every feature an unpleasant something, which forced an unfavorable opinion of the individual.  Mr. Livingston lived very many years in Louisiana, and rendered her great services in codifying her laws, and making them clear and easy of comprehension.  He shed lustre upon her name, by his eminent abilities as a jurist and statesman, and thus has identified his name most prominently with her history.  But without those shining qualities which clasp to the heart in devoted affection the great man, and which constitute one great essential of true greatness.  And now that he is in the grave, he is remembered with cold respect alone.

Stephen Mazereau was a Frenchman, a Parisian, and a lawyer there of the first eminence.  When about to emigrate to Madrid, in Spain, the Bar of his native city presented him with a splendid set of silver, in respect for his position as a lawyer and his virtues as a man.  He remained ten years in Spain’s capital, and was at the head of the Bar of that city; and when leaving it to come to New Orleans, received a similar testimonial from his brethren there to his worth and talents.  Immediately upon coming to New Orleans, he commenced the practice of the law, and at once took rank with Livingston, Lilly, Brown, and Grymes, who, though then a very young man, had already gained eminence in his profession.

Mr. Mazereau, except giving his State, in the Legislature, the benefit of his abilities, avoided politics, confining himself exclusively to his profession.  In the argument of great questions before the Supreme Court of the State between these eminent jurists, was to be seen the combat of giants.  Mazereau was a short, stout man, with an enormous head, which made his appearance singularly unique.  In his arguments he was considerate, cautious, and eminently learned.  Sometimes he would address the people on great political questions, and then all the fervor of the Frenchman would burst forth in eloquent and impressive appeals.  I remember hearing him, when he was old, address an immense gathering of the people.  He looked over the crowd, when he rose, and said:  “I see three nations before me.  Americans, I shall speak to you first.  Frenchmen, to you next—­and to you, my Spanish friends, last.  I shall probably occupy two hours with each of you.  It will be the same speech; so you who do not understand the English language, need not remain.  You who understand French, may return when I shall dismiss these Americans—­and you, my Spanish friends, when I am through with these Frenchmen.”  This he fulfilled to the letter in a six-hours’ speech, and I never knew a political speech effect so much.

For many years he was attorney-general of the State, and legal adviser and counsellor of the Governor.  Although his practice was eminently profitable, he was so careless and extravagant in money matters, that he was always poor and necessitous, especially in his old age.