The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1843-08-05

CHANCELLOR KENT AND THE BAR OF THE STATE
OF NEW YoRK.-A very interesting correspondence
between the venerable Kent and the bar OF this
State, has just been published. 1t is thus miro
duced:-
meeting of the members of the bar of the State OF
New York, attending the July term OF the supreme
Court at the city of Utica, the 18th OF July the
Hon George Barker, Attorney General in the chair
and James Clapp, Esq., OF Chenango county, Secretary
the following resolutions were passed .
Whereas, Chancellor Kent WILL on the 3lst day OF the
present month, complete the eigheth year OF his age
and the members of the bar the desrous Of
once more meeting the venerable and honored patriarch
OF the profession land OF tesiyDg their respect graft
tude and affection for his nd learning emne
vices, and private virtues. Therefore,
Resolved That on the 3lst instant Chancellor Kent be
invited by the bar Of this State public dinner at such
Resolved That the following members Of the bar be
committee to make the necessary for carry
ing into effect the wishes Of this meeting.
Here follow long LIST of names Of lawyers from eve'
ry county in the state
A letter was prepared by the committee from
New York, and forwarded to the venerated Chan
celor. 1t was written with great spirit and feel
ing, and after a somewhat heightened eulogium on
the character, talents and public usefulness of the
distinguished man TO whom 1t was addressed, con-
cluded by rendering him an invitation to public
dinner. The reply of the Chancellor we cannot re-
fran from giving Every line sounds like solemn
of all who can appreciate the dignity OF a lofty
mind, and the purity Of a soul at peace with God
and man. Who can read it without being affected2
Who can read it without being warned, instructed
aud improved! There is patriarchal dignity, sim
plicity and affectiOnate earnestness pervading this
letter, which bring at once before us the image of
the venerable writer-crowned with well earned
honors, and not unconscious of the homage of his
fellows. but with that justifiable pride, tempered
aud sancti6ed by that spirit of humility which
adorned the "meek and lowy" founder of the
Christian faith. Long may he yet be spared to in
struct us by his example, and inspire and warn by
his solemn words of wisdom and advice
New Yokx, August l, ls4s.
To David B. Ogden Esquire and the other gentlemen Of the
committee, representing the members Of the bar of the
state Of NeV York:
GENrLKMrN-I have received your address and invita-
ton in behalf of the bar OF the State to public dinner,
with afectionate gratitude. Your kindness and regard
have gone far my deserts, and testimonial OF
respect not the highest and station could
have been more grateful to my feelings.
can hardly realize that have attained to the very ad
vanced age you mention fer my general health activity
dence been uniformly preserved from early youth and
remain unmpaired to this day. You have, gentlemen,
met me in the midst OF my own descendants to tn
third generation.
Et natl naterum, ct qui nsscentum alb ills.
as in domestic life My Contemporaries
was familiar with the bar and with the Courts in
every part Of this great State perceive that have
who have done the honor unite in this invitation
When first entered into public life as member of As.
State and the invitation from members Of the
bar who are distributed throughout y'eght of them.
am conscious of the high character and dignity of the
bar Of this State rejoice in their prosperity and
thize with them every thing that concerns their
interests and honor and with unfeigned embsrrass
msnt and regret that feel myself decline
the acceptance OF the mark respect which
The personal details you have SO kindly given in your
address sntte me to plead apology and beg leave to
mention that, in June last, had the honor receive
similar invitation from the Philadelphia bar stated in
that was then on the verge ofeghty and that appear
ed to me for some time past to be proper and expden
period OF life to withdraw, as much as possible from
public duties and festivities OF every kind and that
long as my life and health permitted to continue TO
conne to domestic retirement and to the studies
and pursuits which had been accustomed and which
were suitable to that tranquil position.
will perceive that the very fact OF It's having been then
assigned has given to it additional and conclusive for
bar without respectfully Suggesting h, the projections
cultivation and influence Of the Jurisprudence of
country scon6ded to the profession Of the law. The
curty OF our civil and political privileges greatly de-
ponds upon enlightened impartial honost prompt and
independent administration of justice and this nestima-
Ole depends essentially on the
bar and they ought and trust they generally do feel
all the responsibilities which such elevated trust i'm
poses.
Permit finally to add that in my apprehension, the
best to be useful and happy this life is to cultivate
the domestic affections to love home and at the
meto exercise benevolent disposition toward others
to be temperate and just to pursue lawful business,
whatever may be- with diligence frmness and integrity
Of purpose. and in the perfect belief that honesty
equally binding in the discharge Of public of private
trusts for when public morals are destroyed public
liberty cannot survive.
II aspiring, ought not to lose difdence,
and ardent for reforms ought not to lose dscre
ton. We ought to listen the maxms Of experience,
and respect the advice aad institutions Of ancestors
and above ALL ought to have constant and grateful
sense OF the experimenting goodness OF that Almighty
Being whose wisdom shines equally in his works and in
his word and whose presences every where sustaining
and covering the universe.
have the honor to be, gentlemen with perfect respect
your obedient servant, JAMES KENT.