He received a thorough intellectual training in his youth, and graduated at Princeton College in 1847.

He studied law in the office of the Chief Justice of his State, and came to the bar under the most favorable auspices.

He began practice as soon as he had attained his majority, and rapidly advanced in his profession.

At thirty-six years of age he was appointed Attorney-General of his State, and discharged the duties of that important office with an ability which justly added to his legal reputation.

He has displayed great power in arguing questions of Constitutional Law.