proportion to the time it should last. We know it has been
said of Judge Field that he is too much of a 'case lawyer,'
and not sufficiently broad and comprehensive in his views.
This criticism is not just. It is true he is reverent of
authority, and likes to be sustained by precedent; but an
examination of his opinions will show that, so far from
being a timid copyist, or the passive slave of authority, his
rulings rest upon clearly defined principles and strong common
sense.

"He retires from office without a stain upon his ermine.
Millions might have been amassed by venality. He retires as
poor as when he entered, owing nothing and owning little,
except the title to the respect of good men, which malignant
mendacity cannot wrest from a public officer who has deserved,
by a long and useful career, the grateful appreciation of his
fellow-citizens. We think that we may safely predict that,
in his new place, Justice Field will fulfill the sanguine
expectations of his friends."

J.G.B.

SAN FRANCISCO, _May 1, 1863_.


[1] He was in the Legislature only one session.


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