the last military respects of the Revolutionary army, when, in Dec. 4, 1783, at Francis' Tavern, New York city, he took leave of his brother officers and comrades in arms in terms of warm affection.

After the close of the war, Maj. Sumner was appointed commissioner to settle the accounts between the United States and Georgia; and in this capacity, for several successive winters, visited that State. On the voyage, upon his return from one of these visits, he was taken ill, after eating of a dolphin caught off the copper banks of Cape Hatteras; and, though his vessel made a rapid passage to New York, and he landed without delay, he died on the day after his arrival, Sept. 16, 1789. He was buried with distinguished military honors. Among the pall-bearers at his funeral was Alexander Hamilton. His remains were interred near the middle of St. Paul's church-yard, in New York; and, about one month afterwards, Maj. Lucas, of Georgia, was buried by his side. One monumental stone covers them both, with an appropriate inscription over the body of each. That over Maj. Sumner is as follows: "This tomb contains the remains of Maj. Job Sumner, of the Massachusetts line of the army of the Revolution; who, having supported an unblemished character through life, as the soldier, citizen and friend, died in this city, after a short illness, universally regretted by his acquaintance, on the 16th day of September, 1789, aged 33 [35] years."

At the time of Maj. Sumner's decease, his son was a student at Andover Academy, under Mr. Pemberton, where he was prepared for college. He entered Harvard College in 1792, and received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1796. Among his classmates with whom he was on terms of friendship was John Pickering, the eminent Greek lexicographer, James Jackson, the head of the medical profession in Boston, Leonard Woods, of Andover, the profound divine. With the latter Mr. Sumner was ever on terms of affectionate intimacy. While in college he developed poetical talents which were then highly favored. He delivered a "Valedictory Poem" before the Speaking Club, when his classmates left that society at the end of the junior year; also, at one of the college exhibitions, a poem entitled "The Compass," which was much admired, and was shortly afterwards printed in a pamphlet. There is now in the possession of his family a copy of Shakspeare and Young's Night Thoughts, inscribed in each as follows, in the beautiful and distinct handwriting of the Rev. Dr. Jenks, a fellow-student and friend of Mr. Sumner, though two years after him in college:

"These volumes are presented to C. P. Summer, by several members of Harvard University, who are desirous of expressing their acknowledgments for the pleasure afforded by his poem entitled 'The Compass,' and for the honor which it confers upon the literary character of the University." The same poem prompted from another friend, Joseph Story, afterwards the illustrious judge, a few poetical lines, expressive of warm approval of the production, and lively anticipation of his future success. We here transcribe the apostrophe from the autograph of Justice Story, very neatly inscribed on the back of the title-page of a printed copy of this poem, in the possession of Charles Sumner, our Senator to Congress, which may be viewed as a valuable part of his patrimony:

On commencement-day, when he took his degree, Mr. Sumner delivered a poem on "Time." He also pronounced the valedictory poem before his classmates, when they completed their studies. The verses herewith, from the valedictory, in apt words picture the kindred friendship among his fellow-classmates:

"From this loved spot to festal-board we go,
And give the cordial hand to friend and foe;

One firm alliance, one enduring peace,
From this time forth, shall never cease;

Each shall to each a cheering wish extend,

And live through life befriended and a friend."

All his productions at this early period, as through life, indicate a philanthropic spirit. The happiness of mankind was his controlling passion. Shortly after he left college an incident occurred expressive of this character. He passed a winter in the West Indies. The vessel in which he was a passenger happened to stop at the Island of Hayti, which was then rejoicing in its independence; and the officers and passengers, with other American citizens there, were invited to a public entertainment on the anniversary of the birth-day of Washington, at which Gen. Boyer, afterwards president of that republic, presided. Mr. Sumner, when called upon for a toast, gave the following: "Liberty, Equality and Happiness, to all men;" which so much pleased Boyer, that he sent one of his aids-de-camp to invite the young American to take the seat of honor by his side at the feast.

Mr. Sumner was early associated, as a private teacher, under the Rev. Henry Ware, pastor of the first church in Hingham, and Professor of Divinity in Harvard College, 1805, towards whom he ever sustained relations of friendship. He shortly made a visit to Georgia, partly to settle the estate of his father, and journeyed home by land through the Southern States. On his return, he devoted himself to the study of the law, in the office of Hon. George Richards Minot; and, on the decease of that ornament of Suffolk bar, he finished his initiation under the guidance of Hon. Josiah Quincy, with whom, though differing in politics, he always sustained the relations of warm regard. In 1798 Mr. Sumner delivered the poem before the Phi Beta Kappa of Harvard College, and the oration on this occasion was delivered by Rev. John T. Kirkland. On Feb. 22, 1800, Mr. Sumner delivered at Milton a eulogy on Washington, which was published at Dedham, and was afterwards embodied in the octavo volume entitled Eulogies and Orations on Washington," as being one of the best pronounced on the virtues of that illustrious father of the Union.

About the year 1805, when political excitement was warm, William Austin, of the Democratic party, author of Letters from London, in consequence of political differences with Gen. Simon Elliott, in the Chronicle, over "Decius," was challenged by James H., son of the general. Mr. Sumner was the second for Mr. Austin,

and the field of combat was in Rhode Island. One of the parties, Mr. Austin, was slightly wounded by a pistol-shot. Mr. Sumner deeply regretted having taken a part in this conflict, and the subject was unknown to his children until after his decease.

Mr. Sumner early attached himself to the Democratic party. He was a constant and tenacious advocate of the administration of JefferHis name appears on important local committees during this period. He wrote in the Republican newspapers, and took part in public meetings. He delivered a public address on the second inauguration of Thomas Jefferson, and also an oration on the 4th of July, 1808, as named at the head of this article. It was published in a newspaper of the period. We find in this production a passage as well adapted to the present political excitement as it was to the fever of embargo and non-intercourse, forty-two years ago: "There is, indeed, no diversity of interest between the people of the north and the people of the south; and they are no friends to either who endeavor to stimulate and embitter the one against the other. What if the sons of Massachusetts rank high on the roll of Revolutionary fame? The wisdom and heroism for which they have been distinguished will never permit them to indulge an inglorious boast. The independence and liberty we possess are 'the result of joint counsels and joint efforts,-of common dangers, sufferings and successes;' and God forbid that those who have every motive of sympathy and interest to act in concert should ever become the prey of party bickerings among themselves."

For several years during the period of 1806, and excepting one year, until 1813, Mr. Sumner was clerk of the House of Representatives, when Perez Morton and Joseph Story were speakers, and Marcus Morton, afterwards governor, was clerk of the Senate. In 1810 Mr. Sumner was a lieutenant in the Boston regiment, and his punctilious observance of military etiquette is in the memory of old men among us. Mr. Sumner did not long actively engage in political matters. The care of a large family occupied much of his time. He was married, April 25, 1810, to Miss Relief Jacob, of a respectable family, in Hanover, Plymouth county, and had nine children; of these, only five survive. Mrs. Sumner has been a lovely, devoted mother, who has largely contributed to the formation of their character. Mr. Sumner was a well-read lawyer, and faithful in all that he undertook. He was peculiarly fortunate in the intimate regard of the members of the bar,

and especially that of Chief Justice Parker; but he never engaged in extensive practice.

In 1825 Mr. Sumner was appointed by Gov. Lincoln to the elevated station of sheriff of the county of Suffolk. This office he retained, by successive appointments, down to the time of his decease, in April 24, 1839. Perhaps no incumbent has ever filled that office in this county who made its duties the subject of more careful study. He explored the history and origin of the office in the English law, and its introduction into Massachusetts. Peculiar evidence of this appears in the discourse which he delivered before the court and bar, in the courthouse, Boston, June, 1829, on some points of difference between the sheriff's office in Massachusetts and in England. This was published in the American Jurist for July, 1829, vol. 2. It was also published in a pamphlet. It is a valuable production, both in a historical and judicial point. It concludes with personal sketches of his predecessors in office. He relates of Jeremiah Allen, the earliest sheriff whom he ever saw, that he was a rich and a moral old bachelor, of whom it was once jocularly said, in his presence and hearing, that "the sheriff knew very well how to arrest men and to attach women;" a piece of humor well intended and well received, and

"Praise enough

To fill the ambition of a private man."

Mr. Sumner, through life, was remarkable for his strict and most conscientious integrity. More than one person remarked of him, that he would trust his whole fortune to him, without bond or security of any kind. He felt keenly the responsibilities of his office; and, at times, to such a degree, that he talked of resigning, that he might be relieved from their anxieties. He always preserved his interest in literature, especially in history and poetry; and, in advanced life, he joined in the classical studies of his children. Though at times austere and reserved, his general manners were simple, easy, flowing, and affable. He has been characterized as "the best-mannered man in Boston;" and, to show how near his heart was such a habit, we will cite the sentiment given in Faneuil Hall, August, 1827, at the festival after the annual exhibition of the public schools: "Good learning and good manners: Two good companions. Happy when they meet, they ought never to part." Sheriff Sumner was small of stature, an emaciated, attenuated figure, and a remarkable contrast to Samuel Badlam,