History of Northampton, Massachusetts, from its settlement in 1654;

1774] MAJOR JOSEPH HAWLEY. 537
him the favor of juries, and his style of argument, always
clear, forcible and candid, ever commanded the attention
of the court. Well-read in his profession, he was probably
more conversant with the forms of old English law than
most of his contemporaries. In connection with other
eminent members of the bar, he greatly improved the
methods of practice then prevailing, and the standard of
pleading gradually assumed through their influence its
present efficient system. His practice was not as extensive
as that of Col. Worthington. He had very little to do in
the Worcester courts, but he regularly attended those of
Berkshire. As an advocate he was more popular with the
jury than the court.
" As an advocate he was powerful and successful. He was grave and
solemn in his demeanor : he was strictly conscientious, and he had an
instinctive abhorrence of anything approaching deceit. Juries had
confidence in his assertions ; their opinion of his stern and unrelenting
integrity, made them very ready to listen to him. His opinions had
with them great weight." ^
As the oldest magistrate in the county. Major Hawley
occasionally presided in the Court of General Sessions. He
was active and zealous as a magistrate. In 1774, he retired
from general practice, but was active in town, county and
legislative affairs for many years. Mr. Hawley retained to
a great degree the manners and peculiarities of our puritan
ancestors. He was honored, respected and feared by the
younger generation, and was by far the most distinguished
man in the history of his native town, up to the time of his
death.
Moderate in his Though his reputation as a lawyer was
Charges. equal to that of any of his contemporaries,
he was conscientious in all his dealings,
moderate in his charges, and never advocated a client
whom he thought to be in the wrong. He never would
take a fee when a corporation asked advice, nor from a
widow or orphan. People were constantly consulting him,
and he would take but a pittance for his services. Often
he spent an afternoon, and charged but a few pence for his
services. For a writ he charged 12^ cents, as he thought
that was enough. For writing a will the price was 4s. ;
1 Geo. Bliss. Address before Hampshire Bar, p. 37.