Affairs in New York.
The following letter from New York, which we copy from a late Washington paper, will be perused with interest — particularly that portion which relates to Dr. Charles Mackay:
New York, April 24, 1862
With many other people having a talent for dawdling, I followed the current this morning to the Supreme Court, (Judge Barnard presiding,) where the celebrated Mr. Edwin James and several of our prominent lawyers were pitted against each other in the big Hackley (street-cleaning) contract case.
It seems that a person named Lewis Davis, in some way supposed to be interested with Benjamin and Fernando Wood, claims, as assignee of the forms, one-fourth part of the profits of the contract; (estimated to be worth $60,000 per annum,) which, not having been paid over by the parties owning the other three-fourths, is now sought to be recovered by process at law, to the great detestation of the profession and disgust of those who must perforce remunerate the piper.
Mr. James represents Mr. Davis, and the case, being full of uncertainties and all sorts of involvements, affords ample scope for the exercise of those peculiar qualities which have given him prominence at the English bar. His manner is dignified, prepossessing, self-poised, and courteous.
He sits at the table nearly dressed, well-gloved; and strongly shod. His way of interrupting counsel, which he does with great frequency, has a sort of denticle ad — nativeness bout it that's monstrous cool and good, yet is not only devoid of insolence, but may be said to be even courteous.
It is quite unlike the style of any American lawyer whom I have heard.
As for this matter, that is admirable; not a word of circumlocution — no straining for effect — no clap-trap, but a clear perception of the case, and a vigorous, persistent effort for results.
One thing was apparent in the faces of counsel and of all the bar present, viz: that they had to do with a man of first-rate brain, perfectly familiar with American law and practice, who is determined to how his way to the front of the profession.
In cases involving large interests, destined to prolonged and bitter litigation, Mr. James is sure to be frequently retained.
The avoirdupois of his head has already kicked the beam of many a professional noddle hitherto counted first- class.
I have not seen in the papers any statement of the amount of money collected in the churches of this city on Palm Sunday in behalf of the Sanitary Commission. I am a little surprised at this, as it was large. A gentleman who has facilities for knowing that the aggregate was not much short of six thousand dollars. This will carry comfort and consolation to many a soldier now suffering from the bullet or from sickness.
Among the passengers for Liverpool in the Asia yesterday were six prelates of the Roman Catholic Church, viz: Bishop Laughlin, of Brooklyn; Timon, of Buffalo; Lynch, of Toronto; Commerce, of Pittsburg; Room, of Kingston; and McFarland, of Hartford. Their visit is said to be at the express invitation of the Pope, who had called to Rome a large number of church dignitaries for the purpose of consulting as to what shall be the future policy of the Church at large in reference to immediate temporalities of the Holy See. It is not contemplated to establish any new dogma of faith.
The poet and editor, Charles Mackay, has been so generally and soundly berated for supposed anti-Union proclivities, that it is but simple justice that his real position should be stated. For two months past he has been the regular correspondent of the London Times, the managers of the Thunderer having sent him hither to see if Russell correctly represented the popular sentiment of the North. Mr. Mackay's letters tell their own story, and leave no doubt as to his sympathy for the Union. One of his last speaks of the rebel cause as utterly hopeless, and of the Federal armies as bound to sweep as with a besom everything that opposes their march. Let the man have fair play, and be judged by the record.
Among the divorces granted during the present week is that of Mary Ann Singer against Isaac M. Singer, the sewing machine manufacturer. Isaac, it seems, had been doing something naughty for which Mary Ann brought suit. The court not only granted a divorce, but decreed that L. M. S. should pay $8,000 a year alimony, $750 for counsel fees, and a fair allowance for legal expenses. With strict economy the lady may now be able to jug along and pay current expenses.
