Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1836-06-09
GENERAL INTELLIGENCE.
THE HON. EDWARD LIVINGSTON

THE HON. EDWARD LIVINGSTON.
The New York newspapers commu-
nicate the mournful and unexpected
intelligence Of the death of Mr.. Llv-
INGsToN. He expired at Montgomery
Place. his residence, in Duchess eoun-
ty, New York, on Monday The 23d, al
ter a sudden and rapid illness. Though
arrived at the advanced age of seven
ty-two, the strength of his constitution,
his activity Of mind and body, and his
general health. seemed TO promise ma
ny more years Of life, which, as long
as it lasted, would have been devoted
to the exercise Of private and public
usefulness.
The incidents of his career are too
well known to require that brief reca-
pitulation, which only we should be
able to give in the columns of a ga
zette but they are such as have made
his name distinguished, not in his own
country merely, but throughout the civ
ilized world. More than this: they
have connected that name with bril-
liant manifestations Of public excellence
and the most endearing and benevolent
instances Of private worth. As states
man, a lawyer, and man, his character
is radiant with wisdom, knowledge,
philanthropy and virtue; and if he has
descended TO the tomb sooner las in
deed he has, than the wishes Of those
who knew him only as distinguished
citizen. and the deep affection Of those
who fondly cherished him as person.
al friend, might have hoped, he has
not gone too soon to leave behind him
reputation TO which little could have
been added by heightened years.
As a statesman, he has connected
himself with the history of his country,
at once by the aid of his personal exer-
tons. and the ornament OF his admira-
BILE talents. While yet a youth OF if
teen, at Princeton College, he was one
of little company who enrolled them
selves to meet the enemy in the war
of the revolution, leaving then his du-
ties, as he left without hesitation, his
profession, at later period, TO Volun-
teer his services and fortune. In Com
gresS, while yet young, and subse-
quently, when years had matured his
requirements and fame, he was nj all
times the ardent advocate of every
measure that was good; steady in sup
porting on their true principles, the in
situations Of his country eloquent, en-
lightened and patriotic, yet with sim
pliciiy and modesiy as unobtTusive as
they were attractive.
His professional labors were for many
years constant and excessive, yet lu-
crative as they were, he never limited
them TO his personal advantage or con-
Germs. His time, his thoughts, the ac-
QUESTIONS derived from years Of study
and reflection. were freely given, some
times 10 aid the iRdigent, the forsaken
and the oppressed; sometimes TO i'm
prove the jurisprudence, and to simpli-
~ the laws Of the State which he had
adopted, and which his name will al
ways adorn. II the excellent system
OF legal practice, and the judicious
amendments IN the civil code Of Louisi-
ana, which he mainly contributed 90
establish, are less known, il is only be-
cause bis system Of criminal law is so
enlightened, so humane, so fraugh:
with views the most sagacious, blended
with an universal benevolence, that IT
eclipsed all his other labors IN the field
of iunsprudence. and Of itself ranked
him with those good men Of the same
profession, who, IN the language Of Ba-
con, transmit the fruit Of their virtue
10 the ages 10 come"
Bot as man, even more than az a
statesman or a jurist, will the loss Of
Mr.. Livingston be lelt by those who
knew him. Genius and learning gave
90 his conversation a variety and infor-
nation which always attracted and de-
tanned those who listened 10 il but II
was hghtened Up by that which charms
more than talent OF knowledge, a TEN.
per uniformly lively, generous and be-
nevolent Years appeared TO strength
en-, not TO diminish, the warmth Of bis
affections and the buoyaney Of his spi-
mt Misfortune, II iieame upon him,
While It was not unfeli, was yet met
without queTulous apprehension. and
encountered with resolute equanimity.
In the bosom Of bis family, among the
inends whom he loved, bis simplicity,
ms Kindness, bic consideration, has die