my brother George came home from Ohio, for the purpose of removing my father and sisters to their new home on Lake Erie. He had been absent four years, and I had grown so rapidly that he did not recognize me. When we first met I was in the post-office opening the mail; when he came in he could not identify me. Our first interview was exciting and deeply affecting. Arrangements were soon made for the removal of the family—a tract of land not yet sold was disposed of, and some articles sold and a few others that were more suitable purchased-so that by the first of October, 1819,everything was in readiness for our departure. for Ohio. But my place of destination was to Virginia, where my brothers Joseph, Cyrus, and Philemon had resided for many years. they were wealthy, highly respected, and I expected to be soon introduced-if not to move in the "higher circles" of society-some extra expense was necessarily incurred to set me off to the best advantage. This was strongly opposed by brother George on the score of pru

As

SCHOLARLY ATTAINMENTS.

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dence, but my sisters urged the necessity of a 'fine outfit,' and pride carried the day."

During his residence with his brother Joseph in Virginia, he continued to prosecute his studies with even greater success. Although not a college graduate, he was pronounced by competent judges a man of good scholarly attainments. He was a good Greek and Hebrew scholar and read the Latin language with great ease. He had a precocious mind. His eldest brother informs me that young Charles could indite a good letter at six years of age. He was frequently heard to say himself that he had no remembrance of the time that he could not read and write. He seemed to learn almost by intuition. His perceptive faculties were of the most extraordinary character, and the powers of his mind were developed early. In early life he had an unquenchable thirst for literature. When only eighteen years old he was employed as tutor in the Winchester Academy. He was remarkably exemplary in his conduct and outward deportment. While young

he was never known to tell a lie, or prevaricate on any occasion.

He was universally esteemed and admired by his fellow-citizens, who evinced their appreciation of his talents by inviting him to deliver an oration on the "Anniversary of Washington's Birth Day," before he had reached the twentieth year of his age. A bright future was now before him, and many on that day predicted that he would soon stand in the front ranks of literature.

LEGAL PRACTICE.

CHAPTER III.

MR. BALDWIN while engaged in the Academy at Winchester, determined upon his course of life for the future. He made choice of the profession of law, and immediately commenced the work of preparation. The law seemed exactly adapted to his genius and peculiar talents. He now resolved to become a member of the bar as soon as he could qualify himself for the responsible duties of such an honorable vocation. It was a matter of great surprise to his most intimate friends, that he should progress with such rapidity in the study of the law, and at the same time attend so faithfully to his duties as teacher in the Academy. was enabled in a short period to master the fundamental principles of the law, as well as the forms and technicalities requisite for ad

He

mission to practice. All his previous habits of thought and logical powers of mind, were of great advantage to him in soon acquiring a large amount of legal knowledge.

He always loved to study, and now that he felt anxious to become a good lawyer, he applied himself with unusual. assiduity to the study and reading of the course prescribed. To the surprise of his acquaintances he soon announced himself ready to pass the usual ordeal before those whose duty it was to decide upon his competency for the profession of the law. The examination was conducted by one of the best judges of law in that part of the State of Virginia, and was highly satisfactory to all present. The judge was astonished at the readiness with which he answered the most difficult questions proposed by the committee. At the close of the examination Mr. inquired of Mr. Baldwin how long he had been engaged in the study of his profession, "Just six months, sir," was the truthful and prompt reply of the young aspirant. The judge was