Wilmington expositor. (Wilmington, Del.) 1831-18??, 1831-10-28
rwno IS AMOS ELLMAKER.n

fs'H "WtlO 10 ANUS ElLMtAGh'
We submit to these enlightened editors, the Eve
hing Post Courier and Enquirer, and Albany Argus,
vino had nerer heard of such a man as Amos Eti.
Maker whether their lack of Information arose
from Mr.. Ellmakers obscurity, or their own igno-
rance.
From the Village Record, Sept. 1881. Edited
by Charles Miner, Esq --an adhering Mason.
The ATTORNEY GENERAL.-The desire is uni.
versal among intelligent minds to learn the peculiar
traits of character which distinguish public men.
With what lively interest do read anecdotes OF
eminent characters. OF living men, on the stage OF
active life il is difficult to speak ought. Party
preiudices may deceive. Personal friendship mis-.
lead. Narrowing the range of enquiry from nations
to state, we approach too near home to exercise
perfect freedom Of remark; for there rVarles,
and ealousies, which active and prominent men are
always destined to encounter; and the inscription oil
Just praise may be misnerpreted into flattery Nor
are we exempt from the shameful and degrading de
fusion that great men are somewhat inferior TO
the great men Of other States-of Virginia and of
South Carolina. So long have we permitted our
selves to think they superior t. us, that tho mind
really requires an effort to shake off this unjust vas-
sslage of opinion. The South speaks freely OF
their living men, who are on the road TO distinction
and greatness. Virginia does them justice in early
llife--givng them name abroad and character at
home The party arises from the habit which there
exists of capvassing in General Assembly, openly
and freely, the merits and qualifications of mem
who named for appointments. - niied States
Senators Judges--State Treasurer Councillors
all have to undergo the terrible ordeal of public
scrutiny. Opponents exhibit faults--frends speak
their merits, and those who have fine points of char
acter, have them set in bold relief; and they become
greater in public estimation from the public display
of their merits.
Amos Eltdhcr, Esq Attorney General of the
Commonwealth, is one of those men, certainly ex-
Extraordinary this age. who unltes the highest quail
i6cotons for public life with the least political am-
i bition.
When student, Mr. Ellnaker was noted for un-
common devotion to his books Pleasure could not
allure him 10 ideness Idleness to him had no plea
sures. But though Bacon and Backstone--Coke
and Gritty, and other uminaries Of the law, might
loccupy the time usually devoted by the students to
the attainment of their profession, the hours appro-
prated by other young men TO relaxation and amuse
ment, were by him occupied in literary and selen-
:. tific studies Natural and moral philosophy were
/ those in which he most delighted. Classical litera-
ture came in as relief 10 severe reading On be-
\ ing admitted to the bar, the profession found IN him
a sound well read lawyer, of rare endowuents, and
unusual literary attainments Without seeking prac
tce--practce flowed in upon him. Without sole
4 tng officcs-ofices high and honorable have con
stantly solicited his acceptance The duties o.
the public stations he has lled, nave been perform
ed to universal satisfaction. To say that his prin
scpes are sound and his integrity pure, is to pa.
but The ordinary compliment due To public men il
our state but the urbanlty of manners and delca
Icy of feeling which distinguish Mr.. Ellmaker, adj
new lusire the stern virtues which atorn his char
J acter. Studious OF retifement; fond of literar
land philosophical ease, he never courts the snsr
IS debate, or voluntarily throws himself into the polit
a. ical arena; but thorough Republcan--an arden
r friend to liberty and the rights # man; private in
l. Iclination would not stand moment in the way G
$ public duty, when the general welfare should, in hi
ir Judgments call for active personal exertions. Di.
IN tnguished already, will probably be his lot to
es Ia yet more conspicuous part in public dfia:rs. w
i know that good men intimately acquainted with hit
n look to ir. Ellmaker among the citizens # Il
~ highest promise in the State. At the repeated 81
Fluctuations of Governor Shultz, he accepted the pr
sent appointment. A pattern of public and prva
~ virtue, he sets an example to young men, worthy
b. their strctes attention. More might have her
he said with truth. | could not say less. Nnthir
1t. would be more unexpected to him than this motto
Should il meet his eye, the wror his ihdu
RS gence. His justification is, that public men belor
k to the public.
"Mr ElImaker was twice rendered seat the Suprer
ne Bench of Pensylvaniae last time by Gov shultz.
he also solicited by President Monroe accept the
it. rearyship Of the Navy.