A Political History of the State of New York, Volumes 1-3Alexander, De Alva Stanwood
History
A Political History of the State of New York, Volumes 1-3
Alexander, De Alva Stanwood
New York (State) -- Politics and government
It is unnecessary to introduce here a full list of the new
office-holders; but there came into notice at this time three young
lawyers who subsequently occupied a conspicuous place in the history
of their State and country. Samuel A. Talcott took the place of Thomas
J. Oakley as attorney-general; William L. Marcy became adjutant-general
in place of Van Rensselaer, and Benjamin F. Butler was appointed
district attorney of Albany County. Marcy was then thirty-five years
of age, Talcott thirty-two, and Butler twenty-six. Talcott was tall
and commanding, with high forehead and large mellow blue eyes that
inspired confidence and admiration. His manners combined dignity and
ease; and as he swept along the street, or stood before judge or jury,
he appeared like nature's nobleman. Marcy had a bold, full forehead,
with heavy brows and eyes deep set and expressive. It was decidedly a
Websterian head, though the large, firm mouth and admirably moulded
chin rather recalled those of Henry Clay. The face would have been
austere, forbidding easy approach, except for the good-natured twinkle
in the eye and a quiet smile lingering about the mouth. Marcy was
above the ordinary height, with square, powerful shoulders, and
carried some superfluous flesh as he grew older; but, at the time of
which we are writing, he was as erect as the day he captured St.
Regis. Butler was slighter than Marcy, and shorter than Talcott, but
much larger than Van Buren, with fulness of form and perfect
proportions. He had an indescribable refinement of face which seemed
to come from the softness of the eye and the tenderness and
intellectuality of the mouth, which reflected his gentle and generous
spirit.
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