The Nevada journal., 1855-06-01

lett SCnOol DeIOre ne naG learned beyond
the rule of three "Never mind" said
he to himself, II am terrible fellow for
hanging on to anything when I've once
made up my mind and if man has but
ordinary capacity, and will set to work
with heart and soul, and stick to it, he can
do almost any thing"
We forbear to go into detail Of his prep
arations for the bar, and his drst launch in
the profession. The same spirit which had
bro't him to Kentucky and made a hunts
man Of him, carried him on his new ca
reer He was admitted to the bar just as
he was crossing the Threshold Of manhood.
The country town where the court was Sit
ting was thronged by country people. He
was q stranger there an incident made
him at home as he entered the public inn,
where there was some noise and drinking
he saw rough bully Of fellow who was
partly intoxicated, strike an old man =
Duval knocked him down and kicked him
into the street In moment lie had a
dozen shakes of the hand and invitations
to drink and found himself quite per-
sOnage in the rough assembly.
The next morning the court opened He
took his scat among the lawyers as a mere
spectator A man was to be tired for
passing counterfeit money Hc had no
lawyer and was told to choose one. He
looked around the court and selected Du-
val. The latter was astonished at being
chosen he, beardless youngster, unprac
ticed at the bar, perfectly unknown His
defence Of his client was perfect hit,
that, and the kicking Of the bully out of
doors set him up in business. Suits crow
ded in upon him, and he soon became emf
nent in his profession, especially IN the
branch of criminal law.
In 1912 he signalized himself in anoth-
er capacity, commanding q company Of
Kentucky mounted volunteers, and pro
cctlng the frontier settlements in the val
ley Of the Wabash from the murderous in
roads Of the savages. Whilst abroad from
home on this service he was elected by his
neighbors to represent them in Congress.
Here was the realization ofhis boyish boast:
he mig ght now return with honest pride to
his paternal home. He had proved that
he was not the "tail end" of his family.
AS member Of Congress he acquitted
himself with ability and credit but, after
4 time, retired voluntarily from political
life, and resumed his profession He was
now appointed Judge in the courts of Flor
ida and subsequently Governor Of that
Territory. Here he was &C oficio Super
Intendent Of Indian Affairs, which he ad-
mlnlstered with great judgment and hu-
manity. He appreciated the daring and
heroic characteristics Of some Of the Flor
ida chieftains, gained their confidence, and
exercised surprising influence over their
tribes He resigned his Office Of his own
accord, after filing it for twelve years.
Most OF his children having Settled in
Texas, he was persuaded, five Or six years
since, to remove to that State Business
recently brought him to Washington, where
ne was attacked with paralysis, which ul-
tlmatel y was the cause of his death when
about seventy years of age.
Few men who have led such a varied
life have left behind so pure and spotless
arnc. His public services, and the in
tegrity and ability with which he acqpit-
ted himself in his public, trusts, are wide
ly known. His dauntless courage to, has
been proved on various trying occasions
But 1t IS among his intimates that his loss
VIII be more especially lamcnted among
those who delighted in his simple, unaffec-
ted goodness, his genial humor, his devo-
ted and unWavering friendship, in the kind
and generous qualities Of his heart, and
manly independence Of his spirit 60
such 1t will be satisfaction to learn that
throughout his Illness he was exempt from
suffering, and although nearly helpless he
was cheerful to the last and as be closed
his eyes IN death, smile played upon his
venerable and devoted countenance, seem
ing to reflect good will to the world he was
leaving and hopes Of a happier state in
that to which he was going.
In concluding this hasty sketch, we can
not but repeat the words with which it
commenced, he was type Of the genuine
American character.