spirit, at that time, had made little progress in dividing the
people of the State, and the gentlemen representatives met cordially,
and constituted an undivided society. There was no division of
interest between different sections of the State, and the general good
was consulted by all. The Legislature was then composed of substantial
men. The seat of government being in the city, and the sessions held
during the winter and spring months, men of business, and especially
professional men, might represent the city constituency, and yet give
a good portion of their time to their usual avocations.

Good laws were the consequence; and the Bench being filled by
executive appointment, with the consent of the Senate, and their
tenure of office being for life or good behavior, insured the
selection of proper men for judges. The Supreme Court was composed at
that time of three judges, Matthews, Martin, and Porter. Matthews was
a Georgian by birth, Martin was a native of France, and Porter an
Irishman: all of these were remarkable men, and each in his own
history illustrative of what energy and application will effect for
men, when properly applied in youth.

Chief-Justice George Matthews was the son of that very remarkable man,
Governor George Matthews, of the State of Georgia. He was born in
Oglethorpe County, Georgia, and received only such education as at
that time could be obtained in the common country schools of the
State. He read law in early life, and was admitted to the Bar of his
native State. His father was Governor of the State at the time of the
passage of the celebrated Yazoo Act, alienating more than half of the
territory of the State.

This act was secured from the Legislature by corruption of the boldest
and most infamous character. Governor Matthews was only suspected of
complicity in this transaction from the fact that he signed the bill
as governor. His general character was too pure to allow of suspicion
attaching to him of corruption in the discharge of the duties of his
office of governor.

At the period of passing this act, the United States Government was
new. The States, under their constitutions, were hardly working
smoothly; the entire system was experimental. The universal opinion
that the people were sovereign, and that it was the duty of every
public officer to yield obedience to the will of the majority, clearly
expressed, operated strongly upon the Executives of the States, and
very few, the