The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1857-12-18


1t in the midst Of his friends, around the festive
board on the ay hearthstone that the wealth OF bis
Thoughts and his affections was freely layished There he
best displayed his genial humor his sparkling wit, his
luxuriant imagnation his strong common sense, his
quiite sensbes his tender pahes, his generous and
benevolent spirt He there eHbibited in striking anti
thesis the cool wisdom Of age with the fresh and ieryd
feelings o. youth, so singulay ypied IN his hory head
and impassioned Hecla, crowned with snow,
while ,ndying fires burn within Its bosom sm 10 a.
When was boy was the poetry of his lie.a He
loved 10 repeat the of the morn and liquid
dew Of life, especially Of the period OF last war with
Great tan of which though too young 70 participated
he had lively recoeoton, particularly OF the in
South Carolina and Of the yalorous and patriotic deeds
Of her sons and daughters He spoke Of them with .
just pride of family and of State, dwelling with enthusi
astc admiration upon what he termed 1.-THE hardy virtues
He often rehearsed with tearful eyes and mournful
words the admonitions of his noble and gentle mother
who had impressed his mind with religious truths which
neither time secular pursuits had cfaced. He had
gathered up and treasured the golden sentiments of that
pious woman with sort of idolntry like that with which
certain rigionists regard their holy relics Indeed he
reverence u her as something more than mortal as hc
connecting link between woman and angel "psy, " rfg,
His manhood was marked by many and unusual do
mestic aictionsin the loss Of all his lneal and
collateral relations only daughter which cast
shadow on his pathway, and tinged with sadness the
usual current of his reflections In familiar conyersa-
tons he often alluded to these bereavements with the
touching tenderness Of an cegac poet, or with the i'm
enced the sad vcissitudes of human life and the utter
emptiness Of human cnjoyments The struggle between
the native buoyancy and supervenient heavness of his
heart like that between the sunshine and the cloud
His mind seemed perpetually yoscatng between and
satnessrom grave to gay, from lively to severeaH 4
Judge BUTLER man of ''hgh thoughts seated in
heart of courtesy, 2, although hesometnes had odd
blunt way that might have been mistaken for ilnatre
rudeness by strangers He scorned everything mean
unworthy the true nobility of manhood. He was in
capable selfish nrigues Of the politician OF the
vile traffic Of the placeman His mind revoled upon the
axis OF TRUTH and he was what he seened to be- His man
marked by simplicity his language, in his
rious moods by drectness his intercourse with the
world by frankness and sincerity, i div ,,,ft. ry
He was believe universally esteemed true friend
and magnannots foe, a jealous patriot and sagacous
statesman He loved the gallant State which he repre-
sented with the devotion of flil pcty and was ever
ready to advocate her rights defend her honor and to
pledge his fortune peril his life in their support He
loved the Union OF the constitution only less than South
Carolina Notwithstanding he often dwet with bitterness
upon the wrongs which he believed had been done his
secon in violation of rights reserved or guaranteed
by that sacred instrument lo aonar4t 5dt dginafa
That he had faults and committed will de-
ny but they such commonly belong to men OF
maginaons strong social sympathies, and were
like bts exhaling from summer streams, which obscure
their beauties without deng their waters In conten-
plating such character every generous mind is inclined
to defects in consideration OF the general
symmetry of its imposing proportions, g,,y
1t is no exaggeraton of his merits, dsparagement OF
his successors to say that this vacant chair never be
filled No learning however extensive; talents, how
ever superior; genius however great social vir-
tues however aIniable, will be found In combina-
on strange and striking, so felicitous and fascinating,
in our late beloved and gifted iendrare Judge But
LER 80
Mr.. CAMERON: I cannot permit the present melan-
choy occasion to pass without adding my earnest tribute
to the memory of the deceased and attempting express
the profound soowI feel in common with all who knew
him. at the provdenta dspensaton by which he has been
removed from midst to return.
During my former senatorial term circumstances brought
into intimate relations with Judge BUTLER which
him for the high qualities of his mind and loved him for
the simple, child like purity Of his heartbrI H3 m a
His fearless sincerity his noble bearing, his purity OF
character his surprising eloquence and his exalted pa,
totism were the theme Of admring friends while his
rich store OF humor his fine imagination, and his wide
range of legal and constitutional knomles made him
both commanding senator and universal layorite in
the social circle. ed .es H. ~ D.. .3 dam t,s, rasIs
prejudice or local sentiment Deeply imbued with the
spirit Of law and justice his impartial Judgment was
swayed only by the dictates of honor and duty tad
Whilst his great mental powers naturally devoted
to lis own native State he loved the whole Union
emphaticay senator belonging and endeared to the
whole country anxously watching every opportunity to
promote Its welfare and to exat Its position among the
nations of the world ''''" '''S iS'f ''''ftfl 30
He has left in the strength of his manhood and in
the midst of his usefulness but a9Hi sal glI ta
]
At}a n Than ingcr I'LL the glass be all ouirun sl s,
! Eutogs in the House Of Repueseaatipts, 1'~ '4' "
Mr. STEPHENS, of Georgia, / rise sir to second the
motion for the adoption Of those resolutions. But be-
fore the question is put, wish to add few words to
what has been said by the gentleman from South Caro-
lima In honor of the memory of the distinguished senator
whose death has been announced Judge BUTLER was
known to me personally His immediate constituents
and mine are neghbors Nothing but the broad and
beautiful Sayanpah separates them. Identified in inter
ests identified in habits in sentiments and In feelings
their gympathies naturally commingle common loss
and Bereavement, and such this ia considered i ~ ae
Judge BUTIn possessed In eminent degree, those
qualities that not only the esteem and the adn
on always due to genius and learning and talent of
high order but those other qualities that win the love
and the affection of all who come with their range He
ephaticallya cast in original mould of most
marked characteristics physical well intellectual
As the honorable gentleman spoke of his svery locks
and majestic form and stately person and Roman oounte
nance, could almost imagine him again standing in
midst Those of who knew that form and knew that
gallant bearing, with the sense OF age and the ire Of
youth, can forget him He mercurial in his
temperament, pointed in conversation well in
argument than he was logical But he WAS neyerthe
less, firm and stable. D sfa qHE3f sgfgtiT g4tgs,-
In the social circle he shone to great advantage Wit
and humor drawn from classical sources his delight
He was chastc in thought and classical In expression In
tho busy pursuits Of e the abstruse studies of the law,
the labos that devoyed on him in public lfe he did
not forget the cultivation of letters, scomed ia
wrangle; yet he had zeal for truth In he was
easy and agreeable in intercourse with mankind
hearted brave, chivalrous None was more liberal;
more unofendng none more generous, noble, or mag
He was firm, though versatile. Decision one Of his