bearing, the unyielding advocate of the great principles of the Constitution, as understood and practiced by its founders, with

'A genius above talent,

A courage above heroism.'

This monument is erected to the memory of their distinguished Whig editor by his surviving brother Whigs, A. D., 1846.”

His tragic death came as a shock to the country, and produced in the son, though but a child at the time, a melancholy that tinged his subsequent life. No trait of the latter's character was more prominent than his devotion to his father's memory, whose name he never mentioned without the profoundest veneration. Nor did he forget the solemn injunction contained in the father's last words, "My son, be ever honest and true," for he was the soul of honor and fidelity.

His mother was Mary Massie, a descendant of John Lewis, the pioneer settler of Augusta county, and also of William Preston, of Smithfield, Montgomery county. She preceded her husband to the grave, so that their surviving children (a son and a younger daughter) were left orphans at an early age. This great misfortune, however, was in no small degree counterbalanced by the tenderness and care bestowed on them and their training by devoted relatives. At school the boy made excellent progress, and at the age of seventeen entered the University of Virginia. He was then, as a friend has described him, "a slender youth of quiet and somewhat shy manner, with a gentle, winning expression of countenance, yet not weak, but bright with intelligence." His talents and the ardor with which he pursued his studies soon placed him at the head of his classes, while his exemplary life commanded universal respect. A pathetic interest, moreover, surrounded him, owing to the terrible tragedy to which allusion has been made. At the session of 1851-'52 he took the degree of Master of Arts, and at the same session, besides his academical studies, he took Junior Law, thus having the advantage of commencing his legal education under that great teacher, John B. Minor.

His friendships at the University and afterwards, though not promiscuous, were lasting. It is no doubt true of him, as John Randolph of Roanoke is reported to have said of Governor Pleasants, that "he never lost a friend." he never lost a friend." A friend with him was a friend for life, and those who knew him best loved him best. Among his college contemporaries between whom and himself a close and uninterrupted friendship continued till his death, were William Wirt Henry, John Howard, John L. Williams, and Francis H. Smith. The leader, who was his roommate, has affectionately said of him, "A purer, kinder, nobler soul I never knew," and tributes of a similar nature might be multiplied indefinitely.

After leaving the University he studied in the office of Robert C. Stanard, of Richmond, and to maintain himself while prosecuting his legal studies he accepted a position as tutor in Mr. Stanard's family. Soon after obtaining his license he formed a partnership with James K. Lee, then, like himself, but recently admitted to the bar. At that time the Bar of Richmond was a very able one, but for that reason it supplied many excellent models, which perhaps was a compensating advantage to a young man able and resolved to succeed. But be that as it may, the firm of Lee & Pleasants, although it started out with no exceptional advantages, had achieved a reasonable degree of success, when, at the outbreak of the Civil War, it was dissolved.

Recognizing that inter arma silent leges, and, prompted, moreover, by a sense of duty, both Lee and Pleasants promptly entered the Confederate army. Lee, unfortunately, was killed at the first battle of Manassas. In conjunction with Lawrence S. Marye, afterwards Colonel Marye, and others, Pleasants raised a company of artillery, named in honor of his father the Hampden Artillery, of which Marye was made captain, and he first lieutenant. The company, soon after its organization, was ordered to report for duty to General Robert E. Lee, at Valley Mountain, now within the territorial limits of West Virginia. During the ensuing autumn it was sent to the command of

66

General Stonewall" Jackson, in the Valley. It participated in the Romney expedition, and afterwards in the battle of Kerns

town.

At the reorganization of the army, in 1862, Pleasants was commissioned a captain and assigned to ordnance duty, in which capacity he served until the end of the war. He was at the battle of Gettysburg, and afterwards in the East Tennessee campaign. When he surrendered at Appomattox he was chief ordnance officer of a division in Longstreet's corps. It is mild praise to say that throughout the war, in whatever situation he was placed, he performed his duty as a soldier, gallantly and well.

At the conclusion of hostilities he returned to his profession, and, although the outlook in the then condition of affairs in Virginia was not encouraging, he resolutely set to work, and in course of time his practice became extensive. He was principally concerned in the settlement of estates and the administration of trusts, which threw his practice mostly into chancery. Having, besides a judicial cast of mind, an aptitude for accounts, he was appointed a commissioner in chancery, and for a long time did most of the work pertaining to that position in Richmond, and did it to the great satisfaction of all concerned. His reports were able and well considered, and among other things it was observed from them that his clock ran slower than the typical commissioner's clock is supposed to run. Several years before his death he formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, Eugene C. Massie, Esq., the present courteous and efficient secretary and treasurer of this Association.

He confined himself to his profession, and was never allured from it to seek office or political elevation. He was consequently an accomplished lawyer and a safe counsellor. He was, however, not merely a lawyer. He found time to indulge his love for general reading, and his extensive attainments, together with many excellent social qualities, made him an instructive and delightful companion. He had, too, a dry humor and a fund of anecdote with which many a social occasion was enlivened.

His mind was strong, clear and comprehensive, rather than brilliant or subtle, his career being marked by practical sagacity and patient research. He was diligent and thorough in the preparation of his cases, and in everything that he undertook. And this he was, not more from love of the law than from a conscientious desire to do his best for his clients; for no lawyer ever had a higher conception of his duty, or more faithfully fulfilled it. His addresses at the bar were distinguished by brevity and perspicuity. He said nothing for the mere pleasure of speaking, and when he addressed the court he was listened to attentively, though he made no claim to eloquence. In all things he was natural, despising affectation or attempts at display of any sort. It is hardly extravagant to say he was sublimely simple. His briefs were generally learned and elaborate, displaying skill in the logical arrangement of the facts and argument of a case. They were always characterized by perfect fairness, and not unfrequently received deserved encomiums from Bench and Bar. In a style that was ornate and attractive he clearly presented the points of a case, and discussed them with ability. In his modesty, however, as all who knew him are aware, he thought far too lightly of himself and all his productions.

Not only did he observe with fidelity his duty to his clients and to the courts before which he appeared, but such was his uniform courtesy to the Bar that it was a pleasure to be thrown with him, whether as associate or opposing counsel. His life is an example of how a man of modesty and gentleness may achieve professional success by industry, uprightness, sound judgment and unaffected urbanity. His kindness to the younger members of the Bar, and his readiness at all times to assist and encourage them, was a noticeable and not the least admirable trait of his character. Indeed, in all the relations of life he was conspicuous for his good will to everybody. Benevolence and a sweet, generous disposition were expressed in his countenance, and were further shown by numberless systematic and unostentatious acts of charity, by a charming hospitality, and in every

possible way." He sided with the weak, the poor and wronged, and lovingly gave alms," nor was he ever happier than when alleviating distress or giving pleasure or comfort to others.

A great writer has likened the world to a looking-glass, in that it gives back to every man the reflection of his own face. And so James Pleasants was beloved because he loved his fellowman, and showed it; and when he died the world was better for his having lived. What has been said of an eminent judge may justly be said of him: "The unaffected simplicity of his manners, the strength and constancy of his attachments, his exemplary conduct in the relations of son, brother and husband, his benevolence towards all men, and his ever active beneficence; these amiable qualities shone so conspicuously in him throughout his life, that, highly as he was respected, he had the rare happiness to be yet more beloved.'

"

Fortunate he was, undoubtedly, in many things, but in nothing was he as fortunate as in his married life. In November, 1865, he married Miss Carrie T. Massie, daughter of Henry Massie, Esq., of Albemarle county, a noble woman, who, happily, survives him, loved and esteemed by a wide circle of friends. They had no children. For a year or more before his death, owing to failing health, he had not appeared at the bar.

This imperfect sketch ought not to be concluded without stating that our friend lived and died a devout Christian. His was not the condition of living "without God in the world," but he reverenced the Scriptures, and clung to the hope of a happy hereafter. Observant as he was of his duties towards man, he could hardly have been otherwise than faithful to his God. This was the crowning glory of his well-rounded life. For many years he was a member of the Presbyterian church of which the late Rev. Dr. Moses D. Hoge was pastor, and enjoyed the love of that eminent divine. Something of his humble Christian character is revealed in a remark once made to a friend, "I had rather," he said, “be the author of a hymn like 'Rock of Ages,' or 'Jesus, Lover of My Soul 'something that would cheer the