course. At this early age, he was distinguished for industry and mental vigor in the prosecution of his studies. In the war of 1812, fired by that ardent and generous spirit of patriotism, which in his subsequent life forms a distinguishing trait in his character, William earnestly besought his father to obtain for him a midshipman's warrant, and was in consequence called home. Failing in this, he acquired what may be considered a liberal and classical education at the celebrated school of Thomas Nelson, in Hanover county, Va., and at a private school taught in his father's house. Destined for the profession of the law, he commenced its study in the office of Judge Greene, continued it with Thomas L. Moore, Esq., a lawyer of high reputation, and concluded it in the office of General Winder, of Baltimore. He commenced the practice of the law in the county of Culpepper, in August, 1818, at twenty-one years of age, and soon gave bright earnest of distinction in his profession. Firm and decided, at this early period of his life, in his political views, and zealous in their advocacy, he soon took an active part in the political controversies of his adopted country. With him the doctrine of man's capacity for self-government was no mere theory, assumed to gain popular favor. It was the result of his solemn conviction and of his best considered judgment. When he had occasion to dwell upon the truth and importance of democratic principles, before the people, his earnest and impassioned manner gave evidence that he spoke from the deep convictions of his heart. The love of republicanism, in his bosom, was a glowing passion; and if its fires ever slumbered, they were always ready to blaze and give light, when stirred by the breath of the people. About this time Governor Smith was united in marriage to Elizabeth, the eldest daughter of the late James M. Bell, of Culpepper. Providence rendered this union both happy and fruitful. Desirous of improving his fortune, he established a line of post-coaches from Washington to Lynchburg, and soon extended it, on a large and expensive scale, through the states of Virginia, North and South Carolina to Milledgeville, in Georgia-a distance of 650 miles. At that day there was no railroad in these states; and this line, which ran daily through a beautiful tract of country, called the Piedmont region, always commanded an extensive travel. The whole country through which it passed rapidly improved; and Mr. Smith, from his untiring exertions in this laborious and expensive enterprise, was its acknowledged benefactor. After ten years of diligent and indefatigable labor spent in this praiseworthy scheme to improve his fortune, the enterprise was found to be successless in this respect, and was abandoned. Buoyed by his native elasticity of mind, Mr. Smith did not stop to contemplate and lament the failure of his cherished schemes, but again betook himself with energy of purpose to the practice of his profession, which had greatly declined from neglect caused by the diversion of his energies to other pursuits. Blessed with industrious and moral habits, a talent and love for patient and profound investigation, and possessing a sound judgment, his studied efforts at the bar were always characterized by striking ability. He seized upon the strong points of his case, and pressed them with earnestness and convincing power, and perspicuity. In forensic debate he is a master of no ordinary skill; always ingenious, and displaying great acumen and an admirable ability in rallying to the argument, when engaged with the most shining intellects of the bar. As an advocate and criminal lawyer he has not many equals. |