In 1754, he was admitted to the bar, and in 1758, to the grade of counsellor.

In 1763, he received the degree of sergeant-atlaw; and was at that time unrivalled at the bar. In. 1766, he visited England, Scotland, and Ireland, and was received with flattering attention by the most eminent men of the kingdom. On his return home he was, in 1774, appointed one of the judges of the supreme court. On the 21st June, 1776, the public confidence reposed in his patriotism, firmness, and abilities, by the provincial congress of New-Jersey, was manifested by electing him a member of the general congress, then sitting in Philadelphia. On taking his seat in this august assembly, he took an active part in the debates, particularly those which preceded the adoption and signing of the declaration of independence.

During the summer and autumn of 1776, he devoted the whole of his time to the pressing exigeneies of his country.

In September, he was deputed by congress one of the committee to inspect the northern army, and to report on its state, and on any further regulalations which they might think necessary for its better government and supply. This service having been discharged, he again resumed his seat in congress.

On the 30th November following, he was, together with his friend and compatriot, John Covenhoven, Esq. at whose house he resided, unfortunately captured by a party of refugee royalists, and after having suffered in the most cruel manner, was thrown into the common prison in New-York, and treated with unusual severity. Congress, immediately on learning his capture and imprisonment, interposed and procured his release. His constitution, however, was so materially impaired by his sufferings, that he was never again able, except by counsel and advice, to render any important services to his country.

He died on the 28th February, 1781, at his residence, near Princeton, in the fifty-first year of his age.

In his private life he was easy and graceful; in his manners, and in his conversation affable and entertaining. As a man of letters, he possessed a superior genius, highly cultivated by a long and assiduous application. His researches into the principles of morals and religion were deep and accurate, and his knowledge of the laws of his country extensive and profound.

In the councils of his country he was wise and firm, but always prudent and moderate.

To his superior powers of mind and professional learning; he united a flowing and persuasive eloquence, and he was a christian, who was an honour to the church.

SHERMAN, ROGER, a distinguished patriot, and one of the signers of the declaration of independence, was born at Newton, Massachusetts, on the 19th April, 1721. He received no other than a country school education, and his future attainments in general science were owing solely to his indefatigable exertions in the pursuit of it.

In 1743, he removed to New-Milford, in Litchfield county, Connecticut. He there commenced business as a country merchant, in conjunction with his elder brother, which he continued till after his admission to the bar in 1754.

At the age of thirty-three, he was elected a member of the legislature of Connecticut, and from this period we may date the commencement of his public career.

In 1759, he was appointed judge of the court of common pleas for the county.

In 1761, he removed from New-Milford, and settled in New-Haven, and frequently represented this town in the legislature.

In 1765, he was appointed one of the judges of the court of common pleas, and was for many years the treasurer of the college in New-Haven. He received at that time also the honorary degree of 'master of arts.

On passing of the stamp act in 1765, Mr. Sherman, who had not, heretofore, been a silent spectator of the arbitrary measures of Great Britain, now zealously opposed these exactions, and co-operated with his fellow members in the general opposition to parliamentary supremacy.

He was one of the few, who, from the commencement of hostilities, foresaw the necessity of our entire union and complete independence, and urged with energy the boldest and most decisive measures. The revolutionary war was a contest of principles.

When the period arrived at which it was necessary either tamely to submit to the domination of the parliament, surrender our property to its disposal, and sink to the degradation of a people conquered and enslaved, or boldly assert our rights and defend our liberties by the sword, he did not hesitate in choosing the alternative. He was accordingly nominated as one of the committee to attend the general congress of the colonies at Philadelphia. He was present at the opening of the first congress in 1774, and it is worthy of record, that he continued a member of congress until his death in 1793. In this assemblage of eminent characters, there was no one whose judgment was more respected, or whose opinions were more influential.

The boldness of his counsels, the decisive weight of his character, the steadiness of his principles, the inflexibility of his patriotism, his venerable appearance, and his republican manners, presented

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to the imagination the idea of a Roman senator, in the early and most exemplary days of the commonwealth.

In the business of committees, he was certainly one of the most serviceable and indefatigable members of that body. Hence in this department he was always called upon to officiate.

In May, 1775, he again took his seat in congress. During this session, the duties of congress were extremely arduous; and we cannot revert, without deep emotions of gratitude and admiration, to the dignity and deliberative firmness of the assembled sages, who in that day of peril stood firm and fearless in defence of their liberties, and boldly breasted a shock which might have appalled the most resolute and daring. The matters which required their guidance and consideration; the dangerous measures which it was necessary to adopt; and the difficulties to be diverted and surmounted, were numerous and embarrassing.

During the session of 1776, he was appointed a member of the principal committees for the safety and well-being of the colonies.

On the 11th June, 1776, the high confidence placed in the abilities of Mr. Sherman, was again amply portrayed by his appointment, in conjunction with that brilliant constellation of talents and patriotism, Adams, Jefferson, Franklin, and Livingston, to prepare the declaration of independence, to which he afterwards affixed his name.

He was also successively a member of the board of war, of the marine committee, and of the board of treasury.

In 1783, Mr. Sherman and the honourable Richard Law were appointed to review the statutes of Connecticut.

In 1787, he was appointed, in conjunction with Messrs. Ellsworth and Johnson, a delegate to the general convention to form the federal constitution of the United States.

The inefficacy of the old confederation for the preservation of public peace, became palpable soon after the close of the war. The powers vested in the several states were too great to afford any prospect of permanent union, and it was only by the formation of the supreme head, to direct the clashing measures, guard the opposing interests, and coerce the ill-advised and dangerous views of the several subordinate governments, that the independence and tranquillity which had succeeded one of the noblest efforts recorded in the political history of the world, could be preserved.

He contributed with his usual ability and perseverance, to reconcile the conflicting interests and opinions of the delegates, and perfect that towering monument of political wisdom, which is without a rival in the history of nations.

After the ratification and adoption of the federal constitution, he was elected a representative of the state in congress. Previous, however, to his taking the oath required by the constitution, he resigned the office of judge of the superior court, which he had held with unblemished reputation for twenty-three years.

At the expiration of two years, he was elected to the senate, and took an active part in the proceedings of that body. He continued to fill this elevated station, and scrupulously devoted his time and his talents in the service of his country, till the 23rd July, 1793, when this great and good man was gathered to his fathers, after a long life of virtue and usefulness.

SMITH, SAMUEL STANHOPE, DD. LL. D. president of Princeton college, was born at Pequea, in the township of Salisbury, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, on the 16th day of March, 1750.