Viewing William Kent, editor, "Memoirs and Letters of James Kent" (1898).

William Kent, editor, "Memoirs and Letters of James Kent" (1898).

James Kent (1763-1847) was a New York lawyer, educator, jurist and author of a most famous and influential treatise on American law--the four volume "Kent's Commentaries" published between 1826-1830. He served as Chief Justice of the New York Supreme Court, 1804-1814, and Chancellor of New York (the presiding judge of the Court of Chancery), 1814-1823. In 1898 his Great Grandson finished a memoir of the Chancellor originally conceived by his father. It was published in 1898 and unlike many judicial biographies is very readable and even entertaining at times. Take for instance this sentimental anecdote about Kent, then a justice of the New York Supreme Court, who was riding circuit accompanied by lawyers, one of whom he revered:

"On one of the circuits, upon which Judge Kent and General [Alexander] Hamilton were together, the judge had retired early, alleging some slight indisposition, and the party broke up, perhaps a little earlier than was its wont, being deprived of its chief. The night was cold and tempestuous, and the kindly nature of Hamilton was evidently disturbed by the indisposition of his friend. On his retiring, he entered Judge Kent's room armed with an extra blanket, which he insisted on tucking carefully about the recumbent figure, saying, "Sleep warm, little Judge, and get well. What would we do if anything should happen to you?"

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