THEODORE LYMAN. 661 



than partisanship." * His independent course in politics was naturally 

 distasteful to many political leaders, and, at the time of the " Mugwump " 

 defection from the Republican party, called down upon him some severe 

 animadversions from Senator Hoar. On this occasion he, with exquisite 

 humor and with generous consideration for his antagonist, compared 

 himself to a fellow who boasted to his neighbors that he had ''just been 

 cuffed by the King." 



In November, 1869, he was elected a Resident Member of the Massa- 

 chusetts Historical Society, and in December, 1880, he read before the 

 Society a memoir of his father-in-law, George R. Russell. 



He was also a Trustee of the Peabody Educational Fund. 



Theodore Lyman did so much work of a high order in so many differ- 

 ent directions that it is difficult to decide in what calling he was most 

 fitted to excel. That he possessed a decided aptitude for the duties of a 

 soldier is the opinion of those best qualified to judge, and it is not at all 

 improbable that when, in the fulness of time, his diary shall be given to 

 the public, his place among the military writers of the world will be 

 definitely assured. 



His high character and his firm conviction that "public office is a 

 public trust" well fitted him for the career of a statesman, and there is 

 little doubt that he would have distinguished himself in public life had 

 circumstances favored the adoption of such a career. 



His scientific papers are examples of conscientious observation, and are 

 valuable contributions to the field of knowledge in which he labored. 



Perhaps the trait of character which most impressed itself upon all 

 who came in contact with Theodore Lyman was the cheerfulness and 

 gayety of his disposition. This gayety was far removed from frivolity, and 

 was compatible with a stern expression of indignation whenever circum- 

 stances called it forth. In this spirit were compiled the '' Papers relating 

 to the Garrison Mob,'' f in which the son indignantly repels the criticisms 

 of Wendell Phillips upon the conduct of the father on that memorable 

 occasion. 



Another remarkable trait in Theodore Lyman's character was the 

 alertness of his mind, which, combined with the gayety of his nature, made 

 his companionship both socially and intellectually so charming. Even 

 in his serious writings, e. g. in his Reports as Fish Commissioner, his exu- 

 berant vitality and his cheerful humor found expression, but it was, of 



* "H. L.," Transcript, Sept. 15, 1897. 



t Cambridge, Welch, Bigelow, & Co., 1870. 



