Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1850-05-10
NJ. CaIIolln,s Last LctteI

Mr.. CalAnOun's hast Lctters sas q
The following letter from the Hon John c. Calhoun
to young friend in the Law school al Ballston Spa.
New York. is probably the last letter of any length,
ever written by that distinguished man. We pub
lsh it an evidence to the vigorous state of the
great mans faculties in his last days. 1t gives
good advice at the same time and shows the veteran
statesman's generous sympathy in the studies and
trials of youthful aspirants:,
WASHINGTON, February %, 1850.
Ny Dear B: Yours of the 10Th instant was
duly received am happy to learn that you are so
delighted with the plan Of the institution and the
peculiar advantages it affords for rapid improvement,
not only in the acquisition of legal knowledge but in
familiarity with the practice and the important
mat er of extempore speaking. regard this latter
of the most essential features of the insitH-
course as you do the opportunity of drilling every
day. in this great art and the trial and argument
of causes, " under constant and competent instruc-
tion," have doubt should have been, in all the
practical requisites of success ten years in advance
Of what was when entered the profession. I we'll
remember, when connected with the Law School at
Litchfeld Connecticut the need we all felt of some
advantages in speaking. These constant exercises
in which you required to engage before SO large
number of your fellowstudents if for nothing else
than the selfconfdence which they must gradually
inspire WILL IN the end, provo exceedingly valuable.
shall never forget the painful, the indescribable
embarrassment under which labored in the delivery
ofmy maiden-speech' before court-an embarrass-
ment which it required years of practice to overcome
Improve, then, my dear B, the rare privileges
which the institution affords you. Be systematic
and punctual in the performance of all your duties
and remember that the profession you have chosen
imposes, as a condition precedent to success, the
necessity for constant and arduous labor In it there
is no Disgusting OF ones capacities dement's The
Physicians art is concealed and by Hippant techni-
calites, and an air of professional wisdom, he may
produce the belief that he is what he is not The
clergyman has time, choice of subjects, and a
world of other mems thoughts to aid him in his pre-
parations for the pulpit But the LAWYER whether
in the office or before court and jury, can assume
nothing which he does not possess His legal opin-
ions to be tested by the severest ordeal and
his pretensions advocate must be real or they
will avail him nothing.
And would also have you remember, that you
Will be beset with constant temptations to swerve
from the standard of high moral integrity. The
ry obligations of the lawyer to defend his client
right or wrong, tend to familiarize him with error
and to blunt his natural adherence of depravity
and by obligations mean such only as would lead
him to seek the great ends of justice Beyond this,
even though it should result in your aggran-
dizement, would not have you put forth a single
exertion. In the defence of one whom you believe
to be guilty proceed further than necessary
elicit the truth by an even balance of testimony. l
am aware it will often be difficult in this respect to
draw precise line between the duties you will owe
to your Client and those due to yourself and oommu
nifty. But cultivated and refined moral sense-the
basis of all that is grand and beautiful in human
character, and which trust above all things else
you will seek to incorporate into your ownwill gen
orally be safe and accurate guide.
But must close This may be the last Of my
communications to you. feel myself sinking under
the wasting power of disease. My end is probably
near-perhaps very near. Before reach it, have
but one serious wish to crafty it is to see my
try quoted under some arrangements alas ! I know
not what that will be satisfactory to all and safe to
the South
of your school will be sent to any, by request direc
ted to your president, ]. w. Fowler, esq. Please
have sent to my address, for a friend
Most afectionately, yours,
n CATuOTIN