8 A SAGA OF THE SEAS 
In the Court decisions, Stephen Field submitted many 
minority reports, and his dogmatic opinions aroused wide- 
spread criticism. On several occasions there were threats to 
shoot him if he returned to California, and one such attempt 
actually was made. A few months before his death at eighty- 
three, he was asked by his colleagues on the bench to resign. 
One explanation of his stubborn mind was that it had become 
set when, at Williams College, he was taught logic and phil- 
osophy by Mark Hopkins, the eminent educator, who also 
came from Stockbridge. He was a candidate for President in 
1880 and 1884. A book called Stephen J. Field, Craftsman of 
the Law has been written by Dr. Carl B. Swisher. 
Both David and Stephen were equipped by inheritance and 
temperament to render important service to the development 
of American law. The talents that they gave to the improve- 
ment of the nation’s legal practice included a faculty for ab- 
stract and systematic thought, supported by personal initia- 
tive and determination. Their father’s theological and his- 
torical background had accustomed them to controversial and 
theoretical issues. Like their father, they were not afraid to 
stand by their convictions when they believed that it was their 
duty to do so. Neither of these sons was popular, but both 
were respected. 
‘The youngest brother of Cyrus was Henry, who became a 
clergyman and writer. Something of a rolling stone, he had a 
varied and interesting life. He preached, traveled, and edited 
a religious periodical called The Evangelist. Although his 
travel books have been criticized as discursive and superficial, 
they conformed to the expectations of his readers, especially 
in pious interpretations, and are still readable. His book, The 
Story of the Atlantic Telegraph, shows a versatility of which 
few clergymen are capable. Henry Field was a very charming 
fellow. 
His influence in the Presbyterian Church was liberal and 
progressive; he was even something of a man of the world. 
