t I became alarmed lest I
should lose my cases in the appellate court by winning them before
him.

About a year afterwards he sent one of his friends to ask me if I was
willing to meet him half-way--stating that my conduct in court had
always been courteous, and he was satisfied that he had done me
injustice. I answered that I was always willing to meet any one
half-way, but in this case it must be without explanations for the
past. This condition was accepted; accordingly we met, and taking
a glass of wine, I said, "Here is to an act of oblivion, but no
explanations." For a long time no allusion was made by either to the
old difficulties. But at last he insisted upon telling me how
tales had been brought to him, and how they exasperated him; and he
expressed great regret for what had taken place; and to make amends,
as far as he was able, for what he had written about me, he sent me
the following letter:

"MARYSVILLE, _Dec. 22, 1856_.
"Hon. S.J. FIELD.

"DEAR SIR: On yesterday I learned through our mutual friend
Charles S. Fairfax, Esq., that Judge W.R. Turner has recently
issued a publication which contains a letter of mine, written
him some four years ago. I have not been able to procure a
copy of this publication, and I have entirely forgotten the
language used; in truth I do not remember to have written him
on the subject of yourself or otherwise; but I suppose I must
have done so, and have given expressions of opinion that I
have long since ceased to entertain, and to invectives that I
have no disposition to justify. You will recall that, at the
time referred to, there unfortunately existed between us
feelings of deep hostility; and I may at the time have used
harsh terms indicative of my then feelings, which I regret and
do not now approve, if they are as represented by others."

"Judge Turner has taken an unwarranted liberty in publishing
the letter, be it of what character it may. He never requested
my permission for this purpose, nor did I know that it was his
intention."

"Trusting that this explanation may be satisfactory, I
remain,"

"Very respectfully yr. obt. servant,"
"WM. T. BARBOUR."

He ever afterwards, as occasion offered, spoke of me in the highest
terms as a gentleman and lawyer. My resentment accordingly died out,
but I never could feel any great regard for him. He possessed a fair
mind a