scholarship, and took his degree in 1796. It had been his father's wish
that he should imitate the example of sonic of his ancestors on both
sides, by devoting himself to the ministry. He, however, preferred the
law, and commenced the study of that profession at Rutland, in Vermont,
with Nathaniel Chipman, then the most eminent practitioner in the State.
After his admission to the bar, Mr. Chipman received him into
partnership. But Mr. Fessenden was ill qualified to succeed in the
profession of law, by his simplicity of character, and his utter
inability to acquire an ordinary share of shrewdness and worldly wisdom.
Moreover, the success of "_Jonathan's Courtship_," and other poetical
effusions, had turned his thoughts from law to literature, and had
procured him the acquaintance of several literary luminaries of those
days; none of whose names, probably, have survived to our own
generation, save that of Joseph Dennie, once esteemed the finest writer
in America. His intercourse with these people tempted Mr. Fessenden to
spend much time in writing for newspapers and periodicals. A taste for
scientific pursuits still further diverted him from his legal studies,
and soon engaged him in an affair which influenced the complexion of all
his after-life.

A Mr. Langdon had brought forward a newly invented hydraulic machine,
which was supposed to possess the power of raising water to a greater
height than had hitherto been considered possible. A company of
mechanics and others became interested in this machine, and appointed
Mr. Fessenden their agent for the purpose of obtaining a patent in
London. He was, likewise, a member of the company. Mr. Fessenden was
urged to hasten his departure, in consequence of a report that certain
persons had acquired the secret of the invention, and were determined to
anticipate the proprietors in securing a patent. Scarcely time was
allowed for testing the efficacy of the machine by a few hasty