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BIOGRAPHY.

JOHN TRUMBULL. May 10th, 1831. - At Detroit, in the 82d year of his age, John Trumbull, author of McFingal, and divers satirical poems.

John Trumbull was born in the town of Waterbury, in the State of Connecticut, on the 24th of April, 1750. His father, who bore the same name, was minister of the place, which was then a new settlement. His mother was a daughter of the Rev Samuel Whitman, of Farmington.By his father's side Mr Trumbull was connected with one of the most honorable and conspicuous families of his native state. John Trumbull, the earliest head of the family of which we have any account, came from England, and settled at Ipswich, Massachusetts, in the year 1645twenty-five years after the landing at Plymouth. His son, who also bore the name of John, took up his residence at Suffield, Connecticut, and had three sons, John, Joseph, and Benoni. John was grandfather of the poet.

The subject of our memoir enjoyed the benefits of an excellent early domestic education, under the care of his mother, whose strength of mind and acquirements are said to have been particularly directed to his improvement

during his early years. His memory was remarkable, and he rapidly acquired all the moral and religious poetry, which she undertook to teach him. He soon began to read such books as he found in his father's library, which being chiefly devoted to works connected with the clerical profession, afforded only two, which could have served him in any degree as models for his principal writings in his subsequent life, viz: Dr Watts' Lyric poems and the Spectator. These he perused with so much interest, that he was soon able to repeat the whole of the former, and all the poetry contained in the latter.

About this time he began to attempt poetical composition himself, and his parents, instead of ridiculing or opposing a propensity, which many regard with disapprobation in children, expressed gratification, and encouraged him to persevere. Trumbull voluntarily commenced the study of the Latin language at the early age of five years. In this attempt the good sense of his mother led her to pursue the opposite course, to that often adopted in similar cases. She did not oppose his design. Learning from the lessons which his father gave to a youth under his care, what the first steps then taken in

teaching that language were, he undertook to commit to memory, Lilly's grammar and the accidence, intending also to translate Corderius. He made rapid progress, as those generally do, who are permitted to pursue a course of study which they prefer, and the success of the first few weeks' experiments was so great, that his father, on discovering that the progress he had made was greater than that of his own pupil, allowed the two to study in company, and presented them for adinission into Yale College, at the annual commencement in September, 1757, and had the satisfac tion of seeing them both pass an examination with credit. Trumbull, it is traditionally related, was of such small stature at that tender age, that one of the tutors seated him upon a table during the examination, where he exhibited so much capacity and forwardness in his studies, as to surprise the whole assembly. It was not his father's intention to have him regularly enter upon collegiate studies at that period, and he did not join the institution until six years after, in 1763. His time was devoted to study, and he became so well acquainted with the Greek and Latin authors, that he found much time to devote to studies of a different nature, and he now applied himself to Algebra, Geometry, and astronomical calculations, as he had done during the interval to such English belleslettres works as fell in his way. The last year of his Collegiate course he chiefly devoted to English literature, which was greatly neglected at that time in the institution.

He received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1767, but did not withdraw from the scene of

his studies, nor engage in those appropriate to any particular profession. In this he deviated essentially from the course pursued at the American Colleges, as well at that period as at the present, and thus enjoyed the rare advantage of devoting himself almost exclusively to his favorite branches of literature and science, for several succeeding years He applied himself arduously to the study of the Greek and Latin classics, and especially to the poets and orators,-attending to their style, and endeavor. ing to acquire that of the best authors in his own language. It was after Trumbull had received his degree of Bachelor, and while pursuing his studies at New Haven, that he formed an acquaintance with Timothy Dwight. When their intimacy began,the latter was in the junior class in Yale College, and similarity of views upon literary subjects soon drew them into an acquaintance which laid the foundation of a warm, uninterrupted and lasting friendship. Trumbull was much pleased with the translations of two of Horace's favorite odes, in which he observed traces of the genius, which his young friend subsequently dis played. As they both appreciated in a proper manner the importance of cultivating a taste in English literature, among other branches of learning, they could not but condemn the principles, on which the course of study in the institution was founded. In this it appears they for some time stood alone, and it was not until after the appearance of several sarcastic attacks on the prevailing ideas, from the pen of Trumbull, that they began to find even a few converts to their opinions. After a time however they re

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ceived the active co-operation of several young men of talents, who entered heartily into their views and lent them their influence. In the year 1769 they began to publish literary essays in a Boston newspaper, on the plan of those of the Spectator, but after a few months, terminated them, and soon after began to write similar pieces for the New Haven newspapers. The latter extended to above forty numbers.

Trumbull was appointed a tutor in Yale College in the year 1771, when, in consequence of resignations, only one of the former tutors retained the place. This was Mr Howe, whose taste and opinions concerning the importance of English literature well accorded with his own. To their number was added Mr Dwight, afterwards President of the Institution and their united influence was directed to the improvement of style and elocution.

The Progress of Dulness, a poem of Mr Trumbull's, designed to ridicule the absurdities of the then prevailing system of education, was published in 1772. Mr Dwight at the same time produced one, entitled America and having completed the first five books of the Conquest of Canaan, at the suggestion of his friends added other parts, but did not publish it, until some years after wards. Among the particular friends and coadjutors of these three gentlemen, were the late David Humphries and the late Joel Barlow.

The Progress of Dulness was successful as a satire, although its reputation was eclipsed by his subsequent poems. Nor was the Progress of Dulness the only satire of his college life. His celebrated Epithalamium,' on the

marriage of one of the tutors to a lady of fortune, with various other pieces, was written during this period; as likewise was the beautiful elegy on the death of Mr Buckingham St John, one of the author's earliest and most intimate friends, who likewise was tutor in the college at the time of his decease. The Epithalamium was a playful satire, at first circulated anonymously among a very few friends, and never published among the author's acknowledged works. But the author could not be mistaken; and the shafts of his wit were so pointed, that they left a wound which fastened long in the bosom of the bridegroom; who, though his life, like that of the author's, was long protracted, and although both the author and himself long sat upon the bench of the superior court together, we believe he never quite forgave him for this early indulgence of his keen satirical powers. The other piece just mentioned was altogether a different description of poetry. The elegy of which we are speaking, and several other pieces, as 'The Destruction of Babylon,' bear ample testimony that had it been the author's desire to cultivate his richer poetical gifts, he might have assumed a higher station among the minstrels of the age, than it is in the power of any mere satirist to attain.

Mr Trumbull was admitted to the practice of Law in Connecticut, in 1773, having attended to the necessary studies during his tutorship. Instead of pursuing the profession as an attorney, however, he determined to continue his studies, and entered the office of John Adams of Boston, and had his residence at the house of Thomas Cushing, then Speak

er of the House of Representatives of Massachusetts, and subsequently Governor of that State. In so critical a period and with such associates, his interest naturally became strongly excited in the political state of the country, and he acquired a knowledge with the prominent characters of the day, which enabled him the better to deal his satiric blows in his celebrated poem of McFingal.

He became acquainted with the views and feelings of many intelligent and influential men about the Courts of London and Paris; and forming the same opinions as those around him, he endeavored by anonymous publications to second their exertions in encouraging a spirit of resistance to the oppression of the British Ministry. In the month of November, 1774, Mr Trumbull having returned to New Haven, entered upon the practice of his profession. Before he left Boston, however, his poem entitled an Elegy on the Times, was published, without the author's name.

In the year 1775, among the means resorted to, to keep up the hopes and courage of persons likely to despond amidst the losses, disappointments, and dangers, which befel the country, it was proposed to Mr Trumbull to write a satirical poem: and being prevailed upon by some of his friends, members of Congress, at Philadelphia, he composed the first Canto of McFingal, which was soon transmitted to that city and there published.

This poem was the most popular of his works for the brilliancy of its wit, and the pungency of its satire, rather than for the superior excellence of its poetry, in which respect it is rivalled by other of his own productions.

The object of the tory party was to daunt the people by representations of the mighty power of Britain, and the dreadful effects which would follow to this country from a separation — the efforts of wise patriots were directed to counteract this impression-more injurious to our cause than an armed host of enemies; and few men so materially assisted in this as Trumbull, by his publication of McFingal, which was a more valuable present to the revolution, than would have been a regiment of cavalry fully armed and mounted.

Mr Trumbull was married in November, 1776, to Miss Sarah Hubbard, daughter of Col. Lev eret Hubbard of New-Haven. In May, 1777, at the time when that place was exposed to invasion, he removed to his native town, where he spent the four following years, devoting himself to his business and his favorite classical and belles-lettres studies. His health, in consequence of the labor and fatigue he underwent during this period, suffered severely: and a principal cause of its decline, was his exertions and exposure in trayelling from Court to Court in the severe winter of 1780.His disease was of a nature, and partly with the hope that Hartford might prove a more healthful residence, partly because it offered better encouragement in his profession and contained more society congenial to his taste, he removed to that place in 1781.

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Here he soon formed a literary club which held weekly meetings, for the discussion of questions previously selected, on political, philosophical or legal subjects. This was the year which termin

ated the revolutionary war; and those who had taken an active part in the important struggle in different ways were naturally disposed to continue their exertions with their pens, when the restoration of peace had put the use of other weapons out of the question.

The confusion, that then prevailed throughout the country, demanded great exertion on the side of the cool and clear sighted, to allay the feelings of discontent. Trumbull was active and unceasing in his efforts, and his powers of ridicule were skilfully employed in a series of essays, under the signature of Lycurgus.

There was another series of poetic essays afterwards published by Trumbull, in connexion with Messrs Humphreys, Barlow, and Hopkins, which had an extended influence over public opinion.

Trumbull was the oldest of the club, and it is believed that it was during the active operations of this society, that he and Barlow lived several years under the same roof, their families occupying different parts of the man

sion.

In 1789, he was appointed State's Attorney for Hartford County, and the year following distinguished himself in the State Legislature.

Impaired health soon obliged him to resign his public employments until 1801, when he was appointed Judge of the Superior Court of the State of Connecticut, and not till then did he drop his pen.

The character of Judge Trumbull in private life was as truly excellent, as his literary career was brilliant, and his public life able. His spirits were as anima

ted and buoyant, as those of a young man of thirty. He was the life of the social circle, which was never wearied with his edifying and brilliant conversation. His familiarity with the ancient and modern classics was surprising. High above all others of English Bards, in his estimation, daring Milton sat sublime,' to borrow the words of Pope : but of Pope himself, the American Bard did not entertain so exalted an opinion, and rather inclined to the views of Dr Bowles, as given in the controversy with Lord Byron, upon the writings of the Bard of Twickenham.

In 1825, Judge Trumbull removed to Detroit, to spend his remaining years with a favorite daughter. In passing through New-York, he was honored with a public dinner, given to him by his admirers in that city.

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HON. OLIVER PEABODY. August 3, 1831. - In Exeter, N. H. Oliver Peabody, aged 79. He was a native of Andover, Massachusetts, and was born August 22, 1752. He graduated at Harvard College in 1773, being in the first class after the aristocratical arrangement of the graduates according to the rank and station of their parents, which had prevailed from the foundation of that institution, was abolished. He studied the profession of the law, and settled in practice in Exeter, before the year 1778. that town he was soon brought into public life, being appointed Judge of Probate for the county of Rockingham, 7th July, 1790, which office he held until June, 1793. In 1793 and 1794, he was elected senator of the second district, under the revised consti

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