on whose counsel I had leaned in so much confidence, and by whom I was never deceived, was stricken from my side, and an excursion commenced in buoyancy and gladness, which had been accompanied on its whole line by the greetings and huzzas of unnumbered thousands, was terminated in sorrow and mourning, that generous heart whose every pulsation was chaste and holy, had ceased to beat. I saw him borne to his last resting-place, where he sleeps until the morning of the resurrection. So passed away HUGH SWINTON LEGARE in the morning of his prime, and broad daylight of his usefulness.

At the time of Mr. LEGARE's death there presided over the Navy Department, one who was competent to fill any office under the government. He had illustrated that Department by judicious reforms which are destined long to be felt and acknowledged. A system of rigid economy was practised; but while he limited the expenditures to the actual necessities of the service, a new efficiency was imparted to the Navy. To him that Department is greatly indebted for its present organization which places at the head of Bureaus veteran commanders, who from their intimate acquaintance with the wants of the service, are best qual fied to provide for them.

Under him, also, arose that structure over which was placed Lieutenant Maury, whose name has already filled the scientific world, and who is destined, I do not doubt, to win other and still more important triumphs by future contributions to the cause of science; and to him is also due the organization of the Home Squadron, which, while serving as a costa guarda, watches over and protects the commerce of the country in neighboring waters. There was no hesitation in entrusting to such a man the Premiership, and ABEL P. UPSHUR was accordingly placed at the head of the State Depart ment. Our acquaintance had commenced in early life, while he was a law student in the office of William Wirt, and I in that of Edmund Randolph. We became members of a debating society in Richmond, with others of our own age, and there young UPSHUR took his early les

sons in public speaking. It required but a small share of the spirit of prophecy to foretell the future that awaited him. He had brought to the study of the law a mind richly stored with all the learning of the academies, and his information was so arranged, that, like a well ordered arsenal, the various weapons of attack and defence were readily seized upon as the occasion required. He used with force and power the broad axe of Richard, or the keen scimetar of Saladin. He had but to appear at the bar and his success was accomplished. The army of obstacles which so often impede the way of the young advocate vanished before him, and he might well have exclaimed veni, vici. It is to be regretted that no lasting memorial of any of his brilliant efforts at the bar is preserved. In this he has shared the fate of many others whose field of forensic labors has been the country. They whose eloquence sufficed to stir up or allay the passions at will, to rouse to indignation or melt into tears, courts and juries, to rescue right and innocence from the hands of wrong and fraud, to cause the earth to tremble at every step they made in their terrible denunciations of fraud and crime, or, soaring on the wings of truth, have, like the eagle, approached the heavens in their flight, have had no stenographers in attendance, to record their efforts, which live only in the tradition of their immediate neighborhood. Such has been the fate of the many eloquent speeches of Mr. UPSHUR while at the bar. He was soon elected by his native county to the House of Delegates, where he played a prominent and leading part, and his eminent abilities caused him to be re-elected by the district in which he resided, as a member to the first convention which met in Richmond to reform the State Constitution. In that convention, composed as it was of the first men in the State, if not in the Union, Judge UPSHUR occupied a conspicuous position. It may be claimed for him, without disparagement to others, that his great speech which opened fully the debates, stands almost, if not quite, unrivalled by any other delivered in that convention. For a thorough development of the con

servative principles on which the foundations of government should rest, and in which it may be said to have its origin, or for power of illustration and for logical acumen, that speech may be regarded as constituting a monument to the memory of ABEL P. UPSHUR which will last as long as the language in which it was uttered, is spoken. No man, however extensive his reading on the science of government, can rise from its perusal without decided benefit and improvement. He had previously been elected to a seat on the bench of the General Court, and was in the discharge of the functions of Judge of that high tribunal when he was called to the head of the Navy Department, and was, as I have stated, from thence transferred to the Premiership of the Cabinet.

Judge UPSHUR was succeeded in the Navy Department by DAVID HENSHAW of Massachusetts, a gentleman who had won a broad reputation in his native State, and who, for the brief space during which he continued at the head of the Department, acquitted himself of his duties with great ability and to the entire satisfaction of the government. For causes growing

out of the state of the times, and not his own demerits, he was rejected by the Senate, and THOMAS W. GILMER was soon after installed in the vacant Secretaryship. I had known him as a leading member of the Legislature of Virginia, in which body we had served together, and our acquaintance soon ripened into close intimacy. Stern and inflexible in his resolves, no combination of circumstances could drive him from his purpose when once it became fixed. Whether the maintenance of his convictions placed him on the crest of the popular wave, or consigned him to a small minority, seemed in no degree to affect him. He esteemed Truth the spring of heroic virtue, and he followed it wherever it beckoned, and error "paled its ineffectual fires" in order to mislead him. He was one, who, had occasion offered, would readily have acted out the saying of Metellus: “To do an ill action is base; to do a good one which involved you in no danger, is nothing more than common; but it is the pro

perty of a good man to do great and good things, though he risks every thing by it."

From the floor of the House he had risen to the Speakership, and was soon after elected to the Governorship of the State of Virginia. On a subject which has since, under other phases, assumed a formidable and threatening aspect to the peace and harmony of the Union, it was his misfortune to differ from the Legislature, and he, considering it the path of honor, voluntarily retired from the Chair of State and threw himself once more, with increased zeal and industry, upon his profession. Such a man was not suffered long to remain in private life, and the people of his district soon after elected him to Congress, and he had already won a high reputation in that body when he was called to the head of the Navy Department.

Thus were these two noble sons of their blessed Commonwealth, placed side by side to perform important parts on the great theatre of the world, to win its admiration and receive its applause. Endowed with the gift of high intellect, governed in their political action by the same principles, controlled by the lofty ambition of recording their names on a fair page of history, and therefore, above all things, intent upon acquitting themselves faithfully of their high duties, the two might have been regarded, almost without a metaphor, as twin stars in the firmament, borrowing and giving light from and to each other. Judge UPSHUR had entered upon the duties of his office several months in advance of his colleague, and was entrusted with the task of conducting an important negotiation with a then foreign government, which nothing but defective powers on the part of the resident minister prevented him from instantly completing. I remember how highly gratified he was when, after receiving voluminous despatches from abroad, mostly bearing on the matter, I announced to him my purpose to offer annexation to Texas in the form of a treaty, and authorized him at once, and without delay to communicate the fact to Mr. Van Zandt, the accom

plished minister from that Republic. He failed not to see in the virtual monopoly of the cotton plant which the annexation would accomplish, an addition to the wealth and power of the United States of incalculable magnitude, and lost not a moment in entering upon the subject. He stood also at the portals of another negotiation, all the information for a successful conclusion of which, had already been furnished to the State Department by Mr. Everett, then our able minister at the Court of London, and which was finally made the basis of settlement by a subsequent administration. Governor GILMER had begun only to adjust himself in his chair and to prepare himself for his labors, from which so much good was anticipated, when both he and Judge UPSHUR became victims to a terrible catastrophe. At this distant day I cannot revert to that awful incident without pain almost amounting to agony. When the morning of the ill-fated 28th of February, dawned upon the world, the theretofore tempest-tossed administration found itself comparatively tranquil and at ease, reposing on the honor, the wisdom, personal friendship, and patriotism of its councillors and advisors. That morning was also full of promise of a day of gladness and triumph-gladness and triumph at the successful accomplishment of an experiment which had been conducted under the superintendence and direction of one of the most gallant and talented officers of the Navy. The experimental ship, The Princeton, floated majestically on the bosom of the Potomac, and her projector and commander, distinguished not more for his valor than for his unbounded hospitality, had sent out cards of invitation for a fête on board, comprising a multitude. Never did the eye gaze on a brighter or more animated scene than that which the beautiful river exhibited during the forenoon of that fatal day. There floated the ship whereon had been concentered so many hopes and anticipated joys. Decked out in trim array, there waved from every rope and yard, some emblematic flag in token of our amity with the whole world, while proudly above them all floated at the mast

head, our own beautiful banner. Numberless barges shot out from every cove and point, loaded with their living freight, and flew on the wings of hope and joy towards the gallant ship. The decks were soon crowded with a host of happy visitors. There was but one person in that crowd who did not partake of the hilarity which so universally prevailed, and that exception was found in the person of the interesting and admired lady of the Secretary of the Navy. From the moment that her foot touched the deck of the ship a foreboding of evil took possession of her mind. The slightest separation from her husband caused her inexpressible agony. Vain were the efforts which were made to expel from her mind the horrid spectre of the future of that woful day. The pall and the shroud floated before her vision, and she was miserable. Like Cassandra, she prophesied of evil, and her prophecies were treated as the effects of womanly timidity and nervous excitement. Tell us, you who profess to look into the future, you who claim the power to read the mysteries which envelop cause and effect before they give sign of birth, what connexion exists between the troubled mind thus filled with feverish apprehension, and the dread reality which afterwards occurs? With this exception, never was there assembled a more joyous crowd. A cloudless sky added to the brilliancy of the scene. The anchor is weighed and the ship moves with majestic grace over the dimpled waters, at length her large experimental guns are fired, and the immense range of the ponderous balls, seemed to realize all that the valorous Stockton had foretold of their power. The ship is returning to her anchorage and the feast is nearly ended. ABEL P. UPSHUR has added to its zest by the charms of his conversation and the brilliant flashes of his wit. THOMAS W. GILMER, intent on the intimate knowledge of her material and structure, has visited every part of the ship and mastered the entire fabric. The song still prevails and patriotic sentiments abound. The gallant commander and UPSHUR and GILMER are no longer at the table or in

the cabin. They have ascended to the deck accompanied by a few friends. The Secretary of the Navy desires once more to witness the effect of a discharge from one of the guns, and the captain proceeds to comply with his wishes. The crowd below is in utter ignorance of what is passing above, a loud report is at length heard, and does not at the moment arrest the song and merry jest, a mysterious whisper at last reaches the crowd; anxiety, to be soon succeeded by dismay, prevails. The upper deck is reached, and there lies sealed in death and already wrapped in the folds of that flag which was never looked upon by them while in life without imparting to their patriotic hearts a quickened pulsation, the two eminent Secretaries and three other distinguished citizens, one of whom, also a son of this Commonwealth, Com. KENNON, had so often courted danger on the ocean and had won the Commodore's flag by gallant service, and at the time presided over an important Bureau. While Virginia mourns over the remains of her noble sons, Maryland bends in solemn woe over her gifted MAXCY, and New York laments the death of her talented

The

and accomplished GARDINER. Joy is turned into mourning. The morning, so bright and cloudless, is succeeded by an evening of deep gloom and sorrow. muffled drum, the solemn toll of the bell, the loud and dismal peal of the minute gun announced to the country the sad tidings of death and woe. There are two vacant seats at the Cabinet Board the following morning-UPSHUR and GILMER have fallen "like two stars struck from their spheres." I will not dwell on the funereal gloom which fell upon all things. I hasten to get beyond its influence so far as memory will let me.*

Thus in the course of eight months, three members of the executive branch of the government had passed away, each a shining light and at moments full of promise to themselves and the world. In

the field of battle there is but little time left to weep over the loss of friends who have fallen while gallantly leading on the charge. The passionate exclamation at the battle of Marengo, which broke from his lips when Napoleon came to be informed of the death of Dessaix, who, by a seasonable and gallant charge, changed the fortune of the day, of “Oh, why have I not time to weep!" is to some extent, applicable to the war of factions. Action, constant action, is often urgently necessary, but when the war is over, the memory dwells upon the virtues of those who have fallen, and opens up all the sources of grief. And who now can visit the graves of LEGARE and UPSHUR and GILMER, without emotion and deep sorrow?

The place of Judge UPSHUR was filled ad interim by Mr. Nelson, a distinguished son of Maryland, who still lives the charm of the social circle and a bright ornament of the bar, who, upon the death of Mr. LEGARE, had been appointed Attorney General. To fill the station permanently, attention was immediately directed to that distinguished Southern statesman, who had for so long a time performed a conspicuous part in the great drama of politics, and whose claim for intellectual superiority over all rivals, is by many openly maintained. He had sometime before withdrawn from public life, and reposed upon the laurels already won, at his quiet retreat in the State of his nativity. He was nominated without previous consultation with him, and the day of his nomination witnessed his confirmation by the unanimous vote of the Senate. No whisper of discontent was heard in the Senate chamber, at the appointment, but his accession was seemingly hailed with joyful acclaim by all men.

When

I entered the House of Representatives in 1816-'17, Mr. CALHOUN had acquired a high reputation by his brilliant displays on the floor of the House of which he was still a member, and competed with Mr. Clay, who was then Speaker, for the leadership of the Commons. Before the

the lofty mansion we had just left. "I have been neither wasteful nor unsuccessful, and it will be my pride to leave you a respectable income at my death." I inclined my head in silence, and wandered what would come next.

"Burgomeister von Gael is one of my oldest friends," said my father.

"I have often heard you speak of him, sir," I replied.

"And he is rich."

"So I should suppose."

"Gertrude will have a fine fortune," said my father as if thinking aloud.

I bowed again, but this time rather nervously.

"Marry her, Franz."

I dropped his arm and started back. "Sir!" I faltered: "I-I-marry the Fräulein von Gael!"

"And pray, sir, why not!" said my father curtly, stopping short in his walk and leaning both hands upon the top of his walking-stick.

I made no reply.

"Why not, sir?" repeated my father very energetically. "What could you wish for better? The young lady is handsome, good-tempered, educated, rich. Now, Franz, if I thought you had been such a fool as to form any other attachment without”

"O, sir, you do me injustice!" I cried. "Indeed, I know no one-have seen no other lady. But-do you think thatthat she would have me, sir!"

"Try her, Franz," said my father goodhumoredly, as he resumed my arm. "If I am not very much mistaken, the burgomeister would be as pleased as myself; and as for the fraulein-women are easily won."

We had by this time reached the door of the inn where my father was to sleep for the night. As he left me, his last words were. "Try her, Franz-try her.".

From this time I became a frequent visitor at the house of the Burgomaster von Gael. It was a large old-fashioned mansion, built of red brick, and situated upon the famous lines of houses known as the Boompjes. In front lay the broad shning river, crowded with merchant

vessels, from whose masts fluttered the flags of all the trading nations of the world. Tall trees, thick with foliage, lined the quays, and cast a pleasant shade, through which the sunlight flicered brightly upon the spacious drawing-rooms of Gertrude's home.

Here, night after night, when the studies of the day were past, I used to sit with her beside the open window, and watch the busy passing crowd beneath, the rippling river, and the rising moon that tipped the masts and city spires with silver. Here, listening to the accents of of a distant ballad-singer, or to the far murmur of voices from the shipping, we read together from the pages of our favorite poets, and counted the first pale stars that trembled into light.

It was a happy time. But there came at last a time still happier, when, one still evening as we sat alone, conversing in unfrequent whispers, and listening to the beating of each other's heart, I told Gertrude that I loved her; and she, in answer, laid her fair head silently upon my shoulder with a sweet confidence, as she were content so to rest forever. Just as my father had predicted, the Burgomaster showed every mark of satisfaction, and readily sanctioned our betrothal, specifying but one condition, and this was that our marriage should not take place till I had attained my twenty-fifth year. It was a long time to wait; but I should by that time, perhaps, have made a name in my profession. I intended soon to send a picture to the annual exhibitionand who could tell what I might not do in three years to show Gertrude how dearly I loved her!

And so our happy youth rolled on, and the quaint old dial in Messer von Gael's tulip-garden told the passages of our golden hours. In the mean time I worked sedulously at my picture; I labored upon it all the winter; and when spring-time came, I sent it in, with no small anxiety as to its probable position upon the walls. of the gallery. It was a view in one of the streets of Rotterdam. There were the high old houses, with their gables and carven doorways, and the red sun-set glittering on the bright, winking panes