the
loftiest contempt, while he gave not only his confidence, but his most
sincere respect, to him whose conduct squared with his religious
professions. He was a Protestant in religion, as his father had been;
but was superior to bigotry or the intolerance of little minds and
lesser souls. Like all men of exalted genius, he was erratic at times,
and uncertain in his temper. He died without pain, bequeathing his
large estate to his brother, with legacies to his sister in Ireland,
and to some friends there. To Mr. Clay he left his great diamond ring.
He had, at his death, attained only to the age of fifty-seven years.
Like Judge Martin, his besetting sin was love of money; but he was not
a miser. To his slaves he was remarkably kind and indulgent, never
permitting them to be persecuted by any one, and always treating them
with paternal kindness--attentive to their comfort, furnishing them
with good houses, beds, and an abundance of food and clothing--indeed,
with everything which could contribute to their comfort or happiness.
His hospitality was not surpassed by any gentleman in all the land.
All who have visited at Woodlawn, the beautiful and beautifully
improved residence of Judge Porter, will remember the warm Irish
welcome and luxurious hospitality of its accomplished and talented
master.

Thus have I attempted a slight sketch of the characters, minds,
peculiarities, and services of these eminent men and jurists, who
reduced to order and form the jurisprudence of Louisiana. It was the
eminent abilities and extensive legal learning for which they were so
eminently distinguished, as well as the stern integrity of each one of
them, which prompted the executive of the State to select them for
this delicate and onerous position. At this time, there were not three
other men in the State combining so fully all these traits. Their long
continuance in office systematized the law and the proceedings in the
courts, making order out of chaos, and building up a jurisprudence not
inferior to that of any country. Under the peculiar circumstances,
this was no very easy or enviable task. The country was now American,
and it was important that the judicial system should approximate as
nearly as possible to the American system, and, at the same time,
preserve the civil law as the law of the land. This law is a most
beautiful system of equity, and is disrobed of many of the
difficulties which surround the common law, and which oblige