Reminiscences of an Old Georgia Lawyer

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1870 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER V. The Middle Circuit.--Leading Lawyers--Ned Bacon--The staunch old Methodist and Rebel Preacher--The young Convict What I have written relates to the Northern Cirouit of Georgia, in which I have resided; but practising at one time in one county of the Middle Circuit, I cannot let it pass without saying it was remarkable for the courtesy and high breeding of the leading members of its Bar, who always give tone to the rest of the profession and indeed, I may say, in some degree, to the best citizens of the circuit in which they practice. These gentlemen bore themselves towards each other, in the court-house, with the same deference and urbanity they practiced in the drawing-room. Compared to the ill-nature and vulgarity--not to say brutality--I have noticed in some circuits, generally due to one or more leading members of the profession--it was the difference between civilized and savage warfare. For in one as well as the other, Christian and humane men will inflict as little pain and expense on their adversaries as may be compatible with the great aim and end of the contest. There was the courteous and winning Walker, a born and bred gentleman; the lofty and high-toned. Flournoy; the handsome, neat and well dressed Reid--just short of dandyism; the kindhearted and sunny Longstreet, and the courtly Wilde--immortalized by "My life is like'a summer rose"--with his marked, intellectual face; the imaginative and benevolent Carey; the lamented Burnside, who fell in a duel; the restless, impetuous political leader, Glasscock, and the stern and honest Holt. They were all fine-looking and talented men, of the first order in the State. ? I had often heard the older members of the profession speak in raptures of "Ned Bacon"--the "Ned...