Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-11-23

lost IN wonder as we contemplate the strength
! and unaceountablc providence which has hur,
ried aim so Suddenly away. Emmett passed
from before our eyes like a bright vision-he
stood but now in the glorious panoply of talent
and eloquehcc In. The very hall of Judgment,
pursuing the noble career he had embraced
with an ardor and devotion rarely witnessed a,
any time, but almost never al his period Of life
We heard his last effort, which like the incrcas.
Ing sp'endor OF The sun as it sinks to rest,
seemed 10 grow yet more radiant with feelings
and energy, and all the attributes Of genius
and in another momen, the heart that was ever
hiled with the noblest sentiments, and the col
!ossal mind which could patiently examine the
arcana OF practice--unravel the knoucd comb
nations Of falsehood, or comprehend with its
grasp the profoundest questions Of government
and politics, were palsed by the cold hanG Of
relentless death! 1t isa consolation to those
who loved him that he died in We foil posses
si6n Of hi4unrivalletl faculties, and in the rich
affections of all those who ever approached
him.
To this community which he has so long
served, his loss is severe ONE, but TO his breth-
rem OF the Bar, PEI, baps his loss is ire parable
The ameniiy of his manners. the urbanity Of
his department, the excellence of his heart, and
his kindness TO the Younger members of the
profession, all render him model for imitation
and are forever engraVen on the hearts oil those
with whom he was associated. OF that Bar he
might well be called the falher-Net deeus ct
tulamen"-perhaps we.may say without offence
TO those who survive him, that whether we re-
gard the virtues Of the heart, the high sense OF
honor which characterized every action OF his
life, or the displays Of forensic talent, he has
not left his superior behind him.
Mr.. Emmett was born at Cork, April Oath,
l764-his father was physician Of great prac-
tice and repur alton, and re sided at Dublin-&
Mr.. L. after receiving most liberal education,
devoted himself to the study Of medicine. AT
ter passing sometime at Edinburgh, he visited
the schools of the Continent, and returned 10
Dnbin, having made all The acquisitions, which
unremi,,cd labour and vigorous mind could
achieve at that period Of life. We believe,
however, that MIR. Emmett praclised but little;
the death of an elder brother who even in this
talented family was pre-cmincnt, changed his
determination, and gave direction 10 his tu-
ture fortunes, and laid the foundation OF his
future fame DIR. Emmett wished him TO en-
brace the profession Of his deceased brother,
and he immediately entered into It's studies
with an ardour proportioned to his future sue
cess. Called to The bar, he was immediately
distinguished among his ooltm2oranes, and
NIGH, have looked 10 the highest honours of
his profession. had he squared his politics with
his interest, Becoming the associate friend
of Curran, O'Connor, and Gratian and keoSh,
he espoused the cause OF lreland-a cause
which a, last brought his brother to the scat
fold; and he was one Of the executive commits
tee of United l,ishmen in the memorable
rising Of l79S and actively engaged III the
organization OF that society and IT'S plans ior
revolutionizing Ireland. Such was then his
rep uta,ion al The bar, that he was invited to
the important Office of defending Archiba Id
Hamilton Rowan; which he declined from the
best motives, and Welded that task TO the firm :
ness and fearless devotion Of Curran. lie was
soon called 10 experience the fate OF his client
and with M'Neven and many others, he was i'm
prisoned in the Jail Of Dublin, on a charge OF
high treason After remaining here Tor
some months without any overt act charg>
ed against him-over,ures were made by
The government to him and the other prl>
soners TO detail the plan OF the intend
ed revolution and the names OF those impil-
Gated in it, as the price of their release. The
proposition was rejected with indignation as
a rejection OF their honour. DIR. MNcVen
and Mr.. Emmett were the committee who recel-
we'd the offer. The prisoners were ,hen remov>
ed TO Fort George in Scotland and ;hus the
bonds which hound Mr.. Emmett 10 father, a
gallant brother and an eHectionate sister, were
severed forever After two more years Of I'm.
gering captivity, Mr.. Emmett was released and
passing to France, he sought IN her sunny
skies oblivion of past sufierings. and the iepa'
ration of a shattered constitution.
In 1904 he found resting PLACE in New
York, and soon won his way TO popular favour
and professional reputation, and helped, by his
ma,chless eloquence, to add another lliumph
to the universally of Irish talent. He first DIS
,incu:shed himself here in defending SOME fu>
citive slaves, aud asto nished his audience oy
the ardcar OF his Enthusiasm, and the novel
excellence Of his manner. He held Tor short
time in 1912 and l3 the Office OF Attorney Gen
eral of this State, but soon resigned the APP
poin,men,, and never after sought or occupied
pnblic station. 80
Simple and unosten,a,icus in his private HE,
Mr.. E. devoted his whole soul 10 his PROBES :
sion; midnigh, vigils too often followed the Sc
we're labours Of the Forum-and no client ever
com plained that the merits Of his case had not