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\'1KGIXIA BIOGRAI'lIY
of the French Language," 1867; "American-
isms," 1871 ; and "The English of the New
World," 1873. He was the author of a num-
ber of historical romances, of which "The
Great Empress" is, perhaps, the best known.
His published translations from the French
and German were numerous and excellent,
and among these were Spielhagen's ro-
mances, which were speedily and success-
fully translated by him as they appeared in
German. His "Semi-Centennial Catalogue
of the University of Virginia," published in
1878, has an enduring value. This volume
also contained his article on "Mr. Jefferson's
Pet," which was originally published in
"Harper's Magazine," and is reproduced in
the work mentioned. Throughout his life he
was a constant contributor to reviews and
encyclopedias. Professor De Vere was
twice married, each time to a daughter of
Jiidge Alexander Rives, of Albemarle
county, Virginia, a distinguished jurist. His
second wife, who was Miss Lucy Rives,
survived him. but is now deceased.
Dowell, Greensville, born in Albemarle county, \'irginia, September i, 1822: re- ceived his literary education at the Univer- sity of Louisville, and his medical educa- tion at Jefferson Medical College, from v.hich institution he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He was actively engaged in the practice of his pro- fession in various states, but finally settled in Galveston, Texas, and for fifteen years preceding his death served in the capacity of professor of surgery in the Texas Medical College. During the early part of the war between the states he served as surgeon in the Confederate army. For a period of twelve years, from 1863 to 1875, he was
editor and publisher of the "Galveston Medi-
cal Journal," originated the Dowell system
for hernia, and was the author of several
books on that subject and also on yellow
fever. He died in Galveston, Texas, in 1881.
Davidson, John Wynn, born in Fairfax county. \'irginia, August 18, 1824; after his graduation from the United States Military Academy, in 1845. he ^^'is assigned to the First Dragoons, and in the following year accompanied Gen. Kearny to California, in charge of a howitzer battery, and during the Mexican war he served in the Army of the West, participating in the combats of San Pasqual, San Bernardo, San Gabriel, and Mesa. In 1850 he served as a scout, on May 17 was at the action of Clear Lake, on June 17 at Russian River, and from that year until the beginning of the war between the states continued un frontier and garrison duty. On March 30, 1854, he fought the battle of Cieneguilla, New Mexico, against the Apache and Utah Indians, in which he not only lost three-fourths of his command, but was severely wounded. On January 20, 1855, he was promoted to the rank of cap- tain : on November 14, 1861, to major, and on February 3, 1862, was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers. In the same year he commanded a brigade in Gen. Smith's division, and received two brevets for- gallant conduct, that of lieutenant-colo- nel for the battle of Gaines' Mills, and that of colonel for Golding's Farm, and he also participated in the battles at Lee's Mills, Mechanicsville. Savage Station, and Glen- dale. From August 6, 1862, until Novembe*' 13, 1862, he commanded the St. Louis dis- trict of Missouri ; from the latter named date until I'chruary 23. 1863, commanded
