New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1852-05-28
Chancellor Wythe-Letter from MIR. Clay.
We find in The Richmond Whi0the fol-

lfh4nCellOE
We find in The Richmond Wing the fol-
lowing letter from Mr.. Clay, written to Mr.. b.
Minor, the Editor Of Chancellor Wythe's Re-
ports, and not before published:
ASHLAND, MAY g. 1851.
MY DEAN SIR: duly received your favor of the 2ist
rl in which you inform me that one OF the Richmond
booksellers intends b. publish edition OF the Re
pcrts Of the lamented Chancellor wyhe, and you
press wish that would furnish brief memoir of the
ilustIious author. 1t would be most pleasing aud
grateful task comply with your request 1t possessed
he requisite authentic materials and the requisite capa
CITY to prepare the work But the first condition does
moi exist and is therefore unnecessary to dwell upon
she tecond Ny acquaintance with the Chancellor COM
menced in the year 1893, In my 10th year, when WIS
cek in the office of the Court in which he presided,
and when think he must have passed the age OF three
score years and ten. knew nothing personally OF mis-
career the bar OF bis ancestry Of the part which
be had taken In public affairs understood that he
vas BON in Elizabeth City that he taught the
Greek letters by his mother and afterward, by her as
nssnce and by his fxertions, he became al ac-
eompished Greek scholar. How 10 learned the Latin
language, 90 not remember to have heard. but prob
ably al William and Mary College, or ut some other col
iege in Lower Virginia. When | first knew him. his
right hand bad become affected with rheumatism or
aout that was with difficulty he could write his own
name Owing to that cause, he engaged me to act as
his amanuensis and attended him frequently, though
not every day. to him In that capacity Tor several
years Upon his dictaion wrote, believe, all the re-
pOfte OF winch ~ Is now ptOpDect W
remember that 1t cost great deal of labor not I'M
dersanding single Greek character, TO write some era
lions from Creek authors which he wished inserted IN
copies Of his reports cent 10 Mr. Jefferson Mr. Samuel
Adams OF Boston, and ~ two other persons. l
copied them by Initiating each character as found them
10 the original works.
Mr. Wythe was one OF the purest, best, and most
learned men in classical lore that ever knew Although
did not understand Greek was often highly gratided
In list, nnr 10 his readings in Homers liad. and other
Greek authors, beautifully did he pronounce tue Ian
gasee. No one doubted his perfect upfightness,
questioned his great ability rs Judge remember
an incident which occurred in my presence which de-
monated with what scrupuious regard he avoided the
possibility OF any imputation upon bic honor or his I'M
pntalty. neighbour OF his, MI; H VINO hsa
The reputation OF being West India naboo, ana who, al
HE time had an important suit pending in the Court OF
Chucery sent him demijobn of old srrack, aud an
orange Tree for his niece Miss Nelson, then residing
wab him When the articles were brought into Mr..
Wythes house. with the message from the donor, Mr..
Wythe requested the servant TO take them back to MS
ms,er and to present him his respects and thanks
M bic kind intentions but to say that he had long ceased
u nahe any use Of arrsck and that Miss Nelson had no
conservatory In which sac could protect theoransetree
fwM amused at another scene, which Witnessed De-
tween him and the late Justice Washington OF the SD
preme Court then practcing law Ia the CITY OF kcn-
moDd He called on the Chancellor with a bill OF In
Junction IN behalf of General -, to restrain the
collection of debt The ground of the application was
ha the creditor had agreed 10 await the convenience OF
General T. for the payment OF the deoe ana tnas
~
envey read the bill through, and, deliberately folding
nun returned to Mr. Washington, inquirng. with an
neisbe emile upon his countenance, Do you tnink,
Sr that ought to grant this injunction ~ Mr.. Wash.
nson blushed, and observed that he had presented
me oui At the earnest instance of his client j.
Mr. Wythe's relations TO the Judges Of the Court OF
Appeals not of the most friendly or amicabe kind,
emsy be Inferred from the tenor OF his Reports: Con-
'enuousy and thoroughly convinced o. the justice and
EQUITY Of his decrees he was impatient when any OF
eem weereversed and scco DINGHY evinces that ieet
lug In his Reports Mr. Pendletou, from what nave
heard and the hule knew OF him suppose was more
PROMPT ara ready and possessed greater powers OF eo-
euion than his great rival Mr. Wytnes forte rs have
understood lay In the OPP ming OF argument Oh case
In which for thorough preparation clearness and force
no could excel him He was not 50 fortunate In
reply, Mr. Pendleton, on the contrary, was always
resoy, both IN opening and concluding an argument
and was prompt b meet all the exigences waeh would
arse In the conduct Of cause In court The conse-
Suence wss that Mr. Pendleson oitener successful
nan Mr. Wyhe IN their struggles at the bar. On one
occasion when Mr.. Wythe, beng opposed to Mr. Fen
Se'-e iest the cause, In moment OF vexaton ne DC
cAred thepresenceo of friend he would quit the bar
Soeometske orders and the pulpit You had bet
wraos do that" replied his friend, "for you do, Mr.
enoeon will so home take orders, and enterth pulpit
esnd best you there Mr. Pendleton was less learned
van MT Wythe but he possessed more versatile talents
ssm accomplished gentleman, and better adapted TO
ecess IN general society and in the busy world. Al
aVash no, so finished scholar Mr.. Wythe he had
asen nore pleasing style of composition. The high
ue both held. often evinced by the distinguished
sISoH ard eminent Offices which they received from
paren, State II was particularly exhibited In the
~ttnssou Of the Convention which sdo pied the Con-
sssnon Of the United States, when Mr. Pendeton was
splsaned 10 preside the body and Mr.. Wytae to
eee over the Committee of the Whole, which he did
~ believe, the entire siding of the Convention
- constitution HAVING been considered and discussed
Snni,tee OF the Whole
~ wyihes personal appearance and his personal
en- we're plain, simple. aud transformations Ills eoan
NAare was fell Of blandncss and benevolence, aud
as Dc made. in his sslutstion OF others, the most
seefa bow that ever Witnessed. little bent oy age
ssneraiiy wore q gray coating. and whea walking
'sa cane. Even at this moment after the lapse Of
usn hafs century since last saw him, his image
~sSnctiy engraved ON my mind During my whole
Amsnce with him, he constantly abstained IRON
Tese Ut all animal food
M painful and melancholy to reflect that man &C
70 upright 90 vrtuoas, 90 learned, 90 distinguish
seo beloved, should have met with uanaturs
49,, The event did not occur until several years
~ emigrated from Richmond to tnc State of Ken
and OF course am not able, from personal know
'S relate any Of the circumstances which sttasnd
VI niece. however, obtained such authentic In
.ooo e 10 Leave dfnsbf In min 10 tn