Judge Whitman was always popular. His manner was serious, but not solemn; his heart was warm, sincere and inflexibly upright in every transaction. He sought not the people, but the people sought him, for their adviser in politics, and their coun sellor in business. He was elected a Representative to Congress three terms, and with the late Josiah Quincy and William Baylies, cach of whom attained the age of 90, was in the 11th Congress, 1808 and 1809. In 1812, he was appointed C. J. of the Court of Common Pleas, and held that office 19 years, and in 1841 he was designated as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Maine, by Judge Kent, the Governor, and retained it until his resignation in 1848, when past the age of 70. He was also a member of the Convention in Maine in 1819, and took an important part in framing the excellent Constitution of that State.

In March, 1852, Mrs. Whitman, with whom for more than 50 years, his days had passed amidst those happy, domestic endearments, to which he was so much attached, was taken from him, leaving one son and a daughter, the wife of the Hon. William Willis, Historian of Portland. His worldly ties were now dissolved; she who had been the bride of his youth and the bosom companion of a long life, was gone before him. His home was left to him desolate. Portland, with its beautiful scenery, and fond friends who honored and loved him, had lost its charms, and in the fall of that year of his bereavement, he returned to his native place, where the morning of existence first brightened on him, and the memory of the past would often revive in his meditations on a well-spent life. His only son remained with him to cheer his old age, and attached friends were ever ready to seek his company. Here he lived independent and retired, and as it was remarked in an elegant and appropriate notice of his death, in the "Portland Press," of the 8th of August, to which we are indebted for many particulars, "to his last day he kept his heart fresh and green from a perennial fountain of charity and benevolence."

His address as an advocate, was imposing and dignified; he was tall and majestic in his form, his visage calm, firm and commanding, of strong features and fine expression; but he had one peculiarity-a voice sweet and sonorous, not so deep as WEBSTER'S in its tones, though more musical. I never heard a finer voice at the Bar, or in the Pulpit. The moment he rose to speak, he was listened to with profound attention. He was not one of those speakers who spoke by the hour. He never wearied attention, or wasted words. In fine, he was an eloquent advocate.

As a lawyer he was distinguished, and particularly as a Special Pleader. Notwithstanding some wild movements in this day of progress and reform, which have done away the whole system of Special Pleading, and introduced a wide latitudinarian substitute, both Judge Whitman and Judge Mellen, and our late eminent jurist Judge Wilde thought highly of the science of Special Pleading, and so did the great Chief Justice Parsons. They thought it had a tendency to shorten trials and promote the administration of the law, by enabling parties, in the language of our Bill of Rights, "to obtain justice speedily, and without being obliged to purchase it, completely and without any denial; and promptly without delay, conformably to the laws." When the age of superficial attainments and speculative practice in the profession shall have passed away, our legislatures may learn the sound doctrine, Ne sutor ultra crepidam, and agree 'with Judge Whitman, that the learning of a thousand years is better than sailing on an ocean of litigation without chart or compass, even though one may sometimes steam it by the stars.

The brief space for obituary notices will hardly allow me to introduce any anecdotes; yet there is one so serious in its aspect, and so pleasing and instructive in its result, that I cannot forbear to offer it. Many years ago, before the Chief Justices Whitman and Mellen were elevated to the bench, they were engaged at a Portland Court in a cause of some magnitude, as opposing counsel. The case was exciting, and in the course of the trial these patriarchs of the Bar got into a misunderstanding; warm words arose; like a gladiatorial combat, it was tierce and parry: hasty recriminations and personal invective followed. The Bar listened in silence and in sorrow. The Court soon after adjourned. When, the next morning, as these great coun-ellors met there, I think it was Judge Whitman steps up to Judge Mellen, offers his hand, and says, Brother Mellen, I was hasty and wrong yesterday, forgive me. No, says Judge Mellen, it is I who first erred, and ought as the older man to have sought reconciliation. What a noble lesson such glorious men gave to their brethren and to the world on this occasion!

Such was the Hon. Ezekiel Whitman. As an Honorary member of our Society, it was right and proper that his departure should be noticed; and in asking the favor of

the historiographer, of paying this last tribute of respect to his memory, it is only the discharge of a duty I owe 'when I remember that the honor of his friendship was and ever will be dear to me.

PROCEEDINGS.

I. H. S.

Boston, Wednesday, June 6, 1866.-A stated meeting was held this afternoon, at three o'clock, at the Society's rooms, 13 Bromfield street, Winslow Lewis, M.D., in the chair.

Rev. Henry M. Dexter, D.D., the corresponding secretary, reported letters accepting resident membership from Henry W. Pickering and Henry F. Jenks, of Boston, Abraham Firth, of Brookline, and Henry Lyon, M.D., of Charlestown.

John H. Sheppard, the librarian, reported that since the last meeting there had been received:-Bound volumes, 11; pamphlets, 477; autograph MSS., &c., 11.

William B. Trask, the historiographer, read biographical sketches of Rev. Martin Moore, of Boston, Benjamin Leeds, of Roxbury, and Joshua Coffin, of Newbury, deceased members.

Dr. Lewis presented the valuable autographs of Dugald Stewart, in a letter to the Viscountess of Kirkwell, of De Witt, of Goethe, and of A. Thiers.

Three candidates nominated by the Board of Directors were all elected resident

members.

John H. Sheppard reported in behalf of the committee appointed at the last meeting to attend the bi-centennial celebration of the settlement of Newark, May 17, by the New Jersey Historical Society. Mr. Sheppard was the only member of the committee who was able to attend. He spoke in high terms of that energetic and enterprising society, and of the cordial reception and kind attentions shown him. The exercises of the day, in the old Presbyterian Church, were of a high order; the beautiful City of Newark, with its handsome mansions and wide streets, seemed all alive on this joyous occasion; and the reception in the evening, which closed the festivities with music, dancing and a fine collation, was graced by a splendid display of the beauty and elegance of that hospitable city.

John Ruggles, of Longwood, read the regular paper. His subject was the History of Music. After an account of its origin and progress in the old world, he gave a brief history of early music in New England, which was almost exclusively that of Psalmody. When our fathers left England they brought with them music of the character of Luther's chorals. Sternhold & Hopkins and Henry Ainsworth were their manuals. Ainsworth not being entirely satisfactory, some of the distinguished divines produced the "Bay Psalm Book," which was used in the Colony for many years, although at first it met with strong opposition. Some said that Christians should not sing at all; others thought it right to sing, but wrong to sing the Psalms of David under the new dispensation; others, that it was wrong for any but Christians to sing; others still, that one only should sing and the rest respond amen.

Rev. John Cotton introduced the practice of lining out the hymns, for the practice was not brought over by our fathers, but was an innovation of their own. Music was printed in this country about 1690. At this time many congregations (for they had then no choirs) had not more than five or six tunes that they could sing. The introduction of a new tune called for the grave decision of the whole church, and sometimes for the parish vote. Music was at a low ebb when Rev. Mr. Symmes, Dr. Cotton Mather, Rev. Mr. Dwight and others preached and wrote upon the subject till a great improvement was effected.

Dr. Watts's hymns were first published in this country in 1741. When Dr. Watts first proposed writing his Hymns and Psalms, he sent a specimen of the Psalms to Dr. Cotton Mather for his opinion, who encouraged their publication. Billings published his first book of music in 1770. The old Worcester Collection by Isaiah Thomas was published in 1778, in which was printed Handel's Hallelujah Chorus, for which it was thought necessary to apologize, "because it was deemed by some too hard to be learned, or too delicate to be sung, even by the best performers in the country." Our musical societies are now considered behind the times if they do not every season bring out something new.

Boston, July 4.-A quarterly meeting was held this day, Frederic Kidder was called to the chair and George Mountfort was chosen secretary.

On motion of John H. Sheppard it was voted that in consequence of the day being the National Jubilee and a legal holiday, this meeting be adjourned to the first Wednesday in August next.

Boston, August 1.-The monthly meeting was held this afternoon, Winslow Lewis, M.D., in the chair.

The librarian's report acknowledged the donation, since the last meeting, of 40 volumes and a large number of pamphlets and newspapers.

The corresponding secretary reported letters of acceptance from the following gentlemen who had been chosen as members, namely: Rev. Thomas William Davids, of Colchester, Eng., author of the Annals of Evangelical Nonconformity in Essex, corresponding; and Hon. Edward E. Bourne, of Kennebunk, Me., Commander George H. Preble, U. S. N., Charlestown, Mass., and Rev. Henry Jones, Bridgeport, Ct., resident.

The historiographer read biographical sketches of the following deceased members, namely: Hon. Lewis Cass, LL.D., honorary vice president for Michigan; Hon. Calvin Fletcher, of Indianapolis, Ind., a life member, and Rev. Nathan Munroe, of Bradford, Mass., a resident member.

Five resident and one corresponding members were nominated by the directors and elected by ballot.

Mr. Nason read a paper on the Literary Character of the Founders of New England, which he commenced by relating the accidental circumstance which drew out the beautiful lines of Mrs. Hemans on the Pilgrim Fathers, beginning:

"The breaking waves dashed high

On a stern and rock-bound coast," &c.

He said the original settlers of New England were men of stamina and mark, and. to some extent, of gentle blood. They were, to use the King's word, "harried" out of their native land for conscience's sake; and as the oaks of the mountains gather strength by the storms that beat upon them, so did they increase in power, in solid and compact nobility of soul, by the tremendous ordeal through which they passed. It was not hyperbole to say that God sifted a continent to find choice seed wherewith to sow America. The far spreading branches of the high-towering Tree of Liberty, the golden clusters of the fruit we pluck from it, abundantly attest the genuineness and excellence of that seed. He said the Pilgrims were the most conscientious, liberal, enlightened and even tolerant men of their times. They stood nearer the word of God. They persecuted heretics; but England herself had driven more than twenty thousand of them into exile, and by the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, Louis Quatorze let slip the bloodhounds of war upon a million of the unoffending. They had their faults; we would not gloss them over, but their penal code was milder than the mother country's. Did they hang witches? Sir Matthew Hale himself pronounced against them. The spirit of the age was intolerant.

Mr. Nason said it could be most clearly shown that the men whom we proudly claim as our ancestors in this country possessed a profound literary as well as religious spirit. They were scholars and educators. We should consider the time in which they lived. They had but little leisure. They were too much absorbed by their daily cares in the establishment of the colony to write Iliads or Divina Commedias.

Mr. Nason spoke of John Robinson, who said God had yet more light to break forth from His holy word, and quoted from his works; and of that remarkable compact written on board the May Flower, equalling the Declaration of Independence and containing the germ of civil liberty.

We complacently call our city not the Athens of America alone, but the "Hub" of the whole universe. But, taken hundred by hundred, should we find as many people conversant with the polite tongues to-day as in the times of Henry Dunster? No person in his senses can believe it; and did our preachers of the "Hub," and the spokes around it, deign to introduce into their sermons that "well beaten oil," that solid substance of well-hammered logic, that golden argosy of divine philosophy, that celestial grace which Cotton, Hooker, Shepard and Eliot used, there would not now be so hany empty seats at church, so many lethargic heads in those seats occupied.

Mr. Nason mentioned and scanned the ability, beauty and merits of many of the literary and historical works of these learned fathers. He spoke of the establishment of the first printing press, comparing it with the present wonder-working steam power; of the Atlantic telegraph, now bringing the lips of freedom to touch the ear of royalty, saying, So may these sublime outboundings of power be traced distinctly back to the spirit of the founders of our beloved land.

A copy of this paper, a very slight sketch of which is here given, was on motion of Hon. Charles Hudson requested for the society.

Wm. B. Towne, the treasurer, gave a short statement of his late visit to Stratfordupon-Avon.

BOOK NOTICES.

The Herald and Genealogist. Edited by JoHN GOUGH NICHOLS, F.S.A. London: J. G. Nichols and R. C. Nichols, Printers to the Society of Antiquaries. Parts I.-XVIII. 1863-1866.

In 1863, Mr. Nichols commenced the publication of a " periodical miscellany, devoted in the first place to the antiquities of Heraldry, and next, to those branches of local and family history to which Heraldry lends material aid." Of the ability of the editor to make an interesting and valuable collection no doubts could be entertained, and each part has been an evidence of the richness of the vein which he has been the first to explore. At the same time a great and increasing interest has been manifested by the public in the important service to which this Magazine is devoted. The mode of writing historical treatises has undergone a complete change, and instead of theoretical essays written to fortify existing prejudices, we have now historians who laboriously collect facts and deduce their arguments afterwards. Macaulay was probably the last and most brilliant example of the old school; but we trust the present century will not see the end of the new style of historical students.

Within a very few years, also, the great collections of documents in the custody of the British government have been rendered available to every investigator, and this concession has been of even greater service to the genealogist than to the historian. One fruit of the impetus thus given to genealogy is found in the elaborate pedigrees recently published, based upon the examination of wills heretofore open to inspection only at a ruinous cost. Genealogy being one of those studies which insensibly extend their limits with opportunities afforded, we may now hope to obtain important information in regard to the early colonists of this country.

One source of information, hitherto too little regarded, is to be found in the use of heraldic devices. This neglect has been largely owing to the fact that the science itself had been overlaid by pedantic and ridiculous fables which were copied by every succeeding writer, until few persons appreciated the solid basis of fact. This new magazine has been of great assistance in clearing away the rubbish of centuries, and its appearance has been contemporaneous with books like Boutell's and Planche's, which have attracted public attention to the interesting details of the subject.

We may especially call attention to a series of articles in the "Herald and Genealogist" upon the Law of Inheritance as applied to Coat-Armor,' The Legal Right to Arms in Scotland,' Ancient Modes of Differencing,' and 'The Origin and Development of Coat-Armor.' In reference to genealogical articles we may cite the following:On the published Heralds' Visitations of Counties,' on Jersey Families,' on Refugee Families settled in England,' and of special families, on the Carys, Lees, Thackerays, Shakspeares, Temples, Waldos, and many others.

Articles of more general interest have appeared on the Institution of the Dignity of Baronet,' on Changes of Name proprio motu,' and especially one on the Art of Pedigree Making.' We are also happy to mention the kindness with which Mr. Nichols has devoted much of his space to matters relating to America, a branch of English genealogy never before so fully acknowledged. In the 12th part a letter was printed from one of the Standing Committee on Heraldry of the N. E. H. G. Society, and since then copious extracts have been made from our Heraldic Journal. Long articles have been printed concerning the Dudleys and Nortons, and we believe that the current volume will contain new and most valuable information concerning the Hutchinsons and Washingtons.

We hope it has been made evident to our readers that this magazine is not only one of value and interest to all who desire to pursue the study of English heraldry, but it is also one which possesses a great and increasing value for Americans. We trust that it will be more widely known here, and an earnest effort will be made by our genealogists to strengthen and confirm the interest which English antiquaries are beginning to manifest in those details in which we have a common interest. Miscellanea Genealogica et Heraldica. HOWARD, LL.D., F.S.A. July, 1866.

W.

Edited by JOSEPH JACKSON
London: Printed and sold

by J. E. Taylor & Co. Royal 8vo. Pp. 40.

We cannot better describe the new Heraldic Magazine here quoted than by copying the Prospectus.

"In the investigation of Family History a more pure and truthful spirit is now abroad

than has been heretofore evinced, as also an increasing desire to correct the many errors too generally received and repeated as truth.

Much useful intelligence has been furnished in the works of several Archæological Societies, and in the publications of Mr. Nichols, especially the Collectanea Topographica et Genealogica' and The Herald and Genealogist'; but the sources whence fresh reliable information may be derived are numerous and almost inexhaustible.

It is believed that an illustrated publication, to be devoted exclusively to transcripts from original and inedited documents relating principally to Genealogy and Heraldry, would be of great assistance to the laborer in these branches of historical research, as well as of interest to the general reader, and with this object in view the present work is undertaken.

It will contain Genealogies from Heralds' Visitations and from certified Pedigrees. Grants of Arms, Funeral Certificates, Wills, Monumental Inscriptions, Extracts from Parish Registers, etc., with illustrations of Armorial Bearings, Seals, and Autographs. A portion will be set apart for the admission of Queries specially relating to Family History, which will, if needful, also be illustrated.

The Editor invites communications from those gentlemen who are in possession of original deeds and documeuts relating to Genealogy and proving family descent. The Work will be printed on super-royal 8vo, and published in Parts, to be issued Quarterly, at 2s. 1d. each Part."

We will add that the Editor proposes to allow each subscriber to name some one pedigree in the Heralds' Visitations, which shall be copied and published in the Magazine. This will be a great boon to our genealogists. The following are the

CONTENTS OF PART I.-Grants of Arms to Fleming of Sharlston; Dilke of Maxstoke; Weld of Eaton; The Company of Barbers and Surgeons of London, 30 Henry VI. Pedigrees of Dilke, compiled by Samson Lennard; Chamberlayne, by Harvey, Norroy; Beresford of Newton, by Anstis, Garter; Burton, by William Dugdale, Norroy. Visitation of Cornwall, 1620: Pedigrees of Leigh and Lower. Selby Family, Wills and Funeral Certificate. Wyke Family. Funeral Certificates-Cheshire, Lancashire, etc.-Massey, Done, Bunbury, Holford, Brereton, Green, Brettergh, Cholmondeley, Poole, Legh, Leech, Breston, Brerwood, Sutton, etc.

W.

An Historical Inquiry concerning Henry Hudson, his Friends, Relatives and Early Life, his connection with the Muscovy Company and Discovery of Delaware Bay. By JOHN MEREDITH READ, Jr. Albany: Joel Munsell. 1866. 8vo. pp. 209.

Gen. Read, the author of this volume, has for sometime been engaged in writing an extended memoir of Henry Hudson, the navigator. The present work, which contains some of the matter collected for that purpose, is a discourse delivered at Wilmington before the Historical Society of Delaware, on its first anniversary, Oct. 13, 1865; and has been published in pursuance of a vote of that society. The author has been very successful in gathering materials relative to one whose name is so intimately connected with American discovery, both under the Dutch and the English flag; as well as to the family to which he belonged. He shows that the Hudson family was for a long time interested in maritime discovery, and particularly in the Muscovy company, in whose service Henry Hudson is first introduced to our notice by Purchas.

The book contains a valuable appendix of documents and an excellent index. It would require more space than we have at our disposal in this number to present even an abstract of his long array of facts.

We are glad to learn that a writer, who feels so much interest in his subject and is so well qualified for the task, intends continuing his researches. He is now occupied in procuring from England copies of rare documents drawn from original sources; and he requests all persons possessing information concerning Henry Hudson, and who have new facts relative to his descendants, to communicate them to him at Albany, N. Y.

Contributions to the Ecclesiastical History of Essex County, Mass. Prepared and published under the direction of the Essex North Association. Boston: Congregational Board of Publication, 13 Cornhill, 1865. pp. 396.

The object of this volume, which a preparatory note informs us "is to collect and put into a more permanent form for preservation, such materials for an Ecclesiastical history of Essex North as were accessible," is most praiseworthy-and the manner in