Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1860-05-26
From tie Richmond Dispatch.

In the death Of wm. c. Preston OF South Carolina,
which called upon to announce yesterday, Nr-
gua and South Carolina blend their tears over the grave
of one OF the usrous orators patriots and states
men whom the South prolific of eoquence and states
manship has ever given 10 the country. Probably,
since the DAYS OF Patrick Henry whose blood flowed in
hi, veins there has been such orator in America
Wm q. Preston Who that has ever seen his towering
and graceful form; his gestures that spoke more elo
guenty than the tongues OF most men, his face on fire
with inspirations and who that has heard that voice
which has been kened in variety and sweetness OF tone
TO the notes OF mocking-bird, and which sometimes
rang upon the like trumpet cell TO battle but has
awarded him the palm OF being the first orator Of Ameri
ca As not without interest at this time reproduce
sketch OF Col Prestons career, which appeared IN the
Dispatch OF April Sth from the pen Of Columbia cor
respondent:
South Caroluas greatest living son, Col. VIM. c. Pres
ton resides in Columbia though OF late years he has
passed his summers generally in Virginia. The feeble
health which has secluded him in measure from active
life has Affected his magnificent intellect Since the
DAYS OF Patrick Henry whose blood is in his veins Amer
lea has had such orator VIM c. Preston IN his
Glorious prime Col Preston learn from the valuable
history OF Dr. La BOrde which have before referred
vas born Dec ~ l7sI His paternal grandfather was
Lieutenant COmmandant of Augusta county during the
Revolution his mother the only daughter Of Col Camp
bell OF King. Mountain, and her mother was sister Of
Patrick Henry. He commenced the study OF law in Rch-
moud In the Office OF VIM. Writ. He afterwards visited
Furou and took course of instruction Civil Law in
the celebrated University Of Scotland, in Edinburgh. On
his return he selected Columbia South Carolina his
residence and commenced Tue practice VI Law Ia lS2s
he Was elected TO the STATE Legislature and 10 1886 10
tbe Senate OF the United States Beyond dispute, he
was the first orator in that BODY. When South Carolina
i'm the Presidential contest concluded TO give its support
To Van Burcn and his party, Col Preston resigned his
scat and returned 10 the practice OF law, IN which he
was rmployed when in 1915, he elected President
of the South Carolina College DR.. La Borde-who
rsn,,rks that Mr. Preston was the contemporary Of
NeDuiHe, Hamilton, Hayue Legare, Hooper
Turbu of which brilliant group he is the solitary sur
yivar-says he was uuequaled as popular speaker by
sny of the members unless t be McDuihe. In conner
eqfional power he has had few equals. Who that has
ever heard him. SAYS Dr. La BOrde can forget his point
his pecdote his uness his variety his ease lis grace
his yiyactv his elegance his inuitiye talent and that
curious felicity OF expression which in South Carolina
has been Characterized Pres,0HidHF y Still under the
nresslre of severe bodily iuhrmues, he is cheerful
a brilliant in conversation, distinguished by the same
readiness aud apness OF quotation and facility Of illus
raon which have ever adorned his literary character
the flowers Of wit and genius beautying with their bloom
and fragrance the grand old physical structure at which
Disease has dealt some heavy blows but which still stands
high and erect noble and imposing even 10 It's age and
decay
Col Preston is no less distinguished by the benevoence
and generosity of his character than by his intellect and
scholarship The Columbia Atheuaum is a noble monu-
ent of bis beraity and love OF letters This insttu-
ton was established by him and he made II gift of his
own library containing nearly three thousand volumes.
The venerable statesman and orator is still quite hopeful
of the Republic. He does not share the forebodings
which oppress so many Of our minds. Col Preston is
about TO leave Columbia his periodical visit to Nir-
rnio and amid the bracug airs Of It's noble mountains
LEI ms hone that he will breathe In strength Of body
and fresh buOyancy of heart