Wirt, William. An eminent American advocate and author. Born at Bladensburg, MD, 1772. He became a member of the bar of Virginia, was a leading counsel in the prosecution of Aaron Burr, and from 1817 to 1829 filled the position of attorney-general of the United States. In 1832 Wirt was the unsuccessful nominee of the Anti-Masonic Party for the presidency. His "Life of Patrick Henry" was very popular. Died 1834.

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