The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-07-19

VINO IS HoN. II. W. WnIIAus. Ill. Dr.
AT meeting held in Pittsburg on Tuesday
evening, to ratify the nomination of the Hon.
Henry W. Williams for place on the Supreme
Bench OF Pennsylvania, the following eloquent
letter was read from the Hon. Moses Hampton,
LII. d., probably the most erudite lawyer
and most distinguished Judge west Of the
mountains -
VAN NATTA, Wilkins Township, July Is, 1867.
-Gentlemen:-Hourn note of this date, inviting
me TO preside over the mass meeting of citizens
of the county OF Allegheny, TO be held on to-
morrow evening at the CITY Hall, for the pur-
pose of Tatifying The nomination by the Union
Republican state Convention of the Hon. Henry
W. Williams, LII d., of this county, for the
ceived. My compliance with your request is
particularly urged on the ground that my long
and intimate relations with Judge Williams
will enable me TO testify more fully others as TO
his capability, learning, aud Integrity. While
acknowledging most cordially the honor yonr
invitation confers, couched as Il is in terms SO
kind and complimentary, / feel constrained
nevertheless, TO deny myself the pleasure
which, under other circumstances, a compli-
ance would afford me. When l accepted seat
on the bench, resolved that so long as might
occupy that position would not mingIe in party
sITifes, nor take any active part fu political
meetings This rule has been rigidly observed
ever since, even when the very existence of
formidable and wicked Rebellion; and now,
when the country Is saved, peace restored, and
lne success OF your canuluaJe certain, the pro-
priety of strict adherence TO this rule must be
apparent to all. 1t would be no infringement
Of this rule, however, to express my opinion of
the qualifications OF my brother Williams to
discharge the important duties of the high and
responsible Office for which he has been nomI-
naled. have known him for a period of over
twenty-eigh1 years. became acquainted with
him before he commenced the study of the
law, and have known him ever since. prac-
tised with him from the time he was admitted
to the Bar In 1871 until he went on the Bench in
1851; and practised before him until 1853 when,
as you know, was chosen to seat on the
position by reelection from that time TO this
These facts are deemed amply sufficient to
warrant me In speaking with perfect confidence
as TO his character, talents, legal learning. aud
integrity. His moral character is pure and un-
sullled, so much so that even the breath of SLAM
der has never breathed upon it, He possesses
talents of high order, such as tit him pc
cultaTly to comprehend and determine those
difficult and complicated questions of
law which are usually brought before Courts of
the last resort for final adjudication, His legal
learning Is so varied and extensive that, by the
aid of most extraordinary memory, both of
correct judgment on almost every question
brought before him. His integrity is so stern
and unbeDding that no one who Knows him
ever doubtedt IL. take great pleasure in saying
that never knew man, either In public or
private ltfe in whose perfect honesty and truth
1ulnesS have more implicit confidence. And
now, In conclusion, gentlemen, permit me TO
say thaJ while regret exceedingly to lose the
assistance of so Valuable n co-labOrer on the
Bencn of the District Coart, heartily congratu-
late the public on The certainty of the elevation
eminently qualified to discharge the duties OF
that important office. / am, gentlemen, very
NJ. HAMPTON.
George Findley, Esq, and others, members of
Committee.