Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1858-11-23

House, al the november TERN OF the Sllcult
Court, 1855.
This meeting has been called, Mr.. Chair
man, in order that me Circuit Court for the
county Of Culpeper, the members OF the Bar,
the officers Of the Court and other citizens
present, may unite in expressing in suitable
and permanent form, their sentiments Of af.
lection and respect, for the character and
memory of John Mercer Patton, Of whose
recent decease, they have heard with sensa-
tions Of profound sorrow.
1t is OF peculiar proprety, that such a pro-
ceeding should be had here--for he was for
years ap eminent advocate at this Bart
Was this district be represented with SO much
distinction III the Congress Of the United
States-and it WIS in this immediate vicinity
that for many years past he had his occa-
sional residence. Such tributes when cor
daily rendered, are proper evervwberc-
uuiting the graces Of spontaneous justice to
the illustrious dead, with the chances of pro
6table suggestions, to those who survive.
We're |, Sir, competent to the theme, as
under no circumstances | am, aud under the
actual circumstances, Of extreme debility
aud prostrution, from severe indisposition, In
which | find myself, painfully feel that |
especially am not now, 1t would not be map
proprate for me to recall 10 tue memories OF
those present, the prominent incidents OF his
public and professional life-!or a personal
friendship commencing When was yet boy
and ripening by rapid degrees into the closest
intimacy, has subsisted between MIR. Patton,
and myself, up to the hour of his death
covering period Of more than third OF a
century, and during that long lapse OF time,
never for ono moment disturbed, by the
slightest incident of Misunderstanding, mis-
apprehension, or alienation Of any kind what
ever. So much 80, has this been the case,
that in the remarks am about to submit L
speak from memory alone, without having
referred to q document or record OF any des-
cription, without a word OF information from
any human being, and without note or
memorandum before me, or elsewhere. l
say this, that when fail, as tail l must, 10
full Justice to him, or to others, lair allow
auce for any deficiency will DO seen to be due
John Mercer Patton was not educated in
the first place, for the profession OF the law,
but tor that of medicine. The latter he neV-
er practised at alluded determined never
to practice, some time before he finished his
course. lie was thoroughly educated--pass-
ing with credit through his Academic aud Col
legiate course lat Princeton) and graduating
also, 10 the Medical College OF Philadelphia.
lie then commenced the study OF the law,
and ia short time came to the Bar.
He commenced the great struggle OF lie,
it is true, with all the accomplishments ap-
propriate to his age, and with the prestige OF
40 honored name, aud q distinguished lln-
eage--but of any Of the adventurous aids OF
fortune, or Of special patronage, he had liter
ally none.
His fest decided step was o wise one. lie
avoided the error into which young men OF
real talent too often ial-1f looking tor
theatre, where competition Is not to be
enoou otored--for besides, that competition
with such men il highly advantageous, you
are sure, in finding place without competl'
tors, to find one without business barren
field, where success and failure, amount to
the same, in essential results. lie took g
high aim in the beginning, aid commenced
his career in the cbaucery court oil freder-
icksburg. Yos, sir, know better than do,
what the bar, and tho business of that court
we're at that time--fur you, yourself were
practitioner ia it. know enough OF II to re-
member that il had jurisdiction OF the bust
ness of an extensive and opulent district
was regularly attended by scores OF lawyers
the elite Of their respective COUNTIES, which
in considerable numbers, formed the district
a local bar numerous and able--and o1ca'
sionally the great lights of the profession,
from other seotions--all Of whom divided
amongst them in various proportions, the
honors and the profits, OF its extensive bust
ness.
is not for me, Mr.. Chairman, to make,
or seem to make, invidious distinctions among
tho mem ers IF the bar at fredericksburg ut
that time. To name all, even of equal, and
Of high merit, would be impossible for Inc,
speaking from my memory alone--to name
portion, however unimportant 1t might be, to
those omitted, would nevertheless be, to do an
act Of injustice, very repugnan. to my own
feelings. may yet without the slightest i'm
propriety, refer to three OF four by name who
not being strictly OF the regular bar, form a
GLASS to themselves.
Robert Stsnard, of Richmond, OF whom |
never heard IN those days, but as the hrst or
second, or third lawyer Of Vlrginia-prnotis-
ed 10 that court at the time | speak of-Wsl-
ter Jones, Of Washington City--that man OF
prodipious miDd--wbose wonderful intellect
strong in all the resources of varied learning
and refulgeDt with the brightest gifts OF ge'
MUS, elcauence and Wit, had made him tor
years the pride and ornament OF the highest
judicial forum OF the Republic, was an occs-
sional practitioner in the chancery court OF
fredericksburg. John Scott, Of Fauquler,
who, distinguished in early life for great
abilities, had q mind that seemed to grow on
to the close--whose sturdy talents we're equal
to any call, and carried him from every field
with increased reputation.
Philip p. Barbour-'nomen reheradHeqe
clarum"-~ BIO though the last shall name,
vet not the least--a man who Is remember
ed and always will be remembered by the
whole country, with respect and generation
whether as lawyer, statesman, or
Judge.
These we're the men with others OF scarce
inferior fame, in competition with whom, Mr..
Pston's professional noviclate was passed
and tested. With what direCtDcss, expedition
and eclat, be marched fruiy and unwaVer'
ingly to the front rank of the bar, you, SIR,
as we'll as Until We saw bin,
at an age, when young men in this country
but rarely begin to gain footing-in Eng
land neyer--rauking with the most succesS-
full counsellors, and enjoying and enlarg,ng
the largest, and presume, the most pr0h:a-
Bile practice, 10 the Court.
When John NJ. Patton had past bis thir-
,oor rs uvo a li,tle a vacancy occurred