Page:The Green Bag (1889–1914), Volume 03.pdf/509

 472

who settled in that part of the State in the New Brunswick, and a very prominent beginning of the eighteenth century. He citizen. Robinson was indicted, tried, and could not afford his son the advantage of convicted. The trial was a remarkable one. a classical education, and so the youth was Robinson was defended by able counsel, and forced to content himself with such training j full opportunity was given to the young as could be gained in the schools of the Prosecutor to show what there was in day and of the place, and that was none of I him. He was put upon his mettle, and ap the best. But he made the most of his preciated the possibilities there were for advantages by application and industry, and him in the case. He represented the State when he was released from parental rule, and conducted the prosecution, with the finding himself with no other means of aid of the Attorney-General. His manner obtaining a livelihood than continuing the of presenting the case gave promise of the life which up to that time had been spent l young man's future, especially his peculiar on his father's farm, he put to use the ac ability in marshalling and presenting the quirements he had gained in school and facts of a cause to the jury. became a teacher. He engaged in this In 1847 he was elected to Congress, and occupation for a very few years, and then served for one term. It was at a stirring went to New Brunswick, a green country time; the country was then at war with lad, with no family or other influence to Mexico, and sharp and stormy debates aid him in the struggle. He felt acutely agitated Congress. Mr. Van Dyke took, part in these debates, and at one time his want of classical training, and appre offered a resolution relative to the war ciated the effect it might have on his pro fessional life if he should choose one. But which provoked comment and some sharp he was energetic, and had confidence in criticism. While serving as a representa himself and his future. In 1832 he entered tive, he met William A. Newell, afterward the office of James S. Nevius, who was Governor, and became very intimate with him. In 1859 Newell became Governor of then one of the prominent lawyers of Mid dlesex County and afterward an Associate New Jersey, and in the distribution of Justice of the Supreme Court, and was offices did not forget his friend and fellowlicensed as an attorney in 1836 and as a Congressman. Van Dyke was ambitious counsellor in 1839. l° 1841 George P. for office, but he aspired to that of AttorneyMolleson, one of New Brunswick's lawyers General. Newell had the faculty of disap and then Prosecutor for Middlesex County, pointing his friends, and Van Dyke was was appointed Attorney-General. Mr. Van not the only one of them whose fair hopes Dyke at that time was associated with Mr. were blasted by the failure of the Governor to respond to what seemed just claims Molleson in practice; and when that gentle man became Attorney-General, he sought upon his friendship. Mr. Van Dyke un to succeed him in the Prosecutorship. He doubtedly felt himself better qualified to was successful, and held the office for one perform the duties of adviser of the State term. He was diligent in the performance than those of judge; but Newell appointed of his duties, and gained a reputation which him associate justice, and he accepted, materially aided him in his professional taking his seat on the bench in 1859. He was not well equipped for this posi career. During the time he held the office a terrible crime was committed in New tion; he had not the legal learning, nor the Brunswick, which created the greatest ex judicial mind, nor the analytic power, which citement. A man named Peter Robinson are requisites in the character of a good murdered Abraham Suydam, the President judge. But he did have other attributes He had of the Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank of which were equally essential.