Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1856 edition. Excerpt: ... the United States, the tidings which diffused through the country the knowledge of the loss it had sustained, were everywhere received with becoming expressions of respect and mourning. The Bench and Bar, in almost every State, paid the honours of a recorded testimony to their opinion of the merits of William Wirt. A large circle of friends in Maryland and Virginia--the first, the land of his birth and latest residence; the other, that of his most cherished associations--lamented him, gone, with an affectionate remembrance which few men were able so profoundly to inspire; and that nearer group, which nature had allied to his blood and kindred, ever amongst whom his " coming was a gladness," and his presence a centre of continual joy and love, bewailed his loss with a grief too sacred for the intrusive notice of these pages. CHAPTER XXI. HIS PERSONAL APPEARANCE.--MANNERS.--CONVERSATION.--THE NIGHT OF THE SNUFF-BOX. -- HIS FONDNESS FOR YOUNG PERSONS. SCENE AT ANNAPOLIS. REMEMBRANCE OF OLD FRIENDS. LOVE OF MUSIC. STORY-TELLING. -- SCENES AT BERKELEY DURING THE CHOLERA.--DOGGREL VERSES.--EPIGRAM.--PROFICIENCY IN CLASSICAL STUDY. SENECA. PROFESSIONAL CHARACTER.--STYLE OF HIS ORATORY.--HIS MANNER OF SPEAKING. PREPARATION. DISLIKE OF DINNER-TABLE SPEECHES. HIS RELIGIOUS CHARACTER.--EARLY IMPRESSIONS.--ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES.--THEOLOGICAL STUDIES. PREFACE TO RENNELL'S "REMARKS ON SCEPTICISM."--HIS RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE.--DISLIKE OF ENTHUSIASM.--SINCERITY OF CHARACTER. In the prime of his life, Mr. Wirt was remarked for his personal beauty. With a tall figure, ample chest and erect carriage, there was no great appearance of muscular strength, but a conspicuous ease and grace of motion. His head was large, and in good...