160 Eulogium on William West. 



known to me of ample pecuniary loans, without the 

 smallest compensation. Against this he was principled. 

 He had known the advantage himself of some capital, 

 in the commencement of his agricultural operations, and 

 therefore freely advanced it when convenient to those 

 proper objects whose necessities induced an application 

 to him. He was of a cheerful disposition, and delighted 

 in society, to which he contributed a great share of its 

 charms ; for he expressed himself with an accuracy of 

 language, and precision of style, far above what might 

 have been expected from one, whose education had 

 been so much neglected in early life. He possessed a 

 considerable talent for poetry, and has often in my hear- 

 ing recited some of his compositions, which for ima- 

 gery, and ease of versification, would have done credit 

 to many whose fame stands high in the list of poets. 

 He possessed all the plainness of the religious society to 

 which he belonged, and of which he was an exemplary 

 member, joined to the manners of the well bred gen- 

 tleman. 



The confidence that his fellow citizens reposed in him 

 was repeatedly shewn, by his frequent election as a 

 member of the legislature of this state. The compli- 

 ment was the more honorable because it was never so- 

 licited. He seldom engaged in debates of the house; 

 in a few instances however, he was induced to deliver 

 his sentiments, and acquitted himself in so masterly a 

 manner, as to convince his hearers, that if his natural ta- 

 lents had been cultivated at an early period, he would 



