xlii 



While he was a member of the Senate from the county of Suf- 

 folk, in 1829, he took a leading part in the discussion upon the 

 bill respecting manufacturing corporations, which, being based upon 

 principles of justice and sound policy touching the individual lia- 

 bility of stockholders, engaged his strenuous and persevering sup- 

 port. His able speech on that occasion was published, and it af- 

 fords ample evidence of his thorough knowledge of the subject, and 

 his large and just views of public policy. 



In this connection we would observe, that Mr. Pickering was 

 often engaged as counsel before committees of the legislature in 

 important cases. These were interesting to him in proportion as 

 they led him into the investigation and enforcement of great prin- 

 ciples of public justice. He never, perhaps, spoke with more sig- 

 nal ability and effect than on the question of a second bridge be- 

 tween Boston and Charlestown, — a question which involved prin- 

 ciples and consequences of momentous concern to the people of 

 Massachusetts. His speech was a powerful support of private 

 rights and the public faith, and was alike honorable to his head 

 and his heart. 



With this very imperfect notice of Mr. Pickering's civil and 

 legislative services, we pass to the third class, including those mis- 

 cellaneous labors and writings given by him in private and social 

 life. His lively interest in all public improvements, scientific dis- 

 coveries, and literary undertakings, with his various ability, prompt 

 pen, and ever obliging disposition, pointed him out as the man to 

 be called upon for any sort of intellectual work, needed by so- 

 cieties or individuals. Was any report, memorial, or other docu- 

 ment required on any occasion, or was any project to be commend- 

 ed by an exposition of its merits, his judgment and his pen were 

 put in requisition for the purpose. So, too, if any young author 



