The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1844-06-19
THEODORE FRELINGHUYSEN.

ne following sketch OF Mr.. FRELING-
HUYsEN is taken from "the Gallery of
American Portraits, by George Waiter
son." published in 1886. As this distin.
guished gentleman has been selected as
candidate for the Vice Presidency of the
United States, this sketch, though taken
some years ago, will be found interestin g
to the American People:
"Mr. FRELINGHUYsEN is between forty
and fifty years ago. His countenance,
, though grave, possesses much sweetness,
is often lighted up with the smile of be-
nevolence, and indicates great sensibility.
The last was, it is believed, the second
session he had served in the Senate of the
United States, and though it was one in
which the highest intellectual efforts were
called into exertion, he did not fall behind
the most gifted in the conflict of mind
which was then exhibited. Mr.. F's views
are patriotic, benevolent, and enlarged !:
animated by the spirit philanthropy and
guided by the dictates of sound judge
ment, he is always found on the side of the
oppressed and prosecuted, and always the
advocate of the true interests of his coun-
try. Called out by the natural feelings
of his heart, and impelled by strong
sense of duty, he entered into the discus
sion of one of the most important and in
teresting subjects of legislation which has
for many years been submitted to the
consideration of Congress, and displayed
an acutness of penetration, depth of
feeling, and power of eloquence which
have elevated him TO high rank among
the orators and statesmen of his country.
the Indian question was one in which he
felt deep interest, and on which he
brought to bear all the energies of vigor-
GUS and cultivated mind. The subject
was adapted to the nature of his eIo.
quence, and he did ample justice TO it.
There is in Mr.. FRELINGHUYsEN a zeal
and earnestness that give great effect
to what he says, and melowness and
plaintiveness in his tone which harmon>
ize finely with the pathos of the subject on
which his eloquence is employed. His
voice has, perhaps, too much uniformity
in its intonations, but it falls agreeably
upon the ear, is listened to with pleasure,
and its effect would be wonderful if it
were modulated with more art and made
to suit the particular sentiment which the
speaker feels. With the questions on
which Mr.. Frelinghuysen speaks, he pre-
viously makes himself we'll acquainted
and FEVER comes unprepared to elucidate,
amplify, and enforce the various topics to
be discussed. He thinks profoundly and
Justly on whatever he attempts to handle,
and employs with great judgement the
labors of others as we'll as his own, to de-
velope and enlighten whatever may be
dark, obscure, or intricate. But the most
distinguished excellence of this gentle
man is the exquisite moral and religious
tone which he infuses into and which
breathes through all he utters. Every
one who listens admits its power, and
feels that he is listening to one whose
heart is deeply imbded with religious puri-
ty and truth. Mr.. F. does not often en-
ploy his Imagination. His mind is more
logical than poetical (; he prefers reason
ing to establishment, and endeavors to
convince rather than delight. His style
is chaste, and occasionally oratorical and
his action easy and appropriate. The cor
rectness of his views, the soundness of his
judgement, and the sincerity of bis heart,
give to all he says such impressiveness
and effect that he never rises at mis- seat
that he does not claim the undivided att
tention of the body of which he is mern>
Der. In short, his talents and virtues
render him an honor to his State and an
ornament to his country"