OF L. H. GIRARDIN. 23 



serious disadvantages, he did not altogether neglect his lite-* 

 rary labours. He is known to have been the aulhor of 

 'Pulaski Vindicated,' — an energetic pamphlet written in reply 

 to some supposed misrepresentations of the character of that 

 distinguished warrior and patriot, made by Judge Johnson in 

 his life of Gen. Greene. He had also prepared a course of lec- 

 tures on Botany, for the Agricultural Society of Maryland, but 

 was more particularly engaged at the time he was taken ill, in 

 writing a life of General Lafayette, from documents furnished 

 by the General himself 



It was but shortly after Mr. Girardin's arrival in this city, 

 that proposals to organize a society for promoting the study of 

 the natural sciences were started. To his concurrence in the 

 plan originally suggested, his advice concerning the best man- 

 ner of putting it into effect, and his subsequent active exer- 

 tions as its President, the Maryland Academy of Science and 

 Literature owes its existence. It is but a matter of justice, 

 therefore, to record his extensive learning, his accomplish- 

 ments as a scholar, his urbanity, and the high esteem in 

 which he was held by his associates, on the very first pages 

 that are offered to the public of the Transactions of the 

 Society. 



Mr. Girardin's demise took place, whilst he still enjoyed 

 the full vigour of his intellect, and was about to give further 

 proofs of his usefulness in the promotion of science and litera- 

 ture. But we bow with reverence and humility to the dispen- 

 sations of a Divine Providence ; for such were the feelings of 

 our venerated friend when he calmly resigned himself to the 

 will of his Maker, on the 17th day of February, 1S25, in the 

 54th year of his age. j. t. d. 



