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FISHER AMES.

FISHER AMES was born at Dedham, in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, on the ninth of April, 1758. He was descended from one of the oldest families in the province. His father, Nathaniel Ames, was a physician of some eminence. To his skill in his profession he added a knowledge of astronomy and mathematics, and for several years published an almanac or An Astronomical Diary, which was "yearly sought for on account of the correct calculations, trite maxims, and the strict morality which filled its interstices."

At an early age Fisher Ames exhibited an ardent fondness for classical literature. When only six years old he commenced the study of Latin, and although experiencing great disadvantages from a frequent change of instructors, he made rapid improvement, and was admitted to Harvard College in the year 1770, shortly after the completion of his twelfth year. While at college he was remarkable for his application and industry during the hours devoted to study, and for his vivacity and animation during those set apart for relaxation and pleasure. From the geniality and modesty of his character, he soon acquired the friendship of all around him. He was a member of a society which had been formed by the students for improvement in elocution. "It was early observed that he coveted the glory of eloquence. In his declamation be fore this society, he was remarked for the energy and propriety with which he delivered such specimens of impassioned oratory as his genius led him to select. His compositions at this time bore the characteristic stamp which has always marked his speaking and writing. They were sententious and full of ornament." In 1774 Mr. Ames graduated, and for a short time devoted himself to teaching, occupying the hours in which he was relieved from that employment in reviewing the classics he had studied at college, and in reading ancient and modern history, as well as "some of the best novels." He was a great lover of poetry, and became familiar with all the principal English writers in that branch of literature. He dwelt with enthusiasm upon the beauties of Milton and Shakspeare, and held in memory many of their choicest passages. This course of reading helped to furnish "that fund of materials for speaking and writing which he possessed in singular abundance, his remarkable fertility of allusion, and his ability to evolve a train of imagery adapted to every subject of which he treated."

Mr. Ames pursued a course of law under the care of William Tudor,* of Boston, and in the fall of the year 1781 commenced practice in his native town. The affairs of government soon attracted his attention. On the twelfth of October, 1786, appeared from his pen a speculation upon the state of politics in Massachusetts, under the title of Lucius Junius Brutus, and in March of the year following he published two more pieces touching upon the same points, under the title of Camillus. These productions gave Mr. Ames much renown; "the leading men of the State turned their eyes to him as one destined to render the most important services to the

* William Tudor, a son of John Tudor, was born at Boston, Massachusetts, on the 28th of March, 1750. He graduated at Harvard College in 1769, studied law with John Adams, and was admitted to practice in 1772. In the army of the Revolution he held the commission of a colonel, and from 1775 to 1778 he was judge-advocate-general. He was a member of the House and Senate, and in 1809 and 1810 the Secretary of State. Of the Massachusetts Historical Society he was one of the founders. He died in July, 1808—Loring's Boston Orators: Mass. Hist. Collections.

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