National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1880-01-22
Hon. James ID, yyestcott.

A telegram from Montreal announces the
death in that city of Hon. James d. Westcott
| formerly United States Senator from Florida
and for many years subsequently, resident of
| Washington. Mr. Westcott was n native of
Alexandria, Va, but went to New Jersey In
| infancy with his fathers family. He was
| born in 1902 and was therefore nearly eighty
years. He was admitted to the bar in New Jer.
sey in 1924 and practiced his profession for some
| years. Being an ardent admirer and enthu-
siastic supporter of General jackson he ac-
copied position under him in tho Consular
bureau of the Department Of State, and was
| subsequently, sent by him on u confidential
mission to Florida and Cuba. He was after
ward appointed secretary of the Territory of
Florida and served in that capacity four years.
| being, during u portion of the time, acting
| Governor. He was United States Attorney for
| the Middle district of Florida from 1884 to
| 1886. Mr., Westcott was an active member of
the Constitutional Convention which framed
the State Constitution, and was one of tho first
representatives of the young State In the
United States Senate, where no continued to
serve till 1919 After the expiration of his
torn he remained in Washington six or eight
years, preserving close and intimate relations
with Democratic leaders, and was frequently
charged with having instigated discussions
and intrigues which plagued that party dur
ing the administration of Frank Pierce.
His manners were eccentric and at times
Extensively so, but no man possessed q warmer
heart or moro generous hand. Ho would sac
ritce the finer feelings of " friend often for
tho sake of good joke. Ho was noted for
wearing cue under his coat, which nothing
could induce him to have clipped He was
very fond of MKay, of South Carolina, but
when that gentleman, rs chairman of the
House Committee on Ways and Means, was
preparing the tariff of 46 and solicited West
cott's support for the measure, the latter de-
cared that he would do no such thing, as
Florida had been sighted in making up the
schedules and mono of her products were pro-
tectcd. MKay apolOgzed and said 1t was au
lnadyertency that should be repaired. He
asked the irate Senator what articles ho would
have protected. Westcott replied, Turtles,
green turtles" and M'Kay, who was serious
aud dignifcd gentleman whose public duties
were part of his religion, never dreamed of
being made the victim of ~ joke, and so added
Westcotts turtles to the proper schedule, and
his bill passed. Then Westcott told the story
on him to his great annoyance. OF course,
there was no necessity for the pro-
lection of green turtles" because there
were none imported, Mr.. Westcott
contributed largely at one time TO the
New York Herald through its correspondent
at this point, as well rs by editorial matter
mailed direct to Mr.. Bennett with whom he
enjoyed intimate personal relations. He was
also upon Intimate terms with the late Caleb
Cushing, and was frequently associated with
him in the preparation of cases for argument
in the Supreme court. lie was a sort of walk
ing encyclopaedia of National law and history,
but, after his service in the Senate, he rarely,
if ever, appeared personally in that forum as
counselor or attorney. lie was the cherished
legal friend and counselor of George Law dur.
ing many years. aud spent much of tho time
with him in New York from 1855 to 1861
when, on the breaking out of the rebellion, he
Joined his friends in Canada, among whom
were George n. Sanders aud Jacob Thompson,
and there spent the remainder of his 'eventfu
life. lie was given to making VOWS, and 1t
was probably in obedience to some rash asse-
verations that he persistently refused to re-
turn to Florida after his term in the Senate, or
to the United States after the failure of the re-
bclliOn