The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1856-04-18

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pondering over the things he had read, as
his hands were diligently employed in the
labor assigned him.
1t occurred just at this time that num-
ber Of benevolent individuals established.
i'll the town where James lived, one of
those excellent institutions, an Apprentices
Library. To this he al. once applied, and
obtained the books he needed. And thus
none dreaming of his devotion to the ac-
quirement of knowledge-did this poor ap.
prentice boy lay the foundation Of future
cmineuce and usefulness. We cannot
trace his course, step By step, through long
series of seven years, though it would, af.
ford many lessons of perseverance and tri-
umph over almost insurmountable difficult
ties. But at twcnty-one he was master of
his trade; and d-wllat was more, had laid up
a vast amount of general and scientific in.
formation. He was well read in history {:
had studied thoroughly the science of as
tronomy, for which lie ever retained live
ly affection WAS familiar with matlemat.
ical principles, and could readily solve the
most difficult geometrical and algebraic
problems; his geographical knowledge was
minute; and to this lie added tolerably cor
rect information in regard to the manners
and customs Of nations. To naturul histo.
ry lie had also given much attention. But
with all his varied requirements, James
Wallace felt, on attaining the age of man.
hood, that he knew comparatively but little.
Let US now turn. for few moments to
mark the progress Of the young student in
one Of the best semtnaries in his native CITY.
and afterwards at college. Like too many
tradesmen whose honest industry and steady
perseverance have gained them compe-
tence, Mr.. Lee felt indisposed TO give bis
son trade, or 10 subject him to the same
restraints and discipline in youth to which
he had been subjected. He felt ambitious
for him, and detcrm;nedto educate him for
one Of the learned professions. To this end
he sent him to school early, and provided
for him the best instruction.
The idea that he was to be lawyer or a
doctor, soon took possession of the mind Of
Harman, and this caused him to feel con.
tempt for other boys who were merely de.
s'gned for trades or storekeeping. Like
too many Others, he had no love for learn
ing. nor any right appreciation Of its e-
gitimate uses. To be lawyer he thought
would be much more honorable than to be
mere mechanic; and for this reason alone,
as far as he had any thoughts on the sub
ject, did he desire to be a, lawyer As for
James Wallace, he, as the pool: llitera,c an.
prentice Of his father, was most heartily de.
sPised, and never treated: by Hartman with
the smallest degree, Of kind consideration.
At the age Of eighteen, lie was sent away
to one Of the eastern universities, and there
remain iHed-except during the semi.annual
vacations--until he was twenty years of
age, when lie graduated, and came home
with the honorary title: of a.. b. At this
time James Wallace was between seven
teen and eighteen years of age, somewhat
rough in appearance, but with a sound
mind ina sound body although: each day
he regularly toiled Mt tic rk-bencb, and
as regularly returned to his books when
evening released him from labor. and was
up at the peep Of dawn, to lay the first of,
ferings Of his, mind upon the shrine of learn.
ing. Butall this devotion to the acquire
ment Of knowledge won for him no sym.
pathy, 70, honorable estimation, from his
masters son. He despised these. patient
Perseyeringfefforts as much As. lie desp;sed
! his condition as an apprentice 10 trade.
But il WAS not many years Before, others
began to- perceive the contrast between!
theal, aliboughs on the very day that James
completed his term: Of apprenticeship, Har-
man WIS admitted to tue bar, ii s.
The one completed Ills education Las ifar,
as general knowledge and: "a rigid discipline
Of the mind was concerned d-wlen.' i,e left
college. Tie other became morereallythe
student when the broader and brighter iBght
of!rationality shene clearly On his pathway,
las ahe passed.. the. threshold Of ,sInanheod.
James still ntipned to work III his trade,
ttbnt, not forso many, hours seaclrtday as
while -she was an ppIcnti ics e. was
good, and Inst work MIN; and Gould, readiIy
ii.carR:all required for his support in
PIX or eight hohta ssof every twenty -four.
Eight hours @ere fegalaf devoted TO study.
From some sa1se BE determined be would
make Ian BIS sptoft oftessieil: i. TO lie acquire
lntentsefs ID know ledge seg legal matters, there
Fore bent ali hssenergiies of q discifEned,
Hetise and Comp pFehsusi mind Two years
Elisasssd away 81 deysHoJ1 to the
fstadiss had ed sll,timsslf, and :ha then
fHiads 8ppl lnissioY Ysto tile Bar. 4
onng sll6es his examinations
s1t -