"Buy, then," said Mr. L. "I am afraid to; besides, I have not the means," said the other. "Go buy them-I will back you and share with you in the speculation." How different this from the narrow-minded capitalists, who, taking advantage of the information, would have gone into the market, made the purchase, and pocketed the profits

A cotemporary, in an obituary notice, at the time of his death, remarked in effect that his charities were fewer in number and more ostentatious than were those of his brother Amos. Such we have the best testimony for knowing was not the fact. It is true Abbott Lawrence made a few munificent donations in his life-time; such, for instance, as the fifty thousand dollars to found the Scientific School of Harvard College, Cambridge, donations which could not, and should not, be “hid under a bushel."

But if the veil could be lifted we are satisfied it would be found that his private charities were neither few nor far between. AMOS LAWRENCE was an invalid for thirty years, and notwithstanding noted down all he gave away-not to blazon it abroad-still many of his gifts were known in the community in which he lived. ABBOTT LAWRENCE was in active life, attending to the multiform pursuits of trade, to say nothing of the various trusts committed to his charge by the circle, public and private, in which he moved. He kept no note of his charities-his right hand did not know what his left hand had done.

The writer of this enjoyed the personal acquaintance of Mr. L.; experienced his cordial kindness, if not his friendship, and though differing with him on some subjects, we never could discover that difference of opinion ever narrowed the large sympathies, or contracted the liberal views of ABBOTT LAWRENCE. The last time we met him—a few months before his death-we solicited his advice on a subject connected with our literary labors. "Write," said Mr. Lawrence, to and use my name, if you please."

But we are digressing, in part, at least, from our topic. After sixteen years' labor in the speciality indicated in the foregoing remarks, we have at length completed the first volume of "Mercantile Biography," which we have entitled "THE LIVES OF AMERICAN MERCHANTS," who commenced their career during the last half of the eighteenth, and closed it during the first half of the nineteenth century. The first volume contains memoirs of twenty-one merchants, with portraits of nine, viz.: Thomas H. Perkins, Thomas P. Cope, Peter C. Brooks, James G. King, Samuel Appleton, Samuel Slater, Jonas Chickering, and Asa Clapp. Among the contributors to this volume, we take pride and pleasure in recording the names of the Hon. Edward Everett, George R. Russell, LL. D., Hon. Thomas G. Cary, Hon. Joseph R. Chandler, Charles King, LL. D., President of Columbia College, Rev. William Berrian, D. D., Rev. Ephraim Peabody, D. D., Rev. John L. Blake, D. D., John A. Lowell, Esq., and others. The name of the writer is in the index attached to each "life," except such as we have in whole or part prepared.

Prior to the publication of the volume, Mr. Haskell, the editor of the Transcript, read the preface to the work, and requested a copy for publication in advance of its appearance, a request to which we readily assented.

The Boston Evening Transcript of August 20th, 1855, gives extracts from numerous newspaper notices of his death, which are of themselves

a proof how spontaneous and general was the admiration of his char

acter:

The newspapers of all shades of political opinion, in our own city and in distant places, devote a large share of their columns to tributes to the life and character of the late Abbott Lawrence. We select a few sentences from several of these articles. The following, from the Daily Advertiser, corrects a very great error which is contained in a notice of the deceased in the New York Express:"Mr. Lawrence valued property as the means of personal independence to himself and of doing good to others. His benefactions, like those of his lamented brother Amos, were almost boundless in number and amount. Every meritorious public object, every benevolent institution, every incorporated charity, every association of a more private nature for the relief of want, we may almost say every individual in the community standing in need of aid, shared his liberality. No day in the year probably passed without an application, and, according to its desert, a successful application to him. Few who read these sentences will not be able to bear witness to their truth. The extent of his bounties was publicly known only in cases where notoriety was necessary; but hundreds of instances, we have reason to think, of good done in secret, are known only to those immediately benefited, and to the Being who seeth in secret."

The editor of the Daily Advertiser, from his long intimacy with the deceased, and as a member of the same religious society, is a most fitting witness to the facts stated in the following admirable style :—

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We should leave this hasty sketch too imperfect, if we forbore to add, that Mr. Lawrence was a religious man in principle and feeling, in heart and in lifea believer whose Christian profession was exemplified in all his conduct. He was a member of the Brattle-street Church, and a regular and devout attendant on the ministrations of the gospel. The rules of life which he deduced from the oracles of Divine Truth, were seen in his performance of all the personal and social duties. In every relation to others, as a son, a brother, a husband, a father, his life now brought to a close prematurely for all but himself-may be safely held up as a model. Gentleness of demeanor, considerateness for the rights and feelings of others, equanimity under the trials of an imperfect nature, and the habit of finding his own happiness in the promotion of the happiness of others, spread sunshine and serenity in his domestic circle. The reality of his faith and hope in the promises of the gospel, shone brightly in the unmurmuring resignation with which he supported the weariness and suffering of the last trying weeks of his life. Not a look of despondency or a word of complaint escaped him. He was ready for the great summons; and at the critical moment, when the chances in favor and against his recovery seemed to be equally balanced, he rejoiced that a higher wisdom than his own was to decide the question."

The Post has a fine notice, from which we copy the closing paragraph :-

"Abbott Lawrence was frank, cordial, and genial as a man; liberal and publicspirited as a citizen; sagacious and honorable as a merchant; and manly as a politician. He dealt out his princely fortune with no mean hand; for constant and long continued were his private charities, and munificent indeed have been his public gifts. The death of such a man, with such sterling qualities of character as to win affection and respect from those honored by his friendship, with high aims for the public good, creates a void in the community, and will cast over it a wide shadow."

The Courier has a very elaborate eulogy which indicates much care in its preparation. These extracts will be perused with interest :-

"The donations of $2,000 each to the Latin and the English High Schools for the establishment of the Lawrence Prizes,' the donations to other literary institutions, his ready aid to poor students and to young persons beginning life, his aid to the sufferers of other lands, his daily relief of the poor about him, indicated a greatness of soul beyond the common lot of man. Notwithstanding his large

outlays for benevolent purposes during his lifetime, it is generally understood that Mr. Lawrence has, in his will, made several bequests to public objects. Their character has not as yet transpired.

"We here have given a brief view of the commercial and public life of Abbott Lawrence, and an imperfect record of what he has done in his day for education. Another trait of his character, which endeared him to all who knew him, ought not to be forgotten-we mean his kindness to all, rich and poor, who approached him. Wealth never separated him from his acquaintances, and the friends of his youth were not shunned in the days of his prosperity. It was this characteristic, far more than his wealth, which made him so much the favorite with his fellowcitizens. There was nothing selfish or envious in his nature, and during all his life he treated men as his equals.

"At the time of his death, he was a member of the Board of Overseers of Harvard College, a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Antiquarian Society, the Massachusetts Historical Society, and many other organizations which have for their object the advancement of the arts and sciences, the spread of education, and the amelioration of the condition of man. In view of all he was and all he did, his life may be fairly pronounced to have been eminently successful, useful, happy, and distinguished."

The Times publishes the biography of Mr. Lawrence from the Phrenological Journal, and has an editorial notice. It says:

"Abbott Lawrence dies, leaving a monument more lasting than marble-the affections of those who knew his goodness of heart, his unimpeachable integrity, his boundless benevolence, for he possessed all the noble virtnes which adorn a man and a Christian.

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"As an American abroad, Mr. Lawrence did honor to himself and honor to the nation of his birth."

The Atlas truly remarks:

"Mr. Lawrence's success in business is well known, and he leaves behind him a great estate, entirely we believe, the result of his own prudence and ability. How he managed his immense affairs, is known to all the world. Most unfortunately, very few men achieve a grand success like his without some spots upon the character which no splendor of fortune can efface; but Mr. Lawrence was as free as any man ever was from the sordid vices of pecuniary prosperity. He was not merely honest within the letter of the law, but open-handed and liberal, with kind words of encouragement and kinder acts of assistance for all who needed them. There was not a trace of avarice or greed in his nature; if he acquired great sums, he used them worthily; and lived and moved among us a genial, honorable, Christian gentleman and merchant.”

The Daily Mail of this morning has a most feeling tribute to Mr. Lawrence, written by Timothy Bigelow, Esq., the editor, who is a nephew of the deceased. It should be read by all who desire to form a correct estimate of the more private relations sustained by the departed. Mr. Bigelow mentions that "the last time that Mr. Lawrence was able to ride abroad, he stopped on his return home at the chamber of a poor and sick widow woman, where he spoke kind words to gladden her sad heart, and the day following sent her bountiful supplies for her support and solace."

We have room for only the conclusion of this beautiful obituary :

"The name of Abbott Lawrence will henceforth be historic. Great and good deeds surround it with deathless laurels, and he must ever be regarded as a marked instance of what republican institutions can produce. He has filled many stations, but in none has he been found wanting, and never has he been derelict in duty. As a citizen and merchant, a representative and ambassador, he has been alike faithful and able, and in every situation has gained honor and respect.

"He was known as a philanthropist, but his greatest gift to the world is the example of his life. As a builder of cities he is also remembered; but the most

enduring structure which he reared is his spotless character. Unlike the biography of others, in the life of Abbott Lawrence nothing can be found for charity to cover or kindness to forgive. Such a man must be missed and mourned. Generations may not produce one who in all respects will be like him. His life combines in a wonderful manner the qualities of a true citizen, a liberal philanthropist, a sagacious statesmad, a popular ambassador, a pure patriot, a successful manufacturer, and a high-minded merchant-and whenever a good man is mentioned, the mind will instinctively recur to the life and labors of Abbott Lawrence."

The New York evening papers of Saturday, in recording the death of Mr. Lawrence, alluded to his character in suitable terms. The Express remarked :—

"While the city of Boston and the State of Massachusetts naturally occupy the position of chief mourners in the social funeral procession which will follow his remains and cherish his memory, the entire country must, to some extent, sympathize with the cloud-like sorrow which has lowered over the commercial community, from amid whose plans and schemes of enterprise Mr. Lawrence has been so suddenly removed. As the model merchant prince, the courteous and ever-affable gentleman, the popular and accomplished diplomatist, and the skillful financier and manufacturer, Mr. Lawrence has earned and left behind a name which will ever be mentioned with honor, and a memory which will always command respect.”

The Providence Journal closes an obituary notice with these words :--

"To all engaged in the diversified walks of Commerce, not only in his native State, but throughout the republic, his example is a legacy of priceless worth. His career has ever been marked by integrity and truth. His life has honored trade. Amid all its perils and temptations, he laid broad and deep the foundations of a reputation which will be cherished with love and admiration long after all his accumulations shall have mingled in the general mass. His name for years to come will shine most conspicuous in that splendid galaxy of Boston merchants whose intelligence, enterprise, probity, and munificence, have reflected so much glory and honor upon the character and the history of New England.”

On the 20th August, 1855, the Monday following Mr. Lawrence's death, a public meeting was held in Faneuil Hall, Boston, of all citizens of that city and vicinity, and of all others "desirous to consult together and determine upon a proper testimonial of their appreciation of the distinguished character and services of the Honorable Abbott Lawrence, and of their profound sense of bereavement at his lamented death."

"Among the distinguished men present," says the Boston Courier of August 21, 1855, we recognized the Hon. Edward Everett, Hon. R. C. Winthrop, Hon. Rufus Choate, Hon. Peleg Sprague, of the United States District Court, Hon. Nathan Appleton, Hon. William Appleton, James W. Paige, Esq., Hon. Samuel A. Eliot, Hon. J. Thomas Stevenson, Hon. Nathan Hale, Hon. William Sturgis, Hon. Benjamin Seaver, Moses Grant, Esq., Frederick W. Lincoln, Esq., Thomas Motley, Esq., and many other leading merchants and gentlemen of Boston and vicinity."

We copy from the Courier several of the speeches delivered at this meeting:

The meeting was called to order at ten minutes past twelve o'clock by Mayor Smith, who said :

FELLOW-CITIZENS :-A melancholy interest attaches to this meeting. We have been called together to make preparations for showing respect to the memory of a distinguished citizen. The Honorable Abbott Lawrence is now numbered with the dead. His efforts and his character are eminently connected with the history and character of this city, in which he has breathed his last. This meeting was originally proposed by the Board of Trade, as it was necessary that some prelim

inary steps should be taken. But Mr. Lawrence belonged to the city, and therefore every class of citizens should participate in awarding proper honors to the memory of the man who has been the benefactor of the city of Boston. His enterprise, his public spirit, his goodness of heart, his patriotism, have eminently contributed to the good name and fame of Boston; and whatever we can do to show how much we respect his memory, will contribute, I am sure, to the gratification of all within the limits of my voice. And with these observations, it is proper that this meeting proceed to some fitting action, with a view to carry out the object for which it was called.

The meeting was then organized by the choice of Hon. WILLIAM STURGIS as Chairman; and of J. W. EDMANDS, ADAM W. THAXTER, JR., and F. W. LINCOLN, JR., as Secretaries.

SPEECH OF HON. WILLIAM STURGIS.

We are called together, fellow-citizens, by an event that has cast a shade of sadness and gloom over the whole community. The great Controller of all has, in his wisdom, taken from among us one distinguished alike for the extent and value of his public services, and for the purity and usefulness of his private life. Few, if any, were more widely known than Mr. Lawrence-few, if any, were held in higher estimation.

It is not for me, however, to attempt his eulogy; that must be left for those far more able to do justice to his memory. He has passed away after a life devoted to duty, and to promoting the happiness of his fellow-men, and we, his immediate friends, associates, and fellow-citizens, who witnessed his useful and honorable career, and appreciate his worth, are met to consult how we can best manifest the sentiments of warm esteem and unfeigned respect with which we regarded him while living, and shall ever cherish for his unsullied memory.

The meeting is now opened for any suggestions that may be offered.

SPEECH OF HON. J. THOMAS STEVENSON.

Mr. CHAIRMAN:-I have been requested by the Hon. Nathan Appleton, for many years the intimate and confidential friend of the deceased, to offer to this meeting the preamble and resolutions which I hold, and which, with your permission, I will read. This sad privilege is accorded to me solely for the reason that that gentleman, who is present, feels that his voice would hardly fill this hall.

This spontaneous assemblage is evidence of the deep sensibility with which this community has learned the death of the Hon. Abbott Lawrence.

Whilst we mourn this severe dispensation of Providence, which has deprived us of one of our most honored citizens, we bow in submission with no other feeling but that of gratitude for the benefits which his life has conferred upon us. As a merchant he was upright and honorable in the highest degree.

As a statesman, able, intelligent, and patriotic, he filled high public stations in a manner most creditable to himself, and most useful to his country.

As a citizen of Boston, he was prominent in every public enterprise which promised to promote the general prosperity.

His truth, and kindness, and courtesy, made his private life a blessing to those who were brought within its influences; his public labors extended the resources of his country, strengthened its political relations, and multiplied its means of learning. He poured out his wealth with a public spirit, which attested at once his just discrimination and his unfailing liberality.

Endowed by nature with a strong mind, he improved it by cultivation to a degree which made him the delight of his friends, and which, in all his public duties, especially in his mission abroad, did high honor to his country.

It is proper we should honor his memory; therefore,

Resolved, That we request the owners and masters of vessels in the harbor to display their colors at half-mast on the day appointed for the funeral.

Resolved, That we will, on that day, close our places of business, and that, as a sad duty, we will attend the funeral services.