MEMOIR OF • Pu TRISTAM BURGES; WITH SELECTIONS FROM HIS SPEECHES AND OCCASIONAL WRITINGS. BY HENRY L. BOWEN. PROVIDENCE: MARSHALL, BROWN & COMPANY. MDCCCXXXV. M.R. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year One Thousand, Eight Hundred and Thirty-Five, by Marshall, Brown & Co. in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Rhode-Island. THENEW YORK 70203 ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS. 1897. Providence: PRINTED BY WEEDEN & CORY, PREFACE. Ir occurred to the Author, many months ago, that a selection from the Speeches and Occasional Writings of Mr. Burges, would comprise a volume of interest, to the scholar, statesman, and man of taste. It was his original design, merely to make a copious selection; but, during the prosecution of that design, he thought a record of some of the events in Mr. Burges's life, might impart additional value to the work. This has, accordingly, been added. The peculiar traits of private character, and much other matter, which might have been introduced in that Sketch, have been necessarily omitted; because we cannot speak of the living as of the dead. A pall is thrown over the foibles of the departed; and their virtues and graces only are unfolded for our admiration. But all realize, that such drapery conceals not the forms and features of the living, from our searching gaze. When we write of them, the pen must be lightly plumed, and trace only the outlines of their history. This has been our simple aim, in the preparation of this volume. We have spoken of Mr. Burges, only so far as we might more clearly illustrate from his education, habits, and general character, the workings of his mind, and the results of the circumstances in which he has been placed. The work, therefore, in its arrangement, is divided into two parts: The first presents an account of some of the incidents in his life, with selections from his Occasional Writings: the second contains some of his Speeches in the Congress of the United States. These Writings and Speeches are rich in classical allusions, apt and beautiful; the principles and details are liberal and exact; and the range of thought, such as flows only from a clear fountain. The volume has been prepared during professional avocations, and of course amid many interruptions. Whatever errors and defects may be noted, must be overlooked. If it impart knowledge and interest to one inquisitive mind, the Author will be content, To the scholar and statesman, it offers fine specimens of eloquence and truth, with valuable commentaries on our American Institutions. PROVIDENCE, February, 1835. |