Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1804-02-29
RICHMOND PRICE CURRENT.
MIR. PLEASANT

L ME Win trlenQ from
Williamsburg, who expressed his sur
prize, that so little had been said upon the
death Of Mr.. John Blair. After short
conversation he produced the subioined
character, which, he said, had been en-
tracted from manuscript BIOGRAPHY of
VIRGINIA, and which obtained his per-
mission to forward to you for publication.
c. D.
IF ever q man existed, in whose moral
and religious excellence every voice would
unite; the late john BLAIR, of Williams
burg was that illustrious pc rsonage. An
unclouded understanding increased The
sPlendor OF his virtue, by guiding it with
the purest rays OF Judgment.
In lis early life, that brilliancy which
often deceives the parent, and renders
somewhat more pardonable the ilattering
representations Of tutor, Afforded no pre-
sage of future eminence. But his heart
seemed to be germ. inclosing, for the
benefit OF mankind, the delicious fruits of
charity, benevolence and truth. Support
ed by familywealtl;, and distinguished by
family honors, he was yet 60 unconscious
OF the pretensions. which arstocracy was
apt to excite that his youthful friendship
readily intwin-d itself with worth, where
soever Found.
AT William and Mary College, he ac-
quired the clements of classical educate
on in style, which Elton herself would
not have distlained to approve. But the
fashion Of tho times, dictated by the par
t'alitv of colony for the lanCied as well
as real cSCe!Iencies of the mother country,
carried him to Great britain. to complete
his literary pursuits, and TO obtain The pri-
viege of a barrister.
In delneating warrior end statesman,
their dazzling and extensive -cenes leave
h'tlc space. for she smaller and less slrik-
ing incidents Of life. pu: in presen,;ppa
model for human conduct in the ordinary
walks OF society; nothing, which makes
man more amahle. can lie too minute for
remark. lie. II be said, therefore, hat his
marriage during his residence in Europe,
proved the generosity Of his soul. He
could not but know, that, on his return,
those alliances, Whch. in all governments,
serve as the ladders offortune might pro-
badly fall within the score of iis choice.
but he felt and obeved disinterested love,
He took to his bosom partner. whose en-
dowments promised a harvest Of happi-
ness, far superior to the richest portion 4:
who never caused a sigh, but of affection
and anxiety for her welfare nor tearof
distress but at her death.
w hen he entered the bar OF the Genr.
raj Court, it was crouded with men. whom
W cstnlns'er tIall would not have refused
to acknowledge as ornaments in elocution.
and masters in professional reasouiap. tn
gather iamc and profit IN such a field of
competition was not too arduous for his
head and heart but the highes. standard
ri success was never attaiuable IN The law
by him. whose modcsty was an instinct.
too scrupulo1s for the assertion Of his inst
rank. and forbidGing the ambition Of ..
cliPsing rivals. And vet under this irlu-
ence. which 10 him might almost be deem.
ed maiady Of nature and without the
advantage OF hat case in speech, which
sometimes gives currency 10 dross, and al
ways adds lustre TO gold itself; he was
listened TO with personal regard was ado
mired Tor chaste and approximate lon.
gnage and yielded to none In copiousress
Of invention, or force Of Discrimination.
in this march TO celebrity and enolument.
SLOW indeed, but direct and daily appracb,,
ing his great obect, he was interrunted
by appointments, FIRST as Clerk of the ROY.
al Council and afterwards, as Auditor &c.
neral OF The Kings r. venues.
That he was faithful and able in die.
charging the duties of both src attribu,.s
not peculiar to himself; but one Of hi. or'
noes created ADVERTISEMENTS from ,ebich
lew have escaped withoul pollution. Wbsr
'he revolution began to expand itself he
was the confidential possessor of those
measures, which tended TO tbwar, ia
growth. lie nourished, however. The rs,-
rope OF the American world with h, best
a.iecupns. Did he equiyocate, or tlecc;,oS
lie acted with magnanimity, which
scorned the loss Of place, while he reco;leJ
rom the very appearance of perfitly he
uttered his own sentiments on fl occ,s;-
ohs bii disclosed no secrets Of ,he hoard
10 which he belonged he was hailedbT
h'sie'iow citizens, As a patriot. notiobe sba.
Ken; and by the regal rcpresertatjve. en.
,rus'ed' from an experience of his sp1,.