The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-04-03
THE NEW UNITED STALEs DISTRICT AT.
TORNEY.
Edwards Pierrepout.

Mr.. Pierrepont was yesterday nominated to the
Senate for confirmation as United States Attorney
for the Southern district OF New York. and as sue
cessor 10 Mr.. Courtney, the present incumbent. Mr.
Perrepont Is one OF the most prominent citizens and
| LAWYERS Of this city. He was born In New Haven,
Conn., the 4th OF March, 1877, received prepare
tory education at the once celebrated 'Old Grammar
| School," OF which Rev. Noah Porter, Jr. was prin-
cpal, entered Yale College in 1885, and four years
| after graduated with high honors Immedi-
| ately upon leaving college he entered the ofice
OF the late Judge Daggett. under whom he studied
law, and in 1s40 was admitted TO the bar Leaving
| the east he settled at Columbus, Ohio, where he
formed partnership with p. B. Wilcox, prominent
lawyer OF the State and at the time holding the
position OF State reporter. Here he not only sue
ceeded In obtaining a large practice but gained
widespread reputation for legal abilities. His nau-
rally fine intellectual powers being reinforced by
deep and constant studies united to great energy
and devotion to his profession 1t was surprising
that he should In a comparatively short period OF
time have become known one OF the leading, II
not the ableet lawyers OF Ohio.
But however powerful In influence ana wealth the
western STATES may he, they have not vet attained
TO that literary and legal excellence which makes
country preferable as residence for men OF talent
Mr. Perrepont evidently recognized and appre ciated
the fact; for in 1876 he left Ohio and, turning his
footsteps northward again took up his residence IN
New York. He Immediately began the practice OF
his profession in tins city, having TO struggle with
some OF the ablest lawyers in the country for
position at bar which, for eminent talent and legal
acumen, will compare most fsvorably with any
i'm the world. That Mr.. Pierrepont soon
rose to eminence is the greatest encomum that
could be passed upon his abilities In politics,
too. he became prominent. although he never held
onice until 1857, at which time he was elected a
Judge OF the Superior Court 20 oil the vacancy
caused by the deith Of Chief Justice Oakley. This
position he held for three years with dignity impair
TALLY and success Indeed bis career on the bench
was most honorable % himself and 10 the profession.
inc the position he held Bor some time prior his
health had been very much impaired and rather |
than neglect the duties OF his Office he retired and
gave place 10 another On his restoration Mr. Pierre
Pont resumed the practice OF law and. contrary 10
the general experience OF all exJudges, soon found
his professional services as much In demand as ever
before. From that time 10 this he has continued |
an active member OF the bar, maintaining his high
when when the war broke out Mr.. Pierrepont promptly
pronounced In favor OF coercye measures rs
means Of restoring the Union, although he had been
and still Is, we beieve) In sympathy with the demo
cratic ideas and principles and strong oppo- |
nent OF Mr.. Lincoln. Pronounclng in favor OF ex-
tion he was made o member OF the Union
Defence Committee of this city aiding mate
during the early days OF the struggle Mr.
Pierrepont was also conspicuous at one time in the
mlust o ue reDeiilon Dy the satisfactory manner IN
which he, In conjunction with General DIX exam |
med into the cases OF State prisoners remaining
In the military custody OF the government
a duty which Mr.. Lincoln appointed him
10 perform. Known "war demo- |
GRAFT" he kept aloof from all political party |
struggles until after the civil war had ended, when
he returned to the democratic organization. The
policy pursued by the radicals toward the defeated
Southern states met with no sympathy from him, |
and, although he did not endorse Mr.. Johnson's |
course IN every particular, he nevertheless sided
with his views regarding the question OF reconstruct
lion. In 1867 Mr. Pierrepont was elected by the |
democrats OF this city member Of the state Con- |
Convention, and such served with dis
inction. Last year he was member OF the Demo. |
ratio state Convention which nominated John r.