Washington sentinel., 1854-02-02
Biographical sketch Of Col. walker.-Th

Biographical Sketch Of Col. Walker.-The
New Orleans Picdyn7e has the annexed biogra-
phy of William Walker, who is at the head of the
recent expedition for revolutionizing Lower Cali
sorna, and who has been chosen president OF the
newly proclaimed republic.
William Walker is native of Tennessee, born
nj Nashville, we believe where his father still
lives secretary Of an insurance company there
His father, we think, is a Scothman by birth, al
though long resident in the United States. The
Scotch features are strongly marked in the son,
who is Of light complexion, high cheek bones,
light blue eyes, face much frecked, but with an
air of unmistakable energy, with which his whole
character corresponds. He was originally in
tended for the medical profession, and studied in
Paris
After spending several years in Europe, in
which he improved and disciplined an intellect
naturally strong, he came 10 the city of New Or
leans with the intention of practising. But his
impatient disposition and his passion for public
life led him TO change that purpose; and he forth
with applied himself to the study Of the law, and
prepared himself diligently for the bar.
The bar did not find occupation enough for his
time; and, being vigorous thinker and ready
W ritter and full of information upon all topics of
current interest, he took interest in newspapers
and in politics, and in the winter of 1s4S-49 be-
came directly connected with the press of this
sity as one OF the propretors and editors Of the
Crescent The enterprise did not prove profitable.
The paper was sold out TO other parties in the fall
a II.
the tide of emigration 10 San Francisco. He re-
sumed his profession there, at the same time con-
tinuing his pursuits as Journalist. In one of the
disputes which grew out of his newspaper arti-
cles, hsfSecame involved in duel with one OF his
competitors, in which he was wounded. lie ac-
auired further prominence by public controversy
with one of the State Judges, by whom he was
committed for contempt, and gained much repu-
tation for resolution and ability in the manner
with which he conducted the effort which was
made TO obtain the impeachment and removal OF
the Judge for tyranny and misconduct IN Office.
Mr. Walker argued The case before the legislature
with power of logic and learning which won
him much esteem.
The attempt failed. Mr.. Walker then moved
into The Interior practising law at Marysvie, we
believe, since which we have heard OF him only
incidentally, until this expedition brings him out
as proclaimed president OF an cxtempore republic
in the California peninsula.
Mr.. Walker is a very young man yet, TO have
passed through all these vcisstudes. He is not
over twenty-eight years of age. He is of small
size and slight frame, but erect vigorous used TO
athletic exercises, very active in habits, of per.
sonal bravery, approaching to rashness, and an in.
exibility Of will in the prosecution of his purposes
which nothing external can shake. He is of the
hest stuff out of which revolutionizing bodies are
made. We desire to say nothing of the merits o
his present undertaking. II looks like very wild
adventure, touched up strongly with the mock
heroic.
Rnt Mr. Walker is not 10 be set down as a com
mon low-bred adyenturer. He has the bearing
education and accomplishments OF gentleman
The reserve Of his manners prevented him from
making MANY intimates here; but those who know
him well gave him their unbounded esteem.
General Houston Mt Providence.-PRovI
pxScE, Jam 3i--Genersl Houston delivered a lee
ssre here this evening, on the North American In
A l-..x .xEs al. Slafs. .larto