nding the blandishments of fashionable society--the love of
country and the holy inspirations of patriotism, triumphed over all
the arts that power could control, and those allurements usually so
potent where youth is endowed with great wealth. The young patriot
promptly, cheerfully, sacrificed all, for his country--turned his back
upon the unnatural stepmother, and came back, to share the good or
evil fortunes of his native land.

"Such facts as these should not be lost sight of at the present
day--such an example it is well to refer to now, in the day of our
prosperity. And we would ask--in no ill-natured or censorious spirit,
but rather that the lessons of history should not be forgotten--how
many young men of these days under like circumstances, would make
a similar sacrifice upon the altar of their country? The solemn and
impressive event which has produced this notice seems to render this
question not entirely inappropriate; for years should not dim in the
minds of the rising generation the memory of those pure and strong
men, who, in the early trials of their country, rose equal to the
occasion. When, at a later period, political parties began to develop
themselves, Mr. Erving, then a resident of Boston, identified himself
with the great republican party, and became actively instrumental in
securing the election of Thomas Jefferson to the Presidency. From
that time forward until the day of his death, he never faltered in his
political faith.

"Few men have been, for so long a period, so intimately connected with
the diplomatic history of our country. He received his first public
appointment, as Consul and Commissioner of Claims at London, nearly
half a century since. This appointment was conferred upon him without
his solicitation, and was at first declined. Subsequent reflection,
however, induced him to waive all private and personal considerations,
and he accepted the post assigned to him. The manner in which he
discharged the duties of that trust, impressed the government with the
expediency of securing his services in more important negotiations,
and he was sent as Commissioner and Charge d'Affaires to Denmark. His
mission to the court of that country was, at that period, a highly
important one. The negotiations he had to conduct there, required
great tact and ability.

"While at Copenhagen, he secured, in an eminent degree, the esteem
and confidence of the Danish authorities, and brought to a successful