Democratic Sentinel, Volume 8, Number 9, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 March 1884 — Caleb Cushing. [ARTICLE]

Caleb Cushing.

Caleb Cushing’s personal habits "were peculiar. Although a most charming companion, an agreeable conversationist, and fond of the table, where he was always delightful, he was a solitary man. His wife was a daughter of Judge Wilde, a bright and remarkable woman, who entered into her husband’s interests in a way somewhat unusual. Old politicians remember the savage assaults made on him in Massachusetts on the charge that an affidavit in his favor was, in fact, made to his wife, although her name was studiously concealed under the designation of "a person.” She died young, and he never married again, and always seemed to lead a wandering life; for, although ho had a home in Newburyport, no one was sure of finding him there or of being able to ascertain where ho was. When he entered a railway car he would, if possible, select a vacant seat next to some person he did not know—an Irishman seemed preferable—apparently in order to avoid conversation. Not a singular trait, by the by, in eminent men. They see enough of iheii compeers by necessity, and often prefer inferior persons as companions. Lord Eldon’s favorite guest at dinner was a stuffy old master in chancery, and ablemen nearer home notoriously enjoy careless talk with persons where they ; can lay the harness off and feel entirely, unrestrained. Mr. Choate, in his frequent long walks in Boston, always sought the lanes and by-ways where ho was not likely to meet anybody ho knew. —Boston Every Other Saturday. Genius, like the sun upon the dial, is ever indicating to the human understanding the application of shadow and light.