The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-07-29
The Lnte George w. Erving.

The following notice Of distinguished public
man, who has just departed from our midst after
long and useful life, is furnished by one who knew
him. well.-lN. T. EUening Post
"The journals Of yesterday furnish us with
brief notice Of the death of the venerable George
w. Erylng, who was Tor so many ycars, dating
from the foundation OF our government, connected
with the diplomatic history of the country, as an
able, successful and distinguished negotiator.
"The career Of this gentleman has been mark
ed, and Is 80 instructive, that il becomes not css
labor of love than act Of public duty, with the
prcEs, TO make IL the occason OF comment, however
brief II may be. At the breaking out of our rcyu-
luton, the father of the subject of this imperfect
sketch was m eminent lOyalist Of Massachusetts,,
residing in Boston, connected by affinity with the
Shirleys, the Winslows, the Bowdons, and Win
throps of that State.
Like many other men Of wealth, at that day he
joined the royal cause, iorsook his country, and
went 20 England. There his son, George William,
who had always been a sickly, delicate child,
reared with difficulty, was educated, and finally
graduated at Oxford, where he n cassnate Of
Coplcy, now Lord Lyndhurst. Following this, on
the attainment Of hs majority, and during the life
time or his father, Notwithstanding the power
fol and seductive Efforts attach him TO the side Of
Great Britain, the more perscycrng from the great
wealth, and the intellectual attainmCnts OF tho
young an-notwithstanding the importuni-
ties OF misJudging friends and relativcf, and the
indictments found in ties Of consanguinity with
some, and his intimate personal associations with
many OF the young nobility Of that aristocratic scat
Of flcarning, and Notwithstanding the blandshmcnts
of fashionable sOcietythc love of country and the
holy inspirations OF patriotism triumphcd over all
the arts that power could control and thosc allure
mcnts usually potent where youth is endowed
with great wealth. The young patriot promptly,
choerfuy sacrificed all, tor his country turned
his back upon the unnatural tcp-mother, and came
back 10 share the good or evil fortunes Of HE native
land.
"Such facts these should not be lott sight Of
at the present day-such an example il is well to
refer to now, IN the day OF our prosperity. And We
would ask-in no III nuturcd or censoriOus spirit,
bat rather that the lessons of history should not be
forgottcn-how many young men Of these days,
Cndcr like circumstances, would make similar
sacrhce upon tho altar Of their country! The sol
cmn and impressive event which has produced this
notice seems 10 render this question not entirely
Inappropriate; for years should not dim in the
minds Of the rising generation the memory of
those pure and strong men, who, in the carly
TRIALS OF their country, rose equal 70 the occa-
sion.
"when, at later period, political parties began
10 develop themselves, Mr.. Erving, then "a resident
of Boston, identified himself with the great repub-
lican party, and became actively instrumental in
securing the election of Thomas Jefferson TO the
Presidency. From that time forward until the
day OF his death, nc newer laercd in his political
faith.
"Fcw men have been, for so long period, 30
intimately connected with the diplomatic history
Of country. lie received his fret public APP
pOintment, az Consul and Commissioner OF Claims
at London, nearly half a century since. This sp-
pulHulcnl was hbniCIIcd upon niih without hlH
solicitation, and was, at first, declined. subsc.
qucnt reflection, however, induced him TO waive
all private and personal considerations, and he
accepted the post assigned TO him.
"1hc manner in which he disc charced the duties of
that trust impressed the government with the ex.
pcdiency Of securing his services in more import.
ant negotiations, and he was sent "a commissioner
and charge d'atiaires 10 Denmark. Ills mission to
the court OF that country was, at that period, a
highly important one. The negotiations ne had to
conduct there required great tact and ability
While at Copenhagen, he secured, in an emf
nent degree the esteem and confidence of the Dan