USA > Georgia > The bench and bar of Georgia: memoirs and sketches. With an appendix, containing a court roll from 1790-1857, etc., volume II > Part 20
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The mental and moral constitutions of Mr. MILLER were admirably balanced,-perfectly unique. As a public speaker he was fluent, per- spicuous, logical, and concise. Careless of ornament, studiously avoiding all attempts at merely oratorical display, he never offended against good taste, and seldom disappointed expectation. He never used the art of oratory for exhibition of himself; but, to refute error, to vindicate truth, to accomplish a good purpose, he employed it skilfully and successfully.
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He treated subjects he was called to discuss as matters for grave thought and logical argument, and with the bestowal of these he dismissed them. He exhibited great versatility of talent, but in all its phases devoted to the useful, the practical. Those who knew him best were often amazed at the facility with which his mind would turn from law to politics, thence to finance, thence to legislation,-and the clearness and energy it dis- played in all.
As in his mental constitution, so in his moral character there was perfect consistency, beautiful harmony. Truthfulness was its broad basis, and frankness, in all its relations, its daily emanation. Amid his varied and laborious occupations he found ample time for attention to social duties, moral obligations, public and private charities, and offices of friendship. The kindness of his nature shone conspicuously in all he said and all he did. In his demise the poor and lowly have lost a friend whose purse relieved their wants, whose counsel solved their perplexities, and whose sympathy soothed their griefs. To crown a character com- bining so many excellencies came, in early boyhood, the redeeming influ- ences of Christianity. Mr. MILLER had been for many years a communi- cant of the Presbyterian Church ; and, although too feeble, when apprized that his dissolution was at hand, to give expression to his thoughts and feelings, the calmness with which he received an unexpected annunciation of a fact so appalling gave earnest of foregone preparation for the change. We cannot omit to add that the exercise, for so long a period, of so great activity and influence, and the correlative enjoyment of so large a share of respect and deference, occasioned neither pretension, ostentation, nor self-conceit. There was a ruling quietness in his demeanor which indi- cated unconsciousness of the space he occupied in the public eye.
Ten days since, the deceased was in his place in the Senate, slightly indisposed, it is true, but not incapacitated for business. Exposure to the unusually-inclement weather that has recently prevailed subjected him to an attack of pneumonia, which resulted in the calamity so inexpressibly deplorable. Recalled temporarily to his home, on the 27th ult., by pro- fessional engagements, he lay down beneath his own roof to languish and -surrounded by wife, children, and friends-to die. After all, that which awakens our most poignant regret, and which we touch with a trembling hand, is the crushing sorrow of the inmates of that homestead. Well do we know that their griefs press heavily upon ten thousand sym- pathizing hearts. But we forbear: the ground whereon we tread is sacred.
To-day we consign all that remains of ANDREW J. MILLER to his last earthly resting-place. Peace be to his manes ! All honor to his memory !
PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCIL.
CALLED MEETING OF COUNCIL, February 4, 1856.
Present,-William H. Dearing, Mayor; Members, Messrs. Blodget, La Roche, Hight, Walker, Dye, Conley, Butt, Stark, Goodrich, and Bassford.
The reading of the minutes was dispensed with.
The Chair stated that the convention of the City Council was called for the purpose of paying the last tribute of respect to the Hon. ANDREW J. MILLER, late city-attorney.
Mr. Conley, member from the Third Ward, in a few appropriate remarks,
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announced Mr. MILLER's death to the Council, and introduced the follow- ing preamble and resolutions, which were unanimously adopted :-
ANDREW J. MILLER IS DEAD !
What announcement could be made to the City Council of Augusta that would cause deeper sorrow or more profound regret? It is therefore meet and proper that we should give some expression to our feelings, showing the love we entertained for him while living and our respect for him when dead. Therefore
Resolved, That the City Council of Augusta have heard, with feelings of sincere sorrow and regret, of the death of the Hon. ANDREW J. MILLER, who for many years has occupied the responsible position of city-attorney, and whose valuable services and untiring efforts have always been devoted to the advancement and prosperity of our beloved city.
Resolved, That in the sudden decease of Mr. MILLER the city has been deprived of the eminent counsels and active labors of one of its most dis- tinguished citizens, which loss will be deeply felt, not only by our city, but by the State, in whose service he has been so often called, and where, in discharge of his duties as Senator from Richmond county, he contracted the disease which has removed him from our midst.
Resolved, That, while bowing in submission to this afflictive dispensa- tion of divine Providence, we tender to the bereaved family of the de- ceased our heartfelt sympathy, and trust that they may be comforted by the assurance that their loss is his eternal gain.
Resolved, That the Council-Chamber be put in mourning for the space of three months, and that the members of Council wear the usual badge of mourning for the space of thirty days.
Resolved, That his Honor the Mayor request through the public papers that all business be suspended in the city and the stores closed from 11 to 1 o'clock to-morrow, and that the various bells be tolled during the funeral ceremonies.
Resolved, That, as a further mark of respect to the deceased, the City Council will attend the funeral in a body.
Resolved, That his Honor the Mayor transmit a copy of these resolutions to the family of the deceased.
On motion, Council adjourned.
SAMUEL H. CRUMP, Clerk Council.
MEDICAL COLLEGE OF GEORGIA, Monday morning, February 4, 1856.
At a called meeting of the trustees, faculty, and students of the medi- cal College of Georgia, Dr. L. D. Ford was called to the chair, and Dr. H. F. Campbell appointed secretary.
The object of the meeting having been stated by the Chair, the follow- ing preamble and resolutions were read by Dr. I. P. Garvin, and unani- mously adopted :-
The providence of God has removed from our midst our beloved Presi- dent, ANDREW J. MILLER. His exalted moral worth and his eminent public services, no less than his official relation to the Medical College of Georgia, demand some public manifestation of our sympathy and respect. Therefore,-
Resolved, That by the death of the Hon. ANDREW J. MILLER this col- lege has lost a valued and long-tried friend, the city one of her most
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eminent and useful citizens, and Georgia one of her most distinguished sons.
Resolved, That the lectures be suspended during this day and to-mor- row, and that the trustees, faculty, and students will attend the funeral services at the Baptist church, and accompany his remains to their final resting-place.
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be forwarded to each of the city papers for insertion.
LEWIS D. FORD, Chairman. HENRY F. CAMPBELL, Secretary.
MEETING OF THE BAR.
AUGUSTA, February 4, 1856, 10 o'clock A.M.
At a meeting of the bar of Richmond county, convened for the purpose of expressing their grief at the decease of the Hon. ANDREW J. MILLER, --
On motion, the Hon. William W. Holt was called to the chair, and Edward J. Walker, Esq., requested to act as secretary.
On motion of Hon. William T. Gould, a committee of five members of the bar, consisting of Messrs. William T. Gould, Henry H. Cumming, Charles J. Jenkins, William R. McLaws, and William A. Walton, was appointed to report to an adjourned meeting resolutions expressive of the sense of the meeting on the melancholy subject-on which they were convened.
On motion, the meeting adjourned to 4 o'clock this afternoon.
Four o'clock P.M .- The members of the bar mnet according to adjourn- ment, when Edward J. Walker, Esq., the secretary, being necessarily ab- sent, Garland A. Snead was appointed secretary.
The committee of this morning, through the Hon. William T. Gould, chairman, reported the following preamble and resolutions, which were unanimously adopted :-
The members of the bar can find no language to express their feelings in the death of their distinguished and lamented brother, ANDREW J. MILLER. For thirty years he has been a valued and honorable member of the bar; and having, after a comparatively brief training, risen early to the front rank of the profession, he has long occupied an eminent position among his brethren. To his professional distinction is to be added a high rank among our public men. No one has been more prominent or more useful in the councils of the State; and of none could the untimely remo- val have been a greater public calamity. To our city, with all whose inte- rests he was most intimately connected, and whose prosperity he was most efficient in promoting, the loss is irreparable. When to all this we add a personal character equally conspicuous for the most sterling integrity and the most conciliating disposition and active benevolence, we are compelled to realize that a man has been taken from our midst whose public, pri- vate, and professional character alike rendered him an object of respect and admiration while living, and of the deepest regret, now that regret is the only tribute we can pay. In view of this calamity, it is unani- mously
Resolved, That this bar deeply lament the loss to the profession, the
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city, and the State, occasioned by the death of our distinguished brother, A. J. MILLER.
Resolved, That we tender to the family thus heavily bereaved our sin- cerest sympathy in their deep affliction.
Resolved, That, as a token of respect for the memory of our deceased brother, the members of this bar will attend his funeral to-morrow in a body, and wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days; and that the other officers of the court be respectfully requested to unite with us in these demonstrations of respect.
Resolved, That these resolutions be presented to the court at its meeting to-morrow, with a request that they be entered on the minutes, and that a copy of them be forwarded by the chairman to the family of the deceased, and published in the city papers.
On motion of Hon. William T. Gould,-
Resolved, That the members of the bar meet in a body at the late resi- dence of the deceased, at 10} o'clock A.M., to-morrow.
On motion of James Gardner, Esq.,-
Resolved, That the members of the bar will attend the funeral of the deceased on foot.
On motion, the meeting adjourned.
WILLIAM W. HOLT, Chairman.
GARLAND A. SNEAD, Secretary.
(From the Chronicle and Sentinel, February 6, 1856.)
FUNERAL OF THE HON. A. J. MILLER.
Yesterday the last sad rites were paid to the remains of this honored citizen and favorite son of Augusta. It was, indeed, a day of mourning, of deep solemnity, in which all classes of our population participated. Never have we witnessed such a universal demonstration of sympathy and regret by a whole community, and we never expect to see such another in Augusta or elsewhere. We were aware that the deceased had a strong hold upon the affections of the people among whom he had so long lived, and whom he had served so ably and faithfully in all the relations of life that they esteemed, nay, loved and honored him; but we confess we had no idea of the depth of that feeling,-no conception of the profound regard they cherished for him in their heart of hearts. We will not attempt a description of the demonstration. No language that we can employ, how- ever forcible and graphic, could convey to the absent reader even a faint idea of the reality. It had to be seen and felt (for no one who saw but felt its all-pervading influence) to be appreciated. There was no attempt at display : it was the simple but expressive manifestation of a people who were profoundly conscious that a heavy blow had fallen upon them,- that one of their purest, their noblest, and best men had passed to " that bourne whence no traveller returns,"-had been cut down in the prime of life, in the zenith of his usefulness and in their service,-cut down, though, in their midst, and surrounded by those who knew him best and loved him most. Business was entirely suspended in every department. Stores, banks, warehouses, and workshops were everywhere closed; and all, all united in paying the last sad tribute to the honored dead. We are sure we do not exaggerate when we assert that from eight to ten thou-
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sand people were present to witness and unite in the funeral cere- monies.
As the Presbyterian church, of which he was a member, was undergoing repairs, the use of the Baptist church was tendered for the occasion, where the funeral service was performed by the Rev. Mr. Rierson, pastor of that church, assisted by the Rev. Dr. Davis.
The procession which escorted the corpse from the church to the ceme- tery was one of the most imposing and the largest we ever witnessed, in which the Masons, military, faculty and students of the medical college, and citizens of all classes, united. He was interred with Masonic and military honors.
THE LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE.
The joint committee of the Senate and House appointed to attend the funeral could not reach this city in time. The Mayor received the fol- lowing despatch from the chairman :-
MACON, February 5.
Hon. W. E. DEARING, Mayor :-
A joint committee of both Houses came this far on their way to attend the funeral of the Hon. A. J. MILLER; but the trains failed to connect, and we cannot reach Augusta in time.
LEVI J. KNIGHT, Chairman.
PROCEEDINGS IN THE LEGISLATURE.
From the Milledgeville correspondence of several papers the fol- lowing portions are selected :-
February 4, 1856 .- Reliable information having been received of the death of the Hon. A. J. Miller, Senator from Richmond, at his residence in Augusta, both branches of the General Assembly appointed committees to attend the funeral, which takes place on to-morrow, and then ad- journed.
A feeling of sadness seems to prevail in both branches. His loss is not only a severe blow to the body of which he was a most valuable member, but to the State, in whose service as a legislator he has spent many years of the prime of his existence. Possessing intellect clear and com- prehensive, he never seemed at fault on any question. Green be his memory in the hearts of a people to whom he devoted the energies of a gifted and cultivated mind !
IN SENATE .- The melancholy intelligence of the death of the Hon. A. J. Miller, late a Senator from the county of Richmond, was communicated by Mr. Pope, of Wilkes, in a simple announcement of the event, and a motion that a committee be appointed to draft suitable matter touching this sad calamity. Whereupon the President appointed Messrs. Pope, Cone of Greene, Wingfield, Dunnagan, and Wales.
Judge Cone then offered the following resolution :-
That a committee of three Senators be appointed to join a similar num- ber of members of the House of Representatives, to proceed to Augusta in their official capacity, to attend the funeral of the Hon. Andrew J. Miller, late a Senator from the county of Richmond.
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The resolution having been unanimously agreed to, the President ap- pointed the Hon. Levi J. Knight, of Lowndes, Hon. William M. McIn- tosh, of Elbert, and the Hon. Le Grand Guerry, of Randolph, as the Senate Committee.
On motion of Mr. Knight, the Senate then adjourned.
February 5, 1856 .- The committee appointed to draw up a set of reso- lutions expressive of the feelings of this General Assembly with regard to the great bereavement sustained by Georgia in the loss of her distinguished statesman, ANDREW J. MILLER, offered the following resolutions, which were unanimously accepted :-
Resolved, That the intelligence of the death of the Hon. A. J. MILLER, late a member of the Senate from the county of Richmond, is received with deep concern and regret by this body.
Resolved, That the distinguished and useful public services of the deceased in the various eminent positions that he had occupied, no less than his private worth, have rendered his name dear to the hearts of his countrymen. He was honest as a man, just and able as a lawyer, and patriotic as a statesman. We will not approach the grief and anguish of the widow and orphans. We leave them to the merciful protection of the Great Author of our being, who in his wise but inscrutable providence has caused this bereavement, and to the consolation of that religion which brought life and immortality to light. Our warmest sympathies are with them in their affliction.
Resolved, That we will wear the usual badge of mourning during the continuance of the session.
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the family of the deceased, and also be entered upon the journals of the Senate.
Mr. POPE, of Wilkes, chairman of the committee, having read the resolutions, paid an eloquent and touching tribute to the memory of the deceased :-
MR. PRESIDENT :- The circumstances that convene us together this morning are mournful and impressive in the extreme. We have met to notice the death of one who but one week ago was in our midst, com- mingling with us in our deliberations, and taking an active part in the Legislative proceedings. For eighteen long years he represented in our State Legislature an intelligent constituency, ever giving them entire satisfaction, and always acting for the best interests of Georgia. And, while we are performing this last sad act of respect to his memory, let us think what a mournful spectacle is now taking place in the city he repre- sented. The funeral-bell is now tolling the death of him who served them so faithfully, so ably, so honorably, so nobly; and, as the sad sound slowly and distinctly peals forth, tears of anguish flow from those who loved him as a friend to Georgia. I deem it, sir, proper to state a few circumstances of his life. He was a native Georgian, born and raised in the county of Camden. In 1826, he went to Augusta and commenced the practice of law, and in 1836 he represented the county of Richmond for the first time in the Legislature. For eighteen consecutive years he held an eminent, distinguished position in this body. Sir, I do not intend to draw invidious comparisons or speak to the disparagement of any mem- ber; but no one took a loftier, higher stand on this floor than he did. Watchful, vigilant in his action upon important measures, he was ever
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ready to offer advice to inexperienced members. He came here at a time when great questions and issues were pending, and ever left his impress upon the legislation of the State.
There is one circumstance which I cannot help relating. About twelve days ago, after having been engaged the whole day in the discharge of his Senatorial duties, he came home, saying that he felt he should be con- fined to his room ; and he sent for me. I found him much dejected and cast down, and he made this remark, which I shall never forget :- " I greatly fear I shall be taken sick and die away froin home. I have long desired that, whenever it pleases Heaven to take my life, I shall die in the bosom of my family, my wife and children around me." Heaven granted his request. Senators, this is a solemn, impressive lesson. It should fall upon each one's heart, warning him that there is but one step between us and death.
"Death steals along with silent tread, Found oftenest in what least we dread; Frowns in the storm with angry brow, But in the sunshine strikes the blow."
The last two years have been a marked epoch in the history of our State. One, and another, and yet another, of our great men have succes- sively gone to that " bourne from which no traveller returns." The re- sponsibility thus left on our shoulders is increased tenfold. Let us gird ourselves, then, for the battle; and, when at length the last dread summons strikes upon our ears, we may be prepared to meet with humble though unshrinking hearts the dark trial, conscious of having done our duty, and able to look back upon a life well spent in the cause of our country and our God.
Judge CONE then arose and spoke :-
SENATORS :- The duties which now devolve upon us, and which are both pleasing and mournful, admonish us all how brief a thing is life. There is nothing which so commands, and deserves to command, our attention as the stroke of "Death." Our recent bereavement tells us, in language that cannot be mistaken, that ere long we too shall be called upon to walk through the dark valley and the shadow of death. We shall soon be called upon to resign the joys and pleasures of social life. The rela- tives and friends that now know us shall soon know us no more; and it is useful, amid the conflict of passion and the strife of clashing interests, for us to remember that we have to render an account to God. One short week ago, and he we now deplore was with us, engaged in the active and able discharge of the duties of his station. He stood among us more than a peer. He was among the ablest in this chamber. His experience, his wisdom, his integrity, his truth, all caused us to look upon him as a counsellor and an exemplar; but God had numbered his days, and said to him, " Thus far shalt thou go, and no farther." So inscrutable are the ways of Providence. The moan of the widow and the cry of the orphan shall ascend to God for the loss of their protector amid the lamentations that go up from his grave.
Sir, I have known Mr. Miller for twenty years,-for twenty years of professional life; and I never knew one more courteous or more kind than he. He was the embodiment of truth; and no professional temp- tation swerved him one iota from the path of duty. No language can do him justice in his domestic relations: as a father, he was devoted and
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kind; as a master, charitable and forgiving; as a lawyer, the soul of honor and embodiment of truth. He has left his character upon our laws, and the records of the Senate attest how much he did for Georgia.
Sir, he was a gentleman,-a man of honor; as a legislator, enlight- ened and liberal. Full of honors, he has resigned his soul to God. He has gone to that bourne from whence no traveller returns. But, sir, he was guided by the precepts of that religion which " brought life and im- mortality to light :" neither sin nor sorrow reigns in the sphere where he now dwells and the entrance to which he has won by his worth. I would here call upon the young men of the bar of Georgia to gaze upon his bright example and learn from him how to be good, useful, and great. The sacred griefs of the bereaved family I cannot approach. None can know how bitter are the widow's tears but she who sheds them. None but an orphan knows an orphan's grief. But we may leave it to God, whose hand struck this blow, to pour the oil of consolation upon the hearts he has himself afflicted, and commend to them that religion which has a solace for every woe. The ways of the Lord are strange and inscrutable, but he has told us they are wise : let us not repine because we cannot understand. We too will ere long be called upon to meet the great event. My years admonish me, and the companions I have long known,-and so many of whom are gone,-all bid me remember that my own end cannot be far distant in the future. Colquitt, Meriwether, Dougherty, Charlton, Sayre, and now Miller,-all friends, and long companions with me at the bar,-are gone : I too must go ere long.
Sir, let us take to heart the solemn lesson which our affliction teaches, and so act our part that we may merit at its end the same eulogies which are the right of him we deplore. Let us endeavor to merit the consola- tion of our divine religion and its last great reward,-a home in that Paradise where sin, sorrow, and suffering are no more, and in which sin- ful man shall stand up redeemed, regenerated, and disenthralled !
Mr. CALHOUN, of Fulton, next addressed the Senate :-
MR. PRESIDENT :- It was not my intention to have said any thing upon this occasion, as I am not gifted in the language of eulogy or panegyric ; but, sir, when I remember the long and friendly intercourse which has existed between the distinguished Senator-whose death we all so deeply lament-and myself, I cannot be silent. Brother Senators, remembering this, I am admonished it would be too indifferent, too cold, and too heart- less, to be silent.
Though it be in unstudied words, I must give some utterance to the emotions which I feel. I must mingle my voice with yours in the expres- sion of my grief and in bearing testimony to the merits of our distin- guished friend.
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