Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1847-01-07

tge; td mind receives lasting
imbf Els father was much of
tlie tims hon home the duties ofhs pro-
fesSion Accordingly, George was pretty much his
own master. In those days every one kept ardent
spirits, and any man was thought deficient in good
breeding if he did not "trea" his friends; and very
few were to be found who had the moral courage to
turn away from the Intoxicating cup and tho Judge
was not one of the number who would refuse to drink
with an old friend. Thus George had parental exam
pie frequently before him, and often the poisonous
beverage given him by his own father-;hat father
who should have warned him of the deadly serpent
conceang itself within the sparkling bowl. But his
father saw not the fearful precpce which his son
was standing; and when he arrived at the age to com
mence practice, flor, agreeably to his fathers Wishes
he had studied the legal profession seemed tho
q bright and boundless future awaited him, and that
unrivaled success would be his. And success did
crown every effort for a while; and he bid fair to be-
come one of the most eminent lawyers of the day.
His almost unparalleled success brought him many eli
ens, among whom were many of the most influential
and wealthy men in the country, At every session Of
the court his well known talents were put in requsi-
ton At such times the house would be filled to over
flowing, with people of all nations to listen to the
rivaled eloquence of the young orator. There was at
this time case pending in the supreme court which
had bafed the skill of the most learned counsel of the
day. and it was considered among them to be almost
if not altogether hopeless. At last they laid the case
before George Hamilton. They would have done this
long before, but pride forbade it. And why? They
did not like to yield the palm, without an effort on
their part to one very much their junior both in age
and reputation; so foolish is human pride and envy as
to grudge the award due the merit of Others especially
if be to those who have risen by their eXertons
The day of trial at last came. At early hour large
numbers might be seen focking to the court house,
anxious to obtain seats and to hear George Hamilton
plead the cause that had puzzled so many older and
experienced heads than his; many expecting, nay,
hoping and wishing that he might be defeated. lie
entered the crowded room with firm step and looked
with fearless and undaunted eye the scene, until
he caught the eye of the opposing counsel, when, re-
collecting the just celebrity of his talents he paused for
an instart in iresoluton. But it only for mo-
men that he altered; and suddenly rousipg himself he
smiled proudly seeing the many eager faces turned
towards HIM with such an eager, anxious expression
upon them, as if they would ask, twill he be able tc
defend the rights of the widow against such powe fu
opponents?" And as he passed along to his sea- he
bowed familiary and returned the anxious looks of his
friends with smile of easy confidence in his owr
powers. But when he met the almost despoiring look
of Mrs Duren, his client, his countenance plainly
showed that there mighty effort to be made, and
that everything that could be done by in this
he would do for he knew full we'll that it was jus
and righteous cause he to defend. And he recol
leced too in that moment, that it was an unprotected
female in whose defence he to stand, and who's
only earthly support depended upon his success thl
day. AS he came up to where she was sitting h
whispered in her ear, "be assured, madam will d
the best can for you, and have some hopes of bein
successful, so do not despair" The lady spoke no
but pressing the hand he extended to her. the tear
filled her eyes and spoke her deep sense Of the debt
gratitude she owed him far better than words coul
have DONE As he turned away from speaking wit
Mrs. Duren he saw a smile on the countenance of HI
opponent that spoke confidence ofhs own success,
also of young Hamiltons final defeat. George return
ed his gaze with naughty look, as much as to sa.
~ have truth and justice my side and you have nc
do the best you can, and, God helping me, will {
the best can" The opposing counsel now arose ar
stated the case be plead the of his client Lon
and eloquently that he thought it would be perfe
madness for young Hamilton to think of replying or
attempting to defend Mrs. Duren's case. But Georg
did not think so himself He knew full well that
except few OF his most sangune friends expected
witness his defeat that day. and they wondered at
apparent frmness The occasion, when CONNIE
minds would have shrunk back within themselves
the mentioning Of the trial he was to encounter or Il
many obstacles 10 be overcome ere success could
his But George saw none Of these; he only saw
own personal responsibility, and was determined to
all that was in his power The opposing counsel we
surprized when they him rise, with such perft
self possession, and commence speaking. As lie p
ceeded, the full compass of his powerful and mai
voice was to be heard in all parts of the house a
thrilled through every heart. He forgot everythi
else, as with the most imprisoned eoquence he
Tended the rights Of the widow against such power