XXXVl 



much of his precious time from those noble intellectual pursuits 

 for which he was so peculiarly competent. Especially must they 

 regret, that, on removing to the metropolis, where his powerful lit- 

 erary influence was so important, he should have felt it necessary 

 to present himself only in his professional character. The office of 

 city solicitor, which he held for a great number of years, brought 

 with it much additional labor, though occasionally relieved by the 

 occurrence of those interesting questions which he loved to investi- 

 gate and settle. The numerous legal opinions which he was called 

 upon to give, we are assured, were as remarkable for their sound- 

 ness as for their learning.* 



Mr. Pickering's literary productions and labors, aside from the 

 practice of his profession, were so abundant and multifarious, that 

 it is not possible for us, on this occasion, to take a complete or 

 distinct view of them. We must classify them as well as we can, 

 according to their kindred relation, contenting ourselves with some 

 brief remarks. 



First, we class together those writings which partake of a pro- 

 fessional character, while they are also made attractive to the gen- 

 eral reader. The most considerable of these, perhaps, is the 

 able discussion of " National Rights and State Rights," which was 

 drawn from him by the case of Alexander McLeod, — a case involv- 

 ing a question of the highest public importance, — "digitus vindice 

 nodusy It was, indeed, worthy of his interposition, and his learn- 

 ing and logical ability were equal to its solution. He brought to 

 the discussion such a thorough knowledge of the subject, with such 

 clear views of our federal and state relations, urged with such 

 weight of argument, justice, and truth, that he settled this great 



* Note C. 



