Wirt, William.—Famous jurist and author. During three presidential terms Attorney General of the United States; appointed by President Monroe to that office in1817-18; resigned under John Quincy Adams, March3, 1829. Born at Bladensburg, Md., November18, 1772, becoming a poor orphan at an early age. Learned Latin and Greek and studied law at Montgomery Court House, being licensed to practice in the fall of1792. Commenced his professional career at Culpeper Courthouse, Va., the same year and soon became eminent socially and professionally. In1802 received the appointment of chancellor of the eastern district of Virginia. Wrote his beautiful essays under the name of “The British Spy” and in1807 prosecuted Aaron Burr for treason. His great speech on that occasion made him famous. Was a member of the Virginia Legislature in1808, and from that time until after the war pursued his profession successfully until summoned into the Cabinet of President Monroe. In1832 he was nominated by the anti-Masonic party for President of the United States, but received only the electoral vote of Vermont. He died February18, 1834. The most famous production of his pen is a “Life of Patrick Henry.” Mr.Wirt never forgot his German antecedance and during 1833 engaged in founding a colony of Germans in Florida, but the venture was not successful. Lossing says “he was greatly esteemed in Richmond for his talents and social accomplishments.”