Memoir of Increase Sumner: Governor of Massachusetts

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S.G. Drake, 1854 - 70 pages
 

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Page 12 - Every male person, being twenty-one years of age, and resident in any particular town in this Commonwealth for the space of one year next preceding, having a freehold estate within the same town, of the annual income of three pounds, or any estate of the value of sixty pounds, shall have a right to vote in the choice of a Representative or Representatives for the said town.
Page 29 - In him were singularly united all those virtues which conciliate affection, and command respect. To an uncommon mildness of temper, and a disposition to promote the happiness of all, were joined unshaken firmness, and an unyielding sense of duty. His knowledge and discernment enabled, and his regard for the public good prompted him to make the most judicious appointments. A correct and enlightened...
Page 11 - ... always will exalt and dignify the character of a nation. We have the happiness to live in a country where our rights are fully understood, and freely enjoyed ; and America furnishes one among the few instances where the blessings of civil liberty and the rights of mankind have been the primary objects of their political institutions ; in which the rich and the poor are equally protected ; where the weak are defended against the usurpations of the violent ; where the rights of conscience are freely...
Page 50 - His constitution wağ naturally vigorous ; through life he was blessed with good health ; his punctuality in all his engagements was remarkable, and he was ever prompt to the call of duty. During the period of 62 years, he was never absent from the stated communion of his church...
Page 8 - He was young, but thepublick had confidence in his integrity and ability, and the court considered him an acquisition. This appointment was made but a short time after the state constitution had gone into operation, and while the wounds of our country were green, and the sounds of war had not been hushed on our shores!, and every thing was in an unsettled state. After the turbulence of the conflict had subsided, the loss of blood and treasure were severely felt. The paper currencies, which had been...
Page 9 - ... the bench of the Court of Common Pleas, proclaimed his determination " to sit as a Judge or die as a General." The Judges had a hard and painful task in discharging their duty. They however not only proceeded with discretion and humanity, but also with that fearlessness of consequences which performs its duty, and leaves the event to Heaven. To the firmness and independence of our judiciary, backed by the military power, we are much indebted for the suppression of the. insurrection, and for the...
Page 30 - His countenance was remarkable for composure, and was often lighted up with a smile of peculiar sweetness. Many a young practitioner at the bar has borne testimony to the pleasure and relief he felt when he was addressing the Court in fear and trembling, in catching the looks of Judge Sumner ; looks of encouragement and protection which never disappointed the youthful advocate.
Page 15 - ... with black velvet collars and cuffs to their large sleeves, and black velvet facings to their robes. Of such importance was this costume that Hutchinson deemed it worthy of record to note in his Diary, after describing the riot in Boston on the night of the 26th of August, 1765, when all his plate, family pictures, furniture, wearing apparel, and the books and manuscripts which he had been thirty...
Page 12 - It requires a powerful grasp of thought to discuss, and the learning of ages to illustrate principles arising from moral and political relations among a free and enlightened people.
Page 8 - After the turbulence of the conflict with the mother country had subsided, the loss of blood and treasure were severely felt. The paper currencies, which had been floated along by hope and credulity, and buoyed up by a spirit of patriotism, sunk in value. All...

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