The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1860-02-09
FOllala:sA1.
HON. EDWARD BATES, OF MISSOURI.
ST. LOUIS Mo-. Jan. 10.

ST LOUIS Mo-. Jan. 10.
Editor New York Times:
l observe in the Eastern well as the
Western papers frequent illusions to Mr..
Edward Bates, as a candidate for the Presi-
dency, and l suppose sketch OF his life and
character will be acceptable to you and your
readers.
Mr. Bates is native OF Virginia. and is
about 65 years of age. He came here at 20
years of age, and soon engaged in the prac-
:lce of the law. He was of the dele
yates who framed the Constitution of Mis-
souri,, and such was his prominence. even at
this early period. that he was selected as the
drst Attorney General Of the State Since
tha, time he has for the most part devoted
himself to his profession, though he has been
a member Of Congress and a Judge OF one
Of the State Courts. and has had various
other high offices rendered to him, both To-
cal and national He married most esti
mable young lady of North Carolina. by
whom he has had numerous family of sons
and daughters. eight OF whom are still fv-
ing The oldest son is lawyer of very en-
inen, ability. though he is chiefly devoted to
farming in this vicinity. Another is phys
icisn. and others are qualifying themselves
| for various pursuits.
Mr.. Bates lives in plain, though large
and handsome brick house, recently erected
on commanding site, four miles west of the
city. His style of living is simple but gen
erous, the administration Of the household
being conducted with the utmost order and
| system. His table and all the abundance is
characteristic OF the teeming West; the meal
| is never tasted till the blessing is asked from
on high. a. an early hour in the morning
the family. servants and all, summoned by
the big bell. are collected in the psrlor Here
a chapter in the Holy Book is read, and the
prayer offered. Family prayer also closes
the duties and pleasures of the day.
In person. Mr.. Bates is little below the
middle height, but of substantial form. His
general aspect presents a mixture OF modcsty
aud dignity. His hair and beard are full,
and silvered in patches; his coun,enance is
cheerful and lively, and during conversation
exhibits rapid transitions with the play of hi,
mind; his brow is prominent. and his eye
piercing, manifesting high devele pmens o
the perceptive faculties He is eloquent BY
nature. and is one of the most finished ora
tors OF the great West: as a lawyer, he stand
Ia the front rank.
/ have not heard him in public. but hav
listened to his conversation, which is in tn
highest degree winning anu instructive. Il
early life sir. Bates came much in eontac
with the old French settlers of this region
and from them. suspect. derived sonethin,
of that courtesy and re6nemen, which char
acterize him; probably. toc, his inter
course with them. and his habi, Of speakin
their language. contributed to that perfectio
of eloeution which gives zest to all he say:
At all events. his mind is full, his knowledg
exact, his recollection clear. prompt and pos
tive. His imagination is lively, and hu
morous associations constantly fash over hi
discourse. He abounds in anecdote. histor
ical and personal. and frequently illustrate
his views by incidents connected with hi
own experience and observations
. Though Mr.. Bates. IS well from taste .
the claims of large family. has shunnet
political life, he 10 ssiu known and regarded