Eulogy on Chief-Justice Chase Delivered by William M. Evarts before the alumni of Dartmouth College, at Hanover

In a solemn gathering at Dartmouth in June 1874, a distinguished lawyer steps to the podium to honor the recently departed Chief Justice Chase. The address, recorded by William Evarts, unfolds as a reverent yet lively tribute that avoids conventional mourning, instead celebrating a life lived in public service.

Evans sketches Chase’s rise from a modest New England upbringing to the nation’s highest bench, emphasizing his skill as an orator, his steadfast independence, and his dedication to the rule of law. He weaves anecdotes of courtroom drama, legislative debate, and a personal friendship that colored his later years, illustrating how the chief justice embodied the ideals nurtured at the college.

The eulogy also reflects on the enduring influence of education, portraying the Dartmouth community as a living torch that continues to shine through Chase’s legacy. Listeners will hear a portrait of a man whose integrity and intellect helped shape post‑Civil‑War America, offering both historical insight and timeless inspiration.