Page:A Memoir of Thomas C. James, M. D. - Hodge.djvu/6

 opinion in mixed societies, were too powerful for his refined taste and sensibilities. He was fond of reading and study, of examining intricate subjects in the quietness of his study, surrounded by the recorded facts and opinions of the mighty living and dead, and of thus forming slowly, but carefully, his own opinions. He devoted every moment to the acquisition of knowledge, which could be spared from the arduous duties of his profession, and from that delightful intercourse with his family to which he looked for subtantialsubstantial [sic] happiness.

His main objects of pursuit were of a practical character, especially those which related to the duties of his profession and the demands of religion, but he always, especially in his youth, manifested a love for literature. He was fond of the belles lettres. In the early periods of his professional career he indulged a strong native taste and a sprightly imagination, not only in rapidly ranging over the products of kindred minds, but in becoming himself a writer, even of poetry, and, in the opinion of partial friends, with no ordinary success, but never so much to his own satisfaction as to allow his name to be publicly connected with any of his productions. Several effusions emanating from a true poetic fancy, and suited to the circumstances of the day, became exceedingly popular, and gave him a publicity he studiously avoided. In the magazines of the day are to be found some sprightly and beautiful verses, entitled the "Glow Worm," "The Eagle of Freedom," "The Country Meeting." A friend and cotemporary states that he well remembers the last mentioned production—that it was very much admired, and passed through all the magazines that were published, for several succeeding years. On the same authority it may be mentioned that in 1794, Dr. James accompanied the Western expedition as Surgeon of the "M'Pherson Blues," and on his return presented his friend with a copy of a very animating song which he wrote on a drum-head, at a time when great gloom pervaded the corps. It had a fine effect on their spirits—was set to music, and was sung through the camp for a long period.

Under the signature of P. D., he published in the Port Folio for 1801, versified translations of the Idyls of Gessner, which were regarded by good judges to be entitled to "much and some to high praise for poetical merit," as well as exhibiting his accurate knowledge and fine perception of the German language and idiom.

The imagination of Dr. James was, however, restrained by strong good