The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware register. (Wilmington, Del.) 1824-1825, 1825-02-24
THE uULOGIUM.


The following beautiful Euogun1, in com
memoration OF the death Of JOSHUA GORDON
BRINCKIE, Esquire, delivered before the
Eaion Lodge, at Dover, on the 2Sth ult, by Josi
ali r. Clement, Esquire-has been handed to us
for publication
in the course OF human events, when the
chilling and affective hand of death falls upon
the aged our sorrow is less acute IRON eX-
pectation Of the event. But when the uncr-
ring archer fixes upon the companion OF our
youth, the friend of our bosoms, the ornament
of our social intercourse, as the object OF his
certain aim, VIC minglc tears OF mourning
with signs of sorrow. To commemorate
such an occasion as this, to pay the last tri
butte of respect to one, whom all who knew
held dear, am now called upon. But yes
tcrday, and Joshua Gorden Brinckle was
amongst us in all the bloom of life and health,
now he lies Wondering in the tomb, another
evidence of the fact, that youth, and talent,
and honour, and usefulncss-all will not save
from the imperious summons of death.
Mr. BrinCkle was native of the county OF
Kent, but in early life removed with his pa
rents to Wilmington where the foundation OF
his education was laid, a foundation ponwhch
was built splendid superstructure, that was
completed ana polished at the celebrated
college at Princeton where he graduated
with great honor to himself and received the
diploma of Master Of Arts. After com
peting his classical studies, he returned to
Wilmington, and engaged, with unsurpas-
sed assiduity and application in the study
Of the law under the tuition and guidance
OF that late and lamented ornament OF
our state, Caesar Augustus Rodney. The
course OF his legal reading ended, he com.
menced his professional career in the capitol
of his native state, and though the bar was
at that time occupied by many able gentle
men, who by long course of practice had
deservedly acquired the confidence and pa
tronage of the public, yet his merits were
speedily developed and as speedily rewarded
Allured however, by the anticipation of that
happiness, which awaited his permanent resi-
dence i'll the society of his relations and numer-
GUS friends; in the year eighteen hundred ant
twenty one, he removed to Wilmington
leaving behind him an extensive class OF in
divduals, who deprecated the loss OF his
professional services and earnestly entreatec
his return Though he was unwilling tt
comply with these entreaties yet ever mind
full to the calls of friendship, and grateful to
those who had patronized his first efforts al
the bar, at the earnest solicitations of many
citizens of Kent, he regularly attended the
courts Of law in that county with all increas
ing practice and popularity until the period
of his death. All who knew him there adj
mired his exalted character, and now strong
ly feel and deplorc his loss.
Similar success attended his exertions IL
the county of Newcastle; and in every Cir
Gle in which they were displayed, his bro
therlawyers lament the death and will cherish
the memory OF him, who by his virtues ant
talents reflected additional lustre upon tn,
name of his profession.
At the bar as in all the intercourse of pri
vate life Mr.. Brinckley was mild and modest
affable and sincere, and never trespasset
upon those principles of decorum and polite
ness which mark the character of the emf
lnent professional gentleman. His success
with the juries in our courts, is to be attrlbut
ed in no small degree to the influence OF these
excellent qualities as well as to his ability
and fidelity as an advocate. In the discharge
of the impo rtant duties incident to this Char
acter he was ever faithful to the last, omit
ting no chance of success and unceaslng il
his efforts to attain it. No opposition how
ever formidable dismayed him in the dis
charge of his trust, no advantage gained by
any antagonist at the expense of justice wa'
ever permitted to decide the controversy j
relief could be possibly obtained however
great the labour requisite to enforce the RICH
or explain the honest defence OF his client
His humanity as man was often exhibited
at the same time with his fidelity as lawyer
for he was ever ready to advocate the caus'
Of such as really merited professional assis
lance though they were unable to render any
pecuniary compensation in return: and i'll al
such cases his endeavours to prevent mus
ticc were never less able or efficient, thar
when wealth sought the protection OF nj
professional powers.
In the estimation of many his talents 10
discrimination the happiest gift otthe counsel
lor and advocate) were unrivalled, and he ad
ded to it spirit OF patient investigation ant
indefatigable research. Hence it was though
that when he exerted himself in the discus
sion of any important question OF law, he wa
seldom equalled, and never surpassed by an
competitor who appeared against him in GU
courts. On such occasions the volumes vow, q
our jurisprudence were examined with an at
tentiou, which caught at glance the tore