1779 he was made a judge of the General Court, and thereby became a judge of the Court of Appeals, and continued so until his death. He was possessed of great integ rity and urbanity, 'was deeply read in the law, and made an upright and impartial judge. Many of his descendants are now living in Richmond, where they occupy high places in the community.
Paul Carrington, a member of one of Vir ginia's largest and most respected families, was the eldest son of a wealthy gentleman who died intestate. As the law then was, he was heir-at-law, but generously divided his estate with his brothers and sisters. He was bred a lawyer, and soon had a fine prac tice. He was elected to a number of political positions, and was an ardent patriot in the War of the Revolution. In 1779 he was made a judge of the General Court, and con sequently a member of the first Court of Appeals. He was an upright and impartial judge, and his opinions were highly respected. At the age of seventy-five, in 1807, from conscientious motives he resigned, although his faculties were still perfect, fearing that he might be found lingering on the bench after age had rendered him unable to per form his duties properly. He lived in re tirement to the great age of ninety-three, universally loved and respected.
William Fleming was born of a respectable family of Chesterfield County; studied and practised law with success in the county courts; was a member of the Convention of 1775, and took an active part with the col onies; was made a judge of the General Court, and consequently of the first Court of Appeals, and died a member of that court. He was a man of good sense, and an honest judge, who indulged in no theories and aimed to decide a case according to the very right of the controversy, in which object he generally succeeded.
Robert Carter Nicholas, a gentleman of distinguished family, was bred to the bar, and practised with reputation in the General Court under the royal government. He lived on terms of great familiarity with Lord Botetourt, then Governor of Virginia. Lord Botetourt was an amiable and pious man, of a kind and happy disposition. He had an ample fortune, kept a splendid and hospitable court, and was one of the most popular men in the colony of Virginia. He and Mr. Nicholas were both religious men, and often spoke of the hope of immortality to each other. On one occasion Mr. Nicholas said to him, " My lord, I think you will be very unwilling to die. " " Why? " said his lordship. "Because," he. replied, "you are so social in your nature, so much beloved, and have so many good things about you, that you will be loath to leave them." He made no reply; but when he was on his death-bed sent in haste for Mr. Nicholas, who lived near his residence, which was called " the palace." On entering the chamber, he asked his com mands. " Nothing," replied his lordship, "but to let you see that I resign those good things which you formerly spoke of with as much composure as I enjoyed them." The House of Burgesses erected in the lobby of their hall a marble statue to his memory. The statue is yet in existence, having stood the ravages of civil war, and is now an orna ment of the college grounds at old William and Mary. Judge Nicholas was a man of character and integrity; but as he died in 1780, his judicial character had not fully developed itself. He was much esteemed by all who knew him.
Bartholomew Dandridge was born in New Kent County, and soon made a reputation at the bar. He had powerful connections, and was an earnest advocate of the independence of the colonies. He was, in 1778, appointed a judge of the General Court, and consequently judge of the first Court of Appeals. He was an honest man, esteemed by the bench and bar. He died in April, 1785.
Benjamin Waller was descended from respectable parents, and bred to the bar. He was made Clerk of the General Court, and dis charged his duties in the most affable man ner. He was a good listener to the decisions,
