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he delighted, the practical talents which smooth the way in it, and the confidence in himself which made labor light.
But when the trouble of our country came, he thought that all advantages and successes which did not aid her were to be trampled under foot.
He gave up to his country, without a moment's hesitation, all that he had gained and all that he was.
The first gun fired on
Sumter was his summons to arms.
When the awful tidings came, he closed his law books, never again to return to his beloved profession.
While a school-boy at
West Point, as the term drew near its close, he had playfully written home: ‘I shall, “to the right about face,” and “forward, quick march,” when the term is over, and I shall never evince any desire hereafter to shoulder a musket or wear a sword.’
Even now, his taste was unchanged.
Truly did
Mr. Parker say of him: ‘He looked the dangers of his new profession in the face, not fascinated by its glitter nor drawn from weightier thoughts by the sound of martial music, but deliberately, for the defence of the law and the support of a cause which he solemnly considered to be just.’
The Hon. Richard H. Dana, Jr., said of him, after his death:—
He had that combination of qualities which led to success in whatever he undertook. . . . . His love was for that kind of intelligent labor which looks to specific results. . . . . He had an intuitive knowledge of himself, and instinctive knowledge of other men. He adapted his means to his ends.
He knew what he was suited to do, and he had a power of will, a faculty of concentration, and patience, perseverance, and confidence, which insure success. . . . . When the war broke out, he determined to become a soldier.
His friends knew he would make himself one.
He determined to offer the first regiment of three years men to the army, and he did so. He went to Washington to obtain advantages and opportunities most difficult to secure; but we felt that he would succeed, and he did succeed.
Every step he took towards the prosecution of his work illustrates the truth of
Mr. Dana's words,—‘He had determined to become a soldier.’
‘Adapting his means to his ends,’ he began by associating himself with two gentlemen
