3T A N stftnpofnuoffl DNI "soya SKETCH OF EVENTS IFE OF GEOME LAW PUBLISHED IN ADVANCE OF HIS BIOGRAPHY. ALSO, XTRACTS FROM THE PUBLIC JOURNALS NEW YORK: . 0. DERBY, PUBLISHER, 119 NASSAU ST. &STON I PHILLIPS, SAMPSON A CO. PHILADELPHIA : T. B. PETERSON. CINCINNATI : H. W. DERBY. CHARLESTON : S. G. COURTNEY & CO. [BALTIMORE: HENRY TAYLOR. SAVANNAH: s. s. SIBLEY. LOUIS- YILLE : MORTON & GRISWOLD. NASHVILLE : W. T. BERRY & CO. MOBILE : STRICKLAND & CO. PORTLAND : SANBORN & CARTER. RICHMOND : J. W. RANDOLPH. RALEIGH : W. L. POMEROT. NEW ORLEANS: j. c. MORGAN. BUFFALO: WANZER, M C KIM & co. CHICAGO: D. B. COOKE & co. DETROIT: KERR, MORLEY fc CO. ST. LOUIS: EDWARDS & BUSHNELL. 1355. W. H. TWSON, Printer & Stereotype!-, 24 Beekman street, N. Y. SKETCH OF EVENTS LIFE OF GEORGE LAW, PUBLISHED IN ADVANCE OF HIS BIOGRAPHY. ALSO, EXTRACTS FROM THE PUBLIC JOURNALS NEW YORK: J. 0. DERBY, PUBLISHER, 119 NASSAU ST 1855. - PUBLISHER S NOTICE. THIS short sketch of events in the Life of GEOKGE is published in advance of a volume that will be issued from our press. From this brief memorandum the youth of our country may learn what has been done by a farmer s boy, who, like Franklin, embarked on life at an early age, without money or influential friends, and relying on himself alone. They will see that the position of GEOKGE LAW has not been obtained by accidents of birth or fortune, but by industry and perseverance, guided by cultivated intelli gence. That temperance and integrity have marked every step in his path, and that although devoted to physical labor, he still found time for improving his mind by study, and leisure to gratify the kind impulses of his heart by acts of benevolence. The rise of a man to such fortune and honor in his own country, among the most enlightened, enterprising and intelligent business community in the world, is cal culated to excite wonder and astonishment. Authentic autobiography serves to dispel those misapprehensions so likely to exist, in reference to the career of any citizen who, like George Law, from humble means unaided by influential family or political connexions, without the dazzling recommendation of military rank or services, and never having held political office, should have risen to the distinction he has acquired at home and abroad. TO THE PUBLIC The name of GEORGE LAW is familiar to the people of our country.- His characteristics are but partially known, and by many are misunderstood. Some regard him as a lucky man, seeking fortune and finding it; while others suppose him to be a speculator, fond of reckless adventures, and willing to follow any path that may lead to fortune or notoriety. But there are thousands who have been near the scenes of his labors, that appreciate him for what he is. They know him to be a self-made man strong and fertile in intellect, as he is stalwart in person quick and practical in thought, as he is accurate and inflexible in judgment. A man whose sense of justice and right is as indomitable as his will whose mind is well stored with useful learning who will listen to counsel, but never yields his convic tions of duty to the mere opinions of others, and whose life is full of incidents. GEORGE LAW S character presents the most favorable type of the youth of America all his characteristics are Utilitarian he is eminently practical, intellectual, systematic and bold a man of deeds and a man of ideas ; with a full knowledge of all the privations of a poor man s life, he sympathetically feels the necessity of extending a helping hand to those who are struggling up the hill of fortune and fame. The Biography of such a man will excite interest and afford instruction. In this short sketch we wish to attract public attention to some points of hia character, and shall leave other topics for *W forthcoming rolume. INTRODUCTION. GEORGE LAW is an intelligent AMERICAN, and has a thorough knowledge of the institutions and interests of his country. From the time he was old enough, he was allowed to go to school in the winter, when the labors of the farm did not require his attention. In this way, he obtained the usual information acquired by farmers boys. His mind eagerly sought instruction, and grasped all the subjects presented to it. At an early age, he felt the necessity of acquiring more information than he could gain at his winter school, and hence embraced every opportunity to add to the number of his books. When he left home, at the age of seventeen, he felt the want of a trade, and a proper education to enable him to undertake business for himself. Accordingly, we find him working as a common laborer, for daily wages, with the intention of obtain ing, through that means, the knowledge of a trade. While thus employed, he devoted every leisure hour to read ing and study. All the money he could spare from his sup port he applied to the purchase of books ; and the time too often spent by young men, at his age, in frivolous amuse ments, was employed by him in study. Thus he became taci- 6 INTRODUCTION. turn, and has sinco been more of a thinker than talker. He was careful to select books that would impart to him useful knowledge upon mathematics and mechanics generally. He became a good engineer, and an accomplished and edu cated mechanic. By combining thorough study with the prac tical knowledge of every branch of business, his information became greatly enlarged and strengthened. Experience taught him that knowledge is power ; and he adopted a salutary rule, to which he has steadily and profitably adhered, of reading for two or three hours every night, before retiring to rest. This rule has enabled him to master the contents of hundreds of volumes of the best selected works, notwithstand ing the trying business scenes that he has passed through. All who know George Law personally, concede that on subjects relating to the Mechanic Arts, to practical science, and to government, he is a well-read man. There is no subject within the range of social conversation that is not familiar to his mind ; and, by his acquaint ances, his opinions on the practical sciences are esteemed of erreat value. He is a man of great intellectual ability and originality of thought. The education and practical experience to which he has been subjected have developed in him the peculiar charac teristics that have, at different periods, distinguished many individuals who have commanded armies and navies, who have controlled the actions of men, who have overthrown despots, and founded liberal governments. These intuitive .7 ; ( fcSTOfq/JJ .) *)]W fitSftat INTRODUCTION. 7 perceptions and combinations, manifested in a prominent and attractive manner, in distinguished men, have been the wonder and admiration of mankind. * . L A .EiiOIJ The power of rapid mathematical combination is the great element that has distinguished all the great military men of his tory. This made the fame of Alexander, Caesar, Napoleon, Crom well and Wellington, and of our own Washington and Jackson. As this intellectual power manifested itself in. George Law, he enlarged the sphere of his operations, until their extent and apparent complication was beyond the grasp of the minds of his cotemporaries, and they expressed doubts of the soundness of his plans and the safety of his busi ness. They could not see or feel the principles that lay at the foundations of his arrangements, and were not able to understand the combinations which rendered all his movements a matter of mathematical certainty. Results however, finally established the correctness of his estimates, and the wisdom of his measures. Each business transaction was closed successfully for himself, and advantageous to his country. His great and remarkable knowledge of men, their motives and fitness for place, is a striking characteristic. He selected men best fitted for the places he designed them for, with uner ring certainty ; and it is said, that, of the thousands of appoint ments made by him, there is no evidence that he deceived himself, or was deceived by others, in making his selections. He was inflexible in his rule, to " select men for places, and not make places for men." 8 INTRODUCTION. This perfection of system and sure judgment in the selection of business agents, made him absolute master of all his opera tions. These peculiar faculties enabled him to conduct his business, which involved millions of money, whilst he was travel ling in Europe for health and information. His affairs, during the many months that he was absent, suffered no injury, and, although embracing many distinct con tracts, were conducted to the entire satisfaction of himself and . oj , T .7JiJ others interested with him. So easy is it for his well-trained and capacious mind to plan and execute the most complicated matters, that he never neglects an appointment ; and he has been heard to say that his affairs have never hurried him, but that he has leisure at all times to attend to the calls of his friends and his family, as well as his business. George Law is not an avaricious man, there is nothing sordid o*r mercenary about fiim. We say this, because the passion of avarice generally lies at the foundation of large fortunes. His experience in early manhood convinced him that the desires of men depend more upon imagination than reality, and he followed the maxims of Franklin, in restraining his appetites by a habit of self-denial. Hence it was the natural result of this self-education, when, at the age of. twenty-eight, years Ms skill and industry had secured him the possession of fifty thousand dollars, that he felt inclined to retire from busi ness, satisfied that his fortune was ample for himself and family INTRODUCTION. 9 He had been employed, as is stated in the annexed sketch, in different capacities upon some of the most important works of public improvement (canals, railroads, &c.), in the States of ISFew York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and North Carolina ; and, by dint of hard work and frugality, not by spe culation, had acquired his property. At this period of his life, there was little in wealth beyond competency that had attractions for him, and he would have with drawn from business pursuits, if he could have secured for himself happiness in a life of idleness. This he found impossible ; his mind had become thoroughly imbued with the great principles of the mechanic arts, and he had entered so deeply into the spirit of the progressive age, in which he had been educated, that he felt his longing for active pursuits irresistible. From this period his career is marked by no events or acts that can justify a belief that he sought the acquisition of great wealth for itself alone. He devoted all the powers of his mind to projecting and constructing works of high public importance, and when offered a contract of great pecu niary profit, he declined to enter upon it, because it was not in his estimation, of sufficient public utility to justify the outlay Our great Croton Aqueduct and High Bridge were works worthy of his patriotic feelings and his genius, and they now stand enduring monuments of his fame. Whilst engaged in building the High Bridge, he resuscitated, systematized, and completed two works of internal improvement, that, but for 1* V" t \ 10 x IKTRODUCTION. him, would have brought ruin upon the stockholders, and great inconvenience to the public. We next find him employed in establishing steam communica tion between the Atlanticocean and the newly-acquired possess- sions of the United States on the Pacific. The acquisition of wealth was not his chief stimulant in this undertaking. He was actuated by the patriotic motive of bene- fitting his country, as well as by the laudable ambition of iden tifying his name with one of the greatest enterprises of the age. There was no other man in our Confederacy who had the capa city to comprehend, and the capital to accomplish so great and glorious a work. Any careful observer could understand, that unless these e:reat channels of commerce with California, were occupied by Ameri can citizens and American capital without delay, they would pass into the hands of foreign capitalists, and thus render all our trade with California and the Pacific ocean tributary to the Bri tish, who had already monopolised the trade of Mexico and of South America. ., This result was early seen and clearly comprehended by the penetrating and patriotic mind of George Law ; and although it was apparent to him that this undertaking was of sufficient magnitude and importance to employ the capital and credit of the nation, and might result in the ruin of an individual, yet, perceiving that the advantages of this commerce would be lost to his country if not promptly secured, and rely ing upon his own judgment, energy, and executive power, INTRODUCTION. 11 combined with large capital and unlimited credit, his patriotic feelings impelled him to enter upon the undertaking. How well he performed his part, the world is now informed. His genius and capital have united the Atlantic and Pacific oceans ; have joined San Francisco to New York by a continu ous line of steam communication ; have opened up the whole Pacific ocean to the business of our merchants, and have de creased the distance to China and Japan several thousand miles. This great work is now completed. The name of George Law is identified with it, and he will be remembered as the great pioneer of the commerce that will continue to flow across this continent. The profits of this gigantic enterprise to him were immense. They were the results of his far-reaching sagacity, and his clear comprehension of the consequences of certain business arrange- ements ; and all but the envious and selfish will rejoice that his laudable efforts to do good were thus rewarded. But, as before stated, the desire of accumulating great wealth was not the chief incentive to this work ; and the profits so realized, were considered by him as a means only of accomplishing other important public objects. The same feelings and the same motives that prompted him to establish communications with California, caused him to risk his fortune to maintain the rights of a private citizen in his service on board his steamer. He knew that the character of our country, as well as the rights of a countryman were involved in thin transaction. This induced George Law to set at defiance 12 INTRODUCTION. the threats of the Captain-General of Cuba, that he would sink the steamer, and to denounce the pusillanimous administration of our Federal Government, who sought to use him as an instru ment to injure a private citizen, and disgrace itself. And, finally, we will add in support of the opinion we have expressed upon this point, that, although he was in possession of large sums of money, he has never been known to trade in, or lend it for more than legal interest. This fact is mentioned, because it has been imputed as a common vice of capitalists, that they are ready and willing to receive usurious rates of interest, as a means of accumulation, from those whose necessi ties compel them to borrow. We make this remark, because the lending of money upon usury is generally regarded as an evidence of an avaricious propensity, and that the practice of it tends to destroy the finer feelings of charity and benevolence, which have adorned the character and rendered illustrious the venerated names of heroes, sages, and patriots. George Law is not only not avaricious, but he is kind, gene rous, philanthropic, and liberal. We are in possession of facts which fully justify this remark. The incidents to which we refer may be stated in the forthcoming biography, if we obtain his consent, and that of the recipients of his kindness ; but acts of this description, when proceeding from proper motives, seek concealment, and any direct allusions to them are unpleasant and offensive to the donor. George Law is a patriotic man of enlarged and comprehensive INTRODUCTION. 13 views. This is manifested by the character of the business that has occupied his attention from the commencement of his career, He is a lover of good government and social order, and has manifested a disposition to enforce the laws upon all occa sions. The recent reclamation of the fugitive Baker through the use of his yacht, the Grapeshot, is a striking evidence of this trait of his character. We have published with these papers, an editorial from a !N~ew York journal upon this subject. The part taken by George Law in this matter, was the result of a thorough conviction that the Mayor had no authority to appropriate funds for this purpose. Prompt action, under the circumstances, was indis pensable, and there was reason to believe that the Government had no vessel of sailing or steaming capacity that could be got ready and dispatched in time to overtake the brig in which Baker was supposed to have sailed. It was therefore evident to his mind, that the ends of public justice would be defeated, unless he did, at his own expense, send out his vessel to reclaim the fugitive. He caused his yacht to be rigged, provisioned, manned and anchored in the bay, ready to receive the police officers on board, within twenty hours from the time he engaged to send her to sea. He selected a captain and crew that could be trusted to overtake and bring back Baker, and paid them additional or extra wages. The result of this energetic action was the return of the Grapeshot with Baker on board, in less time than the public expected. The act delighted the whole country, and led many to make 14 INTRODUCTION. comparisons between the energy of a private citizen, and the dilatory conduct -of the administration. The people of the United States see and feel the want of efficiency in the naval power of the country, and believe that with less annual expenditure, we might have a marine force in steam vessels of war, that would protect our commerce, and command the respect of all the great Powers of the earth. There is no man more competent to express a correct opinion upon this subject than George Law, or more able to carry into effect his own suggestions. Under his charge, a naval force would spring into existence that would become the pride of our gallant seamen and the admiration of our country. Under his direc tion, ships would not be so constructed that they would founder at sea, or be compelled to abandon a voyage from stress of weather. The steamers built, by George Law were constructed of the best materials. Live Oak was universally preferred because his object was to build vessels strong and safe, and to rely upon them, and not upon insurance ; and, as a striking instance of the wisdom of his course, the fact should be noted, that he never lost a vessel at sea. He thought good vessels, well manned, were better for the people, who entrusted their lives and property to them, than poor vessels, illy supplied, though largely and carefully insured. This care in building ships of the best material, and in the best manner, has given him among mechanics, the sobriquet of "Livo Oak." A man so careful of the lives and property of INTRODUCTION. 15 others under his charge, whilst engaged in commercial pursuits, will be very likely to see that Government vessels are built with like care when the navy shall be under his command. From what we have already stated, and from the papers printed with this prospectus, it must be clear to every person who will take the trouble to read this pamphlet, that George Law is well informed upon the Constitution, laws and usages of our government, and that he is eminently qualified to dis charge the duties of President of the United States. His thorough practical education, great capacity of mind, demonstrated by his success in the extensive business he has conducted, and illustrated by the patriotic motives that have controlled him, go far to show that his qualifications for the office of Chief Magistrate of this Union, will compare favor ably with any that have heretofore been brought to the Execu tive chair. We present herewith the proceedings of a complimentary dinner given to him several years since at the Astor House in New York ; also a letter written by him in answer to a request of the Legislature of Pennsylvania, to allow them to use his name in the next canvass for President of the United States. His speech on the first occasion, and his letter on the last, will satisfy any person that he is a man well acquainted with every subject of importance connected with the resources and purposes of our Government. The duties devolved by the Constitution upon the several Departments of Government have been so long defined and 16 INTRODUCTION. understood, as taught by the fathers of the Republic, that it is not difficult for any one to comprehend them. Many persons believe that the administration of Governmental affairs, is something mysterious, intricate and difficult to understand ; but to a well-informed mind that has practical knowledge on the subject, nothing can be discovered that differs materially from the general business transactions of private life between intelligent men. Indeed, whenever a difference is found, it would be well that it should be brought back to the plain rules of ordinary life. The practical character of our institutions, based as they are upon the Sovereignty of the People, will not allow the adminis tration of the government to be so involved in mystery as to render the execution of any of its trusts, or the discharge of any duties under it, a task to be performed only by persons trained, and educated for that purpose. In monarchies, forms and ceremonies are encouraged, and holding office by hereditary right, has followed, till discomfiture and disgrace have demanded their abolition. Mystery and intri- casy are hostile to the genius of our institutions, and to the principle that man is capable of .self-government. We do not think that the establishment of an aristocracy, whether lorn or educated to office, would be consistent with the principles of equality on which the institutions of this country are founded, or agreeable to the feelings of our People. Whilst the Press is free whilst freedom of discussion exists, and so long as frequent elections enable the People to cancel the errors of their I X T R O D U C T I O S . servants, the best schoolmasters for statesmen, are the People, especially as the lessons they teach are generally remembered. Professional place-seekers, office-holders, and family influences are the bane of good governments. These precedents of the monarchies of the old world sustaining such classes, should not be encouraged here. The simple form of our government enables men of plain education to fill many departments in a creditable manner, and some of our best officers have been more distinguished for plain, practical sense, than for attainments in belles-lettres. This principle has been so long recognized in our legisla tive departments, that it would be superfluous to refer to it. The general diffusion of education, the quick and clear percep tive faculties of our people, and the great and varied business occupations which employ them throughout the length and breadth of our country, qualify them for the enactment and administration of all laws necessary for the protection and secu rity of life and property, and the enjoyment of happiness. The same rule has always applied to Executive Officers. The position and character of many of the greatest and most illustrious of our public men justify the remarks we have made. There was no particular education that fitted Washington for the post ho occupied. He was a county surveyor. It was not scientific training that produced our Franklin. He was a printer. It was not a collegiate education, nor was it any superior attainments in fashionable literature, that qualified our Jackson for the high position he occupied in our country. Poetry and the fine arts 18 INTRODUCTION. occupied less of their time than more utilitarian studies. These men were more practical than scientific or scholastic. They drew inspiration from the scenes around them, and the high character of their minds enabled them to work out a brilliant career for the benefit of their country. In legal lore in the wiles of diplomacy, and the arts and intrigues of the politician and the professional courtier and place-seeker, they did not pretend to excel. Their judgments were controlled by the dictates of practical good sense, and devotion to the interests and honor of their country. In their early manhood they gave practical examples of their ability to direct great and varied business affairs, embracing the interests of individuals and nations, The call of the American People upon George Law is, because he has exhibited the same qualities, and it is the natural result of the character of our people and the form of our Government. If he had held a cabinet office, occupied a seat in either House of Congress been the Governor of a State, or been a general in the Army little surprise would have been excited among political men.. The people have a right to the services of every citizen ; jwid if they can find in the private walks of life, a man who has shown the proper characteristics, who shall dispute their right to elect him ? We deny that any class of men have special " claims " to the Presidency. That high post is the free gift of the American People, bestowed upon their choice; and for any citizen to arrogate to himself superior pretensions to it over any other, is presumptuous, and of itself evidence of the unfitness of the claimant. But, the selection of a private citi- INTRODUCTION. 19 J J zen, fresh from the People, and independent of political intrigues and arrangements, is regarded by placemen and professional politicians, as a spectacle calculated to excite wonder. They stared and ejaculated in like manner when Jackson was first announced by the People, in defiance of their intrigues to perpetuate their own power. In placing George Law in the Presidential chair, it is but transferring him to a larger field of action. He has proved him self capable in the post of honor," sometimes " the private station/ 7 and, as a citizen, in a sphere of business, equal, in its demand for sound judgment and administrative talents, to the highest executive position in the country. He has regulated with eminent success the great and varied interests under his control. He has had the management of more steamships than have, at any time, belonged to the United States ; surpassing the government in the speed of his vessels, the efficiency of their equipments and the economy of their expenses. He has dis played great practical knowledge as to the duties of the station, and we ask, therefore, why should not George Law be trans ferred and promoted by the People to this great Executive Trust ? In what way can his great talents, his thorough, knowledge of men, his ability to wield the resources of the nation, and his professional information on all subjects connected with the great interests of the people, be so usefully applied for the benefit of our Country ? Is there auy citizen within the bonndaries of the Confede- 20 I N T RODUCTION. racy who caii present so interesting a record of his life, as an example to the Youth of our Country, and as a guarantee to us that he will discharge faithfully, and with ability, the duties we may impose upon him ? George Law does not aspire to the Presidency j his friends do not seek to place him there from any mean or mercenary motive. No desire to possess or exercise power for personal or ignoble purposes moves him or them. He is prompted by patriotism and a noble ambition to apply the great resources and experience of his own mind to promote the glory and pros perity of his country, and to transmit an example to posterity worthy of imitation. George Law is a man of progress. All the efforts of his mind have been directed to making improvements in the arts and sciences, and applying them to the practical affairs of life. For this end he travelled through Europe, made experiments in machinery, studied mathematics and engineering, and learned the uses of steam, electricity, and other powers in the mechanic arts. The result is, that he possesses a fund of information on these subjects, which he readily imparts to any one who seeks information from him. It cannot have escaped notice, that most of the profes sional politicians and office-holders of our country, are behind the spirit of the age, and the genius of the American People. This should be remedied, and can only be done by placing the control of our affairs in the hands of more efficient agents. George Law will bring the executive branch of the government INTRODUCTION. 21 up to his own standard. He will require every man to do his duty, and will enforce the same system of economy in public affairs, that he has heretofore exercised in his own transactions. George Law regards a strict observance of the laws and treaties of the country as essential to its good character and permanent success. In all his career, there is no incident or event that will lead a careful observer to any other conclusion. He is essentially and eminently a law-abiding man. We say this here, as misrepresentations have been made to the con trary, because of his manly and independent conduct when the minions of the Spanish Crown attempted to outrage the rights of an American citizen, and to dishonor his country s flag. He regards the compacts and compromises of the Con stitution as the sacred legacies of our forefathers, to be guarded and preserved by all good citizens, and as the palladium of our glorious Union. George Law has retired from the a,ctive private business in which he has been engaged, and his mind is now directed to public matters and to the amenities of life. In his home, in the domestic relations, there is a happy blending of all the characteristics of a good citizen the affec tionate husband, the kind father and the faithful friend. His habits of industry and study, and the moral teachings of his mother have gathered and clustered about his hearth all the social and domestic virtues. Temperate in all things, and benevolent to a fault, he is loved and respected by all who know him. INTRODUCTION. 2S A beautiful and touching testimonial of the estimation in which George Law is held by his neighbors and friends, many of whom rank among the first mechanics, merchants, scholars, and citi zens of New York, may be found in the account of the compli mentary dinner given to him, and which is printed in this pamphlet. It is one of those rare occurrences which prove conclusively the high position and exalted worth of its recipient. At this gathering, sentiments and speeches were uttered that ought to gratify the ambition or vanity of any man. We find among those conspicuous at the festival men who have dis tinguished themselves in the various walks of private and public life all these joined in one paean of applause and admiration for his character, and the achievements that had marked the semi-public services of their distinguished guest. This homage, thus expressed, is the strongest testimonial of the kind this community has ever given, in honor of any of her heroes, statesmen, or other citizens. We have but slightly glanced at the character and history of George Law, but we think we have said enough to attract public attention, and make them desire to learn the particulars of his eventful and useful life. Starting out from a farm at an early age, with no more advantages than the poor boys of our country generally possess, he has steadily followed the path of industry and enterprise, until, under the age of fifty, he can present a record that stands out proudly before his countrymen, and has so far been appre ciated by them, that in the midst of conflicting party strife, he INTRODUCTION 23 has been designated by a great State as the "coming man" who is to serve his country in her highest office. We present to the Youth of America an example, in tho history and career of the farmer s boy, worthy of all imitation. To the statesmen and sages of our country, a bright embodi ment of the practical workings of our institutions. We are confident that the hopes and anticipations which these pages are calculated and intended to inspire, will be realized in the forthcoming Biography of George Law. (JVow thA 2few Orleans Delia.) OUR WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENCE. WASHINGTON, April 19, 1856. WHAT THEY THINK OP GEORGE LAW AT WASHINGTON ADMINISTRATION INTRIGUES SPANISH AFFAIRS. The rumors respecting the attitude of the administration towards Cuba change like the kaleidoscope every day, leaving us in a great state of uncertainty. The utmost excitement and feeling now exist, in relation to George Law, at the seat of government, and especially among the depart ments and officials of government, who cannot comprehend the enigma of a President being taken from the ranks of the people instead of the politicians. At first it was treated as a joke or malicious hoax of the Herald ; but as the character of George Law begins to be developed, his great administrative talents understood, and his chances brightening with every defeat and discomfiture of the administration, the excitement increases with the increasing chance of his election. Happy would it be for the future weal of this country, if George Law would succeed Franklin Pierce as President of the United States. The grossest misrepresentations prevail through ignorance or malevolence in relation to Mr. Law, his family, education, and character. He is represented by some to be a foreigner. Now, his father was an old and respectable farmer in Wash ington county, New York, and gave his eldest son, Joseph, a collegiate education. Joseph graduated at Union College with high honors, and was a law partner of the Hon. Dudley Selden, of New York. George had a good sound English education, and has improved his truly great powers of mind since, by reading and study. He is a good historian, a logical reasoner, and looks with a practical eye into everything mankind, books, and business. As to his character, he is eminently a moral man, strictly orthodox in American views, feelings and principles, and would bring to the discharge of the executive duties a mind vast and comprehensive, in its full vigor and expansion. \Frotn tte N&JD York Herald Jwie 2, 186ft.] BRIEF BIOGRAPHY OP GEORGE LAW, OF NEW YORK, THE PENNSYLVANIA -LIVE OAK CANDIDATE FOR THE PRESIDENCY. PREFACE. THE idea is a startling one, that a laborer a mechanic, who commenced his career by laying brick for one dollar a day should be nominated by a great party as a candidate for the office of Chief Magistrate of the United States. Such is the fact. George Law has already been placed in nomination by the American party, in the Legislature of Pennsylvania ; and this premonitory nomination will probably be confirmed by the American National Council. Yes, it shocks the prejudices of many good citizens, who have heretofore believed that a man who was fit to be elected Chief Magistrate must have served an apprenticeship in doing mur ders on a battle-field, or doing roguery in a law-office. As the name of George Law has already been heard in this high connection, in every village, town and city in each State, 2 26 SKETCH OF EVENTS IN North, South, East and West, the people are anxious for infor mation in this matter. They want to knew what manner of man this George Law is, who is so widely spoken of for the next Presidency. His opponents do not leelieve that a laborer a bricklayer a mechanic a merchant a man of practical genius has any antecedents that betoken great administrative talent. Let facts tell the story ; and let the readers of the following simple history bear in mind the old adage, that "he who attends most faithfully to his own business, is most likely to be faithful when the interests of others are confided to his care." GEORGE LAW was born in the town of Jackson, Washington county, State of New York, on the 25th of October, 1806. His father, John Law, was a farmer, and owned about one hun dred acres of land at the time George was born. George had two brothers and two sisters. He was the youngest of the three boys. These children are all dead except George and the youngest sister, who is married, and resides at and owns the old homestead. George left home in 1824, when he was eighteen years old. Up to that period he remained upon the farm of his father, doing "chores," attending to the cattle, and in the winter months he attended school. His father s farm was gradually increasing, and before George left home numbered nearly five hundred acres. He had a fine stock of cattle, and kept the largest dairy in that section. His neighbors from this fact gave him the name of " Butter John." The farm of George s father was on the road to Troy. In fact, the Troy road ran between the house and the barn. Hi? grandfather, Robert Law, resided about a quarter of a milo up THE LIES OF GEORGE LAW. 27 the road. He died in 1809. The father of George died in 1853. George had an uncle named .Robert, who took the grandfather s homestead when he died. Upon the farm of his father John was George raised until he was eighteen years old. John Law was an active, energetic, go-ahead farmer. His whole soul was engrossed with the farm. The house was an old-fashioned country farm-house, built of plank. The roof extended down, and covered the stoop. On one side of the entrance was the " buttery," on the other a sleeping-room. It had an old-fashioned kitchen, with the usual monster fire-place of those days. Close by the door was a well of pure water, with " the old pole and bucket." The farm crossed the road. On one side it extended in meadow to the Battenkill river, and on the other, ran back on the pine plain to the hills, which were covered with timber. George was about six years old when war was declared between England and the United States. It was evening, and he was lying in an old-fashioned cradle in a corner of the kitchen, when his Uncle Robert came in and told the news ; and he lay and listened to the conversation which it called forth, and the forebodings of invasion of their neighborhood from Canada, which it occasioned. From that time he became a reader of the newspapers. Not long after this, he went up on the hill into an orchard to gather some fruit with his mother. It was Sunday. The day was clear, not a cloud in the sky, when they heard what sounded like distant thunder. George placed his ear to the ground, and distinctly heard the low booming of artillery. " Our folks are whipping the British on the lake, mother," said George, and so it proved, for the next day the news came of Commodore McD enough s victory on Lake Champlain. A few days after, the prisoners were brought down on their way to Albany. They were to pass within a mile of the homestead. George 8 SKETCH OF EVEIN TS IN asked his father and mother to lot him go and see them. " l> r o," was their decided reply ; but this opportunity was not to be missed, and, for the first time, George became disobedient, and. put across the fields, bare-headed, to the other road. Soon after they came along, and he counted 300 prisoners and sixty guards. At first he was shy of approaching them ; but when the party halted, a few minutes after, to get their dinner, and he saw that they were a laughing, pleasant set of fellows, he made bold to get over the fence and show himself. They began talking with him in a very friendly way, and finally coaxed him to dinner. One of them told him that he would make a good soldier when he got older. Just at this interesting moment, the father of George made his appearance to catch him, and master George expected a whipping ; but the old farmer became inter ested in the conversation and the accounts of the battle, and the result was that George did not get even a scolding from his father. As soon as George was able to read, the first book which fell into his hands (for his father possessed very few books), was a CO PZ f tne ltf an d poems of Burns. This he learned by heart, and it gave him a taste for book reading. He had no time to read except evenings ; and when he was sent to bed he would fix a candle at the head of his bed and read while the candle lasted. In this manner he read the Life of Washington, Cook f Voyages, Carver s Travels, Plutarch s Lives, Josephus Works, and Hume and Smollett s History of England, before he was 12 years old. On Sundays he was not allowed to read any such books, and on that day his good mother made him read the Bible with Scott s Commentaries ; and this course was followed for many years, until he left home, and could repeat the Bible from "the beginning to the end." During the early period of his history, he rose with the sun a habit never left off in after years, Another favorite book at that time with him, was the TUT ] LIFE OF OEOMG3 LAW. 29 Life of William Kay, which gave a history of a youth who left his father s farm and. went off to seek his fortune iu the great world. This and other books of travels settled the future- destiny of George, and decided his mind to leave the farm upon the first occasion that offered . When George reached the age of 17, he began to be tired of farm work, arid was exceedingly anxious to leave home, aud do something for himself. There was plenty to do on the farm, and his father opposed the plan. From the time George was 12 years old, his mind was occupied with plans of building. He would get a company of boys together and build small dams or miniature bridges, and he was constantly among mechanics, when he could get a chance, to watch what they did, and then try if lie could not do it better. This caused his mother to remark, " You will never be a farmer, George." In 1824 there was a great excitement about the Erie canal in that section. This gave a new direction to the thoughts of George. He then said to his father that he was going away from home. The old man told him that he had better not do so ; that he would regret it ; that he did not know what it was to be away from home. At that time George had no money to put his plan of leaving home into effect. He had nothing in the world but the clothes he wore. He hired out that summer to his uncle, and earned $40. With this capital he started for Troy. When quite a lad he had accompanied his father to the same place, and it was the only time he had been away from home. He was then eight years old. His father was after plaster ; but young George left him in the wagon, and made his way to a nail factory, and became deeply interested in the first manufacturing he had ever seen. On his second visit to Troy, in the winter of 1824, he hired himself as a day laborer, at $1 per day. His duty was to 30 SKETCH OF EVENTS IN attend on the stone-masons. The name of his employer was Warner ; he worked for him thirty-three days and earned $33. In the following summer he went to Hoosic, in the employ of Mr. Gait, who had a contract to build a house. His object was to commence and learn everything, from bricklaying to stone-cutting, arid he knew that with Mr. Gait lie would have every chance. He worked for him all that season, laying brick, cutting stone and learning the mason s trade. When the fall came, Mr. Gait could not pay his workmen. George lost all he had earned, and was obliged to leave, owing his board bill. He told Mr. Noel, to whom he owed this board bill, how he was situated, but that as soon as he was able he Would send him what he owed. Noel said there was time enough, and George then footed it back to Troy twenty-two miles and hired out to lay brick until the weather became cold, when he received his pay, and at once started for Hoosic Four Corners, where he paid Mr. Noel his board bill. Noel was surprised, and told George he never expected to get it, as none of Gait s workmen got paid. When George -got out of debt, he found he had gained his first lesson in trusting. To pay this money, though it left George Law nothing, he walked twenty-two miles and back making forty-four miles in one day . He spent that winter in Troy ; sold an old silver watch which he had purchased in the summer, and with the proceeds bought a few school books, and studied them without a" teacher. These books were few in number, but very important at that period of George s life. They consisted of Daboll s Arithmetic, Morse s Geography and Atlas, Walker s Dictionary, and a work entitled Bookkeeping by Single Entry. These books were learned "by heart/ and, strange as it may seem, in after years, when the operations of George covered millions, he never varied from the rules of his silent instructor. His books were always kept by single entry, and upon a certain occasion, when THE LIFE OF GEORGE LAW. 31 the head of a company with millions of capital, of which George was chief owner, was explaining the advantages of the system of "double entry," "Pali," said George "had I fooled with such a system I should have spent a fortune in clerk hire, and been penniless myself/ 7 He devoted his whole mind to his books all this winter. That spring (1826) he went to work again laying brick, and earned 14s. a day. That May he paid his parents a visit at Jackson, and soon after went to Kingston, Ulster county, New York, to work on the Delaware and Hudson canal. Mr. Murdock, who had been superintendent for Mr. Gait the year previous, wrote to him at Troy to come to Ulster, where he would find work ; at Ulster, George went into the employ of Olliger & Hasbrouck, and commenced building a lock for them. He was ignorant, but Mr. Murdock, who was superintendent of the work, showed him how to do it, and his wages were $2 25 per clay. He completed this lock in June, 1826, and then went to the High Falls to finish some locks. Here he superintended the building of a lock for Mr. McGinnis, and received twenty shillings per day. This he completed in August of the same year. He then engaged to build two locks under Murdock, which occupied him three months, for two brothers named Dubois. In November he made his second visit home to Wash ington county. He had saved one hundred and fifty dollars. George had now accumulated a lot of small books which he could easily carry, and to which he devoted every leisure moment ; and in addition to those he had procured at Troy, and which to him were " standard " works, he had Shakespere in several pocket volumes, Goldsmith s works, Letters and Life, Pope s Homer, and eight volumes of Byron s works. This year he was twenty years old ; and then he started fo Pennsylvania \uth his pocket library. That State was jus. commencing its great work George could now cut stone, lay 32 SKETCH OF EVENTS IN brick, or do any work of that sort as well as any one, and understood building locks, bridges, &c. He saw contractors get work, and then get men to carry it out ; and he said to himself, " If such men can make money, why can t I, who attend to the worK myself? These men do not oversee their work." With such views he left home for the city of New York, his destination being the new public works in Pennsylvania. He came down the North river in the old Chief Justice Marshall, and landed at the foot of Liberty street,. not knowing a soul in the city. He remained in New York three days, during which time he strolled about the city, looking at what was to be seen. He also visited Brooklyn. From New York he went to New Brunswick, and across to the Delaware river by stage to Phila delphia. The trip took one day, and its rapidity was a subject of conversation among the passengers. He remained in Phila delphia three days, then went to Pleading, thence to Harrisburg, and from there to York Mountains, where he commenced getting out stone, and blocking it into shape for locks, at so much a foot. When the weather got cold, he went to work building a heavy wall, nine miles above Harrisburg. George then hired out to a man to go to Port Deposit to get out stone to be sent to the Dismal Swamp canal in North Carolina and Yirginia. This was in the month of February, 1827. He went on foot from Harrisburg, fifty miles, to Port Deposit. He could not afford to go by stage ; it would have cost too much. He got the stone ready and all shipped but one load to Norfolk. He then went up to Marietta on foot, and came down on an ark for the purpose of seeing the Susque- hanna river, and how that business was conducted. The pilot s name was BaVney Brown. He landed from the ark on the west or York side of the river, and walked until twelve o clock at night to Port Deposit, and embarked in a sloop carrying the last load of stone to Norfolk. This was George s first sea THE LIFE OF GEORGE LAW. 33 voyage. From Norfolk lie walked to the place of work on the bank of the canal. The water was red, being juniper water. There was no settlement save six or seven shanty groceries. Here he boarded at a place with six other men ; they had a negro woman for a cook. His work was to finish up stone for the canal lock. It became very unhealthy, and in June (1827), he returned to Norfolk, and from thence in a sailing packet to New York. During the above trip he had with him all the books whicn he had accumulated, except " Morse s Atlas/ which he could - not conveniently carry. George now commenced work on the Morris canal, for Hop kins & Fairbanks, at Mountville, and worked until November, when cold weather commenced. During this time, hearing that his brother Samuel had been taken with paralysis, he made a visit home. In November he heard that the health of his mother was failing ; he went home and remained until she died. He was then 21 years old. In the spring of 1828 George went back to Mountvillc?, in Jersey, where there was an acqueduct to build, and also an inclined plane. Here he worked until June. He met with trouble in getting his payments from the company, and left, reaching New York city about July. Here he had a proposi tion made to him to take work on the Harlem Canal, which was to connect the Hudson and East rivers. He regarded the whole concern as nonsensical, and would not continue to work upon it, and concluded to go back to Pennsylvania, to the lower division of the Lehigh Canal, three miles from Easton. He now became superintendent for Mr. Cady, a man about sixty years old, a good mechanic, who had worked on the Erie Canal. This Mr. Cady used to take the world easy. He would get under a shed out of the sun, and watch the operations of his su perintendent and the men. On one occasion he called to George o* 34 SKETCH OF EVENTS IN to corne to him. " George," said he, " you are a great fool to work for me as you do." " How so ?" inquired George. " Why, I- used to work and superintend myself, until I made a name. Now I am living on that and my reputation, while you in reality do all the work. You should make contracts yourself, and work under nobody. You are more capable of doing it than I am." George remained with Mr. Cady till the fall of 1828, making dams, locks, &c., and superintending the masonry work. During this period he had increased his library to fifty volumes, and had purchased several works on drawing, which he carefully studied at every leisure moment. While working for Cady, he was taken sick with fever ami- ague, and went home to Jackson, X. Y. He was sick all that winter, and boarded at a tavern. He never remained at the homestead when he visited his native place. He had too much pride to allow any of the neighbors to say that he sponged on his parents. When spring came, he was out of money, and owed a tavern bill for board. This was in 1829. He then pro cured a horse on credit, and rode to Troy, thence to Athens, in Orange cqjinty, to New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and went to work again for the same company, in the employ of Mr. Cady. He got through that job in June (1829), and then went on the, Delaware division, ten miles from Easton, and superintended locks and an acqueduct. Then he took work of a Mr. Otis and built a lock and small acqueduct. He finished this in the fall. This was his first sub-contract. It was in 1829, and George was twenty-three years old. George had poor health this summer. His old friend the ague kept him company. He went to Easton, and spent the winter of 1829 and 30. That fall the Morris canal had let- tings, and George put in a bid for the inclined plane. H? tra- THS LIFE OK G.EOUGE LAW. 35 veiled over the canal from Eastou to Aiidover, and made his estimates. His bid was accepted with Otis & Carmichael, but in the winter of 1829 George sold out his interest for $200. That winter he made .a contract with Otis, and in the spring of 1830, commenced at Gallus Run, taking down acqueducts and building locks. This occupied him until August, 1830. Up to this period George not only kept the accounts and superintended, but worked regularly himself. In the fall of 1830 he went home, and thus he had done every year ; but this time he was worth money. He had accumulated a capital of $2,850, and on the strength of it he visited Marquand, the great jeweller, in Broadway, at that time, and invested $300 in a good solid gold watch, which George wears to this day. After his visit home he returned to Easton, where he was seized with the pleurisy, and came very near dying. Here he was attended by Dr. Swift. In the spring of 1831 George attended the lettings of the Juniata division, at Williamsburg, of the Portage railroad over the Alleghany Mountains ; also on the Columbia railroad, west and north branch, Williamsburg, and the Pennsylvania canal. To complete all these lettings occupied him until July of this year, when he returned to Easton. He then went to work at Williamsburg, on the Juniata division, about twelve miles from Huntingdon. He was building dams, bridges and locks, and had a chill every day. For the first time he became owner of a horse arid wagon, which he bought at Easton. This was the first contract from " first hands" he had ever had alone. All previous were sub-contracts, or with others interested. This work lasted until the fall of 1832, about eighteen months. He then got his brother Sam to come out and visit him for his health. In December, 1832, he had great difficulty on the Del aware division a break out of the river into the canal to remedy which he built stop-gates. In February, 1833, George went to Philadelphia and married a lady to whom he had become 36 SKETCH OF EVENTS IN attached in 1830. The summer of 1833 was spent in fulfilling a contract made at Easton to build a " weigh-lock," capable of weighing a boat of 100 tons, at the head of the Delaware division, and for the Lehigh boats. In the fall he returned home, as usual, to see the folks. Shortly after his return to Easton, his brother Samuel died ; previous to which, the father of George had paid his sick son a visit, and then savf Mrs. Law for the first time. At the time George married, his library had increased to one hundred choice volumes, and they were well read and studied, for George bought no book to lie idle on the shelf. In the year 1834, George took a journey to the Western country. He started with some idea of settling at Chicago ; but when he reached that new town, he found too much fever and ague in the region to suit his purpose, and returned home aud employed this summer in doing nothing. Up to this period George had labored to obtain money enough to live without labor. He had achieved his object, but ascertained, from a few months idleness, that it was a miserable life to lead, so he returned to Easton, and commenced building a bridge over the Lehigh. He had become an expert draftsman, and drew all of his working plans, and understood engineering in all its details. He did a large amount of work on the upper division of the Lehigh canal, between Mauch Chunk and White Haven. He was engaged in constructing for the Lehigh Company. From the summer of 1835 to that of 1836, George carried on public works at Easton. During this time he had rented a house for himself at Easton, and moved his family into it. In August, 183T, George came to the citj of New York. His brother Joseph resided there, and had correspouu,?^ w ^ him in reference to a contract for the Croton water works, George had watched the progress of this great work for several years, and in 183the bid for three jobs, and got two of them, THE LIFE OF GEORGE LAW. 37 above Tarrytown. He had two sections iu Sleepy Hollow, made famous by the pen of Washington Irving. When this work was allotted to him, he selected a site for the necessary buildings, and then returned to Philadelphia for his family. He had taken them from Easton to Philadelphia, and left them there while he came on to New York. During this time his children, Josephine and Mary Alice, had the scarlet fever, of which Mary Alice died. He removed his family to Tarrytown in December, 1837, and then commenced the work on the Croton. ;: . When he removed from Pennsylvania to New York his library had increased to three hundred volumes, and his leisure moments had a bountiful supply of the most valuable reading matter. In the fall of 1839, his brother Joseph, who had spent the previous winter in Cuba for the benefit of his health, died of consumption at the house of his brother George. About this time, George made a bid for the High Bridge, and was success ful. He hurried home to attend his brother, who died ten days after. The same fall, George was attacked with a disease of the throat. He had been attending to both of the great public works, and was constantly exposed to the night air. He lost his voice, could not get sleep, and his business occupation became burthensome ; the doctors gave him no relief, and he told his wife that he was sure of one thing that unless he gave up business for a time he must die. He decided to go to Europe, and in August, 1840, sailed for Liverpool in the packet ship Independence. George landed at Liverpool, and visited at once the manufac turing places. Thence to the Grand Leamington Springs, Kenilworth, Stafford and other towns, and then to. London. He crossed to Paris ; Louis Napoleon was then on trial. He was in Paris in December, 1840, when the body of Napoleon 38 SKETCH OF EVENTS IN the Grand was brought there. He remained in Paris some days, in order to witness the great display. From Paris he went to Lyons by diligence. There were three French deputies in the vehicle, but as they spoke no English, and George did not understand French, they could only manage to eat and drink together. From Lyons he went to Marseilles, from Marseilles to Genoa, Leghorn, Civita Vecchio and Rome. In the Holy City he remain ed six weeks, and from thence went to Naples. From Naples he returned to Marseilles, Paris, Havre, to Southampton and to London. From London he went to Antwerp and Brussels, and visited the field of Waterloo, and back again to London. In May, 1841, he left for home in the steamship Caledonia, via Halifax and Boston. It was at the time the President was supposed to be lost, and his friends advised him not to go home in a steamer ; but he was anxious to see the workings at sea of a steamer. He had made up his mind to build steamers, and believed that the shortening of time of passage proportionally lessened the danger. During his absence abroad for his health, he examined all the principal works, especially bridges and aqueducts, but he found that he could obtain no new idea to apply to the High Bridge which he was constructing. He ascertained that we Americans were ahead of anything abroad in the machinery way, and in the adaptation of implements to accomplish work. Soon after his return from Europe, he paid a visit home. It was on the occasion of this visit that a little incident occurred, which must have gratified the feelings of George very greatly. As has been said before, John Law, the father, was an energe tic, active farmer. His whole soul was engaged in that pursuit ; he had purchased tract after tract of adjoining lands, until he owned 500 acres. But to do this, he had got in debt THE LIFE OF GEORGE LAW. 3.9 by notes and mortgages. When George went home on this visit, he said to his father, " Tell me the amount of all that you owe in any shape or way." The father did so, and before George returned back to the city, all his father s liabilities were cleared up, and the old gentleman had no more worry. He died as late as 1853, at the age of 86. While in Europe, George visited no place without buying all the books relating to the place or objects of interest which he visited, and brought them home with him for future reference. In June, 1841, George removed his family from Tarry town to New York city, and that summer he closed up the work on the Croton at Tarrytown. He took a house in Hammond street, where he resided two years. He also removed the house which, he had occupied at Tarrytown, to the end of the Harlem Bridge, where it still stands ; and in the summer he resided there until the final completion of the High Bridge. He found a great benefit from having his house where his work was to be done. In addition to his other books, George had at various times accumulated a large quantity of law books, especially those of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York States in which he was performing work and made himself familiar with their con tents, especially in cases bearing upon his own interest and contracts ; and in this way gained a legal knowledge of a higher order than is usually possessed by those gentlemen who sport a tin sign, and sometimes occupy seats in Congress or higher places. The last part of the year 1841 was devoted mainly to the closing up of the work .at Tarrytown, and continuing on with the High Bridge, The contract was made by George in parts, not as a whole so much for the coffer dam, cutting the rock to such a depth; so much for stone arches, parapets, walls, coping ; in fact, there were about forty different items. The large sum 40 SKETCH OF EVENTS IN which it is supposed George has made by erecting this splendid bridge, which has no rival in the world, was realized by the im provements he made. He introduced steam the pumping was done by steam, piles drove, stone raised, &c. The old mode would have ruined him, or any other contractor; and when the bridge was completed in 1849, George had gained so much practical experience that he could have gone to work again and performed the same work at one quarter less than it actually had cost him. The year 1842 was a witness of more extended operations on the part of George. This year he became interested in the Dry Dock Bank; and it will not be out of place here, to give a succinct narration of George s connection with this institution. Previous to George s embarking for Europe he had purchased one hundred and sixteen shares in this bank, as a good invest ment. There was a company chartered for the purpose of con structing a Marine Railway in 1825, with a capital of seven hundred thousand dollars, with banking privileges. _ It was the, first marine railway ever constructed in the city. The company pur chased a large quantity of land in the vicinity of the railway, and in this purchase of land, and in the construction of the rail way, they expended a large amount of their capital to such an extent that it could not pay dividends on its original capital, and it was therefore reduced to $420,000, and the shares to $30. The Dry Dock charter was perpetual. The concern was a suc cessful one, and the stock, which was $30 per share, got above par. In 1835 and 1836 the Dry Dock Company lost a large amount of money by bad debts, and it was obliged to mortgage the real estate. It loaned money from the American Life and Trust Company of Baltimore. All this was long before George had anything to do with the Dry Dock Company. In June, 1842, this loan became due. George was then one of the direc tors, and began to look out for ways and means to meet these loans. The bank had no money. The directors went to see Mr THE LIFE OF GEORGE LAW. 41 Duer and Morris Robinson, to try and make arrangements to meet the indebtedness of the bank with its real estate. Mr. Stebbins, the president of the bank, by order of the directors, offered to pay, in real estate, at a valuation, the whole amount of indebtedness. The offer was refused and treated with contempt. These foreign agencies then endeavored to ruin the institution, by placarding notices forbidding tenants and debtors to* the Dry Dock Company to pay in theirindebtedness, stating that the property had changed hands and in every way possible endeavored to discredit the Dry Dock Company, in hopes that the stock would go so low that the foreign agents would get it into their own hands, to the utter ruin of the legitimate friends of the bank. They hoped to force a sale of the real estate, so that they could buy it at a ruinous sacrifice to the bank and its stockholders. The Dry Dock Com pany applied to the Court of Chancery to restrain by injunction the parties from such proceedings, and in doing so set out the whole transaction from the commencement, and in reply an injunc tion was issued restraining such proceedings. In the answer of these foreign agents, (for most of the stock of the Baltimore Trust Company was owned in England), they brought the Dry Dock Bank into court. A -long litigation followed. The Mor risons, of London, applied as a party holding 47,000, and they were admitted by the court. These persons then started a scheme to purchase a majority of the stock, and get new direc tors. George suspected this, and at once went to work and bought a majority of the $420,000 stock himself. The election same on, and the old directors were elected. The parties then sent to George, and offered to buy all his stock at 60 per cent. His reply was, "No; buy all the stock give notice to all the stockholders, and buy their stock, and I will sell mine." They di clined, and said they could not afford it. George clearly saw that a fraud was intended by their offering to buy him out, and t) at they would have then sacrificed the balance of the st<v*k- 42 SKETCH OF EVENTS IN holders. The directors then offered to pay 75 per cent on the debt of $240,000. This was more in value than the bank had received. This offer was refused. The bank then told them that they should only get what the law allowed; and so it went into court. The court unanimously decided against them, and the bonds were ordered 4o be cancelled. The bank afterwards paid the balance of the bonds of those who had not come into the prosecution, with interest, although not obliged by law to pay a cent. Since that time George has remained the largest stockholder in the Dry Dock Company, and the stock has been and is increasing in value. It gives aid to mechanics almost exclusively, and is a valuable institution in this regard alone. The fact that George is the largest stockholder is a guarantee of its" prosperity. But to return to the period of 1842, from which we have digressed. It was in this year that George went into the Harlem Rail road stock. This road was supposed to be ruined and the stock worthless. Its original capital was two millions. It was selling at five per cent. George made up his mind that with proper management it would be worth half fifty per cent, or one mil lion. Although it was swamped in debts, not paying its expenses, he went to work and bought all it required, and paid cash. He extended its indebtedness for three, five and six years, and made all its debts good. He bought the iron to extend it from Wil liams Bridge to White Plains. He bought engines, and cancelled 2,000 shares which had been pledged for $9,000. Under such management as that of George, the stock went from 6 to 75 per cent. Thousands upon thousands had been squandered foolishly upon the best road in the city. He wished to carry it to Albany. But for George this road would have been sold and become a total loss, and thousands would have been sufferers among all classes. In the year 1 843 George bought the Neptune to make exp<?- THE LIFE OF GEORGE LAW. 43 riments with. He bad always had an inclination to build ocean steamers, and during his trip to Europe he seized upon every opportunity to acquire information in regard to steamship building. In addition to these experiments, he was engaged on the Harlem, the High Bridge and the Dry Dock property, and this year he took in hand the Mohawk Railroad. This road was in a wretched way, and the stockholders and others induced George to under take to make it worth something see what could be done. It was a road from Schenectady to Albany, with an inclined plane at each end. The capital was one million and a half, and the stock was worth 27 per cent only when George bought into it, and commenced work. "Do what you please, George, with it, as long as you don t ask money from the company," said the directors. It owed over $200,000 in floating debt. George did uway with the inclined planes, carried it around the hills, con nected it with the Utica road, stocked the cars, and when he left it the stock was worth 75 per cent. He reduced the expenses from $80,000 to $30,000. The stock has since gone up to, and even over par, arid now pays a good 7 per cent interest. In addition to these works, in the fall of 1844 George com menced the Oregon, the first steamer he ever built. She was launched in the spring of 1845, and ran that fall. He sold her in 1847. In 1846 George was still engaged on the bridge, and running the Neptune and Oregon, and had increased his library and his reading knowledge several thousand volumes. We now come to the year 1847, memorable for the com mencement of the preparations which ended in his building or buying sixteen ocean steamers. We have reached a period when the greatest event of this century occurred the opening of the rich treasures of California to the world. We have already spoken of the ambition of George to reach the same perfection in steamships that he had reached in land constructions. In 1847 Col. A. G. Sloo had made a con- 44 SKETCH OF EVICTS IN tract with the United States -government to carry the mails to California via New Orleans and Chagres. He could not com ply with the terms of the contract, as he had not the means to build the steamers. Tliere was but one person who could under take so vast an enterprise, and that one was George. Col. Sloo made his acquaintance, and negotiations were commenced, which ended in George agreeing to build the necessary steamers. George, in making such an arrangement, was actuated by the highest motives of patriotism. He desired that the American people should secure the trade of the North Pacific from the English. The latter Power had secured all the trade of the South Pacific, and but for these steamers of his they would also have had the entire trade of the North Pacific and California . It is impossible to estimate the benefit and advantages which have been secured to the United States by these steamers. He purchased the Falcon, which made her first trip in the fall of 1848. She took the first passengers to Chagres that reached California. The Ohio and Georgia, built by George, commenced running in January, 1849. In 1850 the Pacific Mail Steamship Company started an oppo sition to George s line of steamers between New York and Chagres. George at once placed an opposition line of four steamers on the Pacific, to run from Panama to San Francisco, so as to make a through line from New York and New Orleans via Panama to San Francisco. In January, 1851, George sold out the Pacific line of steamers to the Pacific Mail Steamship Company, and purchased their line on this side, consisting of the Empire City, the Crescent City, Philadelphia, El Dorado, Illinois, and Cherokee. This arrangement was completed April 1, 1851. In the fall of 1852, the Captain General of Cuba issued an order prohibiting the Crescent City or auy other vessel from coming into the harbor of Havana, which should have Mr THE LIFE OF GEO11GE LAW. 45 Smith, the purser of the Crescent City, on board. George refused to submit to it, and appealed to our government at Washington. Instead of replying to the letter of George and liis associates, they endeavored to persuade him to remove Mr. Smith, as the easiest way to settle the difficulty, as they could find many men who would answer for purser as well as Smith. George said that was not the question ; that Mr. Smith was an American, and had a right to the protection of our govern ment ; and that he would not dismiss Smith or any other man, under these circumstances, from on board of his vessels, at the dictation of any foreign government. That it was no reason because Mr. Smith was a poor man, and that any other man could fill his place, that his rights should not be protected. President Fillmore replied to George, that if his steamer was destroyed lie would have no claim for damages. George told Mr. Fillniore that if that was all the protection Americans were to receive from their own government, the sooner they found it out the better for them ; that he was satisfied that there was spirit enough in the American people to protect their own rights. George continued Smith as purser until the Spanish government withdrew their order, although they threatened to p,ink the steamer Crescent City every time she entered Havana. The Spanish authorities said that Purser Smith had furnished information to the American newspapers injurious to the Cuban government. George replied that Smith had done nothing of the kind j- but if it was the fact, he had yet to lean; what right the government of Cuba had to muzzle the American press. In 1849, George made the famous purchase of muskets of the United States government, and it was the only direct transac tion he ever had with the government in any shape whatever. There were 144,000 muskets ordered for public .auction by the government, at certain prices. The muskets did not bring those prices, and George made an offer at private sale, which 46 SKETCH OF EVENTS IN was accepted. These muskets cost the United States govern ment about $12 each. George ordered them altered to percus sion locks, and many to the Minie rifle. This year, 1849, the High Bridge was completed. In the summer of 1851, after the transactions with the Pacific Mail Steamship Company were closed, George took a large interest in the railroad across the Isthmus of Panama. He left STew York the day that he signed the contract for building the steamship George Law, the last steamer he constructed. He left in February, 1852, went to Chagres and Panama, and examined the line of road. The stock was worth 75 when he bought half a million. He went to Aspinwall, located a termi nus, and set men at work building a road, a dock and dep6t for steamers, which was the first dock ever built in that country for commerce between the two oceans. He returned home in April, 1852, after having visited Havana, Porto Bello, San Juan and New Orleans, and examined into the resources of all these places. He sold out his interest in the road in the winter of 1853. In 1852, George went into the Eighth Avenue Railroad. The charter had been granted to some men in the city. They quarrelled, and could not go on with the work. There were but two and a half months to build it in. George advanced $800.000, and built the road in the specified time. It is one of the best roads in the city. It is intended to go to Harlem. In 1853, George purchased the Staten Island ferry for $600,000, and this year also, he purchased property in the Fifth avenue, and built his present residence, and moved into it. In that plain but substantial edifice the fruit of his own labor and industry he resides, surrounded by every comfort, with a library unequalled, including his early friendly volumes ; he philosophizes upon the past, independent in everything, and embodying in America the character of Cincinnatiis, the Roman, THE LIFE OF GEORGE LAW. 47 or Epaniinondas, the Grecian, the ancient heroes of Plutarch. As has been clearly shown in this brief history, George s ante cedents for the Presidency are those of labor. Up to this time, he has not qualified himself for the high office, either by doing murder in battle-fields, or roguery in a law office. In 1854, George sold out all his interest in the sea steamers, and then, intending to visit Europe, he bought the Grapeshot, to be used as a private yacht for himself while abroad. This year he commenced the improved style of fireproof building in the Bowery. In February, 1855, George was nominated by the Pennsyl vania Legislature for the Presidency. And here this Biography will break off for a while, to be filled up as the sun goes round and the grass grows that is, by future events. [From the New York Herald, May 23, 1852.] DINNER TO GEORGE LAW. WHAT THE LEADING POLITICIANS, CLERGYMEN, LAWYERS AND OTHERS THOUGHT OF LIVE OAK GEORGE IN 1852, &C., &C. THE complimentary dinner tendered by a number of our most eminent citizens to George Law, in token of their appre ciation of his great service to American commercial and indus trial interests, came off last evening at the Astor House, and was, beyond question, the most sumptuous and marked feast ever given within the walls of the Astor or any other place, on a similar occasion. Six o clock was the hour appointed for the dinner, but it was a quarter past seven before the company sat down. The dining hall was decorated with flags and tri-color festooning. 8 SKETCH OF liViiXTS IN At the back of the chair was a, model. of the Illinois steam ship, and another of the yacht America, surmounted by the name " George Law/ in large red letters upon a white ground ; and immediately above, the name of " Robert Fulton," in black letters upon a white ground. At the opposite side of the room was the name of " Henry Eckford," also in black letters upon a white ground, with pink border ; and underneath it in immense white letters upon a deep crimson ground, the word " Oregon," and beneath it a beautiful model of the Georgia, George Law s favorite steamship. The tables, with covers for about three hundred persons, presented a magnificent appearance. Messrs. Coieman & Stetson had a carte blanche to provide without limit, whatever could give zest or eclat to the feast, and the fancy of Apicius would have been puzzled to call for a luxury, edible or bibible, that was not ready for his palate. It was a culmination of the glories of the wine cellar, and the cuisine, worthy of the providers and the partakers. Among the splendid confection ery ornaments were a model of the Panama Railroad, and the humble house in which George Law was born. At the head of the table, on the right of the President, Isaac Newton, Esq., sat the guest of the evening, George Law, Esq.; the Hon. W. Tucker, Philadelphia ; J. A. Westervelt, Judge Bosworth, General Sandford, Secretary Morgan, (State of New York ;) G. C. Benedict and Dr. J. R. Wood. On the left of the President, Wm. H. Webb, Hon. J. E. Edsall, ex-Recorder Talmadge, Judge Woodruff, the Minister to New Granada, W. H. Aspinwall, and J. L. Stephens. At the foot of the table, the First Vice President was J. Dimon ; Second Yice Presi dent, H. A. Hurlbut ; Third Yice President, E. F. Purdy. Among the distinguished gentlemen in the body of the room, we noticed John Yan Buren, James Murphy, (Fulton Iron works ;) Hon. John MeKeon, Col. Stebbins, Capt. Yincent, Capt. Stone, Major Sandford, James T. Brady, Alderman THE LIFE OF GEORGE LAW. 49 Tweed, Edwin Crosweil, Col. Delavan, Alderman Smith, Alder man ComptoQ (President of the Board of Aldermen,) Alderman Cornell, Prosper M. Wetmore, Col. Richard M Hoe, ex- Alder man James Kelly, Marshall 0. Roberts, Inaac V. Fowler, Esq., Alderman Brisley, Hon. E. Y. R. Wright, of New Jersey, Assistant Alderman Brown, Alderman Ring, Alderman Doherty, Augustus Conover, Esq., Thomas Farron, engineer, George Sanders, of the Democratic Review, Oliver Charlick, C. A. Dana, T. E. Tomlinson, &c. An assemblage altogether so striking we have seldom before witnessed. It was a concentration of enterprise, talent and intellect, gathered from the pursuits that most distinguish our country and age the merchant, the mechanic, the inventor, the capitalist, the jurist, the man of ideas and types brave, hard- workers all and the scene was profoundly inspiring of noble pride in our city, our country and our race. It was a grand combination of the elements of modern civilization, power and progress. Subjoined from our own notes and the reports of our morning contemporaries, we give such epitome of the proceedings as our space will permit. The speech of the guest of the evening, George Lav/, we have quoted in full. Replete with sound sterling sense, it was received with merited applauser, and will be read with deep interest. The ideas and experiences of the men who pioneer the greatest enterprises of the age, are lessons worthy of study. Mr. Law wasted no words in idle rhetoric. His utterance -was unstudied, compact, weighty ancl to the point like the sledge-hammer blows that shape the cranks and shafts of his matchless steamers. He had an inexhaustible therne, and inexhaustible ideas to develope and illustrate it. But we leave him to the reader. Other speakers, to whom we must more briefly allude, did themselves and the occasion honor. The letters from persons invited but unable to participate in the h },. l r L 3 5CJ SKETCH OF EVENTS Itf dinner, read with good emphasis by Gen. Mather, we publish exclusively. They swell the tribute paid to American enter prise, talent and integrity. Upon the removal of the cloth, the great business of the evening commenced. The President. ISAAC NEWTON, Esq., rose and said : " Time and oft repetition has sanctioned the custom of making appropriate acknowledgments to those engaged in the useful employments and avocations of civilized life. The men who htve excelled in the administration of government in the prac tice of the law in successfully guiding the armed hosts of the nation in the warrior s field, or doomed the foe to ocean s grave -and men successful in the development of the resources of nature and the perfection of mechanics, have, from time to time, been honored by their fellow citizens with public demonstration of their approbation and admiration. Admonished by these time-honored examples, a number of the artizans and mechanics men in commercial and mercantile pursuits in this city hav ing witnessed in one of their fellow citizens that genius in design and energy of purpose in executing, so necessary to the deve lopment of our resources, the perfection of our mechanical arts, and the enlargement of our commerce, at home and abroad, on the land and on the sea, thought it creditable to themselves to make some acknowledgment of their appreciation of his valuable services ; and they have felt that the honor was more especially due to this individual, because his success in the various pur suits and enterprises in which he has been engaged, with like honor to himself and his country, was nnaided by high and collegiate advantages, unsupported by patrimonial wealth, and in the absence of title and privileged progenitors. We have gathered together to honor the man who has honored the occu pation of the farmer in boyhood and youth the laborer and constructor of canals in early manhood the designer and THE LIFE OF GEORGE LAW. 51 builder of our finest bridges and railroads, our fleetest and noUest steamers, before the prime of life has wasted the man who has extended his influence from the small limits of the farmyard over continent and ocean. And while thus honoring industry, perseverance, energy and genius in our guest, we can, with confidence and pride, say to the farmer boy, the appren tice, the sons of the humblest, that in this glorious country the portals of fame and honor, in every pursuit of life, worthy of man s aspiration, are wide open to industry, application and energy" (Applause.) The President concluded by giving the following toast, which was duly honored : " The President of the United States." Music " Hail Columbia." At this stage of the proceedings, a number of ladies were admitted behind the head table, and contributed by their pre sence to add a feature of interest to the proceedings. General MATHER read the following letters of invitation from Washington Hunt, Ambrose C. Kingsland, Daniel S. Dickinson, Samuel Houston (with a sentiment), George Ashmuu, George Briggs, Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, Luther Bradish, Ernanuel B. Hart, M. C. Perry, A. Ingraham, Thomas S. Bocock, James Bishop, and others : From Gen. Cass, U. S. Senator, of Michigan. WASHINGTON, May 18, 1852. g rR; While I thank you for an invitation to the dinner which the friends of Mr. Law propose to give to him on Thursday, as a token of their high appreciation of his enterprise and services, I am compelled to decline, in consequence of the necessity of attending to my duties here. But, though absent, I unite with you in those sentiments which promote this tribute of acknowledgment to one who has done honor to his country by an enlarged spirit of enterprise. I am. Sir, respectfully, your obedient servant LEWIS CASS. To JOHN DIMON, Esq. 52 SKETCH OF Ev KisTS 18 Pnm H. Fish, U. S. Senator, of New York. WASHINGTON, May ISrn, 1853. GEXTLEMEX, I am this day favored with your very polite invitation to attend the dinner proposed to be given ou the 20th inst., by his friends, to George Law, Esq., in token of their appreciation of his energy and talents. I regret that my duties here will put it out of my power to be in New York on the day proposed for your dinner. I shall, therefore, be unable to unite with his friends in the demonstration which they propose to the high mechanical skill and energy exhibited by Mr. Law. With my acknowledgments of your kind remembrance of me, I have the honor to be your very-obedient servant, HAMILTON FISH. To Messrs. DIMON & CHARLICK. From the Hon. T. J. Rusk, Senator from Texas. WASHINGTON, Hay 19, 1852. DEAR Sra, I have just received your note of the 14th inst., inviting me to a dinner to be given to George Law, Esq., at the Astor House, in New York, on the 20th. I regret that it will not be in my power to attend, in consequence of my official engagements here. I am, Sir, very respectfully yours, Tnos. J. RUSK. To Mr. JOHN DIMON, Chairman, &c. wnaiik ,:i-;.-ooU-.y ^^iJldffT^T^.iiii^iil.-.J^^ii^I .0 .[/ ..itwli .<" From Hon. James Brooks, of New York. WASHINGTON, May 19, 1852 Sin, T regret that I have not received in season your note inviting me to a complimentary dinner to George Law, Esq., to reply in a manner suitable to the occasion. If I could leave at this time, it would now be too late ; lut it would have given me pleasure to be with you all, and to express the high appre ciation 1 have of the signal services Mr. Law has rendered his country and the mechanic arts, by his enterprise, energy, and, I may add, intelli gent instinct, as to its needs and wants. Yours, respectfully, JAMES BROOKS. To JOHN DIMON, Chairman, and 0. CHARLICK, Sec. THE LIFE OF GEORGE LAW. 53 - . ..^--i - ! From ike Hon. John C. Mather t of New York. ALBANY, May 18, 1852. GENTLEMEN, I am in receipt of your favor, requesting my presence at a dinner to be given in your city, on Thursday next, to George Law. Esq. It is but lately that enlightened nations huve begun to honor prac tical, efficient genius. In honoring Mr. Law, you but carry out this prin ciple, for he is a living exemplification of what unassisted energy and talent may accomplish in a free land. Our institutions the very spirit of our glorious Constitution, as well as the nature of our country favor the development of individual enterprise. There are no hereditary pri vileges no titled aristocracy to hedge in and destroy the pursuits of industry ; there are no bounds to the scope of labor, and Mr. Law proves to us that there are no bounds to its success. To him are we greatly indebted as a State to him your nourishing metropolis owes no little of its worth and prosperity. Though compelled to dine beyond hearing of your greetings and your toasts, my heart responds to all things that are said and done to honor those who benefit their country. With great respect, I am, yours truly, JOHN C. MATHER. From Frederick Follett, Canal Commissioner. STATS OF NEW YORK CANAL COMMISSION OFFICE, BATAVIA, May 18, 1S52. JOHN DIMON, ESQ., CHAIRMAN. MY DEAR SIR, Your note of the 14th inst., extending to me an invita tion to join the friends of George Law, Esq., in a complimentary dinner to be given at the Astor House, on the 29th inst., only reached me to-day. I regret exceedingly that my official duties are such as to forbid the idea of my being present on the occasion referred to. It always gives me pleasure to do honor to the self-made man of our country, for in doing so we pay the highest possible tribute to the ener getic and noble institutions of our Republic. The character, enterprise, and success of George Law are an instruc tive lesson to mankind, worthy of being held up in bold relief to the young men of our country. Let them pursue and study it, and seek to wreathe their own brows with the laurel that enriches his. Hia is a peaceful fame, but none the less glorious because won upon 54 SKETCH OF EVENTS IN fields unstained by the blood of his fellow-men. I have a high regard for his character, and it would give me infinite satisfaction to contribute, per sonally, my appreciation of it, but for the reasons before stated. I beg of you to tender to the gentlemen present the following sentiment : " The friends of George Law honored in doing honor to such a man." Your obedient servant, FREDERICK FOLLETT. Prom Hon. James W. Bedim an, of New York. STATEN ISLAND, May 20, 1852. DEAR SIR, I received this morning the polite invitation with which, by your kindness, I have been favored, to be present at the dinner to be given this evening to Mr. George Law. Although not able to accept, I am not the less obliged to you for your attention, and fully agree with Mr. Law s many friends in honoring hia enterprise and public spirit. Very truly, and respectfully yours, JAMES W. BEEKMAN. To JOHN DIMON, Esq., Chairman. From Hon. Hugh Maxwell, late Collector of New York. NKW YORK, May 19, 1852. DEAR SIR : Your note of invitation to attend a complimentary dinner in honor of George Law, Esq., has been received.. I entertain a high regard for the energy and talents of Mr. George Law, and would, on all occasions, be happy to express that regard. Absence from the city, at the time of the celebration, will prevent my being present at the day indicated. I am, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, HUGH MAXWELL. To JOHN DIMOX, ESQ. From Hon. IV. J. Me Alpine, of New York. ALBANY, May 21, 1352. To JOHN Dnrox, ESQ., Chairman. SfR : On my return to the city last evening, T found your invitation to attend a complimentary dinner to George Law, Esq. My absence has prevented me from meeting you, and joining, as I THE LIFE OP GEORGE LAW 55 should have been gratified to have done, in paying respect to a citizen who has added so much to the character of the American mechanic and merchant. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. J. McALPiNB From Hon. J. Hobart Haws, M. C% of New York. WASHINGTON, May 22, 1852. GENTLEMEN : Your polite invitation was received by me only yester day, having been absent at the time of its mailing. The compliment which has been paid to Mr. Law, by the citizens of New York, was eminently due to the high character, and distinguished and noble enter prise of that gentleman, and reflects great credit upon those who have thus expressed their appreciation of his energy and talents. I have the honor to be, with great respect, Your obedient servant, J. H. HOBAUT HAWES, JOHN DIMON ESQ., Chairman, From Mayor Kingsland, of New York city, MAYOR S OFFICE, May 19, 1852. DEAR SIR : I am in receipt of your polite invitation to attend the dinner to be given to George Law. Esq., by his fellow citizens, in token of their high appreciation of the benefit which this city has derived from his energy and talents as a mechanic. I join heartily in the objects of this festival, and know no gentleman to whom such manifestation is more justly due than to Mr. Law, and would gladly pay my personal testimony to his worth and services by being pre sent on that occasion. I regret, however, that an engagement for to-morrow evening will deprive me of the pleasure of joining you ; and with my best wishes for the continued prosperity of the worthy recipient of your intended honors, and my regards to the gentlemen who have favored me with the invitation, I am, sir, yours, truly, A. C. O. CHARLICK, ESQ. 56 SKETCH OF ;nol $-. , o; feSa^n^ a ^oJ ,-V;HA ijlffojin From Governor Hunt, of jYeiu York. ALBANY, May 19, 1862. DEAR SIR : It would give me pinch pleasure to unite with you in the complimentary dinner to George Law, Esq., if it were practicable. But my official engagements make it impossible for me to accept your kind invitation. The energy and force of character which he has displayed in forwarding useful public enterprises, deserve the highest appreciation. Very respectfully, yours, WASHINGTON HUNT. JOHN DIMON, Esq., Chairman, &c. From Hon. D. S, Dickinson, of New York. BINGHAMPTON, May 17, 1852. GENTLEMEN : As I was about leaving home this morning to fulfill a business engagement, I received a polite note inviting me to unite in a complimentary dinner given to George Law, by his numerous friends, as a testimonial. of regard for his character, and. the benefits his enterprises have conferred on the country. Entertaining a high regard for the char acter of this distinguished gentleman, it would afford me much pleasure to atjtend ; bat time is not allowed me, and I can only thank you for your civility, and subscribe myself, Yours truly, D. S. DICKINSON. JOHN DIMON, ESQ., Chairman. From General Houston, of Teras. WASHINGTON, Slay 18, 1852. MY DEAR Sm : Yv r ith pleasure I acknowledge your kindness in for warding me an invitation to a "complimentary dinner," to be given by the citizens of New York, at the Astor House, on the 20th instant, to George Law. -E?qv It will be impossible for me to be present on the occasion, as the press of official business will require ray attendance in the Srnate. The esteem which I entertain i or Mr. Law as a man, united with my admi ration of him as an enterprising citizen, would induce my attendance if it were possible. It must be by the enterprise of such men that our com- THK.LTFS OF.GiiOKGE LAW. 57 mercial character is to be advanced, and our national resources developed. I forward a sentiment George Law National enterprise deserves national gratitude. I am. with sincere regard, SAM Huni-ox. O. CHARLTCK. Esq., Secretary, &c., New York. From Hon. L. Bradish, of New York. ^FS ICK OF ASSISTANT-TREASURER OF UNrrwt STATES, NKW YHRK, May 19, 1852. I. . I & ^\l ,;W? *>: JOHN DIMON, ESQ., CHAIRMAN. Sin, I am this day favored with your note of the 14th inst., inviting me to a complimentary dinner to be given to George Law, Esq., at the Astor House, on Thursday, the 20th instant, and regret exceedingly that my indispensable engagements will not permit me the high gratification BO obligingly offered me in your kind invitation. With a request, therefore, that you will be pleased to receive for your self, and communicate to those you represent on this occasion, my cordial and due acknowledgments for your flattering invitation, and the expres sion of my sincere regrets that I cannot avail myself of it, I remain, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant, L. BRADISH From the Hon. George Jlshmim, of Mass. ASTOR HOUSE, May 20, 1852. g 1R; I regret very much that the necessity of my return to Massa chusetts prevents me from accepting the invitation to dine to-day with the friends of Mr. Law. I entertain for that gentleman feelings of the highest regard, and know no one more deserving of such a compliment as his friends propose. Very respectfully yours, GEO. ASHMUN. JOHN DIMON, Esq. From the Hou, George JBriggs, Jlf. C., of New York. HOUSB OF REPRESENTATIVES, U. S., May 19, 1852. Sin I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 14th instant, inviting me to attend a dinner to be given to George Law, Esq., at the Astor House, on the 20th instant. It would afford me great 3* 68 SKETCH OF EVENTS IS pleasure in being present on that occasion of doing honor to our distin guished and enterprising fellow-citizen, George Law, Esq. who from his past career has done so much to reflect credit upon the American character, that deserves well this mark of your approbation. I regret iny public duties compel me to decline accepting your kind invitation. Respectfully, your obedient servant, GEORGE BRIGQS. O. CHAKLICK, Esq., Secretary. From Commodore M. C. Perry. NEW YORK, May 18, 1852. GENTLEMEN I very much regret that a previous engagement at dinner on Thursday the 20th instant, will deprive me of the pleasure of accepting your invitation for that day. Nothing could have given me greater satisfaction than to have been able to join in doing honor to Mr. George Law, one to whom, as you justly say, the city and country at large are deeply indebted for the extraordi nary skill and energy with which he has conducted some of the most important enterprises of the day. With great respect, I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant, M. C. PERRY. JOHN DIMON, Esq., for the Corn, of Arrangements. From the Rev. Henry Ward Beecher BROOKLYN, May 10, 1S55. JOHN DIMOX, Esq : Dear Sir I regret that I am called away from town to-day, and shall be deprived of the pleasure of testifying personally my respect for the services of the gentleman to honor whom you have assem bled. It is a pleasant and auspicious token of progress of public sentiment in the right direction, that so many civic testimonials are awarded to men y^ho have no ostentatious victories, but who have won universal attention by persevering or ingenious contributions to the public good, in the devel opment of its material treasures. Mr. Law has connected his particular interests with the public good ; and while he has lawfully and honorably advanced himself, he has done it in a way that has greatly enriched multitudes, besides given an impulse and facilities to universal commerce, and added another branch to the tree of his country s glory. :o. THE LIFE OF QEORGK LAW. 59 There are cases in which I should feel desirous of celebrating military achievements, but they are rare, and growing yearly more infrequent This is the age of labor, and of moral advancement, and the true devel opment of the former will be found so conducive to the latter, that the Inventor and mechanic must be regarded as eminent civilizers and reformers. They who originate ideas, and those who invent modes of almost instantaneous and immense diffusion of them, rank, if not equally, yet near together. Those who develop commerce building clippers so fleet as to put the winds out of breath in keeping up with them-^-steam- Bhips that empty towns, and bear their population round the globe to foand new cities in a day ; immense engines that, in the face of storms and waves, roll around the ponderous wheel with the constancy of tho earth upon its axis ; the benefits of such services are not confined to the sea, or to the commercial cities that wash their feet by the sea-side. They are felt in the whole agricultural realm ; they rouse up the shop, and reflexly they bear upon the interests of science, of general intelli gence, and of morals. I submit to your consideration a sentiment : " Without expressing any opinion upon the merits of higher law or lower law, we are firm believers in George Law." I am, respectfully your obedient servant, HENRY WARD EEECHEK. From James Bishop, Esq. NEW YORK, May 20, 1852. DEAR SIR, I this morning received your invitation, as Chairman of the committee on a complimentary dinner to George Law, Esq., and very much regret that a previous engagement, distant from the city, obliges me to leave this afternoon. I am happy to be numbered among those who are called upon to honor such a character as George Law a character, as your note well remarks, emphatically American ; and, in my judgment, whoever honors the man, honors the country of his birth. With my best wishes for Mr. Law s continued health and prosperity, and my regards to the committee, I remain truly yours, JAMES BISHOP. JOHN DIMON, Esq., Chairman. 60 SKETCH OF EVENTS IJt From Hon. E. B. Hart, M. C., of J\ r ew York. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, WASHINGTON, May 19, 1S52. GENTLEMEN. I should be deeply gratified if I could be present at the dinner which the friends of George Law, Esq., propose giving him on the 20th instant, and to which you do me the honor to invite me ; but my public duties here will prevent me. I know Mr. Law intimately and well. No mail has studied his. history more thoroughly than I have 5 and no man has beeu more fully impressed by the great advantages his energy, his enterprise, and his courage as a business man, have conferred upoj society at large. He possesses an extraordinary intellect, and his example and career are agreeable and inspiring to the American mechanic. Begin ning life unfriended and unaided, save by those great elements of char acter which have made all leading minds great, he toiled along a most difficult pathway, and has finally achieved the mastery, when Others, "better educated 7 in the schools, have faltered or failed. More than one great improvement, conferring benefits and blessings upon thousands, attests the sagacity and the safety of his views. One of the first to see the opening wealth of California, he threw himself into the forefront of a contest for the carrying trade of that wondrous El Dorado, and conferred and confers advantages upon countless communities of men. It is to such men a? Law that we must confide the glorious task of unsealing the now impenetrable regions of the far distant East, if we would realize in the future the advantages of a commerce unapproachable by any event in the whole world s past history. For Mr. Law s personal character, I entertain high admiration. He is the friend of the honest, industrious man, always. His heart and his hands are alike open to the calls of benevolence. He deserves to be rich, for he would use his self-earned wealth to help our great city, and to relieve the wants of the poor. Allow me to send you the following sen timent, which I ask you to drink in -flowing bumpers : Geor-e Law While the Ci-oton refreshes the masses of New York, and the great deep carries into her harbors the treasures of California, we cannot forget the man whose zrgy ccmpletPd one great work of art, and whose intellect pioneered the way to a com- se as sudden in its rise, and rapid in its extension, as it promises to be permanent and prosperous. I am, with great respect, very truly yours, E. B. HABT. To JOHN Daws, Esq., Chairman, and O. OHARUOK, Esq., Secretary. THE LIFE OF GEORGE LAW. 61 From the Hon. T. S. Bocock, of Virginia. ASTOR HOUSK, NEW YORK, May 19, 1S52. GENTLEMEN, I have the honor to acknowledge, in behalf of my friend, Mr Kdmundson, and myself, the receipt of your invitation to attend a dinner to be given at the Astor House, on to-morrow, in compliment to George Law, Esq., for his many valuable services to^this city, and to the country at large. Our arrangements have already been made to leave New lork m the morning, and we regret that we shall, therefore, be deprived of the plea sure of meeting you and the friends of Mr. Law on the occasion referred to. He who promotes the mechanic arts, or advances high enterprises of utility, is a great public benefactor. If, in other times and in other coun tries, such men have not met with due appreciation and proper reward, we have reason to hope, that at this time, and in this country, it is other wise. You will, at any rate, have shown, by this testimonial, that you are not unmindful of the obligation which rests upon you, and that you wili cherish and foster, in every proper way, high talent and strong energy applied to the practical pursuits of life. % fou gpeak truly when you say that we do but honor the character of American citizens in doing honor to such men." I offer you the sentiment expressed below, and have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, THOMAS S. BOCOCK. < ; The City of New York In extent and wealth already the great city of the American continent, and soon to be among the greatest cities of the world ; but may it find its real greatness in its noble enterprises and its high public spirit." To JOHN DUION, Esq., Chairman, &c. From Hon. Jl. IngraJiam, Judge of Court of Common Pleas. NE-W YORK, May 20, 1852. OEOTLBMEX Having received an invitation to join in the festivities of a dinner party, complimentary to George Law, Esq., I assure you it will afford me much pleasure to make one of the number on an occasion so praiseworthy in it s object. George Law is one of those rare productions whom a bountiful nature brings into existence only after long intervals of time. I have long 62 SKETCH OF EVENTS IN regarded him as a man admirably calculated to advance the interests of the community in which ho lives, as well as the civilized world. Hia name will descend to posterity with honor and renown. His mind is of a comprehensive character, and though the more ignorant and unthinking portion of the community may associate his name with the accumulation of a fortune in dollars and cents, if I rightly understand human character, or the motives of men of expansive intellects, the predominant character istic of the ruiud of George Law is an honorable rwibition to leave to posterity the evidence of his usefulness in advancing the progress of this mighty Union, in all the diversified and beneficial pursuits of its active and intelligent population. 1 have ever regardeu such intellects as that of George Law as being destined to fill a position in the transactions of human society far more important than that of the mere politician, or of the several learned pro fessors. Able men in those callings may be found in most localities, or in many sections of a civilized community; but a George Law is a rare production, whom the mere educational acquirements of civilized life could never qualify to act as he can. The plastic hand of nature has moulded liis intellect, and adapted it to the performance of grand opera tions. Yours, with sentiments of respect, A. INGICAHAM. To JOHN DIMOX, OLIVER CHAKLICK, t;t "V and others of the Committee of Invitation. The second toast was : Our honored Guest, George Law Successful achievements in the mechanic arts attest his genius. Energy, enterprise and integrity shed lustre on his name. Fame, prosperity and happiness to the man whose personal worth has elevated the character of our country. Air " Life on the Ocean Wave." Received with great applause and cheers. Mr. GEORGE LAW responded. He said Gentlemen: It is twenty-six years ago since I first visited your city. I was then on my way to Philadelphia. Pennsylvania was about com mencing her works of internal improvement; and I was leaving the State of New York, whose works of this character were bet- THE LIFE OF GEORGE LAW. 63 tef known, and in which I had been engaged myself. In Pennsyl vania I hoped to meet with less competition than that which I knew existed in your State. After a period of ten years I returned to the State of New York. That was ia 1837, and I have resided here ever since. I returned here for the purpose of taking part in the Croton aqueduct, which was then about to be constructed. You had then mooted a proposition for the construction of that work. (Cheers.) Prior to my returning to become a permanent resident of your State of my own native State I had usually passed through the city of New York at least once a year. I think it was* in 1834 that I passed through the city of New York, and the building which we are now in was in progress of erection. I then looked upon it as to its proportions, and its architectural design, for in that day it was probably the largest building of its class in this country if it is not at present. I admired the perma nency of the structure. I admired the architectural design, and I supposed that this was all the interest I should ever have in the building. I did not suppose that I was to become acquainted with the hosts to whom every one who has visited them is so much indebted. (Applause.) I did not suppose that a meeting like this was to assemble here, and that I was to be the object of that meeting. (Great applause.) I believe now, gentlemen, that you have a higher point in view, and I believe that point is to bear testimony to the energy of character, to the genius and to the ability which has brought your city forward to the position it now occupies. I attribute no such thing to myself; but it belongs to you all. (Applause.) The honor which you are now conferring on me is one of those honors which would have had much inducement for me when I first passed through your city, a boy of eighteen. (Cheers.) If I could then have looked for ward to this testimony, if I could have looked forward to this expression of your regard, how much would it have done to have nerved the energies of my character! Aye, if I had $4 SKETCH OF EVENTS O then known that I would have been brought forward even if I had no natural quickness of perception; if I could have looked forward and seen what was before me; if I had seen that this would have happened, it would have been an inducement to me at that time, which would have dwelt in my recollection and carried me through many important scenes, and many trying ones, where almost the energies of man had faltered, and it would have brought me to the accomplishment of those things which I have never yet aimed at. (Applause.) Such is the effect of the appreciation of industry. I know you are all men of indus try. I know that in this hall almost every pursuit in your city is represented the mechanic, the architect, the merchant, and all branches of business are here represented. I know that it is very little light I can throw upon this subject, but, notwithstand ing, I will beg your indulgence for a short time. (Applause.) Whatever we are, we owe to the institutions of our country. (Cheers.) No point of merit can we reach which is equal to the advantages that our country has bestowed upon us. (Applause.) The institutions which place us all on an equality, which strip the mind from all restraint, which allow those faculties with which nature has endowed us to be brought forward by our own energies, these institutions enable us to arrive at greatness. We live in an extraordinary age. In looking back on the pro gress made within this century, we are amazed at the result. It is within this century that your various improvements, giving faci lities to intercourse between distant parts of this country, have been commenced and have been completed. The first railroad in this country was commenced in or about 1827. The first that was completed was about 1831 or 1832. This was for the trans portation or passengers and freight from the coal mines of Penn sylvania to their rivers. The locomotive engine owes its birth to the present age. It originated in about 1831 or 1832, and it was then a very THE LIFE OF GEORGE LAW. C5 nicle thing. It was hoped to attain with it a speed of some four or five miles an hour, but it has now advanced to a speed of forty or fifty miles an hour; and this does not excite any great decree of curiosity. The first application of steam to the propul sion of bcr.ts was also within the present century. It took place in about 1805 or 1806, and was accomplished by your own fellow citizen, Robert Fulton. (Great applause.) The electric tele graph also belongs to the present century. We trace it back as far as Benjamin Franklin. It was with his kite and string a Yankee fixture indeed that he enlightened the world with elec tricity. That is among the most astonishing inventions of the age Your Erie canal was also begun and completed within the present century, and it is to that more than to any thing else, this country owes its great prosperity in internal commerce. Another of your citizens has immortalized himself within the same time. I mean De Witt Clinton. (Cheers.) When we view these improvements, and see individuals doing what we were accustomed to see States do, and States doing what nations were supposed to do, we may well say that this is an astonishing age. (Repeated cheers and Applause.) The great canal which connected the Nile with the Mediterranean was constructed by the greatest monarch of the day, or rather a series of monarchs. They did not know how to join the Medit erranean to the Red Sea, till ingenuity devised a lock and joined them, and thus turned the commerce of Europe into the Mediterranean ; and hence arose those cities of commerce which formerly studded the Mediterranean. They made their way, step by step, till they reached Venice, and till they reached Spain, and till they reached England. And now, gentlemen, we arc looking for another step, and I can foresee where that next step will be it will not be far from the city where we now live. The Bomans constructed a work which was their pride and 66 6KETCII OP EVENTS IS boast the Appian Way the great military road leading from the Mediterranean to Rome. Napoleon, in the height of his power, constructed a work by which he crossed the Alps. This was also a military road ; but these were works which were put forward and accomplished by monarchs, at the head of mighty empires and absolute monarchies, or by govern ments such as the government of Rome, which carried its military prowess to all parts of the earth and lived on the spoils thereof. (Applause.) But what nerves the American people to great improvements at the present day ? It is not for military conquest. It is not that they may obtain a victory over their neighbors, and rob them of their living and their property ; but it is that they may establish an intercourse between the different parts of our Union, that we may carry on our commerce and exchange the commodities of our manufac tures and agriculture, by which we know there is more to be made than there is by robbing our neighbors. (Applause.) And it is these inducements which stir up the American people, and lead them to progress so rapidly in all the pursuits which they undertake. It is from these that they are entitled to credit. Nature has bestowed on the American people a con tinent such as no other people on the globe possess. If you take the great outlets cf commerce on this continent, you will find them to be the mouth of the Hudson, the mouth of the Missis sippi, the mouth of the Oronoco, and the mouth of the Amazon. The last two, it is true, are not in that state of progress in which are the first two. Probably of all the rivers on the habi table globe, there is not one which possesses the advantages of agriculture which the valley of the Mississippi presents, swept as it is by that immense river and its tributaries ; running north and south which is a very different matter from running east and west carrying with it always the fruits of agriculture THE LIFE OF GEORGE LAW. 67 which grow from 50 deg. of north .latitude to the termination of the river in the Gulf of Mexico. Now, if you take the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, you will find that there is a dis tance of about two thousand miles between the mouth of the Mississippi and the mouth of the Amazon. You will find that within that circle you have a continent 011 one side, on the east, on the north, aud on the south, and that you have these two seas enclosed by islands running from Cuba to the mouth of the Oronoeo. Within that space, then, have centered more facilities of commerce than on any other portion of the globe. There are more square miles swept by those rivers alone the Amazon and its tributaries, the Oronoeo and its tributaries, the Mississippi and its tributaries than by all the rivers of Asia, Europe, and the Mediterranean. (Applause.) You have, then, the fruits of all climates concentrated within that space where the bud, the blossom, and the ripe fruit grow, at the same time, on the same tree. Now, what is our position at the present day, in respect to that part of the country? Why, it is that, right in the centre of that sea, where all these facilities of our commerce exist, you have more agriculture than on any other portion of the globe. A distance of merely forty-six miles intervenes, till you cross to the Pacific, and then you sweep the western shores of this continent for a distance of seven thousand miles. (Cheers.) Now, with these communications open with New York by a distance of even seven days, at the present time and it may be brought nearer by the improvements which will be made may we not antici pate that New York will be the next port in which the great mart of our commerce will be located? (Applause.) Here you cut the continent in two. You join the two seas by what is but a distance of forty-six miles, and you thus save a dis tance of fifteen thousand miles four or five months difficult navi gation which you now accomplish in as many hours. (Cheers.) 68 SKETCH OF EVENTS IN Why should not such an improYement as this stir the hearts of the American people, and make them look forward to a day of progress such as the world has not yet seen, nor yet consideder ? (Applause.) It is one of those improvements which never will be appreciated till it breaks like the rays of the morning sun, without a twilight. It is from such events as these that we have reason to say that this is the age of progress and of improvement. Gentlemen, what has been the cause of this improvement ? It is by the acquisition of California. It is to that gilded daughter of the Union which we have now brought into the family of States, that we owe that improvement, for without the great anxiety of our citizens to go there and partici pate in her vast gold mines, and that vast enterprise which is going on there, this improvement would have remained dormant, and in that state to be talked about, as it was for a period of three hundred years. It has been written upon, considered, examined, or supposed to have been examined, by almost every nation in Europe ; and yet it was all nothing but talk. (Laugh ter.) And there sits a gentleman who is well acquainted better than I am with the Isthmus, who is one of the original proprietors of that road, and I appeal to him if all that has been ever written yet on the subject was worth the paper on which it was written. It was American enterprise, stimulated by the acquisition of California. It was to this connection of the lines of steamers carrying passengers between here and California that the commencement of this improvement is due. You well know to whom I allude. I mean John L. Stephens, President of the Panama Railroad. (Cheers.) Now, we have at the table another gentleman, who has just undertaken the contract to complete the balance of that road. (Cries of " Name," " Name.") I mean Minor C. Story, of Poughkeepsie. Gentlemen, we are not far distant from an acquisition of those advantages which we desire by the completion of this THE LIFE OF GEORGE LAW. 69 road. What are the advantages to commerce which the completion of this road will be the means of conferring on this country nay on the human family ? for when we come to place money in the balance with the happiness of man, it is a very small matter. When the Atlantic coast shall be improved from Cape Horn to Yancouver s Island when that vast region of country is brought into agriculture, and when the spirit of American freemen shall run, as it will do, from pole to pole then we may well congratulate ourselves on the advantages it will produce on the comfort and improvement of the human family. Now, when you look from this point, and see this coun try connected with the shores of the Pacific, with the Sandwich Islands, with the Society Islands, with Australia, who can say what immense effect it will have on the commerce of this country leaving out China and Japan ? (Cheers and laughter.) Much has been written to show that England, by the way of Cape Horn, is nearer to China than we are ; but, let me ask, why does not France hold more communion with England than the United States does ? It is because the United States have less population, and offer more inducements for foreigners to come here and settle ; land is much cheaper, our institutions are much better, and our country confers on every one the blessings of good government, without oppression. Will England take to her shores the vast population of China, or is there an emigration from China going to England ? No ; it has already begun with us on the shores of the Pacific. The Chinese would no more go to England than the English would think of emigrating to France. The trade of China must be with the United States across the Pacific and it is because of these advan tages that I look forward to the day when we will see the com mercial emporium of the world fixed in this city, or at least on this continent. Gentlemen, I beg you to excuse me for making this long speech. (Cries of "No, no : go on.") Such a subject, 70 SKETCH OF EVENTS Iff perhaps, is not fit to be discussed at a banquet like this. I have no words to express my acknowledgments for your kindness, and all I can say is, that my course if you approve of the past will be the same from this time forward. (Great cheers and applause.) The next regular toast was : The Governor of the State of New York. Air Governor s March. The following toast was then read, and received with great tdat. The Producer, the Mechanic and the Merchant identified by mutual relations and mutual interests reciprocal promoters of the prosperity of each other, and all eminently contributing, by their united energies, to the permanency of our glorious Union. Air Yankee Doodle. To this toast T. E. TOMLINSON responded. He eulogized the noble unity of toil the producer, mechanic and merchant as one in spirit and patriotism, striking the barriers of the age with a single aim and to a single end the progress of civiliza tion, of freedom and of man. They were beautiful, each ; but trauscendently beautiful and inspiring when they were aH cen tered in one man. Such a man he saw in the guest of the even ing, George Law. George Law was a type of this glorious country. The merchant neither in glorious France nor in the mother country (England) could rise to distinction where he was born in the lap of luxury. The producer and the mechanic produced the merchant. But there were other mechanics besides the sons of toil. There were also the mechanics of the constitution and of the freedom of the United States, who gave scope and opportunity io the mechanic and the artisan* to work out his destiny in this broad land. If any one in the world THE LIFE OF GEORGE LAW. 71 deserved the title of nobility it was the producer, for he created everything. It was he who built the yacht called America, which rode triumphant over British waters. (Tremendous cheering.) It was he out of the powerful and rich combina tion of his mind who cleared the Oregon. (Immense cheer ing.) The mechanic stood preeminent in their affections and regard. It was a mechanic a noble child of this great repub lie who struggled against all odds, and struggling up to the altitude of a man, was pouring the Atlantic into the Pacific in the glorious tide of American commerce. Mr. Tomlinson s speech was the eloquence of enthusiasm, the inspiration of the moment, and swept like the apostrophe of the rapt poet over vibrating chords in every heart. His tributes to industry, enterprise, intellect, and to the possessor of them all Mr. Law were received with great applause. Mr. Tomlinson s speech was followed by the fifth regular toast :. The City of New York The sails of her commerce whiten every sea ; her warehouses are stored with the products of every clime ; may her merchants continue lo be honorable and enterprising her mechanics men of worth, science and skill, and her motto ever " Excelsior. 1 Air Home, Sweet Home. Ex-Recorder TALL-MADGE responded. He admired nothing more, than the resolutions lately passed in Tammany Hall, that instead of making Presidents, they should attend to their proper business ; and their proper business was to encourage the enter prise of such men as George Law. When they saw him knock ing at the door of Congress, he asked, could they feel indifferent as to the result ? Would not a thrill of gratification go through their hearts at the success of the mechanic, the farmer s son educated in that little hovel (pointing to the model on the table) ? Where, he asked, was the individual in the city of 72 SKETCH OF EVENTS IN New York, who could congregate such a collection of gentle- men men who were the leading merchants in a commerce that extended from the Arimzou to the Nile, and from the Mississippi to the Thames ? The mind and genius of George Law were now felt upon the Panama, Railroad, which united the Atlantic with the Pacific. Mr. Talhnadge then proceeded to give a eulogy upon the literary character of John L. Stephens, and concluded by proposing the following toast : The health and success of John L. Stephens, President of the Panama Railroad. In reply to this toast Mr. Stephens rose. He had, he said, been called upon in such a way that he could not refuse to respond. In reference to the Panama Railroad, if they nad listened to Mr Law, any tiling he could add would out weaken the effect of that he had so lucidly said He Mr Stephens) had not the honor of being the projector of that railroad It was suggested to him by a merchant in South street He knew not whether he ought to/mention the name ( Cries of "Give it.") The name, then, was Mr W H Aspinwall ; and he would not have obtruded it upon them, but that he might be under the imputation of arrogating to himself merits which belonged to another He might tell them how they left New York with a single engineer, and in thirty days planted the flags of the survey upon the Isthmus ; he .might tell them how they passed into those dreary deserts to cut their way from sea to sea, and climbed to the highest tree-tops to spy out the path they were to run ; he might tell of innumerable difficulties not only there but here. The greatest difficulty they had to encounter was the sin of unbelief. But when all despaired, their friend George Law put his shoulder to the wheel and carried the work through ; and he was happy to announce that this day the terms of the contract were settled, and its fulfill- THE LIFE OP GEOIIGE LAW. 73 ment was guaranteed by George Law. There were competing enterprises to span the Isthmus, but there was room and reward for all. He wished them all success. Mr. Stephens concluded by proposing, Success to all enterprises which are to connect the Atlantic uad Pacific oceans. Drank with applause. The next regular toast was then given as follows : The builders of the New York steamships and steam-engines To the model, strength and beauty of the one, the perfection and finish of the other, are we indebted for the proud position wo occupy in the maritima rcorld. Air" Hearts of Oak." Drank with enthusiasm. Mr. WRIGHT HAWKES responded. He had been recently abroad, where he was in a position to appreciate this toast. He could not describe the joy he felt in foreign climes, when ho beheld the stripes and stars of his country waving proudly above the models described in the toast. This was an age of progress in steamships, as well as in everything else. The ancient Greeks went in the ship Argo in pursuit of the golden fleece, and did not find it. The modern Americans go for it to Cali fornia, and bring it back. He thought there was some meaning in the mythological fable of Ycnus floating in a shell. In those sunny climes now floated the yacht America, which beat every thing in England, beat everything in the Mediterranean, and, as he was informed by a letter he had recently received, was about to set her sails for the Baltic sea, where she would contend for the cup of Nicholas of Russia, and win it, too. A second age of poetry has dawned the poetry of the useful, which the American artisan has made almost equal to the poetry of the fine arts. The next regular toast was : . 74 SKETCH OF EVENTS IN The High Bridge An enduring memorial of intellectual and mecham cal power, which reflects alike the spirit of the age and the genius of man, the annals of freedom and civilization will perpetuate the fame of the builder. Air" Meeting of the Waters." Alderman MURPHY responded to this toast, and said the High Bridge was the monument of George Law. It was such a one as the Queen of Sheba had never seen ; and if she did see it, she would say the half had not been told her. It was a monument which would remain when that of Napoleon would crumble into dust. The days of blood and heroes were gone. Liberty was progressing and would progress till it was the pos session of every human being. The CHAIRMAN proposed the eighth regular toast : The Army and Navy. Air " The Star Spangled Banner." Gen. SANDFORD was called on to respond. He said he had hoped some member *of the army would have been called on to respond for that gallant corps ; but he should feel overwhelmed on being called on to respond for the navy also. He repre sented a portion of the army which was composed of themselves the people. The deeds of their gallant army were recorded where they never would be forgotten ; and as to their navy, where had they not carried the flag of the United States? Their honors were written in colors which could never fade. The mention of the navy reminded him of the connection between the ingenuity of their mechanics and the bravery and skill of their navy. The name of Henry Eckford was associated with the most brilliant history of the country and his was a name which did honor to the mechanics of the land. The next toast was : The Frees Free, like our glorious Union freemen will sustain both THE LIFE OF GEORGE LAW. 75 - To this toast Mr. CHARLES A. DANA, one of the editors of the Tribune, responded in a speech which might well be charac terized as the eloquence of thought. The men of the press, he said, were among the hardest and noblest sons of toil. Even while we are enjoying this festive occasion, said Mr. Dana, the toiler of the press is transcribing the record from our lips, with pen and pencil, while in yonder building busy hands are trans ferring it to type, and lightning presses are striking it off in sheets that will lie upon our breakfast tables to-morrow morn ing, and be flying far and wide, on wings of lightning and steam to the world s end. The press was a mighty agent in the work of progress, and faithful to its trust truth, freedom, humanity above any other element of the world s progress. There were deeds, too, connected with the men of the press, unknown to the Avorld, but worthy to be emblazoned in gold. He would not, being a worker of the press himself, call the silent good deeds of his profession to light they had their reward ; but lee would allude to a deed consonant with this occasion. A distin guished Hungarian came to this country during the revolution of 1848. He came on a mission in the hour of hope for his fatherland. Suddenly, in the midst of hope, fell the crushing news of the fall of Hungary. Walking our streets the day after, overwhelmed with anguish, he met a friend (Mr. Dana) ; they clasped hands for a moment in silence. At length the Hungarian said, "I am borne down with a double grief ; my country is fallen, and in a strange land I am indebted to an American whom I can no longer hope to repay." " What is the amount, and who is the man T asked Mr. Dana. The Hungarian replied, " One thousand dollars George Law 1" In behalf of a noble cause, asking and thinking of no security, our honored guest gave quietly and unknown a thousand dollars to the cause of struggling liberty. Such deeds were above eulogy. Mr. Dana closed his eloquent speech by giving 76 SKETCH OF EVENTS IN The health of Col. Hoe, the inventor of the Lightning Press. Gen. MATHER was called for and made a short speech, which he concluded by proposing Senor Vetoriana Parades, Minister of the Republic of New Granada May his mission to the United States be the means of strengthening the happy relations now existing between his country and ours. In response, the Chairman read the following : " Mr. Parades returns his acknowledgments for the honor done him, and begs leave to convey his regret that want of familiarity with the language prevents his responding in the terms he could wish." Some volunteer toasts were then proposed and responded to, and the festivities closed at a late hour close upon the " noon of night." HE LIFE OF GEORGE LAW. 77 From tli6 New York Express. THE GRAPESHOT. THE papers generally have noticed the arrival of this clipper with Baker, the alleged murderer of Poole, on board, but we do not see that they have fairly stated the origin of this voyage. It is well known that this beautiful vessel is the property of George Law, and although he does not regard his agency in this matter other than a clear act of duty as a good citizen, and not of any special credit, still as we are personally acquainted with the facts, we can see no reason why they should not be stated. When Justice Stuart ascertained there was good reason to believe that Baker had fled from our shores on board a vessel bound to the Canaries, he applied to the Mayor for advice and assistance. A consultation was had, and it appeared that the Mayor had no power to hire a vessel, or incur so large an expense, to pursue the fugitive, without authority from the Common Council. Application was then made to the President of the United States for a Government vessel, and in this state of the case the Justice called in the advice of Mr. Law. From the best source of information it was evident that Baker had escaped in a vessel now several days at sea and therefore it was supposed it would be necessary to employ a steamer. Upon inquiry no steamship was found in port that could be obtained, and thereupon Mr. Law offered the Grapeshot to the Mayor free from expense. But on an estimate made of the actual cost ol refitting the clipper, &c., His Honor decided that 78 SKETCH OE EVENTS IN lie could not venture to send her at bis own risk. It then appeared that the prospect of capturing the fugitive must depend upon the ship to be sent by the Federal Government. Mr. Law said that he was satisfied the government had no vessel that could reach the Canaries in time, even if they had one that was sea-worthy, and told Mayor Wood that he would cause the clipper Grapeshot to be put in readiness, provisioned and manned, ready to receive the police officers on board in the stream by two o clock the next day. Mr. Law did this, and selected the best captain and crew that could be obtained, made them well acquainted with the sailing qualities of the vessel, and directed them to put her through the water at the top of her speed. The voyage has been made. The Grapeshot reached the Canaries ten days before the Isabella Jewett, thus justifying the expecta tion of her owner. This voyage and capture have been made at the expense of Mr. Law; and it is evident from the return of the government ship, that the administration did not wish to reclaim the fugitive, or had no vessel fit to perform a voyage, and that but for the prompt determination of Mr. Law, this criminal would have escaped. THE LIFE OF GEORGE LAW 79 From the Jersey City Tdegrapfi. "A LITTLE MORE GRAPE CAPT. BRAGG." GEORGE LAW AND PURSER SMITH. As the Press, in every section of our country, have noticed the affair of the " Grapeshot " with some degree of admiration, for the handsome manner in which the owner of the clipper sacrificed his personal interest for the public good, we are induced to call their attention to another act of the same kind, which occurred a few years since. It will be remembered by our readers, that the Spanish authorities of the Island of Cuba under pretence that a certain purser Smith, an officer on board of .one of the Mail Steamship Company s vessels, had written letters for the American journals, exposing the tyrannical acts of the Governor of the Island, and the general character of the officers in command there gave notice to our Government that, notwithstanding their treaties, no vessel should enter the ports of Cuba, having that obnoxious person on board. It will be recollected, also, that George Law and others, had purchased of Col. Sloo, a contract with the Government of the United States, to carry the mails to California, with instcactions to stop at Havana, and that a treaty had been made with Spain, which authorized the mail steamers to receive and dis charge the United States mails at that city. When information 80 SKETCH OF EVENTS IN was received in j^ew York, that the mail steamer would not be allowed to land her mails at the port of Havana, according to treaty, if said purser Smith was on board, George Law, presi dent of the Company, wrote to the Government at Washington, for instructions in writing, how to act in the premises, declaring that he was willing to obey any written instructions on the sub ject, and leave the responsibility of the cict with the Administra tion. This request was not responded to, but Mr. Roberts, agent of the line, was invited to visit Washington, to confer with the officers of Government. When Mr. Roberts returned to New York, he reported that the President of the United States had given the Company no written instructions, but had verbally requested him to dismiss purser Smith from the steamer, to please the Spanish officials, and that he thought it was for the interest of the Company to do so. George Law declared that he would receive no orders under his contract with the Government, unless they were given in writing, by the President, or proper department that in the absence of written instructions, purser Smith should not be dis charged from the vessel, and that the steamer should go on her voyage at the "appointed time. This determination of George Law was made known to the President, by due course of mail, but instead of written instruc tions to the Mail Steamship Company, an order was sent to the Post-Master in New York, by the Department, to withhold the mails from the steamer, if George Law persisted in sending purser Smith. The pusillanimous Government refused to send the mails, or written instructions not to take purser Smith, and the steamer was fitted for sea. The Spanish Consul came, as usual, with his packages which, by courtesy, the steamer carried for him, to Cuba, free of charge. Mr. Law informed him that unless the THE LIFE OF GEORGE LAW. 81 United States mails were placed on board the steamer, uo Spanish documents, or other thing from the Consulate, would be allowed to come on board, inasmuch as the courtesy extended to the Spanish Consulate was connected with the contract for con veying the United States mails to Cuba. The Consul was very indignant, and declared that the ship would be sunk, if she dared to enter a Spanish port under such circumstances. He was told that the Spanish authorities should have an opportunity of firing into the vessel, as the steamer would go to Havana under treaty stipulations with Spain, and that purser Smith would be on board, unless written orders to the contrary were received from the President, before the appointed day for sailing. Mr. Law informed his associates that the treaties between the United States and Spain were plain, that the rights of the Company were well denned therein, and that they should be observed as far as his contracts were concerned. That he was willing and desired to take the risk and responsibility on himself, to maintain the rights of a citizen under our treaties, even to the sacrifice of the steamer, although it was evident the Government had abandoned them. When this determination of Mr. Law was made known to the President, he became very much alarmed, and expressed great fear that the redoubtable Governor of Cuba would take offence at the temerity of the act contemplated ; and it is- understood that he wrote to the collector of the port of Xew York, to request him to use his influence with the Company, to prevent them from taking so fearful a step, and to notify Mr. Law that no damages would be allowed to him by our Government if the steamer was destroyed. r, Information of the refusal of the Government to send the mails by the steamer, was, at the same time, communicated to the insurance offices, and they accordingly refused to insure the steamer, or any merchandise placed on board of her. 82 SKETCH OF EVENTS IN These obstacles, interposed so pertinaciously by the President, did not deter Mr. Law from pursuing the course he had marked out for himself. He was determined to send the ship and cargo, and accordingly took upon himself the risk of both, by insuring the ship and all her lading, and issuing his own policies of insu rance, to protect the owners thereof. This course of action on his part, placed him in direct hostility to the captious officials of Cuba, and the imbecile Government of our country. Thus, he could count upon no protection from either ; and still it was perfectly plain that he was acting within the rights he had acquired under the treaty with Spain. It is sufficient, on this branch of our subject, to say that the steamer went on her voyage at the appointed time, without the mails,. or the dispatches of the Spanish Consul, and with purser Smith on board. Such acts as -these show, in high relief, the inefficiency of two successive administrations, when placed in contrast with the conduct of a bold and fearless citizen, who understands his rights, and the interests of the country, and is willing to risk his whole fortune to maintain them. Purser Smith was a poor man, and dependent upon his posi tion on board the steamer for means to support a large family. He was an honest and faithful officer had been guilty of no offence under our laws or treaties ; and Mr. Law would not consent to allow the bullying threat of the Governor of Cuba, or the pusillanimous course of our own administration, to send a poor, industrious, and honest man out of his service, unless the President, by written order, would take the responsibility of so mean and cowardly an act upon himself. The Executive was conscious the act could not be justified before the country, or he would have given written instruction to dismiss purser Smith. Was Mr. Law right in this matter ? THE LIFE OF GEORGE LAW. 83 "We appeal to every honest, true-hearted man to answer this inquiry. If he was right, and to maintain the right was com pelled to risk his whole fortune, what must we say of an administration that will thus sneak away from the discharge of its duties, and abandon the interests of the people and the honor of the nation, because a petty Governor of the Island of Cuba threatened to violate a treaty, by making an assault upon a mail steamer ? It is the duty of the President to take care that our treaties with all foreign powers be faithfully enforced. It is to enable him to do this that the army and navy are placed under his orders. But it has been our misfortune, for many years past, to be afflicted with Presidents who possess no energy, decision, or efficiency. Of what use is our navy in the Mediterranean, where the whole trade of our ^country does not equal the charge for our naval force in that sea ? Why not call home those ships, to increase our home squadron, and station them in the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and around the Island of Cuba ? Send intelligent and active commanders, with instructions to return blow for blow, and shot for shot, to any insolent Spaniard that dare molest our merchant marine, and direct them to make reprisals instantly for any robbery, insult, or other injury that shall be perpetrated upon our citizens. Is not this the way, and the only prudent way, to deal with such a nation as Spain ? Is it not better that Spaniards should seek redress from us for a few well-directed blows, than for our weak and cringing administration to keep up the ridiculous farce of negotiation to obtain redress for insults offered without provo cation? Is it not more in accordance with the spirit of our people, to return the blow with interest, and leave them to seek redress from us in Washington ? A firm and bold course on the part of our Executive, will preserve the peace; but a truckling 84 SKETCH Off EVENTS IN policy will inevitably lead to aggressions on the part of the inso lent Spaniard, that will render a resort to war necessary for the honor of the country. The country now feels the want of great executive talent at the head of our Government, in the person of some citizen who, like General Jackson, will look to the interest of the Republic. It is sick of mousingpoliticians who are constantly engaged in count ing the chances of political success in the several state elections. Did not the country applaud the act of Capt. Ingraham in fearlessly withholding Kotza from the Austrian? And yet Kotza was only technically a citizen of our country. But Purser Smith was "to the manor lorn" with all the ties that bind a man to his home, and all the claims of a good citizen for protection from the Government of his country ; and yet this man s rights were wantonly assailed to please a petty tyrant in Cuba and he would have been proscribed by our Government, at the instance of this Spanish official, had not a generous-hearted, brave man, risked his fortune to protect him, and vindicate the rights of a citizen. Was not this act of George Law equal in patriotism and true American spirit to that of Capt. Ingraham and is not Purser Smith the American, as much entitled to our national, protection as Kotza, the Austrian? What adds greatly to the interest of this bold act is, that it was done by a private citizen, with no wish or desire to win popularity or secure praise. It was the offspring of a clear sense of right, and a determination not to permit a man in his employment to suffer wrong, or the character of our country to be soiled by the weakness of our administration. Such acts as these prove more satisfactorily to the minds of active, intelligent, business men, the fitness of an individual for great executive trusts, than all the vaunted qualities of statesman ship, said to be possessed by the late and present administrations. THE LIFE OF GEORGE LAW. 85 The truth is, George Law is a strong-minded, well-read man, possessed of superior judgment,- great moral courage, and a peculiar talent for executive action. He is popular, because he reflects the bold energy and unconquerable independence of our people, who, while they demand nothing but what is right, will not tamely submit to what is wrong. "A little more Grape, Captain Bragg 1" SKETCH OF EVENTS IK LETTER OF GEORGE LAW, OF NEW YORK, TO THE LEGISLATURE OF PENNSYLVANIA, ON THE PRESENT CRISIS. NEW YOKK, Feb. 22, 1855. GENTLEMEN : I have received the letter which you did me the honor to address me on the 2d inst. From my early man hood I have been principally engaged in the enterprises and avocations of private life ; these enterprises, however, in the opinion of many, have had a very important bearing upon the inte rests and progress of this great country. During that period of time I have paid no more attention to, and taken no further inte rest in, the affairs of the Republic than what every good citizen or lover of his country takes when quietly putting his vote into the ballot-box. I was therefore startled in a considerable degree from my quiet mode of life by the reception of a very important letter dated at Harrisbnrgh, signed by the Speaker THE LIFE OF GEORGE LAW. 87 > of the House of Representatives of the State of Pennsylvania, and several Senators and other members of the Legislature, pro pounding inquiries of a leading political character in reference to the present state of public affairs, and the future action of the American people. The honor and the compliment combined of having received a letter from such a high quarter, asking for my humble opinion in the present crisis of our land, are quite sufficient to satisfy my ambition if it terminated with the soli tary act of making this reply. With these impressions on my mind, I almost hesitate to venture upon the public path to whicli your letter invites me with so much magnanimity, confidence and good feeling. We have arrived at a very important crisis in the history of this Republic. Parties, principles and men statesmen and poli ticians, all seemed to be in a rapid state of decomposition, transi tion and reconstruction. Indeed, the same aspect of confusion and discord in the public affairs and public parties which afflict this country, seems to be a common disorder or epidemic over the whole earth. Europe is laboring in the same condition. What is it ? It is the close of one great cycle of revolution and the beginning of another in the world s civilization. Even Asia that mysterious country, with which steam is linking us, is filled with confusion, war, disorder and revolutions. Happily, how ever, for this country, we are possessed of too much religion, intelligence, and common sense to cut each other s throats, in order to settle differences in religious questions or politics. By our firesides we form our opinion of what is necessary to be done, settle upon common principles, organize into parties, and go quietly to the ballot-box, and there determine, like practical men and civilized beings, every knotty question of the day. From the first gun of the Revolution down to the present day, the people of the United States have passed through three terms of political existence, all allied to each other in general 88 SKETCH OF EVENTS IN character but differing in practical results. The great revolu tionary period ended with the establishment of the Union, the formation of the Constitution in 1181, and the dignified retire ment of Washington from office with all the honor that the American people could confer upon him their gratitude and affection. The second period of our political history, beginning with the establishment of the republican party, under the man tles of Jefferson and Madison, also great and leading statesmen of their age, ended with the close of Mr. Munroe s administration. During that era, great questions of foreign and domestic policy were settled. The third period began with the election of Gen. Jackson, and closed with the settlement of many important political issues during his administration. The contests of the democratic and whig parties, now closing in the degeneracy and confusion of all parties, creates the necessity for some new party growing out of the state of the times, in order to renovate and refresh the country and the age. The distinguished men of each of these three periods have passed away, but the recollections of their services to the country still exist. The most recent of our great statesmen Calhoun, Clay, and Webster, with some of their contemporaries have left us rich legacies in principles, from which new departures may be taken by those who have intelligence enough to drink at the proper fountain. But although nearly all the issues of former party contests have been settled or died away, yet every age has its new issues and fresh difficulties for parties and statesmen to discuss, encounter and arrange. During the last few years the original virtue and purity of the two great political parties which have contended for the mastery, have nearly departed ; both have degenerated and disgraced the nation in many important parti culars. This corrupt state of things had been predicted by some of our most eminent statesmen. The period has now arrived when, from the exigency of the times, and guided by the lights THE LIFE OF GEORGE LAW. 89 of the Constitution, the people of this country are preparing for a change and a re-organization of the present elements of repub lican government. This wish and determination on the part of the American people has disclosed itself in the recent elections in different portions of the country in a manner not to be misun derstood, in the North, South, East and West. These results are the beginning of the developments of a manly national spirit, crude and anomalous at first, but destined, under the guidance of common sense, to raise the country from those mires of cor ruption into which it has fallen, by the mismanagement of politi cal leaders. One of the most dangerous evils which has grown out of the degeneracy of the old parties, is that of sectional agitation. Sectional agitation is the great danger that menaces the Ameri can republic. It is the weak point of the Union. The sacred tie of marriage cannot subsist in private life without confidence in the virtue of the parties united ; neither can this Union exist under the dishonorable and malignant sectional agitations which have been forced upon us in these latter days by small sections of politicians who sink into insignificance before the great his torical names of our country. Sectional agitation is not only our weakest point at home, but it invites the interference of our enemies abroad. The negligence and inefficiency with which the public affairs of this country, both foreign and domestic, have been conducted - by those in power, whether Democratic or Whig, for the last few years, have attracted the attention of all sensible men, and created in the minds of the people the necessity of a radical reform. Our system of indirect taxation, commonly called a tariff on imports, has been established and framed for the pur pose simply of supplying the annual wants of the government, and for giving indirect protection to our manufactures. This system of taxation has proved to be of such a nature in practice 90 SKETCH OF EY.KNTS Itf as to create dangerous surpluses of millions of gold aiid silver in the Treasury, thereby deranging the currency, throwing exchanges into confusion, and bringing bankruptcy and ruin upon every branch of business. The politicians and statesmen (if they may deserve the name) of the two old parties have been too busily engaged in schemes of personal aggrandizement to arrange this important financial question on such principles as would simply answer the wants of the government and the inter ests of the country. It is time, therefore, to turn a short corner on these points of policy, and to contrive suitable legislation, not for the purpose of spoils for themselves or dependents, but for the benefit and advantage of the whole country. This system requires immediate reconstruction upon the highest principles of patriotism and common sense, in order to secure the country from the frequent convulsions and periods of bankruptcy which have occurred during the last three or four administrations. Our treasury and financial system requires examination and amendment in all its details, and in the special working of its machinery. Our land system has also been equally in error, and thrown into a state of confusion by private and personal schemes to get possession of the finest portion of that noble inheritance left us by our ancestors. Not only does the internal policy of the general government require the magic hand of statesmen adequate to the age, but our foreign policy (if it can be said that we have any) demands, in an eminent degree, the attention of the highest intellect, in order to recover it from the state of degradation into which it has fallen. The truth is, the framework of our parties and our government, bas felt the deleterious influence of the times, has fallen into disorder and wants repair, renovation or revolution. This country was originally settled by emigration from the Old World The revolutions and consequent persecutions of THE LIFE OF GEORGE LAW. 91 the sixteenth century drove the first settlers from their homes in the Old World, to seek civil and religious freedom in the wilds of the New. The Puritans who landed at Plymouth Rock the Lutherans who settled on Manhattan Island the Catholics who sought an asylum on the .shores of the Chesapeake Bay the Cavaliers who landed at James River, Virginia, and the Huguenots at Charleston, South Carolina were all pilgrims forced by the same persecutions and revolutions from the Old World, to seek a home in the New, for the exercise and enjoy ment of political rights and freedom, regulated by morality and religion. In leaving the Old World and their old homes, they eft the prejudices and passions of that land, and brought with them to this new clime only the ideas and principles to which that great revolutionary age gave birth. From their first land ing a new society and a new civilization took deep root in the land, and generated the revolution of the last century, ending in the establishment of the present Republic. We then became a country and a polity of a new growth, which may be fitly called American in every sense of the term. In constructing the present Constitution, the framers of that great instrument, remembering the origin of their ancestors, left a memorial of their sympathy for all the oppressed in the Old World, by authorizing Congress to pass naturalization laws of a liberal and generous tendency. r But while inserting such a generous provision in the Constitution as would admit, on brief periods of probation, the oppressed of other countries to the pri vileges of this land, it was expected and believed that all eon- grants thereafter admitted would follow the example of the first pilgrims by abandoning the prejudices and passions of the Old World, and become merged in the great body of the new Ameri can civilization. This great principle, with such an understand ing, has been carried out for two centuries, and it is only of 92 SKETCH OF EVEXTS IN recent date, that corrupt men and mere demagogues have endea vored to band together citizens of foreign birth, according to their national or religious creeds, thus preventing them from fol lowing the noble example of the first pilgrims, by mixing with American citizens, and blending themselves with the manners and customs of the new dispensation. All religions and all sects of Christians are alike protected under the aegis of the American Constitution. But when the highest clergy of any sect attempts either to monopolize the political power of their flocks or the pecuniary means of their congregations, it is time for the people of this country to take warning by the terrible examples such clerical usurpations have produced in other lauds and in other times. In this important point of reform, there have been strong manifestations of late in different parts of the country Ten years ago efforts began. to be made to correct the errors and purify the corruptions of the two old parties, and to give a high tone, American and national feeling to the action of a new and energetic organization of the popular masses. The effort, origi nating in New York and Pennsylvania and radiating to various States within the circle of their influence and example, was, after a brief struggle, overwhelmed by the corrupt politicians and the concentrated exertions of the two opposing parties. But the evils of that time, and the ^necessity of reform, have grown with our growth, and strengthened with our strength, until Americans can stand no longer in silence and see their country disorganized and disgraced by the corrupt and demoral izing spoils system, enforced by a degenerate race of men. During the last year the American people have been waking from a deep sleep. They are bursting on all hands, and in every quarter, the manacles with which noble intellects and free minds were bound, and no doubt seems to exist, from the progress with THE LIE OF GKORGJS LAW. 93 which the uew revolution has advanced, that it will end in as glorious a triumph as that set in motion by the Declaration of Independence itself. This great movement has done my heart good, and it will spread the same sentiment throughout the country, to see the noble State of Pennsylvania taking one of the first great steps towards a consummation of that revolution to which American sentiment and American patriotism points so clearly. In the old Revolution, your noble State, marching under the command of the immortal Washington, rallied under the motto of " Yirtue, Liberty and Independence," the same sentiment, I have no doubt, will animate your present struggle, until victory is proclamed from the sources of the Susquehanna to the shores of the Atlantic and Pacific, I am, Gentlemen, Your obedient servant, GrEORGE LAW To the Honorable HENRY K. STRONG, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Harrisburg, Penn. And the Honorables William A. Crab, John Ferguson, ) g enators John W. Kellinger, John Hendricks, f Alex. McConnell, John J. Muse, Geo. ) Members S. King, C. S. Eyster, B. G. Water- ( of the House of house, Sa., J. Krepps, Sam. B. Page. ) Representatives. And many others. 94 SKETCH OF EVENTS IN From the New York Evening Mirror, August Sd t 1855. GEORGE LAW. IT is a novelty in our day of universal triumph of soldiers, lawyers, and professional politicians, in securing to themselves all public offices, honors and emoluments, to see a respectable portion of the American masses, through legislative and other representa tives, call out, with a view to the Presidency, a working man, a man of the people such a man as George Law, whose claims to public regard are based solely on his practical intelligence, enterprise, moral worth, and the long and eminent service he has unostenta tiously rendered the country. That George Law has been thus called out, is a hopeful sign that the American people have come, or are coming to the conclusion that the best men to administer public affairs are those who best administer their own. It is an old and true saying that " he who best governs himself, is fittest to govern others," and the maxim is equally true applied to the conduct of all human concerns. George Law is not fifty years old, yet there is no other man in this Union, who can point to BO many great works, of public utility, as he has conceived and executed in every case successfully. Some of his enterprises have been of national magnitude ; for instance, his Ocean Steamers, connecting San Francisco and the gold region with New York, and the Panama Railroad, linking the two great oceans, and securing to Ameri cans the trade of the North Pacific, which otherwise (like that of the South Pacific) would have fallen into the hands of British capital. At the complimentary dinner given, by our leading merchants and citizens and responded to by distinguished men of all parts of the Union to George Law, at the Astor House, in 1852, the late lamented John L. Stephens, then President of the Panama Road said : " He could tell them (the dinner assemblage), of the almost insuperable difficulties encountered there (at the Isthmus), and here (in New York), but the greatest difficulty they had to encounter, was the sin of unbelief. But, when all others despaired, their friend George Law put his shoulder to the wheel, and the work was done and he was happy to say, that this day (the day of the dinner), the contract for the completion of the Panama Railroad was signed, and its fulfillment was guaranteed by George Law." We think no one will question that George Law has no compeer in the number, scope, practical character and public utility of the enterprises he has executed. Certainly, no one will pretend that any other living American has, by force of his own unaided judg ment and genius, accomplished the half that Mr. Law has done. The public works of at least five great States speak for him, and the single monument of his bold judgment and THE LIFE OF GEORGE LAW. 95 consummate skill, the High Bridge, and a large portion of the Croton Aqueduct, which pours perpetual blessing in all our homes, would, In olden times, have secured him a public statue, and a niche in the national pantheon. Yet, while for twenty years George Law has been working out some of our noblest public internal improvements, and shorten ing the paths and widening the field of our ocean commerce giving direct employment to tens of thousands, opening the way to employment for hundreds of thousands, and adding to the wealth-making facilities and prosperity of the whole country, the people at large have known but little of the real man of the extent and diversity of his know ledge, the comprehensiveness of his intellect, his remarkable powers of combination, hia clear judgment of men and things, his intuition serving him where lesson and example were insufficient, and the earnest, patriotic spirit, and love of Justice and right, which have indelibly marked hia whole career. Many have seen in George Law but an avaricious money getter ; an ignorant specu lator, shrewd only in jockeying and trading, and a vulgar seeker for notoriety. Such judges know nothing truly of the man. We venture to say what will doubtless be dis cussed by the public before long that Mr. Law s life, business and social, are without stain. That he never has prosecuted an enterprise by any dishonorable means, and never looked to the money profit of his labors as hia highest reward. We could point to many schemes proposed to him for money-making, which he has rejected because they lacked public utility. He never loaned a dollar at usurious interest, and never shaved a note or a bond. He never turned his back on a friend, because the friendship was expensive to him in money. He never refused to aid any deserving person or object, where it lay in his power. Nor did he ever lie awake nights recounting his fortune. That noble act of his, in defence of Purser Smith, and the honor and interests of our country against Spanish insolence, was done by assuming the entire risk of an ocean steamer and its freight insurance and the countenance_of our Government having been with drawn from this United States mail steamer more than a million dollars ; an act, we venture to say, no other twenty men in this Union combined would have done at the same personal risk, from simple motives of patriotism and a determination to stand by the right. Avaricious men don t do such things. So of the thousands he spent volun tarily in the capture of Baker, with the Grapeshot, after the fugitive had snapped hia ftn- gers with impunity at municipal and federal authorities with their old water-logged naval craft. George Law s judgment in the choice of enterprises, with his simple, perfect system of doing business, and his remarkable executive power, have made all his labors profitable, for himself and all concerned, as an inevitable result. As to his being ignorant, since his schoolboy days up in Washington County (New York), where he was born, an honest, humble farmer s son, we doubt if any man can be pointed out of his age, who has more closely and practically studied, in and out of books, or treasured up more valuable know ledge of men, of all times and in all their relations, and of governments, ancient and modern, or of the practical arts and sciences, than George Law. This is saying a good deal, but George Law has been from the beginning a reader, an observer and a thinker. He may not know Latin and Greek Washington knew no language but the English, and owed more to his intuition and experience than to books or schools. Such men as George Law are born organizers and executants. It is given to them to surpass old routine, by higher and better ideas of arrangement and application. They are gifted 96 SKETCH OF EVENTS IK with a genius not for formal, clerkly pursuits, but to organize and direct enterprises of which mere schoolmen are only competent to work out the details and to lead and govern men. Mr. Law s great enterprises are, in themselves, successfully carried out aa they have been against powerful opposing combinations, indisputable evidence of his extraordinary practical intelligence and executive ability and practical intelligence is the kind to which the American people, and this age, owe their greatest triumphs. Such a man as George Law, in the Presidential chair, would carry into the govern ment, on a commensurate scale, the same principles that ensure success in private busi ness the same spirit that prevails in honestly-conducted private affairs. It is almost too much to hope, that our government will ever be placed on a common-sense basis its public service being done as efficiently and economically as private enterprise is con ducted ; all its servants being selected for their fitness for place, and all held as respon sible as in private business ; and all the domestic and foreign relations of tho country reduced to the directness and simplicity that govern in honest individual] transactions. Yet, the people have been so misgoverned and plundered, that they are disposed to look to practical rather than professional men, to fill their high places. This feeling is the cause of the interest centered in George Law. Those who know him best, regard him as possessing, in a larger degree than any other man before the country, the great elements of comprehensive intellect, large and varied practical knowledge, sound judgment, patriotic instincts, and executive ability that should distinguish a Presi dent of the United States. They believe he would organize and develop the government to as high a degree, for the prosperity of the country, as he has done for himself and the public in an individual sphere. Whether or not, they will be gratified in having the man of their choice elevated to the Presidency, is not for us to say. It would be a great step upward and forward, to go from a General Pierce to a George Law ; possibly the legs of the American party are not long and strong enough to tempt the breach, but if they should, a rush of the people may be expected in support of " Live Oak" George. It is greatly in Mr. Law s favor that he is not, and never has been, mixed up in party politics. He has kept track of politics, and aloof from politicians. His character and antecedents can hardly fail, when truly known, to be popular with the masses. The fact that he has risen to fortune and eminence from the ranks, without any advantages save those common to American youth, thus illustrating the noble influence of our repub lican form of government and institutions, will go far to recommend him to the people at large. The commercial, mechanic, farming and working classes, would have in him a powerful representative. The politicians would have nothing to hope from him but being kicked from the crib where they have been fattening on public plunder for years. Fac- tionists and fanatics would fare no better for Mr. Law is a National man, and a Union man, aa he is a flat-footed, square-toed American, to the core. The history of such a man ought to be minutely and generally known, if but for example and stimulus to the young men of America, and it doubtless Will be soon, as we understand that the enterprising publisher, J. 0. Derby, is about to issue his prospectus of a forthcoming, complete biogra phy of (Jeorge Law. J. C. r^KBYrf prBLICATIONS. EXTE A ORDINARY PUBLICATION! MY COURTSHIP AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. BY HENKY WIN OFF. A. true account of the Author s Adventures in England, Switzerland, and Italy, with Miss J. C. Gamble, of Portland Place, London. 1 eleg-ant 12rao. Price, hi cloth. SI 25. The extraordinary sensation produced in literary circles by Mr. Wikoff s charming romance of real life, is exhausting edition after edition of his wonderful book. From lengthy reviews, among several hundred received, we extract the following brief notices of the pre.v : " We prefer commending the book as beyond question the most amusing of the season, and we commend it without hesitation, because the moral is an excellent one." Albion. " With unparalleled candor he has here unfolded the particulars of the intrigue, taking the whole world into his confidence bearing his heart on his sleeve for daws to peck sit and, in the dearth of public amusements, presenting s. piqnant nine days wonder for the recreation of society." JV". Y. Tribune. "The work is very amusing, and it is written iu such a vein that one cannot refrain from frequent bursts of laughter, even when the Chevalier is in positions which might claim one s sympathy." Boston Evening Gazette. " A positive autobiography, by a man of acknowledged fashion, and an associate of nobles and princes, telling truly how he courted and was coquetted by an heiress in high life, is likely to be as popular a singularity in the way of literature as could well be thought of." Home Journal. "The ladies are sure to devour it. It is better and more exciting than any modern romance, as it is a detail of facts, and every page proves conclusively that the plain, unvarnished tale of truth is often stranger than fiction." Baltimore Dispatch. " The book, therefore, has all the attractions of a tilt of k nigh t-errants with this addi tion, that one of the combatants is a woman a species of heart-endowed Amazon." X~eicar7c Daily Mercury. "If you read the first chapter of the volume, you are in for finis, and can no more stop without the consent of your will tlian the train of cars can stop without the consent of the engine." Worcester Palladium. " Seriously, there is not so original, piquant and singular a book hi American literature : its author is a sort of cross between Fielding, Chesterfield, and Rochefoucault." Boston Chronicle. " With the exception of Ro seau s Confessions, we do not remember ever to have heard <>f any such self-anatomization of love and the lover." N. Y. Express. "The book has cost us a couple of nights sleep; and we have no doubt it has cost its author and principal subject a good many more." N. Y. Evening Mirror. " The work possesses all the charm and fascination of a continuous romance." N". Y. Journal of Comnicrc-r. 12 HUM) TO **&* fe4 le ^ s8 &? e^, orge, M187494 THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY