Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1838-08-30

IN the office Of his uncle, Alexander
White. one Of the most profound lawyers
IN the valley OF Virginia. While here he
was compelled to read Blackstone, Coke,
and other books, for nearly four years, Ell
Their lying on his back, or propped up on a
couch. In this forlorn condition. he pur.
sued his wrssy way along the path Of sci.
ence. until he appeared at the Winchester
bar December 1882. His health was
now restored, and he was quickly cheer
ed with an extensive and profitable prac-
hce. He was an able lawyer; clear and
cosent IN orgumcnt, but not eloquent;
his voice rather harsh and shIill and in
the impetuosiiy Of debate. his enuncia,ion
was sometimes affected even 10 stammer.
ing. For ten years he maintained a lofty
eminence at the Frederick bar. during
which period he was frequently elected 10
represent his county IN the house of dele
gates. Here he mingled with some of
the most prominent characters Of the com.
monwealth, and sustained a high repu,a-
ton as an honest statesman. He heard
The celebrated Patrick Henry deliver his
wonderful argument against The British
debts. He declared that no language
could describe the splendor and grandeur
81 the scene. Immense crowds Of anx-
ious spectators thronged the court the
members Of both houses left their seats,
notwithstanding the commands OF their
speaker: the windows were raised that
the multitude might al least catch the in
spring sound of the orators voice: dead
silence reigned excep: when broken by
by the silver tones of his eloquence Tor
some days the delighted assembly was
transported with The mighty efforts Of tina;
pupil of nature, whom Lord Byron STYLES
"Demos,henes forest born" As he rela-
ted the event, at my hFcside in 1921
Judge White seemed 10 be inspired with
the same feeling which filled the bosom
OF Henry on that occasion his eve kind
led. his breast hcaved with strong emo
ton. True SAID he. success did no,
crown his efforts but il might well have
been SAID IN the language o: Chief Jus
iice MARSHALL when 81 eak,ng of Pinckney
IN the case OF the Nereid," $50 exquisite
was the skill oi the artist 60 dazzling the
G rb IN which the figure aas presented.
that /, required the exercise of that cold,
investigating faculty which ought ALWAYS
10 belong 10 those " no at on thls bench.
to discern H. only impcr!cciion. lis want
Of resemblance"
On the sixteenth OF November. I1G3.
Mr. White was appointed Judge OF the
general court Of Virginia. which Office he
held until his death.
Until 1873, this an,iable and excellent
Judge was not only indeia,igable in dis
charging the high trusts OF his station at
Richmond. in June and November Of
each year but in each successive spring
and fall (whatever might be the state of
the roads and weather YOU would see him
vending his way, in las gig, through five
counties. OF which the tenth judicial dis
trict vas composed, at the appointed time
Tor The very small salary OF ) 1000 per an
nun. Like gres, Alfred he carried JUS
'ice to every mans door. As a niSi prius
Judge, he had no superior in the United
States. Prompt, energetic. firm aud rcso-
Lutte, he always commanded the profound
respect OF all who entered the court. So
jealous was he of the encroachmcnl OF
military power, that during the war Of
1912, when Winchester was filed zith
recruits, lie would not permit the officers
10 appear before him with their swords
10y their sides. His reported opinions in
the case Of Myers, who was tried for muir
der, and Preston's case, on a question OF
estroppel, are universally ocknowle dyed
10 be powerful specimens OF sound learn
ing and extensive research.
When Judge White was in The socisl
circle, the sternness Of his character was
thrown aside, aud tLe soft, insinuaiing
manners Of the polished cavalier. made
him The delight and admiration Of ALL
Astounding IN interesting anecdotes, he
would bear away your whole feelings
when relating the stirring events OF the
battle field. or the more mild incidents Of
his long professional career --Scipio Afri-
cannus himself did no, possess more el-
tire admiration Of the female sex, and ia g.
scnsib'y this high aud holy principle
would appear TO Insinuaie itself into his
Judgment. where in1eNlble justice did
not forbid u, Brave and intrepid a. he
surely was, the prayer of yirtuous women
never reached bis ear IN vain. femeu.
her a Casa miserable and depfavcd man
was convicted by jury OF Loudoun, Tor
some offence. and the court pronounced
sentence Of imprisonment bot DUNG
the term. the punishment might be com.
mu,ed. Various persons besoUght hIm
IN vain. IN behalf Of tie laws victim. At
length the wife Of the offender. poor.
humble. broken-h hearted, appeared a sup
I plant before him. lie vas unable to re-
'ist, ADD amidst the tears, which flow ed
down bis cheek. babe her be Comfoited
and depart ~ peace.
\ lie kept on steadily m his high career
q usefulness 10 the community. until the
spring q 1873. Tbea "a coming 10 court
IN LOudoun. he halted for the night al a
tavern on the bank Of the Shenandoah
tie retired TO bis room Al an early hour.
and Eas found by the landlord. AZ bed.
time, sitting by the freside. stricken viii
paralysis. lie renamed ~ this situation
for several weeks. and vas then borne. m
a litter 10 Winchester Hers I saw han
IN the latter part Of -, and never shall
| forget the interview. Nature had put
on her winter garment the leaves Of The