thie sum mer 1 and how fondly and gladly shall I turn from the noisy commendations of strangers, which have been for two or three months dinning in my ears, to the warm, sweet and genuine .iffections of my mother and sistei-sl Indeed, I love you all, if possible, more than ever, and wish to return among you, like a bird to its nest. Let me hear from you very often, and espe ciaUy of your health, about which I ara extremely anxious. Your affectionate brother, Seaegent, It is to be regretted that no adequate record of Mr. Prentiss' various electioneering campaigns through Missis sippi has been preserved. Such a narrative, especially if accompanied by suitable pictorial embellishments, would be highly amusing as well as instructive. Probably few men of his age ever performed' such feats in stump-speaking. The mere physical exertions put forth in his first canvass alone, were enough to break down a constitution not made of iron. His second canvass, though shorter, was still more exciting and toilsome than the first ; coming, too, upon the heels of such exhausting labors at Washington, it Is a wonder that he did not sink under it. But in those days his recuperative energies of body and mind were amazing. A single night of sleep sufficed to overcome the fatigues of a month ; instead of rising still weary and unrefreshed, he would come forth like the sun, and rejoice as a strong man to run a race. Nothing seemed to obstruct the springs of life, or to check the joyous flow of his wit and fine animal spirits. And yet at this very time he was, no doubt, planting in his system the seeds of disease and an untimely death. Sach prodigious over-exertion is Bure to avenge itself sooner or later. 326 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. The following reminiscences of this second canvass, will give some notion of its stirring character : — I heartily wish I could depict, in the exact colors of truth, Mr. Peentiss' return from Washington, and the storm of applause which everywhere met him. The citizens of Mississippi, it may well be supposed, had watched with no ordinary interest the progress of their Contested Election through the House of Representatives. At that time party feeling ran very high both at Washington and throughout the country. The conflict between Van Burenism and the patriotic Opposition, led on by Henry Cl.ay and Daniel Webster, was becoraing every day raore close and deadly. The course, therefore, of a single State, although sending but two Representatives, was a raatter of vital import ance : it might turn the edge of battle. This circumstance will go far to explain how a case so clear as that of the Mississippi election, should yet have occupied the attention of the House of Representatives for nearly three weeks. The decision in October, declaring Messrs. Olaiborne and Gholson entitled to their seats for the whole 25 th Congress, had excited the astonishment not only of the Whigs but of not a few Demo crats. The determination of those gentleraen to retain their seats after the November election, changed astonishment into strong indignation. It was looked upon as open defiance of the popular will, and a gross indignity to the constitution, laws, and honor of the State.* But in addition to the principle in volved, the gallant style in which the rights of Mississippi had been vindicated by Mr. Peentiss, and the loud pLaudits in his • The moment, for example, intelligence reached Jackson that Messrs. Prentisa and Word had been denied admittance, a large public meeting, without distinction of party, was held to consider the sul^'ect. Gen. Foote, Mr. P.'s old antagonist, was appointed. chairman, and a series of resolutions were passed — of which this is one : — " Resolved, That the vote of the People of the State of Misaissippi in the last November election, clearly indicates that Messrs. Prentiss and Word are our legally elected Representatives ; and that any effort on the part of Messrs. Claiborne and Gholson to deprive them of their seats, is at war with the wishes of the people-^ direcUy opposed to their interests — an open violation of popular rights, and destruo- tive of the elective franchise.** ADDRESS AT NATCHEZ. 321 honor, which were reverberating through the nation, reacted with irresistible force upon public sentiment at home. When the opinion of his old friends was endorsed and re-affirraed by such orators and statesmen as Clay, Webster, White, and Crit tenden, it seemed to redouble their own estimate of him, while it for ever put to blush the foolish charge of his adversaries, that he was but a mere declaimer, a man of show and not of sub stance. It were hard to say whether the feeling with which he was hailed on reaching Mississippi, had in it more of pride, admi ration, or personal regard ; it was full of all three. His flrst address to the people was at Vicksburg — at a meet ing of both parties, and presided over by the Hon. Wm. L. Shar key, Chief Justice of the State. He next visited Natchez, and made an address, which is remembered to this day for its noble sentiments and the manly dignity, force and beauty of style with which they were uttered. The speech was noticed at the time by Mr. Black, the excellent gentleman who then edited the Natchez Courier: — Our city yesterday witnessed the greatest assemblage prob ably ever convened in this State. Long before the appointed hour the spacious Hall of the Court-House was crowded with anxious expectants. The ladies of the city and county accepted the proffered invitation, and were there to grace the assemblage with their presence, and with their approving smiles to cheer the orator onward in his glorious career. Before the time of meeting arrived it was found that the Hall would not accorarao- date the vast concourse of people that was assembling. Ac cordingly, the committee of arrangement, with commendable alacrity, prepared accomraodations for the audience in the Pub lic Square, in the rear of the Court-House. Seats were arranged for the ladies on the right and left of the speaker's stand. Our population, even from the most distant parts of the county, seemed to have turned out en masse, without regard to party or profession. We noticed in the throng the hoary-headed veteran, the clergy, and those who seldom or never mingle in the noise and tumult of party-strife. The high expectations of all wore more 328 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. than fully reahzed. For nearly two hours did the orator excite the flxed attention of his auditory. Description i.s inadequate to give a proper idea of his powers and of the sway he exercises over the minds of his hearers. Brief pencil notes of Mr. P.'s address were taken by a young gentleman, while standing in the crowd ; and though only a rude outline, they yet afford an inkling of its charac ter. A few sentences deserve to be quoted : — Fellow Citizens: — A great king of France one remarked, after a defeat in battle, " all is lost save honor." Such may well be the exclamation of the people of Mississippi at the present crisis — all is lost save honor. Not many months since, you are all aware, an election took place in this State, for Representatives in the Congress of the United States, and I, as one of the candidates for that high mission, addressed you on the great political questions agitating the country. I now appear before you in another view and on other grounds. I do not ask the support, or vote, of any of my fellow citizens of this State, either on account of their personal friend ship for ine, or because they belong to the same political party, with whose views I have generally coincided. I come before you as the advocate of a high constitutional principle — a princi ple before which all the little political quarrels of the day sink into utter insignificance, the great principle of representation. I believe I am one of the Representatives to Congress from Mississippi — a Representative not merely of my political friends, but of every man, woman and child in the State; for the num ber, who did not vote for me at the polls were, after my elec tion, equally bound with the larger number, who did vote for me, to support the laws and constitution of the State, and to defend their right of representation. However some of you may differ with me on certain ques tions, I trust, fellow-citizens, you all will give me credit for candor in my political course. I am anxious that none should ADDRESS AT NATCHEZ. 32S DC in error rega.'4ing my views. I wish to leave no room for misapprehension, or misrepresentation; and to such an extent do I carry this desire, that I would not receive a single vote which I beheved to be given from a mistaken idea of my prin ciples. This is neither the time nor the place for discussing party questions, nor am I before you for that purpose. But as it has been said that I am anxious to assume new grounds in view of the April election, I will refer you to the unreserved expression of my opinions as I addressed them to you before the November election, and remark that they are unchanged, unmitigated in every respect. If any difference exists, it is that I ara still firraer in ray devotion to them. I return to you, a messenger who has not been able to execute his trust. If you had sent in November, as Representatives to Congress, two good '¦'¦Democrats," as they are called, not the slightest breath from that House would have impeded their admission. But you dared to send men of- your own independ ent choice, without consulting the presiding powers at the Capitol, and on that account are defrauded of the treasure of all others, raost dear to an American citizen. That is the real cause why my colleague and myself failed in our errand. The proud position which we held as the defenders of your constitutional rights, impelled us to the performance of our task with unbounded zeal; if there was any deficiency in maintaining those rights, want of ability, not of perseverance, was the cause. I, for my part, have done all I could do to urge the sanctity of your claims. It is for you now to act and send me to act for you. The contest is yours, not mine. I have no personal interest in it. The preservation of your rights invio late, and the support of your constitution and laws give me a stand elevated far above any private, selfish motive. For them I would shed the last drop of my blood. I only regret that when the attempt was made to fasten dishonor to your name, the Senators who represented you in the other wing of the Capitol, did not at one* show their indignation at the act, and return home also. 830 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. But it was said at Washington, that if a new election were tt be held, Messrs. Gholson and Claiborne would receive a raajority of 5,000 votes. This I found to be the opinion which one of your Senators entertained and had circulated. It may be his opinion, but this is sureiy a curious way to decide a great constitutional question ; and yet strange as it may appear, it was not without its influence. Rely upon it, chains have been forged for you at Washington City, and it is expected you will put them on. Mis sissippi is still free, but she is called on to do the work of her own degradation. Will her proud spirit brook it ? I deny that the coming election is valid, — it cannot be under your Constitution ; and although a sense of honor forbids rae to resign, I soleranly declare to you that if I ara sent back, I will consent to be sworn only under the November certificate. I will not take ray seat under any other election than that which is held in accordance with your Constitution and laws. Your sacred rights can be preserved inviolate, under no other election than that of November. If it be not your wish to main tain the sanctity of those rights and give renewed evidence of the high importance with which you deem them invested, theu will I assuredly retire. Against the expressed will of the raa jority never will I urge ray claims. If there be any among you willing tamely to subrait to this humiliating deprivation of your Elective Franchise, or who think my colleague and myself were not constitutionally elected in November, I do not ask their votes. I reiterate, then, let every one lihat believes that Messrs. Olai borne and Gholson were constitutionally elected to the 25th Congress in July last, sustain them now. But if you, on the contrary, beheve that in November last Mr. Word and myself were constitutionally elected the Representatives of the State — the whole State and not of a party, you cannot now consistently refrain from sustaining us. If the People once elect an officer, all party considerations should be instantly lost sight of, and it becomes the duty of every citizen to acknowledge and defend bim as such. It matters not whether that officer be an Administration man, Whig, National Bank, State Bank, or Sub- ADDRESS AT NATCHEZ. 331 Treasury advocate, all are alike bound to maintain his rights. Though our State Governor may be hostile to our political views, yet should some foreign power attempt to wrest frora hira those rights which pertain to his office, how soon would all parties rally to his rescue. I did not vote for hira, but it is sufficient for rao to know that the popular voice has made hira our Governor. In this contest, I repeat it, I have no personal interest more than any other citizen. Did I not believe that the people them selves would sustain me in the high and arduous contest for their rights and privileges, in which a sense of duty to them and their honor alone prompts me to continue, I would at once have re signed; for so far hitherto as I have trodden the political path, I assure you experience has left me no desire to continue therein. My green ambition is fully satisfied ; a political life has no allure ments for me. I always understood that constitutions were intended to guard against majorities, and restrain lawless acts, as embankments and levees are erected to prevent overflows of rising streams. Con stitutional principles alone can I look to. If the people did not think I was constitutionally elected in November, well — so let it be. But let us not submit to have our Constitution trampled under foot. This is the first instance in our history of legislative tyranny, and if we bow our knees to it, we only pave the way for a second violation. I fear, fellow citizens, the fundamental principles of our Constitution are fast passing away. That Constitution is like the splendid edifices of some noble city, which looks as if it would bid defiance to the ravages of time, but there are cata combs beneath it which are gradually undermining its strength and may soon engnlph it in their caverns. Do we not every day see men lured away frorn some great principle to support a little party vote? Will you subrait to have your representation played shuttlecock with, aud bow to the errors of that arbi trary monarch — the House of Representatives ? The grand principles of our Constitution appear to us exalted beyond all contingencies — all innovations ; but in this we do not repose on a wholesome security. The first instance in whicli S32 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. we are called upon to assert the inviolability of these principles, will prove to us the extent of secret plotting which has been working their decay. We shall find ourselves in the situation of a well- trained band of soldiers, who, supposing themselves beyond the reach of danger, are attacked by midnight marauders, and thrown into such confusion that they lose the benefit of their disci pline, and fall a ready prey to destruction. The sacred right of representation is the most valuable we possess. If robbed of it. nothing can compensate us. You may gather all the principles which enter into the Constitution of our Government — make a clustering wreath of them, and what would the whole be worth compared to the countless blessings of representation ? Reflect well on your position. No government has a rigiii to surrender vital principles, and in this respect individuals and governraents resemble each other. These principles are ours in trust, not to exchange and barter at our will : if they were intended merely for the present generation, then, indeed, we raight surrender thera with less dishonor ; but they are sacred rights, vested in as many generations as we can imagine, and which we ought not to surrender even at the point of the bayo net. The framers of the great Constitution looked down the stream of Time and saw a thousand generations sitting upon its banks, all waiting for the rich legacy to be wafted to them, to use, but not abuse it, and then waft it on to others. When looking into futurity, fellow-citizens, I contemplate the rising and rapidly developing glories of Mississippi, and behold the proud destiny opening before her, she seems like a rich bride reclining on the arras of the majestic Father of Waters ; and amongst her sister States the most beautiful of them all. But her honor is at stake ! If a young raan commit some dishonorable action and tarnish his fair fame, no future years of iraendment, however well spent, can efface the stain : as time rolls onward it raay become dimraer and diramer, but the finger of envy or the tongue of scandal will never permit it to be lost in oblivion. This State is now in the position of the young man. Let her look calmly on, and see her dearest rights torn from her,. HIS SECOND CANVASS. 333 without a murmur or a blow struck for her deliverance — ^let her slavishly submit to her oppressor's mandate, and an indelible stain will remain upon her to the latest generations. Let not party spirit recklessly affix this stigma upon her escutcheon, but let us a 1, in the united and iuvincible strength of freeraen, rally to the support of the Constitution. I deprecate all excitement not belonging to tlie true question before the people. But I regret to see that one of the late mera bers has not the same feelings. Having given up all other sub jects, he has taken to Abolitionism, and seems to wish this great constitutional question decided as Abolition or no Abolition. It is true he does not charge upon me, or any other individual. Abolition doctrines ; but what is the fair inference to be drawn from this parade of his anti- Abolition principles, in a question where there is not the shadow of an excuse for introducing them. I deprecate, with the utmost regret, this attempt to throw firebrands around us. And, now, in conclusion, I thank the fair portion of my hearers for the attention they have paid to the discussion of the important principles brought forward in this address. Upon the maintenance of these principles, so dearly prized by every lover of our civil institutions, their happiness and interests depend. Yes, I appeal to them also, and ara confident they would see those most dear to them — their husbands, sons, brothers, and their sweethearts — exposed to all the hazards of war, rather than that through inertness or want of the spirit of patriotism, they should shrink from a fearless and manful support of the Consti tution. We now return to the reminiscences : In the spirit of his speech at Natchez, Mr. Pebntiss conducted the canvass throughout. One of his opponents made nc speeches, but flitting through the State sub silentio, spent his tirae very diligently in writing letters, issuing defences of hia course, and trying to persuade the people of Mississippi that Mr. Clay was in close alliance with the Northern Abolitionists 334 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. Gen. James Davis (who took the place of Mr. Gholson, tin latter having declined running), canvassed the State, but, after one or two encounters with Mr. Peentiss, chose a different route from his antagonist. Mr. P. also broke a lance with other generals, and redoubtable leaders of the Administration party, while traversing the State— and were it worth the while, a whole chapter might be filled with amusing scenes of mishap and overthrow which befell them. No raan was rash enough to enter the lists against him in this contest without being smitten to the earth. Sorae gentlemen, since noted in public life, could readily bear witness to this fact in their own persons; and many are the citizens of Copiah and other counties, who could attest it as delighted spectators of the affray.* There is no end to the anecdotes illustrative of the power of his oratory. On one occasion, while he was speaking in his raost fascinating raanner, an old Deraocrat present became so charmed aud excited, that, at the conclusion of the address, he walked towards him, and ripping his coat open behind, as he did so, cried out: " Well they may call me a turn-coat, if they choose; but I won't be that — I shall just back out of my coat, and vote for S. S. Prentiss and T. J. Word." Numerous devices were resorted to by his opponents (such as the cry of Abolitionism against Mr. Clay), in order to divert the attention of the people from the real point at issue ; but it was all in vain. All in vain, too, were the affectionate messages from Washington, entreating the faithful Democracy not to allow Messrs. Prentiss and Word to be returned. After a can vass of unparalleled energy on the part of the Administration forces, they were triumphantly sustained. I say " triuraph- * In a letter dated Vicksburg, April 18, 1838, the friend already referred to, writes : " Your brother left here the 1st day of April, with the intention of traversing tha middle, eastern, and northern portions of the State. He is to-day in Pontotoc. I heard from him in -Copiah, a strong Van Buren county, where the people were a.ctually so proud of him and the stand he had taken, that after he had finished his speech, and they 1 ad thundered their applause, they bore hira aloft in the crowd on their shoulders to his hotel, shouting all the while — Hurrah fr Frentiss J Prentiss for ever / Wherever he goes, shouts of applause, public dinners, tha gratulations and admiration of friends and foes mark his progress. His election is looked upon here as certain.*' — ^Ed. HIS SECOND CANVASS. 335 antly;" for although Mr. Peentiss himself was rather mortified at the result, it was indeed, under the circumstances, .1 genuine victory of patriotism and the Constitution over mere party interests and selfish demagogism. A few specimens of the returns of this election as compared with those of July and Noveraber, 1837, will perhaps interest you. Mr. Claiborne was the highest candidate on the other side. The aggregate vote was less than in November : but at that tirae, it should be remembered, the biennial State elections, as well as that for members of Congress, were held. At a special election, it is always extremely difficult to call out a large class of the people ; so that in truth, the vote in April was a stronger expression of the popular sentiment than that of Noveraber. JULY, 1887. Comities. PrenttBS. Claibonie. Adams. 5T7 210 Madison. 540 861 Hancock. 22 49 Hinds. 887 595 Lowndes. 86T 549 Newton. 1 112 Tisheningo. 3 364 Warren. 403 181 Chickasaw. 16 86 Yalobusha. 182 456 Noxubee. 254 323 CarrolL 252 360 MOVBMB&S, ISST. PrentlM. Claiborne 610 136 7U9 104 26 116 247 123 487 46 88 81 854 K7(l 248 24 5 478 500 279 3 949 281 APRIL 1838. PreDtiuB. Claiborne. G93 299 621 279 129 22 1107 408 604 582 65 1-37 57 272 778 264 45 82 507 466 851 406 500 86P These figures indicate better than any words could do, the efi'ect of Mr. Peepttiss' speeches and personal popularity upon the canvass.* • This period may be considered the goWen prime of the genius of Prentiss He had the whole State for his audience, the honor of the State for hia subject. He came i?ell armed and well equipped for the warfare. Not content with challenging hia comfetitora to the field, he threw down the gauntlet to all comers. Party, or ambition, or some other motive, constrained several gentlemen — famous before, notorious afterwards — to meet him. In every instance of such temerity, the opposci waa made to bite the dust. The ladies surrounded the rostrum with their carriages, and added by theii beauty, interest to the scene. There waa no element of oratory that his genius did 336 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. It would be unjust not to say, in tbis connection, that hia colleague, Mr. Word, who was a gentleman of excellent charac ter and abilities, contributed not a little to the successful issue. The utmost delight was felt at the result of this election, not only in Mississippi, but througliout the Union. No case of the kind had ever excited such universal attention. The progress of the canvass was watched with especial interest at Wasliing- ton; Mr. Pbentiss' appearance there having attracted to him the warm affection of not a few, and the admiration of all tlie members of his party. His defeat would have been a personal disappointment to almost every Whig in the countrj-, and not least to such men as Olay, Crittenden, Preston, Southard, and the venerable Judge White, who were among his warraest admirers. The enthusiasm of his friends in Mississippi was unbounded. Their hearts had become so enlisted in the contest, that some of thera were quite bolide tltemselves with joy ; they almost saw the advent of a Whig raillenniurn in the ti'iuraph of their favor ite candidate. But, alas ! it was not long before the delusion vanished. Something very different fruin a Whig milleniura, or Bven decennium, awaited tlie politics of Mississippi! hot supply. It was plain to see whence his boyhood had drawn its romantic inspiration. Ilis imagination was colored and imbued with the light of the sha dowy past, and was richly stored with the unreal but life-like creations, which the genius of Shakspeare and Scott ha-d evoked from the ideal world. He had lin gered, spell-bound, among the scenes of mediaeval chivalry. His spirit had dwelt, until almost naturalized, in the mystic dream-land they peopled — among paladins, and crusaders, and knights-templars ; with Monmouth and Percy — with Bois-Guil- bert and Ivanhoe, and the bold McGregor — with the cavaliers of Rupert, and the iron enthusiasts of Fairfax. The fluency of his speech was unbroken — no syllable unprononnced — not a ripple on the smooth and brilliant tide. Probably he never hesitated for a word in his life. His diction adapted itself, without effort, to the thought ; now easy and familiar, now stately and dignified, now beautiful and various as the hues of the rainbow, again compact, even rugged in sinewy strength, or lofty and grand in eloquent declamation. With such abilities, and surrounded by such circumstances, he progressed in the canvass,, making himself the equal favorite of all classes. It was less a canvass than an ovation. Old Democrats were seen, with tears running down their cheeks, laughing hysterically; aud some who, ever since the formation of parties, had voted the Democratic ticket, from coroner up to governor, threw up tlieir hats and shouted for him. — Vmied States Law Ma^aeine, May, 1S53. ANECDOTES OF THE CANVASS. 331 It would require the pencil of a Wilkie, and the pen of a Dickens, to do justice to the comical scenes, which relieved the weariness and mental toils of this canvass. The hero of the campaign himself thus described two or three in responding to a toast at tho New England dinner in New Orleans, after his removal to that city. Me. Peentiss replied in his happiest style. In the course of his speech he told two of his electioneering reminiscences, which "set the table In a roar.'' He said that some dozen years ago he went to Washington, thinking he was a memher of Congress, but he found his mistake and came home as fast as possible "to get right. He sent printed bills, con taining his appointments, several weeks ahead of him. Now thoM was a caravan just at this time perambulating the State, and the proprietor availed himself of the gathering collected by Mr. P.'s notices. — This, by the way, said Mr. P., was quite in the ordinary course of things, as an observer of political excitements must have remarked, that a caravan of some kind or other usually follows in their wake. The first time Mr. P. "saw the elephant" was in county, in the northern part of the State, near the Alabama line. It is one of the most beautiful counties in Mississippi, its population chiefly from South Carolina, and though they had voted against him at the previous election, he hoped their State rights notions would bring thera into his support at this contest, when he did not run so much the candidate of a party as the representative of the State, whose dignity and sovereignty had been outraged in his person. At the appointed hour he found over three hun dred ladies and gentlemen assembled to hear him. He was in "high feather" and began to speak with more than usual energy. The audience listened with marked attention, and he felt sure of bagging his game. When he had spoken about an hour he ob served some of the outsiders looking over their shoulders, and this movement was gradually followed by more of his audience. he began to think he was growing dull, and endeavored to 15 338 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. rouse himself np to more animation ; but it was all in vain. He at length looked in the popular direction, and there, to his horror, just coming over the hill, was the elephant, dressed in his soar- let trappings and oriental splendor, with a houdah on his back, occupied by the musicians, and in the rear came a long line of wagons and cages. A foolish feeling of vanity, not to be outdone by the elephant, came over hira, and he continued to talk, appealing to the people in tlie name of the State, their patriotism, &c., &c., but all in vain. A few well mannered per sons remained, but evidently they were retained only by their politeness. He found it was of no use. So he said : " Well, ladies and gen tlemen, I am beaten ; but I have the consolation of knowing that it is not by my competitor. I will not knock. under to any two- legged beast, but I yield to the elephant." To be sure, he was at first provoked by the preference shown to the beast above himself, but on reflection he was inclined to think the people were right. A Bengal tiger or an Indian elephant was an ani mal to be seen once in a lifetime, but politicians they could see every day.* He said, however, be had his revenge a few days after. He found that he must corae to sorae understanding with the cara van. So he agreed with the proprietor that at Holly Springs he would address the people under the great awning for one hour, and then he would give way to the monkey and the clown. He hoped this would not be charged on him as " bargain and cor ruption." At any rate, it was honestly carried out by both par ties. Between himself and the caravan, a large assemblage was * But alas ! for the days that we have seen, when " there were giants in the e in order in obtaining the floor, and consuming the time of the House, against the sense and Intention of a majority of said members ?" It being decided that he was in order, Mr. P. went on a good deal too fast for us to report him. He compared the old cur rency, before " the experiment," to the bread of the people ; this the Administration had taken away and given thera a stone. But not content with this, they now envied them their little gin ger-cakes — these poor five dollar bills. It was really cruel. He could not but fancy that he heard in the language of this bill the last growls of the old Tennessee Lion. How it would raake his eyes flash and lighten to witness this final attack on Biddle and Biddle's Bank ! It would awaken the gaudia certaminis — and be alraost equal to a glance at the field of New Orleans ! The Administration had tried to wield his armor: but they might as well take David's course and put it off, for it was too heavy for thera. They wanted to play the part of Sarason, too, but unfortunately they seized hold on the strong pillars of the State after their locks were shorn. It was vain to strive against the will and wants of the people. The government raight as well atterapt to enforce an assize of bread as to control the bills of State banks. Mr. Peentiss went on, in the most coraical man ner, to appeal to the comj>assion of gentleraen. He hoped, if they had any of the milk of huraan kindness in thera, they would consider the pecuniary state of the people of Mississippi. When lately travelling through the State, he had discovered that the silver ninepences, which used to be hung round babies' necks by a string, had all been cut off and used up, so that the poor infants could not get one of them to cut their teeth upon. (Loud laugh ter.) The Administration, by this bill, were passing a tacit com pliment on the deceased bank; the paper even of the dead Bank of the United States was better than the paper of this living governraent. The dead Percy was better than the live Falstaff It was said that when great julep drinkers died, the mint was seen springing on their graves; it seemed so with this Bank of the United States ; though it had expired, its issues still contin ued to supply the people with tlie best currency. NORTH AND SODTH. 351 Before concluding this chapter, it may be in place to say a word further of Mr. Prentiss' position in reference to the sectional spirit and schemes, by which the country was then, and has been ever since, so fiercely agitated. The subse quent narrative will afford ample proofs of the nationality and patriotic ardor of his sentiments. But it ought to be stated, that some of his most influential friends in Missis sippi belonged to the extreme Southern party, and that they used strong persuasions to induce him to stand upon the same platform. The following extracts from a letter, addressed to him by a highly distinguished citizen of Missis sippi, will illustrate this remark, while they also throw light upon that process by which the State was fast hastening to financial ruin. The letter is dated June 23, 1838 : — I wrote to you on the 17th, since which time I have had the pleasure of receiving your letter of the 4th instant. We had received intelligence of the stir which your arrival in the city had produced. Your course, both upon the taking of your seat and in relation to the rescinding of the degrading resolution of last session, is entirely approved by your friends. Such an out rage should not be permitted to becorae a precedent. The repeal of the specie circular, although llie latter, from tbe scarcity of money, has for some time past been nearly a dead letter, yet will remove one serious obstacle to the resumption of specie payments by our banks. The subject is beginning to be spoken of. Our solvent institutions begin to think it the only means of checking the wild operations of the Brandon and some new banks, which, without credit, are now promising to relieve the embarrassments of tho poor people by creating money. There are some who think that nothing is required to effect this philanthropic object but slips of paper, duly engraved and signed. With the severe lessons of past experience before us, the banking mania still prevails. There is a striking analogy between our times and those which existed in England about one hundred years since, when Law, and tbe proprietors of the South Sea and Mississippi schemes. 352 MEMOIR OF S. S. PREXTtSS. inoculated the country with the stock mortomania. Men's miuds are speculating, not upon the means of ileveloping and unfolding the resources of the country, but of creating capital by trick and legerderaain. What is more unfortunate here with us, is that our best financiers, indeed the whole country, have their eyes fixed alone upon the North, and upon the retina is always presented a full-length figure of Mr. Biddle. At a meeting of Bank directors lately in New Orleans, it was formally resolved, that they could not think of resuming specie payments at all without the aid of the agency of the United States Bank. The great emporium of one half the continent, througli which the North is now even supplied with meat and breadstuffs, cannot move without the great bottle-holder. In my opinion, there are no questions connected with the currenc}' half so iraportant to the South, as a direct trade with, and in consequence the establish ment of a sound credit in Europe. My pride revolts at the idea that we who furnish the basis of nearly the whole foreign coraraeroe, should be dependent on, and pay dearly for, a credit which our agents themselves acquire from the transaction of our business. These feelings, I can scarcely call them principles, now form the basis of my political creed, on the currency questions. They have led rae to regard favorably the idea of an entire sepa ration of tbe governraent frora the money power — a full, entire, and eternal separation. I am not quite sure that I am right, yet I am willing to bear the evils of a trial. Even my distrust of the party now in power, has a tendency to confirm these opin ions; not a little encouraged, too, by the honest prejudice which I feel at beholding the pride, insolence and intolerance of the Northern people. The Union Bank promises to be a great humbug. We are not informed that it has yet taken any decisive step, except to give its President a salary of $10,000, and other officers in pro portion. These acts have occasioned great dissatisfaction. A perfect calm rests upon our State politics. Olaiborne, for aught I know, has gone down to the tomb of the Capulets. Almost all the Democratic leaders are turning their attention tc the all-absorbing study of the new science of creating capital by NORTH AND SOUTH. 353 meant, of ingeniously contrived pieces of paper. In this talni, encouraged by the placid tranquillity of tho political lake, now and then a Whig editor will lisp the name of Olat. Three have assumed boldness enough to raise the gallant fellow's flag. The older and more cunning are waiting further developments. In a short time, however, I look to see the banner raised at the mast-head of the Courier, Register, Sun, Herald, Argus, Adver tiser, Southerner, and Star. Theu for a war between the Nul lifiers aud their old allies. We cannot support Mr. Olay. His opinions of slavery, his views of protection, of interual im provement, in short, his strong Nationalism — notwithstanding our admiration of the man, our confidence in his personal cha racter, and our distrust of the present adrainisistration — will not permit us to support him. In my opinion, the Nullifiers in this State are now the stronger portion of the opposition. Their withdrawal will leave the supporters of Mr. Clay in a small minority. Our papers, as you know, are mostly in the control of young raen, recent emigrants, and generally unac quainted with State politics. They do not reflect its political sen timents any more than the birds of passage who leave us every spring for the North, do its character. The same gentleman writes a few months earlier : — • We are approaching momentous times. The fanaticism and deep-seated hatred of one portion of the Union against us is increasing. It is no Sunday mail affair, to be quelled by a single report. Blood alone, I fear, will q.aench it. I am for meeting it on the threshold. I, therefore, approve of Mr. Calhoun's resolutions, and am sorry to see that Mr. Olay is, in my opinion, unsound upon this subject of Slavery. If the North is tired of us, or considers itself contaminated by a union with us, let it go. Could I now influence the Southern Kepresentatives, I would advise them to meet and recommend to all the slaveholding States to declare, through their Legislatures, that they would no longer submit to official vituperation and insult, and hold out to their sister States the alternative of respectful treatment or separa 354 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. tion. If we submit, we shall soon fall into contempt. I do not believe in an appeal to the good feelings of masses of men. They are as soulless as corporations. The only affections that can be touched, are interest and fbar. Let the Northern poli ticians calculate the value of. the Union to themselves. The point of Interest is of httle importance to us. I know not whether you agree entirely with me in these opinions. I hope you do, but whether so or not, I am sure you will ever possess my entire confidence. Our State Legislature has been organized by the election of Whig ofiicers. Who will be Senator is a mat ter of doubt. Gwin is given up in despair by the Deraocrats. Trotter is their candidate. My choice would be Judge Smith or Guion. New Orleans feels deeply the withdrawal of our cotton bnsiness, and, in revenge, is using every art to depress our cur rency. She will not be able to effect this long. We will soon be out of debt, and then the world will corae to us for our staple. We hear news of collisions on our northern frontier, A war with Great Britain would now be calamitous ; one with Mexico would merely amuse na." DINNER TO MB. WEBSTER IN FANEUIL HALL. 355 CHAPTER XIII. Visits Portland — Attends the Public Dinner given to Daniel Webster in FaneuH Hall — Letter from Edward Everett — His Speech on the Occasion — Trip to th€ White Mountains — Invitation to a Public Dinner in New York — The Correspon dence — Reminiscence by Judge Wilkinson — Returns to Mississippi by Sea — Recep tion at New Orleans — Extract from a Speech at Vicksburg on Disunion — Letters. Mt. 29—1838. Soon after reaching Portland, Mr. Prentiss was waited npon by a committee from Boston, with an urgent invitation to attend the Public Dinner about to be given to Mr. Web ster, in Faneuil Hall. He consented to go, though much against his will ; for he was on the point of starting, with a company of friends, on an excursion to the White Moun tains. The dinner to Mr. Webster afforded him a fine opportu nity to express his admiration for that great statesman. It was one of the most brilliant political festivals ever known in this country. The occasion had called together an unusual number of distinguished men from all parts of New England, New York, and remoter sections of the Union. But no one of them was the object of such eager curiosity as S. S. Prentiss, of Mississippi ; for so he was generally designated. The wonderful reports of his oratory, the anecdotes of his personal history — his lameness, too, and the fact that he was a son of New England — all conspired to produce the strongest desire to see and hear him. He was himself not a little excited by the thought of speaking in Faneuil Hall, 350 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. and addressing there an audience accustomed to the elo quence of Otis, Webster, Everett, and others hardly inferior to them in the exercise of this noble art. And not only was he to address an .audience whose taste had been formed by such masters, but the masters- themselves were to be pre sent and speak to the people. It was, certainly, an ordeal, which a young man, whose name but a few months before had scarcely craesed the borders of Mississippi, might well feel some embarrassment in passing through. The opening address was made by Gov. Everett, who pre sided on the occasion. It was in the highest degree instruc tive, beautiful, and impressive — teres atque rotundus — like all the productions of that finished orator. Then followed the honored Guest, in one of those simple, compact, and luminous speeches, which can receive no truer or worthier description than to call them Websterian.* " His manner of speech," as Lord Bacon said of the king, " was indeed prince-like, flowing as from a fountain, and yet streaming and branching itself into nature's order, full of facility and felicity, imitating none, and inimitable by any." Or, as rare Ben Joiison wrote of Lord Bacon himself : " No man ever spake more neatly, more pressly, more weightily, or suffered less emptiness, less idleness in what he uttered ; no member of his speech but consisted of its own graces. His hearers could not cough, or look aside from him without loss." The main topic of his address at this time was the Sub- Treasury scheme, to whose recent defeat his own ponderous arguments had so largely contributed. Mr. Webster was followed by Gov. Ellsworth, of Con necticut, Hon. Abbot Lawrence, Ex-Governor Lincoln, Hon. Peleg Sprague, and other distinguished speakers. The following account of Mr. Prentiss' address will be « See Webster's Works, yd. i. p. 41T. SPEECH IN FANEUIL HALL. 35T read with peculiar pleasure. Commendation from such a source is indeed laudari a viro laudato. EDWARD EVERETT TO THE EDITOR. Cambridqe, Feb. 5, 1851. Dear Sir : — I have much pleasure in complying with the request contained in yonr letter of the 30th ult. I well recollect the appearance of your brother at the dinner given to Mr. Webster, in Faneuil Hal), in July, 1838. The company was much the Largest which I ever saw assembled at dinner in any permanent building, and, with the exception of the Guest of the day, no one was received with so much enthusiasm as Mr. Peentiss. Much was anticipated from his speech, but the public expectation was more than realized. He rose at rather a late hour, and after a succession of able speakers. For these, and sorae other, reasons, it required first rate ability to gain and fix the attention of the audience. I had never had the good fortune to hear your bro ther, and I must own that I feared he w(-)uld find himself obliged, after a few sentences of customary acknowledgment, to give up the idea of addressing the company at any length. He was, how ever, from the outset completely successful. He took possession of the audience from the first sentence, and carried thera ahrag v/ith unabated interest, I think for above an hour. It seeraed to me the most wonderful specimen of a sententious fluency which I had ever witnessed. The words poured from his lips in a torrent, but the sentences were correctly formed, the raatter grave and important, the train of thought distinctly pursued, the illustra tions wonderfully happy, drawn from a wide range of reading, and aided by a brilhant imagination. That it was a carefully prepared .speech no one could believe for a moment. It was tho overflow of a full raind, swelling in the joyous excitement of the friendly reception, kindling with the glowing themes suggested by the occasion, and not unmoved by the genius of the place. Sitting by Mr. W( bster, I asked hira if he had ever heard any thing like it ? He answered, " Never, except from Mr. Pebntiss liimself." 358 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. ' I rejoice to hear that you are preparing a Memoir of y jmr bro ther. I hope you will not fail to gather up the remains of hia eloquence, forensic, occasional, and Congressional. I ara aware that the raost skillful reporters raust have failed to do him jus tice. But what he said in Faneuil Hall was so far above the com mon-places of festive oratory — so full of point and meaning — that I am persuaded he could not have been indebted for his reputation to the interest of his raanner, great as that was. Indeed, I think it quite likely that if he bad possessed less of this, he might have stood even higher as a public speaker. An address replete with wisdom, argument, thought and wit, and recora- mended by a fascinating delivery hke that of your brother, is soraetiraes supposed to owe raore to the external attraction than the solid merit of what is said. But I do not believe vour brother's reputation would suffer, with good judges, by any thing like a fair report of the substance of his speeches. I am confident that they had a quality of excellence that would bear the loss of outward raanner. I remain, Dear Sir, with high respect, Very truly yours, Edwaed Eveeett. His speech on this occasion, fortunately, is not wholly lost. An imperfect report of it was published, and may gratify the reader. Some passages are pretty severe ; but its sentiments on the sanctity of the elective franchise, on the Union, and the relations between the rich and the poor, will, probably, be regarded as not unworthy of any American statesman. He was introduced to the audience by the following toast : " Missdssip2n and her distinguished Representative in Congress-: — We wel come liiin most cordially to this Hall, consecrated to the cause of our Country and Independence. He has fought ii good fight, and deserves, and will receive, the gratitude and admiration of his country." SPEECH IN FANUEIL HALL. (559 Mr. Prentiss* rose, to return his most sincere and profound thanks for the honor which had been done to him, and to the State he had the good fortune in part to represent. He hardly knew in what forra to present what he had to say, or where to begin. It had been his lot, especially of late, to address his fellow citizens on various occasions, and under almost all possi ble outward circumstances. Soraetiraes he had spoken to them under no other roof than the broad arch of the heavens; at other times, canopied by the branches of the priine-val forests of the Southwest ; at others, within the structures of the hands of man ; but never had he stood before an audience in such circumstances .is now surrounded him; never before had he listened to the echo of his own voice frora the walls of old Faneuil Hall. (Cheers.) He hardly knew whether to address him self to the dim and venerable shadows of the past, or the more real and palpable forms which met his eye. Faneuil Hall might justly be styled the very Mecca of Liberty. (Great cheering.) Aye, and the Mecca of Whiggism also. (Immense applause.) He came hither as a pilgrim from a far distant home, to lend his feeble aid in doing honor to one of the greatest champions .of both. He felt, as he stood in that place, a holy awe upon his soul ; the very walls and rafters of the building seemed redolent of the spirit of American Liberty. The air he breathed in such a spot was healthful and instinct with life. He would recom mend those who were troubled with political maladies, to corae here. (Cheers.) This was a Bethesda in which thoy might wash and be clean from whatsoever disease they had. Yes, let the lame, the halt, and the blind, and those who were possessed with loco-fooo devils, all come and be made whole.- (Loud and long cheering.) He had said that he came as a pilgrim, and had been admitted as such, bnt now he was in, he should claim far more; he should claim his place on that floor as himself a son of Massachusetts (cheers), for he had first drawn the breath of * This report, the only tolerable one of Mr. P.'s speech, appeared in the y. T. Journal of Cormnerce. Several others were published, but they are little better than caricatures. They, however, supply omissions In that of the J. ofG, and hare, in some passages, be^n followed. 360 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. life under the wings of the authority and institutions of the old Bay State. Maine, now almost a match for her foster mother, was then a part of this ancient commonwealth. (Great cheer ing.) But he would claim his seat on yet higher grounds; ha claimed it as a fellow citizen of this broad Union ; and as such, it was his right aud duty to render the public tribute of his gratitude to every illustrious, patriotic son of the Eepuhlic. Though he counted the distance of his home from this hallowed spot by thousands of long and weary miles, his heart beat in sympathy with all the hearts around him. (Great cheering and shouts of applause.) His State and theirs rested on the same broad platforra of constitutional Freedom. (Here Mr. P. pointed to the sentence from Mr. Webster's last speech on the Sub- Treasury Bill, which was emblazoned in large letters on the front gallery. — '¦'¦ I am where I ever have been and ever mean to be: HERE, standing on the platform of ths general Constitution — a platform broad enough and firm enough, to uphold every interest of the whole country, I shall still bb found.") The National Banner, bearing the glorious insignia of that immortal possession, wrapped alike in its sacred folds, the State of Missis sippi and the State of Massachusetts. (Cheers.) In the palmy da3's of the Ancient Kepublics, he who had saved the life of a citizen, was held more worthy of honor and reward, than he who had taken the life of an enemy. How great then was the honor, how boundless the rewards due to him, who had saved that Constitution, which had been cheaply purchased by thousands of lives, and would be cheaply preserved by tbe sacrifice of tens of thousands. (Long C(mtinued and loud applause.) This was no trivial occasion, no unmeaning solemnity. Crowns and ovations used in former days to be granted to those who had fought well the physical battles of their country, and vanquished her enemies on the bloody field ; but it had now corae to be understood that it required a greater amount of genuine courage, and all those qualities which bring true renown, to fight successfully the civil battles of a nation, than to triumph on land or ocean. (Loud cheers.) From a little personal SPEECH m FANEUIL HALL. 361 experience, more especially that of a recent date, he could assure his fellow citizens that a more desperate enterprise could not well be undertaken, in times like these, than to go forth as a well appointed knight, and enter the lists with such foes as were now threatening to subjugate this free and happy land. He had not only to meet honorable adversaries in the fair and open fields of intellect and argument — that would be, in comparison, a light and pleasant task — but he must also be pre pared, like a warrior in some enchanted castle, to encounter foes in every hideous and revolting shape. He found himself sur rounded not merely by titled knights with nodding plumes and lances in rest, but by reptiles and wild beasts, by raving hyenas and venomous serpents — aye, and it was no mistake to say that he might chance to meet a "roaring lion" in his path. (Laughter and loud cheering.) It was, therefore, fit and right, it was but the discharge of a debt, to render the highest public honors to those who had braved these dangers, and come off safe and triumphant through them all. (Cheers.) It had been the charge of a Spartan matron to her son, when sending hira forth to the combat, "Return to me wiih your shield or on your shield." The Whigs in the late contest had received such a charge from the maternaL voice of their country ; it had fol lowed them through tbe loudest tumult of the fight, and though they might have failed in achieving a perfect victory, they had not lost their shield ; they had still held fast to the Constitution I (Great cheering.) It was a fearful thing that in a country hke this, where according to the theory of the Con stitution, the rulers were but the servants of the People, the People should stand in dread of their legislation ; yet he would appeal to all who heard him, whether when the last Congress had adjourned, they did not all feel as if an incubus had sud denly been lifted from their breasts! Did not their bosoms Bwell and heave a long sigh of relief, when they had the cer tainty that no new experiments were at this time to be brought forward, and forced npon the country ? (Joyous shouts of response here echoed from every dart of the hall.) Was it not a terrible condition for a nation, when their chief consolation 16 362 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. was the inability of the Government even to do good ? When their great safety lay in tbis, that the Legislature had adjourned ? In the late late Congressional contest, the Whig minority were in a situation somewhat like that of the American forces on Bunker Hill (cheers), when the British array marched against them in all the proud pomp and circumstance of war — banners flying, a grand park of artillery, plentiful numbers, and well dressed and well-paid ofHoers commanding troops perfectly drilled into prompt obedience. They came marching on to the sound of martial music, while the flames of burning villages lighted them on their way. Thus did the forces of the Admin istration move forward upon the Whig lines in solid column, with all their myrmidons drawn up in battle array, high in hopes, and confident of success, with a majority so devoted and so sure, that they dared openly to avow the sentiment that the People must look out for themselves. Congress was to provide only for the Government. It was no duty of Government to provide relief for the people — no such thing was in the Constitution. No ; the great Government ship, with all her officers, was able to weather the storm, and the little black cutter was to be filled with the abandoned crew, and turned adrift to sink or swim. No sorrow, no sympathy was felt, or even affected, for the con dition of the country, till, in the progress of things, the distress reached some of themselves. Then there was a wincing and a shrinking, but none dared openly to complain. They did shud der a little when the poor souls, whom they had turned adrift, were seen to go down in the tempest. Like Don Juan's wicked sailors. They grieved for those who perish'd with the cutter, And also for the biscuit-casks and butter. (Laughter.) Yes, they did grieve a Uttle when the lean and skinny hand of Adversity knocked at their own door, and their pockets failed to jingle with the bright gold which had glittered so resplendently in their promises to an abused and deluded people. This led them to suspect that the country might possibly be suffering a slight temporary inconvenience ; but the petitions from the thousands, and the tens and hundreds of thou- SPEECH IN FANUIEL HALIi, 363 sands, which were inundating the tables of the House, c >uld not even then gain a hearing. Never had they been thoroughly awake till ''he lank and hungry hounds of their own kennel began to howl ar jund them for " supplies ! supplies !" '¦'¦more supplies — instant supplies!" not for the People, but for the Governraent. Then the cry was, " the Governraent raust stop : the Govern ment must go down." Well, sir, said Mr. P., if this Government must go down, I want it should go down Administeation first — ^HEAD-FOEBMOST. (Deafening shouts and repeated cheers.) I do sincerely believe, that never since men have dwelt on the face of this green earth, and had rulers over thera, was there ever an administration seen in any country of the globe, or in any age of time, more utterly callous to the sufferings or the wishes of the people. And I will say further, that I do not believe that in any country of the world would such a destruction of public property, without the presence of an invading enemy, and proceeding from the acts of the government alone, have been endured without a national convulsion. No other people on the fece of the earth but the free citizens of this Republic, would ever have submitted to it. (Great and loud cheering.) No, sir, not in Turkey itself. Had the Sultan, by his despotic edict, suddenly thrown the subjects of his throne as far back from their previous condition, bad as it might before have been, as this country has been thrown back by the mad experiments on its currency, he would the next night have slept in the Bosphorus. (Shouts and cries of assent.) And why has it not been so here? I will tell you why: the American people well know that they have the remedy in their own hands; they know that they stiU hold the reins of power; and if their steeds prove restive and dispute their pleasure, they know another thing, that they hold the whip as well as the reins. (Laughter and cheering.) We have had to fight a hard battle; and though, through the aid and blessing of Heaven, we have been able to save the citadel of the Constitution, rely upon it, the worst part of tbe contest yet remains. We contend with a veteran foe : though worsted, they are not vanquished — they have lost a battle, but, like the 364 memoir OF s. s. pren-tiss. squadrons of the desert, they will sweep round and re-appear with a new front, but under the old flag. Sir, is it not so ? Even since the adjournment, I hear they have put forth a new bulletin, evincing a determination still to hold on to the same policy. Had I been consulted, I should have counselled that very course. They seem to be demented. They have been steeped so long in wickedness, that they are under a judicial blindness. 'They remind me of the simpleton who in a great storm at sea, being in mortal fear, went and laslied himself to the anchor, so that if the ship did go down, he at least might be safe. (Loud cheers and laughter.) So has this Administration tied itself fast to the Sub-Treasury policy; and may the Genius of Gravitation carry them so straight and so profoundly to the bottom, that not a bub ble shall rise to mark the spot where they went down ! (Cries and echoes of "Amen," "God send it," and repeated cheers.) I may as well utter the honest truth ; for even a short experience in pubhc life, has convinced rae that plain, open speech is the best policy. (Cheers.) I believe that a part of the mischief which this Administration has effected, raay be traced to its very weakness. We have not dreaded it as we ought to have done ; it has been suffered to gnaw as a worm, where it should have been crushed as a serpent. One of the gentlemen who have addressed you, has been pleased to say that I have fought a good fight ; and recreant indeed should I have been, could I have turned my back in such a contest. The reference, I presume, was to the late struggle in my State ; for though thousands of miles removed, your intelli gence has fully apprised you that an inroad was made on your own rights, and on the Constitution, by the foul an; I nefarious decision of the House of Representatives in regard to a late Mis sissippi election. (Loud cheering.) I fear, fellow-citizens, that the great fundamental principles of our institutions have not enough been looked at. We glory in the institutions themselves, and consider them as the strong bulwarks of our freedom ; while we too much forget the vital principles upon which they rest. These broad and general prin ciples are like the roots of the everlasting mountains; they li« SPEECH IN FANEUIL HALL. 365 deep — are out of sight and forgotten — but they are nevertheless the pillars of the earth. We are too apt to think of them as abstractions — as barren generalities — not coming immediately home to our business and bosoms ; we cannot conceive it possi ble that any man should dare to attack thehi ; but our security is our danger. They may be attacked. They have been assailed. One of these great principles of onr freedom is the Elective Franchise, and this has been attacked in the persons of the Rep resentatives of Mississippi. We thought this was a thing so settled, that no one would dream of attempting to disturb it; but we contend with a foe that knows nothing of civilized war fare. (Laughter and cheers.) They assailed this citadel of our Freedom ; and had the people of Mississippi submitted to it — had they yielded the key of this their last refuge — their liberties would have been gone ; nor would they have deserved any lon ger to be free. But they were not thus stolid, thus base and craven-hearted ; they manfully resisted the assault ; they were true to themselves, and true to yon ; for this was your question as much as it was theirs. (Cheers and applause.) Your rights, our rights, the rights of every State, and of every man, woman and child in every State, were all in danger ; they stood on the steep precipice of imminent and present destruction : but they were rescued. (Shouts and cheering.) Yet, when I think how close was the contest, how narrow the escape, I tremble for the future ; and I now repeat the warning so often uttered — the price of Liberty is unsleeping vigilance in guarding it. You must be like your patriot fathers. You must be the minute- men of the Constitution. (Immense applause.) Another great principle is attacked with equal desperation. It is the Right of Property. Tenets are advanced here, in this free Republic, which would not be tolerated under the worst government of Europe, nay, of the world. It is openly asserted, that the rich are " the natural enemies of the poor ! " and the practical corollary from that position is that, therefore, the poor must wage perpetual war against the rich. Nor is this an idle theory ; it is attempted to be made a practical question. It is advanced, not as in some obscure debating clnb, by a set 366 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. of raw and green lads, just escaped frora the trammels of their minority, but in the halls of Congress, and by men of experience, standing, and character. It would be an insult to ask you whether such a doctrine is to prevail among American citizens. And if it did, how is this imaginary line between rich and poor ever to be drawn ? Fix it where you will, there are tens of thousands of the rich who would consider themselves as among the poor, and as many thousands of the poor who would find themselves among the rich. Nor could it remain fixed for a day or an hour ; for he who is rich to-day, to-morrow may be a beg gar; while on tbe other hand, thousands born to poverty, aro continually enrolling themselves araong the opulent of the land. I have observed, especially in the West and Southwest, that the most prosperous, honored and wealthy, are apt to be the men who commenced their course in life with no fortune but their hands, their industry, and their energy of spirit. The truth is, all classes in this country are mutually dependent upon each other, as in the busy hive, where those who return laden irapart their stores, and those who are erapty, need only go forth in order to return laden. There is no natural hostility between the different classes of society. Such a doctrine should be trampled under the foot of every American freeman — ^it is a viper, and should not be suffered to show its head. Let us put it to death by coramon consent. (Cheering.) There is another precious vital interest of the Republic, which is assailed with no less desperate rashness — it is our Union itself. This is attempted to be destroyed by arraying local prejudices in rautual hostility — by stirring up a sectional warfare between the North and the South, the West and the East ; as though the comraon glory and the coraraon interest of the whole Country was not more than sufficient to outweigh a thousand times the local and minor matters in which we differ. But though poU- tioians, actuated solely by a selfish and parricidal ambition, seek to rend asunder what God has himself joined in everlasting bonds, there is a hand that will arrest the impious design : a hand they despise, but which they will find too strong for them : I mean the hard hand of mbohanioai labor. (Great SPEECH IN FANEUIL HALL. 361 cheering.) Yes, sir, that mighty hand — and long may it be mighty in this free and equal land-— that mighty hand will link these St.ites together with hooks of steel. The laboring popu lation of this Country mean to live together as one people, and ¦who shall disannul their purpose? See how they are conquering both time and space! See the thousand steamboats that traverse our lakes. and rivers; aye, and that, Leviathian-like, begin to make the ocean itself to boil like a pot! Look at their railroad oar.< glancing like fiery meteors from one end of the land to the other; blazing Centaurs with untiring nerves, wiih un wasting strength, and who seem to go, too, on the grand temperance principle, laboring all day on water only. (Laughter and loud cheers.) Think you the American people will sufl'er their cars to stop, their railroads to be broken in twain, and their majestic rivers severed or changed in their courses, because politicians choose to draw a dividing line between a Northern and a Southern empire? Never, sir, never. Proceeding on those great national principles of Union, which have been so lumin ously expounded and so nobly vindicated by your illustrious Guest (cheers), they -will teach these politicians who is master. Let ns bnt hang together for fifty years longer, and we may defy the world even to separate us. (Shouts and repeated cheers.) Let us bnt safely get through the crisis, and our Insti tutions will stand on a firmer basis than ever. (Cheering.) And let it never be forgotten, fellow-citizens, that these Insti tutions are ours in trust ; we hold them for a thousand genera- rations yet to emerge from the stream of time. They are sacred heir-looms, confided to our keeping for those who are to corae after us — and if we allow them to be impaired or sullied, while passing through our hands, we are guilty of a double crime ; we are traitors alike to our fathers and to our posterity. True, we are threatened from without as well as within. When I left my distant home, I left not far distant from it thousands of warUke Indians, — congregated and armed by the policy of this Administration — consulting, plotting, meditating vengeance. They number, it is said, sixty thousand fighting men. You have given them rifles, and Nature has given them, in the 368 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. vast prairies in their rear, and tens of thousands of wild horses which they well know how to break in and to ride. Their hearts burn with wounded pride, and boil with meditated revenge ; and who knows how soon they may return on us, Mazeppa-hke, to pay as home for all their injuries ? I know, that in stating the dangers of the Far West, I shall not be heard with indifference, though I speak in the Far East. No— we are one body ; and where one meraber suffers, all the rest suffer with it ; or one member pros- pei-=, all the rest rejoice with it; and I hold it a high duty of tliose citizens who come from distant parts of our wide Union, to assure their fellow-citizens of the perfect sympathy and una nimity of feeling which pervades the entire people of this Con federacy. Yes— we are one people, for weal or for woe. When I cannot corae from Mississippi, and call the men of Boston my fellow-citizens, my kindred, ray brethren, I desire no longer to be myself a citizen of the Republic. (Cheers, long and loud.) Yes — we are all erabarked on one bottom : and wlietiier we sink or swim, we will swim or we will sink together! (Here the hall rang with triuraphant shouts, clapping of hands, and rounds of cheering; handkerchiefs waved, and tlie from-' bones of the band pealed a note of union with the cries of the assembly.) Mr. Pebntiss concluded by offering the following toast : — The Commonwealth of Massachusetts — Foremost among the States in the formation of this Republic — second to none in the ability, integrity, and patriotism which she has always contri buted to sustain it. The toast was received with immense and prolonged cheering. The flrst part of Mr: P.'s speech was constantly interrupted by the most vehement bursts of applause. At length, however, the audience discovered that it was their best way to listen in silence, and he was permitted to go on with only occasional interruptions. After speaking a little while, he intimated an intention to stop, but was instantly assailed by loud cries from every part of the Hall — Go on, go on! Don't stop! As ha drew towards a close, the interest became almost painfully intense. The audience were so entranced, that it seemed as if speech in faneuil hall. 369 they would have sat and listened without weariness until tha next morning.* Mr. Prentiss was exceedingly gratified by his reception in Boston. He seemed to have a home-like feeling in the old Puritan Metropolis ; and it is doubtful if any plaudits ever gave hira more pleasure than those which resounded from the time-honored walls of Faneuil Hall. He said, the favorable judgment of such an assembly as he saw before him on this occasion — an assembly representing the highest statesmanship, the best learning, literary culture and social refinement, as well as the commercial enterprise, mechanical industry, and substantial virtues of New Eng land, was a test of genuine oratory, which any man might well be proud of standing. He was, however, far from being satisfied himself with his address in Faneuil Hall. He remarked, sometime afterwards, that he thought it a failure ; adding as a reason : " I was so awed and over whelmed by the Spirit of the Place, that I conld not speakj" There are few other instances in our history of a young man of twenty-nine winning for himself, in less than six months, a national reputation as an orator and a statesman. The opportunity, furnished by the Mississippi Contested * Of the namberless contemporary notices of this speech, the following, by the Editor of the N. Y. Courier cmd Fh^tquirer, is a fair sample : — " Mr. P&ENTiss rose and detained the audience for upwards of an horn* in one of the most thrilling and interesting harangues ever made to a popular assembly. Hia style is copious, though distinct, and he poured forth a flood of eloquence with what, I might almost call, a velocity of utterance, a fluency, and at the same tirae, beauty of expression, which I never heard equalled. He was occasionally interrupted by the most enthusiastic shouts and applauses of the audience ; but during all these cessations he seemed to chafe, like an eager war-horse impatient for the onset — and his crowding thoughts would burst from all restraint, and he would resume his speech long before the thander of approbation had died .away. To" use a phrase ol Byron'a, he seemed to ' wreak himself on expression.* *' 16* 370 MEMOIR OF S. S.. PRENTISS. Election, of attracting the eye of the country was, cer tainly, very fine ; but then, only abilities of the rarest quality could have made such effective use of it. Frora the moment Mr. Prentiss opened his mouth in the House of Representatives, the public press throughout the Union resounded with his praise ; descriptions of his person and speeches, scraps of his private history, anecdotes of his wit and humor, formed, for several weeks, no small part of the correspondence from Washington. And the more he was known, or written about, the greater was the interest everywhere felt in him. Nothing short of an actual inspection of the newspapers of that day, would suffice to give an adequate idea of the sensation caused by his sudden appearance in the political heavens. " Did yoti hear S. S. Prentiss, of Mississippi ?" was oue of the first questions which everybody asked of a person returning from Washington. Wherever you travelled, North, South, East, or West ; wherever you found yourself, in parlor, or steam boat saloon, iu stage-coach or hotel, the chance was that you would catch the name of S. S. Prentiss. The desire to see and hear him was just as strong in Philadelphia, New York, and Boston, as in the backwoods of Mississippi ; and his eloqueuce seemed to have an equal charm for the most cul tivated and the most illiterate — of both sexes, and of every age.* But of all this the reader will have ample evidence, as we go on. * One of tire ways in which the general interest in him expressed itself, was a request for his autograph. Numerous applications of this sort reached him from different pans of the country, all couched in terras of admiration, and some of them breathing almost a personal regard. The following, from the interior of New York, may serve as a specimen ; — "I take the liberty, though an entire stranger, of address ing this note to you for the purpose of cbtaining an autograph of your handwriting and signature. Though 1 shall never, perhaps, see you in person, yet I beg leave to enjoy the pleasure of receiving an answer to this request, which will ir 7>art make up for my expectation of never seeing you. I am but a boy of fourteer years of age.*' PUBLIC INVITATIONS TO HIM. 371 His reception in Boston, as has been said, afforded him much gratification. But, in general, he showed a singular indifference to the applauses which were heaped upon him. No one knew better than he the ephemeral character of such honors. He had, too, a natural modesty and good sense, which made him shrink from the notoriety incident to popular favor. This, also, will appear very plainly in subse quent pages. During his present visit home, he made up a family party and took a trip to the White Mountains. It would be easy to fill a chapter with pleasant reminiscences of this excur sion. He also resorted to the Great Brook, and nothing could exceed the boyish delight with which he sought out the old 'holes,' and abandoned himself to the memories of other days. There was an indescribable sweetness and bonhomie in his temper at such times. He was careful, also, to call upon the old neighbors, and have a talk with them about the past and the present. While at Portland, he was beset with urgent requests to address the people in different parts of New England. Invitations to public dinners also came from various quar ters. Among the rest, he received one of a highly flatter ing character from New York, signed by the Mayor, and some of the most distinguished gentlemen of the city. He declined all these invitations, even that of his old friends and fellow-townsmen of Portland. " I need not say,'' he writes in reply to the committee of the latter, " that your partiality has done me honor overmuch in relation to the humble part which it was my lot to act in sustaining the rights of Mississippi, as well as in the more general political questions of the day. Without fear or favor have I attempted to perform my duty. I certainly claim no credit for pursuing the only course which was consistent with my notions of honor, principle, and obligations to the country 372 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. Your approbation of that course is exceedingly gratifying as au additional assurance of its propriety — and will add another link to the chain which binds me to my native place. I regret that it does not fall within the scope of the .short and flying visit I am making to my relatives, to accept of honors such as you have so kindly tendered. Permit me, therefore, most respectfully to decline your proffered hospitality." The following is the New York correspondence : — Nkv Yobk, August 8, ISSS. Hon. S. S. Peentiss, Dear Sib : — Ton cannot need our assurance of the gratifica tion we feel in transmitting you the proceedings of "a joint com mittee of Citizens, and the Whig General Comraittee" of our city, on the 7th inst. They are intended to do you honor; and as the tribute to your genius and fine attainments is spontaneous and coraes frora the citizens generally, we indulge the hope that you will not only meet your fellow-citizens in Masonic Hall, but will also accept their invitation to the dinner now tendered. With high consideration, We are your very obedient servants, Aaron Claek, Chairman. James M. Pease. Secretary. At a meeting of Citizens and the Whig General Committee of the City of New York, convened in compliance with a call from his Honor the Mayor, on Monday, August 7th, the Chairman and Secretary were instructed to transmit the following resolutions and letter of invitation to the Hon. S. S. Pbentiss :— - New York, 23 July, 1888. Hon. S. S. Peentiss, Sir:— Learning that it is your intention to r**- visit oui city on your return from your native State to Mississippi, we, od NEW YORK CORRESPONDENCE. 373 behalf of many of our fellow-citizens, have great pleasure in ten dering you a Public Dinner, to be given you on the day of yoUr arrival here, or, as soou afterwards as yonr convenience will permit. In proffering you this courtesy, we do so as a proof of our esteem for you personally, and as a token of the high regard we have for you as a public man, inasmuch as that your advocacy of the rights of Mississippi has gone far to assure the sovereignty of each State of the Union, and furnishes a noble evidence of tha moral power of talent, when exerted in a jnst cause, superadded to eloquence ar.d true genius. We remain, Sir, Your fellow-citizens, GULIAN C. Veeplank, Nathaniel Weed, Willis Hall, G. W. Beuen, Chas. H. Eussbll, R. C. Wetmoee, Amos Palmee, D. H. Robertson, J. B. Rathbonk, Revo C. Hanoe, Jno. R. Marshall, Charles C. Peck, F. N. Tailmadge, Wm. TtTENER, J. A. MoETON, Jun. John Wblrot, Charles Oakley, B. R. Winthrop, Redwood Fishbe, Chas. Wolfe, Wm. K. Palmer, J. COLLIS, Andrew Oliver, J. F. LiPPITT, Aaron Claek, Y. B. Walduon, Gideon Lee, Sam'l Swaetwout, MosBS H. Geinnell, Dudley Selden, R. M. Blatohfoed, Jno. De Wolfe, James M. Pease, Sam'l Palmer, Shepherd Knapp, D. Graham, Jun. g. s. robbins, Feed. L. Henop, Isaac H. Underhiix, Edwin Clark, Edwaed C. Miokle Wm. R. Dixon, H. Weed, G. D. Baldwin, Petee S. Townsend, Jambs De Forest, Jas. H. Beainb, Ashee Kbeshbedt 374 memoir of s. s. prentiss. Resolved, That the Whigs of Mississippi are entitled, in ai eminent degree, to the thanks of their brethren throughout the Union, for their patriotic exertions in electing to Congress th« Hon. S. S. Prentiss and the Hon. Thomas J.Word; notwithstand ing the fraudulent atterapt of the Administration party to defeat the result of a fair expression of the popular will. Resolved, That in the opinion of this meeting, and we may safely say, in the opinion of the Whigs of this city and State, the political regeneration of Mississippi, as evinced by the late elec tions in that State, has been greatly aided by the ardent zeal, the able, the brilliant and untiring efforts of the Hon. S. S. Peentiss. Resolved, That the Hon. S. S. Peentiss, now at the North, and expected to pass through this city, on his return to Missis sippi, be respectfully invited to attend a meeting of the Whigs of New York, and receive frora thera a public expression of their gratitude to the State of which he is a Representatives in Con gress, and their warm acknowledgment for his own distin guished services in ai-ousing the attention of the people of that State to the unconstitutional and ruinous course of the present National Administration. ME. pebntiss' EEPLY. New Yore, August 13, 1888. Gentlemen : — I have just received yonr favor of the 23d ult. inviting rae, on behalf of many of your fellow-citizens, to a Pub lic Dinner, at such tirae as my convenience raay permit. For the honor you have conferred npon me, allow me to render my most profound thanks. The esteem of such gen tlemen as those whose names are appended to the Invitation which has been extended to me, is of itself ample reward for much higher exertions, and raore eff'ectual public sei-vices, than anything which I have been able to accomplish. Your kind attention I receive as an expression of your joy at the sue eessful result, in Mississippi, of her patriotic and noble defence of her dearest rights agaiust the desperate attack of a corrupt and wicked party. On her behalf, as well as my own, I should be gratifled, under other circumstances, to avail myself of your hos- NEW YORK CORRESPONDENCE. 375 pitahty; but at present, being anxious to return forthwith to Mississippi, and being conscious that I have already received from ray fellow-citizens raore attention than I have yet had the opportunity of deserving, I beg leave most respectfully to decline the honor which you have tendered me. Believe me, however, the remembrance of your friendly intentions will always awaken in my breast the most grateful emotions. Accept, gentleraen, my best wishes for yourselves and those whom you represent. I am, with the highest respect. Your obedient servant, S. S. Pebntiss. To Messrs. Aaeon ,Clark, G. 0. Veeplank, Gideon Leb, Moses H. Geinnell, F. N. Tallmadoe, John De Wolfe, and others. He consented, however, to deliver an address in Masonic Hall. It was his first speech in the Empire City, and its mechanics, laborers, professional men, and merchant princes turned out en. masse to hear him. Just eleven years had elapsed since he visited New York on his way to the Far West. Col. William L. Stone, the accomplished Editor of the ComTMrcial Advertiser, and a warm admirer of Mr. P., thus noticed the meeting : — It was a tremendous rally. But apparently not a tithe of the people who attempted to get into the Hall were successful. We have sorae skill in working through a crowd, but never before did we come so near being defeated. Peentiss was in fine spirits, and the audience were delighted with him. We have heard him when he was more brilliant than last evening — that is, we have seen more bright flashes of huraor, and more intense coruscations of wit. But he was then less argumentative and, in fact, less able- his speech of last evening being the eft'ort of a statesman, whose main design was to address himself rather to the understanding than to the imagination and passions of hi« audienoe. 876 M-.5I01R OF s. s. pren-tiss. In order to avoid further attentions on the part of hia political friends, he determined to go home by sea, and accordingly took passage for New Orleans. The following reminiscence, furnished by Judge Wilkinson, will be here in place : — Mr. Peentiss presented the moral idio.syncrasy of a man of the first order of intellect, who was utterly devoid of ambition or vanity — and who, although he highly relished a manifestation ol mind in others, did not seem to value himself a sou for the pos session of it. He even despised those who followed after him on account of his fame; and felt disgusted and not a little scan dalized at the height to which he was so suddenly raided. I met him in the city of New York in the summer of 1838. He was just frora Washington, with his laurels fresh and thick upon him. He proposed a breakfast A la fourchette at Delraonico's, and an exclusive talk. As we walked along Broadway, his arm in raine, a crowd of persons gathered about him and followed after. "Peentiss," said I to him, "this is a long and lofty stride you have taken. Don't you feel a little giddy at your sud den elevation 2" " No," he calmly replied, " I have known for years what I know now — that I could accomplish what I have accomplished. I cared not for the opportunity, but was quite content to ' live and die unheard ;' but opportunity came, and I seized it. As to having my head turned by this excess of praise, I am really sickened by it ; and to avoid it, intend to proceed from this point to Mississippi by sea." " Were you composed and self-possessed, when you rose to your feet for the first time in Congress?" I asked. "Entirely so — as much so as if I had been beginning a speech to old ," a Justice of the Peace in Vicksburg. " Your style is more figurative than it used to be, and sorae say you do not reason now as well as you declaira." " They are mistaken, I think. The truth is, the natural bent of my mind is to dry and pure ratiocination ; but finding early that mankind, frora a petit jury to the highest deliberative assembly, are more influenced by illustration than by argument, I hava cultivated my imagination in aid of my understanding." Mr. reception at new ORLEANS. 377 Pbentiss never, at any other time, spoke to me so long about himself. He assuredly did not desire official position for his own sake, or for its sake. He was too proud a man wiJlingly to sub mit his claims for ofiice to the arbitrament of the public ; and he looked down upon the man who was continually suing for popular favor, as the meanest and the most mischievous of all the members of society. The voyage was unusually long, and before the vessel touched port the public press began to express considerable anxiety for his safety. He reached New Orleans in the morning, and was immediately waited on by a committee, tendering him the hospitalities of the city. At noon, a national salute of twenty-six guns was fired in honor of his arrival, and the whole day was spent in receiving the con gratulations of the,, people. He declined a public dinner, alleging that it was not quite safe to remain another dayi as the flattering attentions of his fellow-citizens would render the place hardly less fatal to him than the Circean Isles to the travel-worn Ulysses. The multitude, however, were so bent on hearing him, that he found it impossible to leave the city without a speech. In reply to a complimentary address from Judge Jackson, he spoke for an hour and a half. A gentleman present describes his speech as " equal in power and brilliancy to similar efforts, which had astonished Con gress and won for him a place in the first rank of American orators. His popular style, now mounting to the majestic, now playfully descending to colloquial simplicity, was admi rably adapted for carrying away the hearts and heads of the warmhearted denizens of the South ; yet were his avowed principles so pure, his patriotism so evident, that Minos himself might have sat in judgment on him and found no fault." Tn the early evfning, a cavalcade of his friends, followed 378 memoir of s. s. prentiss. by an immense concourse of the people, accompanied him to the boat, which had been delayed several hours to take him on board. As the gallant steamer moved forth upon the broad bosom of the Father of Waters, and set her course towards the North Star, the excited crowd fairly rent the air with their deafening cheers, while a band in attendance struck up the well-known strain, " Should auld acquaintance be forgot ?" These civilities were all the more grateful, as there had been, for some time, a most unhappy state of feeling between New Orleans and Mississippi, interrupting, in a degree, even social intercourse. Ever after this, Mr. Prentiss waa a special favorite of the Crescent City ; in no place in the country had he more devoted friends and admirers. Upon reaching Mississippi, too, as may be supposed, he was welcomed with open arms. The flattering attentions paid to him -in New England, in New York, and at New Orleans, were carefully reported by the Whig journals of the State, and could not but afford his friends much grati fication.* But he was not exempted from paying the penalty usually attached to such honors. During his absence, envy and misrepresentation had been busily at work to injure his political character ; the cry of Abolitionism was raised against him, his speech in Faneuil Hall having given espe- • Never in the history of our country have we seen an instance, where a man of his age, or of his length of service, as a public man, has received such unusual — such high and proud demonstrations of honor and respect, of warm greeting and admiration, as has Mr. Prentiss received during his present absence from Missis sippi. Nowhere but in a newspaper ofl&ce, where newspapers are received by the hundred or the bushel, can a person form a tolerable idea of the extensive respect and admiration which his talents coT^mand. It is far within the limits of tht facta to say, that for the last two weeks a majority of our exchange papers contain either his speeches, extracts from them, or complimentary notices of his talents .ind thf gigiintic powers of his mind. — Natchez Courier, Septemher 10, 1838. SPEECH AT' VICKSBURG. 379 cial offence to certain Southern patriots. On reaching Vicksburg, he was invited to a public dinner. At the closu of his speech on the occasion, he thus impressively alludes to this subject : — It is the fashionable slang of the day to denounce the Whig party of the South in the most unqualified terms, as leagued with the abolitionists, traitors to their own interests, enemies to their own institutions ; and otlier such like phrases. Southern Democ racy, it seeras, consists in general abuse of the rest of tho Union, a denial of the existence of any cominou interest with the North, and a bitter denunciation of every man who has the indepen dence to refuse assent to these strange dogmas. Indeed, to such an extent is this brotherly hatred now cm-ried by sorae, that a man cannot exchange ordinary courtesies, or civihties, with his fellow-citizens of the North, without rendering himself obnoxious^ to the charge of being an enemy to the gouih. I had occasion myself to travel North, a few raonths since, on private business ; I was treated with great kindness and hospitality, a kindness and hospitality intended entirely as an expression of good feeling towards the State which I represented. Yet have I been most ¦ bitterly abused for responding to these courtesies ; for daring to break bread, and eat salt with our Northern brethren ; and especially fur so far violating Southern policy as to have wickedly visited the cradle of liberty, and most sacrilegiously entered Old Faneuil Hall. I could pity these foolish men, whose patriotism consists in hating everything beyond the limited horizon of their own nar- now minds ; but contempt and fcc^rn will not allow of the more amiable senti^^ent. It -is said against rae, that I have Northern feelings. Well, so I have ; and Southern, and Eastern, and West ern, and trust that I shall ever, as a citizen of this Republic, have liberality enough to embrace within the scope of my feel ings both its cardinal points and its cardinal interests. I do not accuse those who differ with me of a desire to dissolve the Union, I know among them as honest and honoraljle men as belong to any party : but I do most seriously believe that the Union can- 380 MEMOIR OF S. S. PRENTISS. not long suivive such kind of argument and feeling, as tbat t« which I have alluded. Indeed, if such sentiments are well- founded, it ought not to continue ; its objects and uses have ceased. Still 1 do most fervently pray that such a catastrophe may be averted ; at least, that my eyes may not witness a division of this Bepubfic. Though it may be a day of rejoicing for the demagogue, it will prove a bitter hour for the good man and the patriot. Sir, there are some things belonging to this Union, which you cannot divide ; you cannot divide its glorious history, the recollections of Lexington and Bunker Hill; you cannot divide the bones of your Eevolutionary sires ; they would not lie still away from the ancient battle-grounds where they have so long slumbered. And the portrait of the Father of his Country, which hangs in the Capitol, how much of it will fall to your share, when both that country and picture shall be dis membered ? But, fellow-citizens, I havo detained you too long upon these themes, and the closing day warns me to desist. The political relation which exists between us, and the fact that that relation will soon cease, constitute my apology for the tax I have laid upon your patience. As a private citizen, I trust ever to retain your confidence and regard, though as a public man, I shallnever ag.iin seek them. Private interests, as well as inclination, will keep me from the political arena. The ancient gladiator pursued a more enviable occupation than that of the modern politician. For the short remainder of the present Congress, I shall continue to perform my duty as your Eepresentative, bnt dechne being considered a candidate for re-election. With the most profound thanks for your long-continued favors to me, both in public and private life, I bid you farewell. to his SISTER ANNA. ViOKSBUKO, Sept. 80, 1888. Mr Dear Sister: — I wrote to George about a week ago, informing you all of my safe arrival and excellent health. Though the passage round was extremely tedious, yet, on the whole, it is LETTERS. ' 381 fortunate that I took this route ; for the Ohio river has been so low, that it has been with the utmost difiicultj that our citizens have travelled in that direction since I got home. I have been out to Jackson, from whence I returned yesterday. I find the country has been remarkably healthy during the summer ; more so, I think, than at the North. My affairs are a good deal disordered from neglect, but I shall, I do not doubt, be able to bring them right. My friends have greeted me with great kindness, and on Saturday next I take a public dinner with the citizens of Vicks burg. I shall return to Washington this winter ; after which I am determined to retire from politics. This determination is warmly opposed by the Whigs, but I ara resolved to carry it into effect. I shall return to the practice of the law, until times become better and my affairs settled. I ara anxiously expecting a letter from you, and was disappointed in not finding one await ing my arrival. I shall not leave for Washington until the last of November or first of December. Judge Gruion and his family are well. I think of nothing further at present, but shall write again soon. My love to you all. Your affectionate brother, Seaegent. TO HIS YOUNGEST" BROTHER. YiCESBiiKa, Nov. 1, 1838. Dear Geoege : — I have been so busy since I wrote you last, that I have absolutely not found tirae to perform my duty towards you, as a correspondent. Besides all my old business, which has been accumulating for a year" and more, I have been busily engaged for the last fortnight in the practice of my profession. Onr criminal court has been in session, and no sooner was it known that I had resumed the practice, than my hands were full. In the last ten days I have defended five men, tried for their lives, and was successful in aoauittina thera all. Next week I am employed to go to Oopiah county and defend a raan who is indicted for murder. I regret very much that I have to go back to Washington City this winter; but I am compelled 382 MEMOIR OF S... S. PRENTISS. to do SO. My friends will not hear of my resigning. Indeed, since I announced my deterraination to decline a re-election, they have annoyed me almost to death by solicitations to run again, or at least to be a candidate for the Senate. They tell me I ara the only man in the State who can run with any certainty of success. Still, though sorely tempted, I have declined, and do not think anything will induce me to change my determination. In regard to business affairs, I find my property in nowise diminished in value ; but shall be pes tered, for about a year, by new lawsuits which they are insti tuting in relation to it. I have not the slightest fear about the result. I shall gain the suit without difficulty. Still, it will delay me in ray ultimate objects, inasmuch as, until its decision, the propert}' will not sell to advantage. My professional prospects are of the brightest character. I sliall have on my return in the spring as much business as I can attend to, and of the most lucrative kind. The weather is delightful and my health very fine. I shall not leave here until the last of the month. Yours affectionately, S. S. P. Upon his return to Vicksburg, Mr. Prentiss might have boasted an amount of labor and locomotion during the pre vious twelve or thirteen months, which was probably equalled, in the same space, by few men in the United States. In little more than a year he had travelled, accord ing to a moderate estimate, some three thousand miles on horseback, eight thousand by stage, steamboat, or railroad, and sixteen hundred by ship — that is, in all, 12,600 miles. Could his mental exertions during the same period be put into figures, the result would be a psychological wonder. END OF vol,. I.