Ixv 



his 'lingering in the groves of Academus,' or his intimacy with the ancient ' vo- 

 taries of the Muses,' was not the reminiscence merely of youthful attachment; but, 

 turning his acquirements into a channel of usefulness, he could contemplate them! 

 not as mementos of wasted labor, but even as fruits of enlightened public spirit.' 

 " How to express my own feelings I find very difficult. Indeed, it is not neces- 

 sary. You know his moral and intellectual worth, and can appreciate its value, as 

 well as the value of his literary excellence. His was a rare example of true mod- 

 esty united with distinguished and solid merit, of unassuming but efficient worth, of 

 gentleness of temper joined with decision of character, and of liberal study blend- 

 ed with practical usefulness, good learning with sound common-sense, and thorough 

 honesty of purpose and act ; and I may add, of inflexible integrity in private, pub- 

 lie, and political life." * 



Aided by the recollections of several of Mr. Pickering's most intimate 

 friends, I am enabled to add the following sketch, which, in the absence of an 

 engraved likeness, I am sure, will be acceptable to all his friends. 



The personal appearance of Mr. Pickering was striking. It was both dignified 

 and attractive. His stature was tall, and his form rather slender than stout, but 

 well proportioned ; yet it was the expression of his countenance, and the fine in- 

 tellectual cast of his features, which were the distinguishing characteristics of his 

 person. The form of his face was oval, with a remarkably high and ample fore- 

 head. His mild, clear, hazel eye was expressive of the gentleness of his nature 

 and the vigor of his intellect ; while a straight nose, slightly inclining to the Eo- 

 man, and a finely formed mouth, added to the regularity of his features. The ex- 

 pression of his countenance, when in repose, was grave and thoughtful ; but his 

 eye kindled benignantly, and a benevolent smile played upon his lips, whenever 

 any object of interest came before him. It was this peculiar benignity of ex- 

 pression, joined to an entire freedom from the slightest assumption of superiority 

 in word, look, or manner, which attracted towards him the young, and those who 

 were seeking relief from poverty or distress ; while the intellectual refinement and 

 remarkable dignity of his personal appearance and manners commanded the in- 

 terest and respect of persons in all conditions of life. 



* Rev. Dr. Jenk8. 



