Reminiscences of public men in Alabama : for thirty years, with an appendix, Part 1

Author: Garrett, William, 1809-
Publication date: 1872
Publisher: Atlanta, Ga. : Plantation Pub. Co.'s Press
Number of Pages: 826


USA > Alabama > Reminiscences of public men in Alabama : for thirty years, with an appendix > Part 1


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Gc 976.1 G19r 1192446


M. L.


GENEALOGY COLLECTION


7


ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 02342 431 7


REMINISCENCES OF


PUBLIC MEN


IN


ALABAMA


FOR


THIRTY


YEARS


by


William Garrett


1872


1192446


TO


THE YOUNG MEN OF ALABAMA,


WITH WHOSE FATHERS I WAS ASSOCIATED IN PUBLIC LIFE, AND WHO HAVE PASSED AWAY: AND TO


THE YOUNG MEN, DESCENDANTS OF THE ORIGINAL PROPRIETORS,


WHO LAID THE FOUNDATION OF THE GOVERNMENT, AND BY WHOSE WISE COUNSELS AND FAITHFUL ADMINISTRATION


THE STATE ENJOYED A CAREER OF UNEXAMPLED PROSPERITY, (PREVIOUS TO THE LATE WAR BETWEEN THE STATES,) AND TO WHOSE TALENTS AND VIRTUES I HAVE ERECTED A MEMORIAL,


THIS VOLUME IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED,


BY THEIR FRIEND,


THE AUTHOR.


Title


m. Boulton _ 4.50


PREFACE.


IT is deemed necessary to state, that the Author was requested by a number of friends who knew his long connection with the Government, to prepare "Reminiscences of Public Men in Alabama," as a contribution to the history of the times, which could not fail to be of general interest. Prompted by this sug- gestion, he ventured upon the task, believing that it was a duty he owed his fellow-citizens to lay before them the results of his observation and experience during a period which embraced the most distinguished actors on the public stage, and the most stirring events which have occurred since the State passed from its Terri- torial condition. His memory has thus been exercised to gather up and preserve, in the form of narrative and description, many things which otherwise would have perished, as no man living, except himself, had the same opportunities to acquire, by personal contact with men, the minute knowledge embodied in this work.


When the Author decided to make the attempt for publication, his chief inquiry, within himself, was, Where shall I find the ma- terials to fill the proposed volume ? As he progressed, new stores opened to him, and such has been their abundance, that the em- barrassing question now is, How shall I select, and what shall I be compelled to leave out, after diligent revision of the manu- script, which has grown far beyond the limits prescribed to the work? This is no small difficulty in his mind. He has endea- vored, however, to observe such a course as he deemed most sat- isfactory to the public, omitting large documentary extracts which, in many instances, would have illustrated more fully the measures of legislation to which they applied. The substance, however, has been given in most cases, without the formal amplification.


With regard to the characters introduced, the Author takes occa- sion to say, that they are such as, in his judgment, belonged prom- inently to the times and circumstances of which he treated. Some of them have a National fame, and others, not so well known


6


Preface.


abroad, have a distinguished reputation at Home. The Author, however, deems it no sacrifice of feeling or of taste to confess, that his sympathies and his sense of justice have induced him to rescue from neglect, and perhaps from oblivion, many names of less pretension, but of solid, practical worth. A number of such are specially noticed.


Besides the matter which is arranged in distinct chapters, con- stituting the main body of the work, the Appendix includes a Roll of the General Assembly from 1819 to 1872; a Roll of the Judges of the Supreme and Circuit Courts, and of the Attorney Generals and District Solicitors for the same period; of the Sena- tors and Representatives in the Congress of the United States, and other condensed records which, upon examination, will, no doubt, be welcomed by the general reader.


While the Author has furnished the facts and materials which form the staple of the work, and has bestowed much labor in their presentation, he takes pleasure in acknowledging the assistance which has been afforded by his personal friend, Major STEPHEN F. MILLER, who was Editor of the "Monitor," at Tuskaloosa, from March, 1840, to October, 1847, and who, in 1843, wrote and published "Heads of the Alabama Legislature." Since 1849, Major MILLER has resided in Georgia, where, among other works of which he is the author, is "The Bench and Bar of Georgia," in two volumes, published by J. B. Lippincott & Co., Philadel- phia, in 1858. Especially is it due to him to say, that the ex- tracts incorporated in the notices of public men, showing, from their speeches and letters, the part they acted, and the sentiments they entertained, have been supplied from the large collection of documents and pamphlets which have been preserved by Major MILLER, in bound volumes, now forming a part of his Library.


With these observations as to the origin and progress of the work, the Author submits it to the People of Alabama, in whose service he has passed more than thirty years, embracing the prime of his manhood. Nor would it be proper to omit, here, the ex- pression of his grateful acknowledgments for the confidence and kindness always extended to him in his public and social relations.


W. G.


BRADFORD, NOVEMBER, 1872.


TABLE OF CONTENTS.


CHAPTER I.


Outlines of Population and State Nativities.


GEORGIANS IN LEGISLATURE; Referring to Prince's Digest; Special Juries ; Opposed to Chancery and Supreme Courts; In favor of Justices' Courts; Virginians; Revised Code of 1819; Foreman of Grand Jury puzzled; Antiquity of Code; Law of Descents; South Carolinians; Marriage Con- tracts; Opposed to Divorce; System of Punishment; Tennesseeans; Hay- wood's Digest; Redemption of Land at Judicial Sales; Assessing Taxes by Justices of the Peace; Road Laws; Pride of Ancestry in different States; Local Institutions; Revolutionary Influences; Immigrants to Alabama; Intelligent Communities; Distribution of Property; Evidences of Comfort and Wealth; French Refugees; Napoleon's Officers; Culture of, the Olive and Grape; National Qualities; French Names and Blood still preserved in Alabama


33


CHAPTER II.


Regular Session of 1837.


PRESIDENT OF SENATE GOVERNOR, ex-officio; State House Officers; Officers of Senate; Prominent Senators ; Officers of House; Leading members; Ex- ecutive Message; Banks and Pecuniary Distresses of the People; Revised Code of Punishment Recommended; Commercial Revulsion; Report of Bank Committee to reform Abuses; Counting Votes for Governor; Inau- guration of Governor Bagby; Special Message; Unsold State Bonds with- drawn from Market and Cancelled; Board of Control established; Pre- mium derived from the Banks; Suspended Debts; Bank Reports; Elec- tion of Directors; Oyster Suppers given by Candidates; Anecdote in Receiving Attentions ; Education Bill and School Law; Log-Rolling Prac- tices; Failing to Vote on First Call; Demoralizing Schemes; State Cotton Agency; Tricks of Trade; Attacks on Merchants of Mobile; Defense by Gen. Bates; Commission to establish Public Warehouses ; University Exer- cises; Dr. Wood retiring, and Dr. Manly installed President; Governor Bagby delivering Keys of the Institution; Address of the New Pres- ident


CHAPTER III.


Political Topics-Men of Action Introduced.


NATIONAL POLITICS IN 1837; Conservatives in Legislature ; Balance of Power; Prejudice against Nullifiers ; Resolutions in favor of Mr. Van Buren's Sub-Treasury Plan ; Contest in Senate; Mr. Elmore's Substitute adopted ;


37


8


Contents.


Debate on the Specie Clause; Public Lands; Vote Postponed in House ; State Rights Men allying with the Democratic party; D. H. Lewis and J. M. Calhoun; Support of Judge White by the Whigs in 1836; Caution in seeking Office; Retiring Senators 1837-'38: Jesse Beene-George W. Crabb-James B. Wallace-John M. Burke-John T. Rather-John A. Elmore-John Rains-Samuel B. Moore; Retiring Members of House: Alfred V. Scott-John W. Womack-Daniel P. Bestor; Anecdote of Col. T. B. Tunstall; Retribution by Columbus W. Lee


48


CHAPTER IV.


Progress-Session of 1838.


NEW ORGANIZATION OF PARTIES; Issue between Independent Treasury and Local Banks; Efforts to resume Specie Payments; Advances by the Banks on Cotton; Cotton Agents; New Senators; Prominent Members of House ; Governor's Message; Banking System reviewed; Changes recommended ; Bank Committees at work; Penitentiary System adopted; Judges of the Supreme Court to prepare a Penal Code; Building Commissioners ap- pointed; Separate Courts of Chancery established; Example of Delay under Old System; Anderson Crenshaw and Silas Parsons elected Chan- cellors; John P. Booth elected Judge Sixth Circuit; New Apportionment of General Assembly;' Eastern Counties turn the Scale of Power; Ratio of Representation ; Solvent Banks, and the Specie Feature; Judge Smith's Specie Resolutions; Amendments Offered; Protracted Debate; A Break- Down on the Floor; Previous Question sustained ; Resolutions passed in House; Animated Discussion in Senate; Adopted by Large Majority ; Convention at the Capitol; Election of Bank Presidents and Directors: Sketches of George S. Gaines-B. M. Lowe-Jesse W. Garth-William B. Mcclellan-Thomas S. Mays.


CHAPTER V.


63


Sketches of Character-Retiring Members of the Legislature.


PUBLIC SERVICE TERMINATING WITH SESSION OF 1838-'39: Dr. Neill Smith- In North Carolina House of Commons 1810 and 1811-Policy to be elected President of Senate; John P. Booth-Acts in a Duel; Henry T. Jones; C. Carmack ; Archibald E. Mills; Benjamin G. Shields-His election to Congress-Mission to Venezuela; Hon. Abner S. Lipscomb-His High Character and Position-Removes to Texas, and is appointed Secretary of State; Blanton McAlpin-Mayor of Mobile-Emigrates to California ; Henry W. Hilliard-Professor in University, 1832-Service in Congress- Minister to Belgium-Regent of Smithsonian Institute-Commands a Legion in Late War; George D. Shortridge-Elected Judge Third Circuit, 1844-Candidate for Governor, 1855-In Convention, 1861; L. A. Wie- singer-Advocate of State Rights; W. E. Blassingame-Fondness for Literature; John M. McClanahan-elected Judge Probate Court-Re- moves to Louisiana- Killed by Lightning in 1867; William Winter Payne-Service in Legislature, 1832-In Congress, 1841 to 1847-Escape from the bursting of the " Big Gun," 1844-Return to Virginia after last Term in Congress; Dr. Reuben Searcy, of Tuskaloosa-His management of Hospital for the Insane


86


9


Contents.


CHAPTER VI.


Sketches Continued-Election of 1839, &c.


MALCOLM M. BURKE-Young, bold, and promising-His Early Death ; Thomas Price-His Clerical Qualifications-Not Skilled in Politics; Governor Bagby re-elected ; Members of Congress ; Changes ; Organization of the Legislature; New Members; Governor's Message; Internal Improve- ment ; Two and Three Per Cent. Funds; Judge Hunter's Report; Fire and Pestilence in Mobile ; Judge Porter's Resolutions; Speech of Percy Walker, Esq .; Contested Election in Senate, between Mr. Payne and Mr. Boyd; Eligibility of Members inquired into; Seats of Several Declared Vacant; Political Conventions and their Officers; Thomas H. Benton sug- gested for the Presidency ; W. R. King for Vice-President; Electoral Ticket Organized; Delegates to Democratic National Convention Ap- pointed; Whig Mass Meeting at Tuskaloosa, June, 1840; Officers and Principal Speakers; Display of Emblems; Whig Address to the People; Democratic Convention, 1840; President and Chief Speakers; Electors 101 on the Stump; Mr. Van Buren receives Vote of Alabama.


CHAPTER VII.


Retiring Members-Eligibility, &c.


HON. WILLIAM SMITH-In Congress, 1796-Offices held in South Carolina-Re- ceives Electoral Vote of Georgia for Vice-President, 1828-Opposed to Nullification-Removes to Alabama, 1833-Elected to Legislature, 1835- His Ability as a Democratic Leader-In favor of the Sub-Treasury -De- clines appointment of Associate Justice of United States Supreme Court- His Death, 1840; John D. Phelan-Elected to House, 1833-Attorney- General, 1836-Speaker of House, 1839-Circuit Judge, 1841 to 1851- Judge of Supreme Court-Clerk-Again Judge-Law Professor in Uni- versity of the South ; William P. Chilton-Sketch of his Life and Public Services-Tokens of Respect on his Death; James M. Bolling: Robert A. High ; Nathaniel Cook-Elected Judge Circuit Court, 1847-Removes to Texas ; Lorman Crawford-His Refined Taste and Culture-Early Death ; Marmaduke Williams-In Congress from North Carolina, 1803 to 1809-Candidate for Governor of Alabama, 1819-His Vote, 7,140-To- tal Vote, 15,482-Service in the Legislature-Judge of County Court- His Upright Character-Death in 1850; General William Wellborn-Ser- vices in Indian War and in Senate; John Vining; Samuel D. J. Moore : Arnold Seale; General James G. Carroll-An Original Character; Wil- liam Hawn-State Treasurer-Cashier of State Bank; General Jones M. Withers-Sketch of his Public Employments-A Graduate of West Point ; Matthew W. Lindsay-Attorney-General. 113


CHAPTER VIII.


Parties in 1840-Excitement in the Legislature, &c.


PRESIDENTIAL CANVASS ; Organization of the Legislature ; Talent in both Houses ; Prominent Members; Senatorial Contest; Resolution of Mr.


1


1


10


Contents.


Terry adopted in Senate-Opposed by the Whigs in House-Motions for Delay-Time for Election Expired ; Another Resolution of Mr. McClana- han; Mr. W. B. Moores' Amendment; Mr. Morris' Amendment; Adroit Skirmishing ; Uproar and Confusion ; Both Parties Unyielding ; Frequent Motions to Adjourn ; Yeas and Nays ; Resolution and Amendments Laid on the Table ; Session of Eighteen Hours; New Resolution by Mr. Mc- Clanahan ; Denounced by Mr. Bates as & "Snap Judgment ; " Whigs Called to Leave the House; Magnanimity of Mr. Reynolds ; Knightly Combatants ; House Adjourned at 3 o'clock A.M .; Leading Speakers on Each Side ; Joint Resolution by Mr. Moore, of Madison, to Elect 17th of November-Adopted; Colonel King Received 72 Votes ; Governor Gayle, 55; Resignation of Mr. Speaker Walker ; Election of Hon. R. A. Baker, to fill Vacancy


127


CHAPTER IX.


. More of the Session of 1840-General Ticket for Congress-State House Officers.


GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE; Committee in Senate Reported Bill to Establish the General Ticket System; Animated Discussion ; Passed by a Strict Party Vote, except Mr. McVay ; Action of the House; Various Motions and Votes; Christmas Day ; Election of Bank Presidents and Directors ; Bill Resumed; Questions of Order; Appeals from the Chair; Bill Ordered to Third Reading, 48-43 ; Taken up for Passage-44 yeas, 5 nays; No Quo- rum Present; Whigs withdraw from Hall; Call of House Ordered ; Two Absentees sent for and Quorum formed; For Putting Main Question- yeas 51, nays 00; Bill Passed-50-23; Great Disorder in House ; Mem- bers Standing on Desks; Protest of Mr. Bates and others ; Charges of Partiality against Speaker, and Reply; State House Officers Elected ; Sketches of the Secretary of State, Comptroller and Treasurer; Thomas B. Tunstall, a Native of Virginia-Clerkship in the Land Office-Clerk of House, 1825 to 1836-Secretary of State, 1836 to 1840-Again Clerk of House-A High-toned Gentleman-His Death, 1842; Gideon B. Frierson, from Tennessee-Elected Assistant Clerk of House, 1834-In 1836 and 1837 Principal Clerk-Elected Solicitor of Seventh Circuit-In 1842 Judge County Court-His Conflict with Rufus K. Anderson-Circum- stances of the Killing-Justifiable Homicide. 138


CHAPTER X.


Public Men in 1840-Sketches of Character.


WILLIAM J. ALSTON-Elected to House, 1837-In Senate, 1839-A Whig in Politios-To Congress, 1849; Jefferson Buford-Service in Indian War -- In Senate, 1840-Led Company of Emigrants to Kansas, 1855-In Con- vention, 1861; John R. Clarke-In Senate, 1839-Again, 1845-His Death, 1870; Gerard W. Creagh-Graduate of Columbia College-Settles in Alabama Previous to 1813-Wounded in Indian Fight at Burnt Corn- Successful as a Merchant-Elected to House, 1838-To Senate, 1839- Served Ten Years; James L. F. Cottrell-President of the Senate- Champion of General Ticket-Elected to Congress, 1846-Removes to


11


Contents.


Florida; General Dennis Dent -In Florida War-Elected to Senate, 1838-Served until 1849-50-President of Senate-Commercial Pursuits in Mobile-Died, 1860; Dixon Hall-In Senate-Removes to Mississippi; Benjamin Hudson-A Faithful Senator-Died of Cancer, 1848; John Ed- mund Jones-Elected to Senate, 1840-Minister of Gospel-Skill in De- bate- Elected Solicitor, 1844- Judge City Court of Mobile, 1847; Sketches of other Senators : Peyton King-Henry C. Lea-Felix G. Mo- Connell-Hugh McVay-Dr. Samuel C. Oliver-William S. Phillips- George Reese-Green P. Rice-Nathaniel Terry-Solomon C. Smith- Hon. Harry I. Thornton-General T. L. Toulmin-Daniel E. Watrous- Thomas Wilson. 156


CHAPTER XI.


House of Representatives, 1840-Sketches of Members.


JAMES M. ADAMS-Elected Solicitor, 1851-Lost in Gulf of Mexico; R. A. Baker-In Legislature previous to 1837-Elected Speaker, 1840-Mem- ber of Commission House in Mobile-His Death, 1866; John Barron- Elected, 1839-Member Presbyterian Church; Joseph Bates-Elected, 1837 - Major-General of Militia-Commanding Person -Courage and Skill as a Party Leader-Compliment of Mr. Clay; Dr. A. Q. Bradley- Fondness for Literature-Voted, 1859, against call of Convention ; Rob- ert B. Campbell-In Congress from South Carolina-Service on Commit- tees-Consul to Havana; Jeremiah Clemens-Service in Mexican War- Elected Senator in Congress-Author of Books; Walter H. Crenshaw- Elected, 1838-Speaker of House, 1861-1863-In Convention, 1865- President Senate, 1865-'66; Dr. James M. Davenport; John H. Garrett- Died During Session, 1841; George Hill-Trustee of University-In Senate, 1857-Died, 1867; Dr. Samuel S. Houston-In Land Office, St. Stephens-Minister of Gospel-Personal Peculiarities; John S. Hunter- As a Politician-Report on Internal Improvement-Removal to Ken- tucky ; Joseph J. Hutchinson; William M. Inge; Charles C. Langdon; Dr. Blake Little; Solomon McAlpin; Charles Mclemore; Dr. David Moore; Dr. William B. Moores; William W. Morris; William M. Mur- phy; William H. Norris; Daniel H. Norwood; Hardin Perkins; Thomas M. C. Prince; Benjamin M. Reynolds; Samuel F. Rice; Oran M. Rob- erts; James E. Saunders; Luke R. Simmons; Henry D. Smith; Hon. Samuel Walker; Thomas A. Walker; Tandy W. Walker; Elisha Young .. 172


CHAPTER XII.


Administration of Governor Bagby-Personal History.


PECUNIARY DISASTERS, 1837; Message, 1838; Removal of Indians; Pre-emp- tion Rights ; Volunteer Force under Major-Generals Patteson and Philpot ; Mounted Rangers in Dale County ; Bank Commissioners ; Increase of Coin in Banks;' Alexander Pope, Agent in Liverpool to sell State Bonds ; Private Banking Associations; Advances on Cotton by State Bank Disapproved; Montgomery & West-Point Railroad; State Univer- sity; Penal Code; Public Warehouse in Mobile; Revised Military Code,


12


Contents.


by Generals Crabb and Bradford; Separate Courts of Chancery; Increase of Salary to State House Officers; Duties, of Attorney-General; Resolu- tions from other States ; Constitutional Treasury ; Message, 1839; Boundary between Georgia and Alabama; Contraot for building Penitentiary ; Encampment Drills; Connection between Mobile Bay and Tennessee River; State Geological Survey ; Attempt to burn Capitol; Change in Election of Bank Directors; Bank Marshal; Cancellation of Unsold State Bonds; Corporations of other States making Contracts in Alabama; Decision of Supreme Court; Message, 1840; General Ticket System; Message, 1841; Political Doctrines; Personal History of Governor Bagby-Comes from Virginia to Alabama before 1819-Settles at Claiborne-Serves in the . Legislature-Several times Elected Speaker-Political Sentiments-His Genius and Eloquence-Elected United States Senator, 1841-Appointed Envoy to Russia, 1848-Resigns, 1849-Return to Alabama-His Death in Mobile, 1858-Traits of character-Letter to Author, 1845. 201


CHAPTER XIII.


Political Events-Legislature, 1841-Character of Members.


NATIONAL ADMINISTRATION; Whigs in Power; Special Session of Legislature; Election to Congress under General Ticket; Popular Vote; Nomination for Governor; Harvey W. Ellis-His Character and Death; Repeal of General Ticket; Election of Governor Fitzpatrick over Colonel McClung; Detection of Bank Frauds; Action of Committee; New Senators; Lead- ing Members of House; Standing Committees; Extract from Governor Bagby's last Message; Installation of Governor Fitzpatrick; Order of Ceremonies; Investigation of Bank Frauds resumed; Mr. Jemison's Resolution ; Evidence taken by Joint Committee; Card from Members; Senate Committee dissolved; No Definite Action; Evidence Deposited in Secretary of State's Office; Incautious Manner of Granting Certificates of Solvency by Members; Remarks of Mr. Young; Revenue Bill Reported by Colonel James; Federal Politics; Legislature adjourned, January 1, 1842; Notice of Members; Arthur Foster-Elected President of State Bank-Judge of County Court-Influence in the Election of John A. Cuthbert, Judge of County Court of Mobile-Number of Ballots; Sketch of Mr. Cuthbert; Angus McAllister-Served many years-Removed from Dale to Limestone; Mace T. P. Brindley-a Bank Director-Kindness of Heart-His Death, 1871; Milton McClanahan; Walker K. Baylor- His various Learning-Trustee of University-Judge Circuit Court-His Accidental Death in Texas; Walter R. Ross. 209


CHAPTER XIV.


Session of 1841, and Sketches of Members Continued.


IN THE HOUSE. John Steele, a Tennesseean-His Sound Judgment-Great Success as a Trader ; John L. Hunter-His Huegunot Ancestry-Fondness for Scientific Agriculture-Trustee of University-Anecdote of Politeness; Hugh N. Crawford-His Humor in Debate-Removes from Eufaula to Montgomery ; John Cochran-His Personal Qualities-Literary Attain-


13


Contents.


ments-Ready Wit-Offices Held; William H. Musgrove; Matthew W. Phillips; Lorenzo James-Graduate of Yale College-Chairman of Com- mittee of Ways and Means-Sensible in Debate; William O. Winston-A Native of Virginia-Fifteen years in the Legislature-Elected Solicitor -- President of Will's Valley Railroad-His Death, 1871 ; Felix G. Norman- Activity and Influence-Courtesy in Debate-Bold and fearless in the Line of Duty ; John S. Kennedy-Elected Solicitor, 1847, 1851, and 1855- Prudent and Successful-Engages in Manufacturing; Nathaniel Davis -- A Christmas Scene in the House-"Joint Song"-Messenger to Washing- ton; George T. Jones-His Firmness-Last Vote-Death, 1871; John B. Hogan-United States Agent of Indian Reserves, 1835-Contest with Speculators-Collector at Mobile-Business Qualities; Charles E. B. Strode-Cultivated and Ambitious-Fastidious in Pronunciation-Aneo- dote at Blount Springs-Elected Solicitor; James Cain ; James M. Rushing; Harrison W. Covingion-Graduate of North Carolina University-Return to his Native State; Leroy Gresham-Elected Judge County Court; Jabez Mitchell-Seven years in Service-Sudden Death; Wyatt Hefflin, from Georgia-His Diligence and Fidelity; William H. Green-Member of Episcopal Church. 225


CHAPTER XV.


Legislature of 1842-List of Members-Banks Placed in Liquidation-White Basis- Events of the Session.


ORGANIZATION; Chairmen of Committees; Governor's Message; Mr. Pettit's Resolution; Topics of Reform; Congressional Districts; White Basis; Yeas and Nays on Mr. Hubbard's Resolution; Whig Protest; Mr. Camp- bell's Protest; Passage of Bill; Depreciated Currency; Report of Bank Committee; Branch at Mobile; Investment of Capital; Specie Payments; Sentiments of Governor Approved; Loss of Bank Capital; Branch at Decatur in Liquidation ; Relief Measures ; Summary of Mr. Campbell; Select Committees; Faith of the State; Expenses of Government; Rev- enue from Taxation; Bank Loans Discontinued; Salaries Curtailed; Retrenchment of Court Costs; Surplus of Bank Assets; Interest on Bonds; School and University Fund; Sacred Trusts; Maturity of State Bonds; Value of Punctuality 232


CHAPTER XVI.


Judicial Elections, 1842-Character of the Judges.


JUDGES SUPREME COURT: Collier, Goldthwaite and Ormond re-elected-In Second, Third, Fourth and Seventh Circuits, no Opposition ; Pickens, Peter Martin and S. Chapman re-elected; Ballots for Sixth Circuit; Judge Bragg elected; Ballot for Ninth Circuit; Judge Eli Shortridge elected. Personal Notices : Hon. Ezekiel Pickens-In Senate, 1828-His Terms on the Bench-Eccentricities-Anecdotes-Mesmerism and Phre- nology-Personal Appearance; Hon. Peter Martin-Early in Legisla- ture-Elected Solicitor-Next Attorney-General-Judge of Circuit Court, 1836-In House, 1844-Chairman of Committee on Banks; Hon. Daniel


1


-


14


Contents.


Coleman-Many years on Circuit Bench-Resigns, 1847-Engages in Merchandise-Judge Supreme Court, 1851-His Christian Character ; Hon. Samuel Chapman-A Virginian-Long on Circuit Bench-Defeat, 1850-Dignified Address-His Social Qualities ; Hon. Eli Shortridge- Politios in Kentucky-Removal to Alabama, 1830-Elected Judge, 1835- Eloquent Style; Hon. John J. Ormond-Service in Legislature-Eleven years on Bench Supreme Court-Resignation, 1848; Pamphlet Attack of J. M. Bates in Bank Cases; Advances on Cotton Reviewed by the Court; Rules and Regulations, 1838; Pitcher & Ball, Agents at Mobile; Fon- taine & Prince, Agents at Liverpool ; Fortieth Section Bank Charter ; Opinion; Points Decided; Collier and Ormond Compared to Jeffries; History of Cotton Speculations; Elevated Character of Judge Ormond- His Death, 1865




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