about cotemporary with our government under the present constitution, which so entirely shocked all Europe, and disturbed our relations with her leading powers, should be thought, by different men, to have different bearings on our own prosperity; and that the early measures adopted by our government, in consequence of this new state of things, should be seen in opposite lights. It is for the future historian, when what now remains of prejudice and misconception shall have passed away, to state these different opinions, and pronounce impartial judgment. In the mean time, all good men rejoice, and well may rejoice, that the sharpest differences sprung out of measures which, whether right or wrong, have ceased with the exigencies that gave them birth, and have left no permanent effect, either on the constitution or on the general prosperity of the country. This remark, I am aware, may be supposed to have its exception in one measure, the alteration of the constitution as to the mode of choosing President; but it is true in its general application. Thus the course of policv pursued toward France in 1798, on the one hand, and the measures of commercial restriction commenced in 1807, on the other, both subjects of warm and severe opposition, have passed away and left nothing behind them. They were temporary, and whether wise or unwise, their consequences were limited to their respective occasions. It is equally clear, at the same time, and it is equally gratifying, that those measures of both administrations which were of durable importance, and which drew after them interesting and long remaining consequences, have received general approbation. Such was the organization, or rather the creation, of the navy, in the administration of Mr. Adams; such the acquisition of Louisiana, in that of Mr. Jefferson. The country, it may safely be added, is not likely to be willing either to approve, or to reprobate, indiscriminately, and in the aggregate, all the measures of either, or of any, administration. The dictate of reason and justice is, that, holding each one his own sentiments on the points in difference, we imitate the great men themselves in the forbearance and moderation which they have cherished, and in the mutual respect and kindness which they have been so much inclined to feel and to reciprocate.
No men, fellow-citizens, ever served their country with more entire exemption from every imputation of selfish and mercenary motives, than those to whose memory we are paying these proofs of respect. A suspicion of any disposition to enrich themselves, or to profit by their public employments, never rested on either. No sordid motive approached them. The inheritance which they have left to their children is of their character and their fame.
Fellow-citizens, I will detain you no longer by this faint and feeble tribute to the memory of the illustrious dead. Even in other hands, adequate justice could not be performed, within the limits of this occasion. Their highest, their best praise, is your deep conviction of their merits, your affectionate gratitude for their labors and services. It is not my voice, it is this cessation of ordinary pursuits, this arresting of all attention, these solemn ceremonies, and this crowded house, which speak their eulogy. Their fame, indeed, is safe. That is now treasured up beyond the reach of accident. Although no sculptured marble should rise to their memory, nor engraved stone bear record of their deeds, yet will their remembrance be as lasting as the land they honored. Marble columns may, indeed, moulder into dust, time may erase all impress from the crumbling stone, but their fame remains; for with AMERICAN LIBERTY it rose, and with AMERICAN LIBERTY ONLY can it perish. It was the last swelling peal of yonder choir, THEIR BODIES ARE BURIED IN PEACE, BUT THEIR NAME LIVETH EVERMORE. I catch that solemn song, I echo that lofty strain of funeral triumph, THEIR NAME LIVETH EVERMORE.
Of the illustrious signers of the declaration of independence there now remains only Charles Carroll. He seems an aged oak, standing alone on the plain, which time has spared a little longer after all its cotemporaries have been leveled with the dust. Venerable object! we delight to gather round its trunk, while yet it stands, and to dwell beneath its shadow. Sole survivor of an assembly of as great men as the world has witnessed, in a transaction one of the most important that history records, what thoughts, what interesting reflections, must fill his elevated and devout soul! If he dwell on the past, how touching its recollections; if he survey the present, how happy, how joyous, how full of the fruition of that hope, which his ardent patriotism indulged; if he glance at the future, how does the prospect of his country’s advancement almost bewilder his weakened conception! Fortunate, distinguished patriot! Interesting relic of the past! Let him know that, while we honor the dead, we do not forget the living; and that there is not a heart here which does not fervently pray that Heaven may keep him yet back from the society of his companions.
And now, fellow-citizens, let us not retire from this occasion without a deep and solemn conviction of the duties which have devolved upon us. This lovely land, this glorious liberty, these benign institutions, the dear purchase of our fathers, are ours; ours to enjoy, ours to preserve, ours to transmit. Generations past and generations to come hold us responsible for this sacred trust. Our fathers, from behind, admonish us, with their anxious paternal voices; posterity calls out to us, from the bosom of the future; the world turns hither its solicitous eyes; all, all conjure us to act wisely, and faithfully, in the relation which we sustain. We can never, indeed, pay the debt which is upon us; but by virtue, by morality, by religion, by the cultivation of every good principle and every good habit, we may hope to enjoy the blessing, through our day, and to leave it unimpared to our children. Let us feel deeply how much of what we are and of what we possess we owe to this liberty, and to these institutions of government. Nature has indeed given us a soil which yields bounteously to the hands of industry, the mighty and fruitful ocean is before us, and the skies over our heads shed health and vigor. But what are lands, and seas, and skies to civilized man, without society, without knowledge, without morals, without religious culture; and how can these be enjoyed, in all their extent and all their excellence, but under the protection of wise institutions and a free government? Fellow-citizens, there is not one of us, there is not one of us here present, who does not, at this moment, and at every moment, experience in his own condition, and in the condition of those most near and dear to him, the influence and the benefits of this liberty and these institutions. Let us then acknowledge the blessing, let us feel it deeply and powerfully, let us cherish a strong affection for it, and resolve to maintain and perpetuate it. The blood of our fathers, let it not have been shed in vain; the great hope of posterity, let it not be blasted.
The striking attitude, too, in which we stand to the world around us, a topic to which, I fear, I advert too often, and dwell on too long, cannot be altogether omitted here. Neither individuals nor nations can perform their part well, until they understand and feel its importance, and comprehend and justly appreciate all the duties belonging to it. It is not to inflate national vanity, nor to swell a light and empty feeling of self-importance, but it is that we may judge justly of our situation, and of our own duties, that I earnestly urge this consideration of our position and our character among the nations of the earth. It cannot be denied, but by those who would dispute against the sun, that with America, and in America, a new era commences in human affairs. This era is distinguished by free representative governments, by entire religious liberty, by improved systems of national intercourse, by a newly awakened and unconquerable spirit of free inquiry and by a diffusion of knowledge through the community, such as has been before altogether unknown and unheard of. America, America, our country, fellow-citizens, our own dear and native land, is inseparably connected, fast bound up, in fortune and by fate, with these great interests. If they fall, we fall with them; if they stand, it will be because we have upholden them. Let us contemplate, then, this connection, which binds the prosperity of others to our own; and let us manfully discharge all the duties which it imposes. If we cherish the virtues and principles of our fathers, Heaven will assist us to carry on the work of human liberty and human happiness. Auspicious omens cheer us. Great examples are before us. Our own firmament now shines brightly upon our path. WASHINGTON is in the clear, upper sky. These other stars have now joined the American constellation; they circle round their center, and the heavens beam with new light. Beneath this illumination let us walk the course of life, and at its close devoutly commend our beloved country, the common parent of us all, to the Divine Benignity.
*Extract of a letter written by John Adams, dated at Worcester, Massachusetts, October 12, 1755.
“Soon after the Reformation, a few people came over into this New World, for conscience’ sake. Perhaps this apparently trivial incident may transfer the great seat of empire into America. It looks likely to me; for, if we can remove the turbulent Gallios, our people, according to the exactest computations, will, in another century, become more numerous than England itself. Should this be the case, since we have, I may say, all the naval stores of the nation in our hands, it will be easy to obtain a mastery of the seas; and then the united forces of all Europe will not be able to subdue us. The only way to keep us from setting up for ourselves is to disunite us.
“Be not surprised that I am turned polititian. The whole town is immersed in politics. The interests of nations, and all the dira of war, make the subject of every conversation. I sit and hear, and after having been led through a maze of sage obversations, I sometimes retire, and, laying things together, form some reflections pleasing to myself. The produce of one of these reveries you have read above.”
**This question. of the power of parliament over the colonies, was discussed with singular ability by Governor Hutchinson on the one side, and the house of representatives of Massachusetts on the other, in 1773. The argument of the house is in the form of an answer to the governor’s message, and was reported by Mr. Samuel Adams, Mr. Hancock, Mr. Hawley, Mr. Bowers, Mr. Hobson, Mr. Foster, Mr. Phillips and Mr. Thayer. As the power of the parliament had been acknowledged, so far, at least, as to affect us by laws of trade, it was not easy to settle the line of distinction. It was thought, however, to be very clear that the charters of the colonies had exempted them from the general legislation of the British parliament. See Massachusetts State Papers, p. 351
THE STORY OF JEFFERSON.
FOR A SCHOOL OR CLUB PROGRAMME.
Each numbered paragraph is to be given to a pupil or member to read, or to recite in a clear, distinct tone.
If the school or club is small, each person may take three or four paragraphs, but should not be required to recite them in succession.
1. Thomas Jefferson was born April 13, 1743. His home was among the mountains of Central Virginia on a farm, called Shadwell, 150 miles northwest of Williamsburg.
2. His father’s name was Peter Jefferson. His ancestors were Welsh people. Like George Washington, he learned the art of surveying. He was a superb specimen of a Virginia landholder, being a giant in frame, and having the strength of three strong men.
3. One of his father’s favorite maxims was, “Never ask another to do for you what you can do for yourself.”
4. His mother’s name was Jane Randolph. She was a noble woman. Thomas Jefferson derived his temper, his disposition, his sympathy with living nature from his mother.
5. He was very fond of the violin, as were a great many of the Virginia people. During twelve years of his life, he practiced on that instrument three hours a day.
6. He early learned to love the Indians from his acquaintance with many of their best chiefs. He held them in great regard during his life.
7. His father died in 1757, when Thomas was but fourteen years of age. The son always spoke of his father with pride and veneration.
8. He entered William and Mary College in the spring of 1760, when he was seventeen years old.
9. After two years of college life he began the study of law in 1763.
1O. When he came of age in April, 1764, he signalized the event by planting a beautiful avenue of trees near his house.
11. While studying law he carried on the business of a farmer, and showed by his example, that the genuine culture of the mind is the best preparation for the common, as well as the higher, duties of life.
12. When he was elected to the Virginia Assembly, and thus entered upon the public service, he avowed afterwards to Madison, that “the esteem of the world was, perhaps, of higher value in his eyes than everything in it.”
13. His marriage was a very happy one. His wife was a beautiful woman, her countenance being brilliant with color and expression.
14. Six children blessed their marriage, five girls and a boy. Only two of them, Martha and Mary, lived to mature life.
15. Monticello, the home of Jefferson, was blessed at every period of his long life with a swarm of merry children whom, although not his own, he greatly loved.
16. Mrs. Jefferson once said of her husband, who had done a generous deed for which he had received an ungrateful return, “He is so good himself that he cannot understand how bad other people may be.”
17. In his draft of instructions for Virginia’s delegates to the Congress which was to meet in Philadelphia in September, 1774, he used some plain language to George III.
18. The stupid, self-willed and conceited monarch did not follow his advice, and so lost the American Colonies, the brightest jewels in England’s crown.
19. Sixty gentlemen, in silk stockings and pigtails, sitting in a room of no great size in a plain brick building up a narrow alley in Philadelphia, composed the Continental Congress.
20. Thomas Jefferson was one of the members most welcome in that body. He brought with him “a reputation,” as John Adams records, “for literature, science, and a happy talent for composition.”
21. As late as Nov. 29,1775, Jefferson clung to the idea of connection with great Britain.
22. He wrote his kinsman, John Randolph, that there was not a man in the British Empire who more cordially loved a union with Great Britain than he did.
23. He said: “It is an immense misfortune to the whole empire to have such a king at such a time. We are told, and everything proves it true, that he is the bitterest enemy we have.”
24. When the draft of the Declaration was submitted to the Congress it made eighteen suppressions, six additions and ten alterations; and nearly every one was an improvement.
25. It should be a comfort to students who have to witness the corrections of their compositions to know, that this great work of Jefferson, which has given him immortal fame had to be pruned of its crudities, redundancies and imprudences.
26. They should be as ready as he was to submit to criticisms and to profit by them as he did, in their future efforts.
27. Daniel Webster shall tell in his own language the remainder of this story of Jefferson’s life.
28. “In 1781 he published his notes on Virginia, a work which attracted attention in Europe as well as America, dispelled many misconceptions respecting this continent, and gave its author a place among men distinguished for science.
29. “With Dr. Franklin and Mr. Adams, in 1784, he proceeded to France, in execution of his mission as Minister plenipotentiary, to act in the negotiation of commercial treaties.
30. “In 1785 he was appointed Minister to France.
31. “Mr. Jefferson’s discharge of his diplomatic duties was marked by great ability, diligence and patriotism.
32. “While he resided in Paris, in one of the most interesting periods, his love of knowledge, and of the society of learned men, distinguished him in the highest circles of the French capital.
33. “Immediately on his return to his native country he was placed by Washington at the head of the department of State.
34. “In this situation, also, he manifested conspicuous ability.
35. “His correspondence with the ministers of other powers residing here, and his instructions to our own diplomatic agents abroad are among our ablest State papers.
36. “In 1797 he was chosen Vice President. In 1801 he was elected President in opposition to Mr. Adams, and reelected in 1805, by a vote approaching towards unanimity.
37. “From the time of his final retirement from public life Mr. Jefferson lived as becomes a wise man.
38. “Surrounded by affectionate friends, his ardor in the pursuit of knowledge undiminished, with uncommon health and unbroken spirits, he was able to enjoy largely the rational pleasures of life, and to partake in that public prosperity which he had so much contributed to produce.
39. “His kindness and hospitality, the charm of his conversation, the ease of his manners, and especially the full store of revolutionary incidents which he possessed, and which he knew when and how to dispense, rendered his abode in a high degree attractive to his admiring countrymen.
40. “His high public and scientific character drew towards him every intelligent and educated traveler from abroad.
41. “Both Mr. Adams and Mr. Jefferson had the pleasure of knowing that the respect which they so largely received was not paid to their official stations.
42. “They were not men made great by office; but great men, on whom the country for its own benefit had conferred office.
43. “There was that in them which office did not give, and which the relinquishment of office did not and could not take away.
44. “In their retirement, in the midst of their fellow citizens, themselves private citizens, they enjoyed as high regard and esteem as when filling the most important places of public trust.
45. “Thus useful and thus respected passed the old age of Thomas Jefferson.
46. “But time was on its ever-ceaseless wing, and was now bringing the last hour of this illustrious man.
47. “He saw its approach with undisturbed serenity. He counted the moments as they passed, and beheld that his last sands were falling.
48. “That day, too, was at hand which he had helped make immortal. One wish, one hopeif it were not presumptuous beat in his fainting breast.
49. “Could it be so —might it please Godhe would desire once more to see the sunonce more to look abroad on the scene around him, on the great day of liberty.
50. “Heaven in its mercy fulfilled that prayer. He saw that sunhe enjoyed that sacred lighthe thanked God for this mercy, and bowed his aged head to the grave.”
PR06RAMME FOR A JEFFERSONIAN EVENING.
1. Vocal Solo”Star Spangled Banner.” 2. RecitationOne of Jefferson’s Speeches. 3. Description of Jefferson’s Home, Illustrated by Pictures. 4. RecitationDeclaration of Independence. 5. Recitation”Battle of the Kegs,” by Francis Hopkinson, (“Progress,” Vol. 2, page 761).
6. Instrumental Music”Yankee Doodle.” 7. Home Life of the Statesman. (Paper or Address.) 8. Anecdotes of Jefferson.
9. Question Box Concerning the Politics of the Time. 10. Vocal Solo”My Country, ‘Tis of Thee.”
QUESTONS FOR REVIEW.
When and where was Thomas Jefferson born? What was his height? What was the color of his hair and eyes? What can you say of his literary ability? What of his scholarship? What of his moral character? To which of his teachers was he especially indebted? When was his public career begun? What resolution was then taken? What effect would this resolution have upon modern politicians, if it were made and faithfully kept? Upon what subject was his first important speech made? With what result? Whom did Jefferson marry? What was the reception given Jefferson and his bride? What important public document did he prepare in connection with the Revolution? When did he take his seat in Congress? In what way was he connected with the Declaration of Independence? Who were his associates on the Committee? Give a brief history of the events connected with the signing of the Declaration of Independence? How much time passed before the Articles of Confederation were formally signed by the States? What were the overt acts of opposition by the various States? What was the Alien act? What was the Sedition act? What instances can you give of the prompt punishment of seditious utterances? When were the Alien and Sedition acts repealed? What important measures did Jefferson succeed in passing in his own State? When did he become Governor of the State? What were his duties in relation to foreign treaties? What were his impressions concerning the French government? What was his influence upon educational work? What was the character of the Barbary States? Why were they permitted to hold Americans as captives? What was Jefferson’s opinion on the subject? When did he enter Washington’s Cabinet, and what position did he fill? What was his relation to Alexander Hamilton? Who were the other members of the Cabinet? What led Jefferson to resign from the Cabinet? When did he become Vice President? How did President Adams treat him? What have you to say about Jefferson’s “Manual of Parliamentary Practice?” Who were the Federal nominees for President and Vice President in 1800? What was the note of alarm sounded by Hamilton? What was the attitude of the clergy towards Jefferson, and why? Who were the Federalists? Who were the Republicans? What name did the Republicans afterwards take? What were some of the exciting incidents connected with the vote for President? What was the number of ballots cast for President? Who was the Vice President elected with Jefferson? What was the character of his administration? Who were the members of his Cabinet? Did Jefferson turn men in a wholesale way out of office? What was his attitude towards ceremonies? How did he dress? When was he re-elected? What was the most important result of his influence? What great purchase of territory was made? What States and Territories have been carved out of it? Who explored the upper Missouri and Columbia River country, and when? What steamboat made her maiden trip, and when? When was the first boat load of anthracite coal shipped to Philadelphia? What pirates were snuffed out, and when? Why did John Quincy Adams resign his seat in the United States Senate? What was the Non-Intercourse act? What was the condition of our commerce at this time? What Act proved to be one of his greatest mistakes? When was it passed? When repealed? What was his financial condition? What were the results of his efforts for education? What did Congress pay for his library? When did he die? Who died on the same day that Jefferson did? What did Horace Greeley say about the coincidence? What was the character of Jefferson as a slave-holder? Why is there a difference in Jefferson’s portraits? What was Daniel Webster’s statement regarding, his countenance? What was his opinion of slavery? What was Jefferson’s opinion concerning happiness? What did he say of resignations? What is the epitaph on Jefferson’s tomb? What was Jefferson’s statement regarding promises for the Presidency? What is the story of the Mould Board of Least Resistance? What is the story of Jefferson as an inventor? What is the story of Jefferson and the horse jockey? What was the peculiar relationship between Jefferson and Patrick Henry? Who were some of the brilliant members of the Virginia assembly? What are the main features of Henry’s famous speech before that assembly? What were the treasures Jefferson bequeathed to his country and his State? What did Jefferson say of titles of honor and office? What was his opinion of a third term? What were his views regarding lawyers in Congress? What is the true history of the Mecklenburg Declarations of lndependence? What were Jefferson’s oratorical powers?
SUBJECTS FOR SPECIAL STUDY.
1. The Declaration of Independence as a literary production. 2. The Declaration of Independence as apparently founded in Acts xvii, 26. 3. General condition of the Country at the time of Jefferson’s election to the Presidency.
4. Leading events connected with his administration. 5. General results of his political influence. 6. Leading characteristics of the man.
7. Jefferson and Hamilton. Littell’s Age, Vol. 81, p. 613. 8. College Days of Jefferson. Atlantic Monthly, Vol. 29, p, 16. 9. Family of Jefferson. Harpers Mag., Vol. 43, p. 366. 1O. Jefferson in Continental Congress. Atlantic Monthly, Vol. 29, p. 676. 11. Jefferson in the War of the Revolution. Atlantic Monthly, Vol. 29, p. 517.
12. Jefferson and nullification. See Lives of Jefferson. 13. Jefferson and Patrick Henry. See Lives of Jefferson.. 14. Pecuniary Embarrassments of Thomas Jefferson. See Lives of Jefferson. 15. Religious Opinions of Jefferson. See Lives of Jefferson. 16. Jefferson a Reformer of Old Virginia. Atlantic Monthly Vol 30, p. 32
BlBLI0GRAPHY.
For those who wish to read extensively, the following works are especially commended:
Life of Thomas Jefferson. By James Parton. Jas. R. Osgood & Co., Boston, 1874.
Life of Thomas Jefferson. By Henry S. Randall, LL. D. J. B. Lippincott & Co., Philadelphia.
Life of Thomas Jefferson. John Robert Irelan, M. D., Chicago.
Autobiography of Thomas Jefferson.
Thomas Jefferson, the Man of Letters. Lewis Henry Routell, Chicago. Privately printed.
Biography of Thomas Jefferson. Cyclopedia of American Biography. D. Appleton & Co.
History of the People of the United States. John Bach McMaster. Vols. I and II. D. Appleton & Co.
Lives of the Presidents. John Frost, LL. D. Phillips & Sampson, Boston.
Eulogy on Adams and Jefferson. Daniel Webster, Faneuil Hall, Aug. 2, 1826.
Character of Thomas Jefferson. North American Review, Vol. 91, p. 107.
Jefferson’s Opinions on Slavery. Andrew D. White, Atlantic Mag., Vol. 9, p. 29.
Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton. Littell’s Living Age. Vol. 81, p. 273.
War of Independence. John Fiske. Houghton, Mifflin & Co., Boston and New York.
The Critical Period of American History. John Fiske. Houghton, Mifflin & Co., Boston and New Yorok.[sic]
CHRONOLOGICAL EVENTS In the Life of Jefferson.
1743 Born Albemarle County, Virginia, April 2. 1760 Entered William and Mary College.
1764 Admitted to the bar of the General Court of Virginia when 21 years of age.
1769 Chosen Representative in the Provincial Legislature. 1772 Married Mrs. Martha Skelton, January 21st. 1773 Appointed Member of the First Committee of Correspondence established by the Colonial Legislature, March 12th. 1774 Published the “Summary View of the Rights of British America.” 1776 Chosen to a Seat in the Continental Congress. Appointed Chairman of the Committee to prepare the Declaration of Independence. 1779 Elected to the Virginia Legislature. Helped alleviate the condition of the British Prisoners sent from Saratoga to Charlottesville, Va. Elected by the Legislature to succeed Patrick Henry as Governor of Virginia, June 1.
1781 Elected to the Legislature of Virginia after serving as Governor two years.
“Notes of Virginia” written.
1782 Appointed by Congress to serve with the American Negotiators for Peace. 1783 Elected Delegate to Congress.
Wrote Notes on the Establishment of a Coinage of the United States. 1784 Appointed by Congress as Minister Plenipotentiary, with John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, to negotiate Treaties of Commerce with Foreign Nations, May. 1785 Succeeded Franklin as Minister to France. 1789 Appointed Secretary of State by Washington. 1793 Resigned the position of Secretary of State, December 31. 1796 Elected Vice-President of the United States. 1800 Eletced [sic] President of the Untied States. 1803 Louisiana Purchase.
1804 Northwestern Exploring Expedition under Lewis and Clark. Re-Elected President of the United States. 1807 Passage of The Embargo Act, December 22. 1818 University of Virginia founded, of which Jefferson was Rector until his death.
1826 Died on the same day that John Adams expired, July 4th.