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1 containing citations from the Roman and the French as well as from the common law,—a paper which grew out of his argument of a moot-court case before Professor Ashmun, the previous year; a ‘Review of “Chitty's pleadings,” ’2 in which some technical questions are treated; ‘Characters of Law Books and Judges,’3 a voluminous collection of opinions; ‘Replevin of Goods taken in Execution,—Error in the Books,’4 an elaborate discussion of a technical question; and a caustic notice of ‘Tayler's “Law Glossary.”
’5 To the July number alone he contributed more than one hundred pages.
In May, he became one of the editors.
His classmate Browne, whose advice he sought in relation to this connection, did not think the effect of habitual writing for law magazines upon a lawyer's mind to be wholesome, and strongly urged that, if he accepted the offer, he should limit his engagement to a year and a half.
His studies with Mr. Rand were soon interrupted by a journey to Washington, with an absence from the office from Feb. 17 to April 4.
He had for some time felt a strong desire to visit the national Capital.
He wished to see and hear the eminent statesmen of the time, and particularly to attend a session of the Supreme Court.
It would be a satisfaction also to see Judge Story, whom he had known so well as professor, performing his high duties as judge.
The Supreme Court of the United States, with Marshall as chief-justice, held at that period, —when the States were few and the best professional training was confined very much to the Atlantic States,—a larger place relatively than it now holds among the judicial institutions of the country.
Young lawyers then, more than at present, sought as pilgrims this fountain of learning and authority.
National politics then drew to the seat of government the highest talent more than now, when intellectual power finds a larger opportunity than formerly at the bar of commercial cities, or in other fields of distinction.
Neither before nor since in our history
1 [124] 1834, Vol. XI. pp. 101-105.
2 April, 1834, Vol. XI. pp. 320-338.
3 July, 1834, Vol. XII. pp. 5-66. The materials for this article were largely furnished by a memorandum-book, in which, beginning with 1832, he had been accustomed to write, from time to time, opinions of law books gathered in his reading.
4 July, 1834, Vol. XII. pp. 104-117. Browne wrote, July 24, ‘Your article on “Replevin” was learned, and well and logically expressed. It was an extraordinary article for a young man; but it is not practical. You seem to delight in the speculative in the choice of your articles.’
5 July, 1834, Vol. XII. pp. 248-270.
Cambridge, MA. Press of John Wilson and Son. 1877.
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