Edward L. Pierce, Memoir and letters of Charles Sumner: volume 1

[293] they are of their own jurisprudence, it would seem superfluous to add that they know nothing of foreign jurisprudence, nothing of English and American in particular. One object of Foelix's journal has been to promote a knowledge of the science of the law, and to show its growth abroad; but his journal, though enjoying much consideration, has only a small and goodly company of readers.

You will understand that I have enjoyed some advantages for finding out the actual gauge and measure of the French avocat, when you know that I have had the friendship and confidence of Foelix, who is a Prussian by birth, and with whom I can always speak of the French with perfect liberty; because, not a Frenchman born, he has none of the sensitiveness of a native. His residence in France, and his acquaintance with French society, have given him an insight into the actual state of things. I find that we rarely disagree. I compare my impressions constantly with his matured opinions. You may well wonder then, since such are my views, that I wish to stay longer in Paris. But, after all possible abatement, the French are a great nation, with a versatility and activity of intellect almost wonderful. There is no science to which they have not brought contributions; even the science which we cultivate owes to France a Pothier, an Emerigon, and a Code. And it is the operation of this code that I am particularly anxious to study. You will understand that this is not an off-hand labor; it requires months to follow the different courts, and to get any thing like a precise idea of the actual course of things. With the criminal courts I am considerably au courant; with the other courts much less, though I have attended all. When I return home, I shall wish to discuss a thousand things with you, and I long for the daily benefit of your learning and judgment. If I find, then, that my arrangements will permit, I shall, before my return home, pass through Paris and stop here yet longer.

May 12, 1838.

I have seen Pardessus to-day,—an old gentleman of sixty or upwards, with thorough French politeness. When I left him he made a sweeping bow, saying he felicitated himself upon the honor of my visit, and then thanking Foelix for introducing me. He told me that the Spanish ‘Code of Commerce’ (a copy of which I shall send home) is much better than the French. for several reasons: (1) because it came after the French Code; (2) because they had the benefit of his, Pardessus's, Commentaries; and (3) because it was made by one man, and not by a commission. He told me that his translation of the Consolato del Mare was the only one to be relied on; that Boucher's (which we have at Cambridge) is full of mistakes; that Boucher did not understand Catalan, and has fallen into the worst blunders. When I asked him how many volumes his collection of sea laws would make, he replied: ‘O mon Dieu! six tomes et meme plus que cela.’

Affectionate remembrances to all your family, and

As ever yours,

Chas. Sumner.