Constitution. Judge Caruthers served with great distinction as a member of the Judiciary Committee. After the adjournment of
his death on Oct. 2, 1882, at the extreme age of 82.
That which was the greater part of his
the Legislature, he, in conjunction with Judge contemporary fame — his reputation as an A. 0. P. Nicholson, made a compilation of advocate — has almost become only a tradi the statutes of the State, rendered necessary tion. His work as judge is enduring. His by the many changes after the publication opinions embalm that. His work as advo of the compilation of Hay wood & Cobbs. In cate has no lasting memorial; and the recol lection of it is passing away with those who 1840 he was elected to Congress, succeed
felt the spell of his ing John Bell. He power. He was with declined a re-election. out a doubt the great After that he held no est advocate Tennes other office' until he see has ever had. It was appointed Su was frequently said preme Judge by Gov that it was tantamount ernor Campbell, to to a denial of justice to succeed Judge Nathan the opposing party for Green on his resig him to appear before nation in December, 1852. Judge Cath a jury. He was not a ers was re-elected by great orator. There the Legislature on its have been many advo cates who could sway assembling in 1853; the emotions of a jury and on the adoption in a way that he could of the constitutional not rival. He was not amendment providing gifted with the graces for election by the of person or of voice; people, he was elected but his mental power by the people in 1854. seemed almost resist Heheldofficeuntil the less. It could not be latter part of the year fortified against. His 1861. He was a dele hearer could not tell gate to the Peace Con when his change of gress in;861. On the mind took place. He failure of that mission, he became a member of the Provisional Con
would feel one part of his preconceived gress of the Confederate States. He was
opinion slipping away, to be followed by elected in 1863 Governor to succeed Isham
another; but the change was so gradual G. Harris; but the occupation of the State
that the movement seemed to be simply a by the Federal forces prevented his induc
readjustment of what had already been in he one's mind. tion into office. At the close of the war
The predominating character of Judge formed a partnership with Judge William F. Cooper for the practice of law at Nashville. Caruthers, as a judge, was his power to After a few years he retired to Lebanon, penetrate any sophistry. It was impossible where he spent the rest of his life as a pro to practise any deception on him. His style fessor of law in Cumberland University, of as a writer was unusually easy; his words
whose board of trustees he had been president since 1842. This position he held until
flowing smoothly and evenly, but expressing what was in his mind most perspicuously
