American watchman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1814-1822, 1822-03-12
OF THE LIFE OF THE LATE
WILLIAM PINK NEY


ventitious aids from the circumstances OF his birth
but his youth was marked by une9uivocal indca.
tons of genius and talent, which attracted the re-
CARDS and fixed the attention Of the first charac-
tiers in the state, by whom he was in some degree
patronized.
young man without fortune must have undoubt.
ed abilities 10 rise rapidly in the worlds estimation
which he did; and Mr. Pinkney's early career in
life was distinguished also by this uncommon fea-
ture, that although his imagination was vivid and
his conceptions rapid, his judgment was remarka.
bly, sounds so much so, that whilst still in the
warmth of blood, he was elected to Congress and
having declined this mark Of popular confidence.
was appointed by president Washington in the
year 1896, in conjunction with christopher Gore
a commissioner Of claims under the treaty of 1904
Whilst in England nc was selected by the public
authorities Of his native state, for the purpose OF
reciaiming from the government Of that country,
Ia large sum OF money belonging to Maryland,-
which had been deposited in the bank Of England
previously to the American war. After long de-
lays his perseyering efforts succeeded and in the
year 1904 he effected the restoration to the state OF
upwards of 100000 dollars. He shortly alterwa ards
returned TO America and tie legislature Of Mary
land immedlately voted him, as compensation for
ibis services in England and as proof Of their
esteem the sum of 10000 dollars.
Mr. Pinkney had been, from his entrance on
the profession Of The law, an admired member of
the bar, as well by profound legal characters as by
the people at large. Upon his return to Baltimore
he recommended the practice, and in moment
business OF the first order thckened upon him and
crowded his desk But he was soon called from so
lucrative career, by president Jefferson, to vind-
cate and sustain the interests and honor Of his ma
ton abroad.
The year 1906 is memorable fer British ou,ra-
ges OH American rights. Of the numerous me-
MORALS presented to government at that period
against these multiplying wrongs, that from the
city Of Baltimore was remarkable fer the strength
Of its logic and the eIoquence Of its style. 1t was
from the pen Of Pnkney. He was almost instant
ly designated by the national executive 10 proceed
to England as minister pienpotentiary and envoy
extraordinary.
Our diplomatic history Of that period is too well
known TO render necessary to specify the course
of his conduct whilst there His negotiations in
conjunction with our present respected chief ma.
gistrate, with the Fox ministry; his difficulties
with the Grenville party; his diplomatic contests
with the Cannings and the Wsleseys until the
time OF his departure from London, in the full flush
of unanswerable, victorioes and spirited vaedic.
tory, the Iorce of which in no inconsiderabe de-
gree checked the audacity Of the British authori-
ties, and gained him the unbounded applause of his
own countFymen, will never be forgotten returning
home, he was, in the year 1911, appointed attorney
general of the United States Clients more nu-
merous than ever locked to him for the assistance
ot his powerful talents in the most important icdi-
ciai causes.
The war with Great Britain ensued in 1919; and
Mr. Pinckney was among the foremost in support.
ing the Just cause OF hrs country. With his pen,
the force of his elocution before the people, and
his sword, he was ever ready; and the clearness OF
his calculations, the persuasive and commanding
reasoning o! his voice and his personal courage in
battle were noticed with universal appreciation =
If there were few opposing partizans that howl
ed at the irresistible energy of his march to the
temple Of immortal fame, by him they were I'M
needed; and they sunk into the intrinsic nothing
ness Of their natures.
i Mr. Pinckney subsequently resigned the Office
of attorney general of the United States, and il
the year 1916, president Madison appointed hin
minister penipotentlary and envoy extraordinar,
to the court OF Russia, With special mission t
Naples. His duties in these stations as in all 9th
ers, he fulfilled to the entire satisfaction of his go
! vernment. He did not retain his situation at S,
> Petersburg long but returned home early in tn
first term OF president Monroe's official service,
resumed with even unwonted success, the practc
OF the law from which time until the hour Of hi
death, he was honored with the favor of his felo
I, citizens, by repeated elections either to the hous
= OF representatives or to the senate OF the Unite
States, in the latter Of which dgn6=d bodies h
: held seat when he died. Wash. Gaz.
e IMpoRTANT .DIscovERY.-What has been :
y long and so ardentiy sought for by ship builder
at we believe to be now nearly if not wholly attaue
l We alude to the discovery Of timber, which "
le secure ships bottom against the terrible nvasl
te of the worm, so universally destructive.
st The discovery was accidentally made by O