About a year afterwards he sent one of his friends to ask me if I was willing to meet him half-way—­stating that my conduct in court had always been courteous, and he was satisfied that he had done me injustice.  I answered that I was always willing to meet any one half-way, but in this case it must be without explanations for the past.  This condition was accepted; accordingly we met, and taking a glass of wine, I said, “Here is to an act of oblivion, but no explanations.”  For a long time no allusion was made by either to the old difficulties.  But at last he insisted upon telling me how tales had been brought to him, and how they exasperated him; and he expressed great regret for what had taken place; and to make amends, as far as he was able, for what he had written about me, he sent me the following letter: 

    “MARYSVILLE, Dec. 22, 1856. 
    “Hon. S.J.  FIELD.

“DEAR SIR:  On yesterday I learned through our mutual friend Charles S. Fairfax, Esq., that Judge W.R.  Turner has recently issued a publication which contains a letter of mine, written him some four years ago.  I have not been able to procure a copy of this publication, and I have entirely forgotten the language used; in truth I do not remember to have written him on the subject of yourself or otherwise; but I suppose I must have done so, and have given expressions of opinion that I have long since ceased to entertain, and to invectives that I have no disposition to justify.  You will recall that, at the time referred to, there unfortunately existed between us feelings of deep hostility; and I may at the time have used harsh terms indicative of my then feelings, which I regret and do not now approve, if they are as represented by others.”

“Judge Turner has taken an unwarranted liberty in publishing the letter, be it of what character it may.  He never requested my permission for this purpose, nor did I know that it was his intention.”

    “Trusting that this explanation may be satisfactory, I
    remain,”

    “Very respectfully yr. obt. servant,”
    “WM. T. BARBOUR.”

He ever afterwards, as occasion offered, spoke of me in the highest terms as a gentleman and lawyer.  My resentment accordingly died out, but I never could feel any great regard for him.  He possessed a fair mind and a kindly disposition, but he was vacillating and indolent.  Moreover, he loved drink and low company.  He served out his second term and afterwards went to Nevada, where his habits became worse, and he sunk so low as to borrow of his acquaintances from day to day small sums—­one or two dollars at a time—­to get his food and lodging.  He died from the effects of his habits of intemperance.