Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1806-06-17

inost Troublesome and fabOrlOuS Office o
all in the gift of the commonwealth o
Virginia, and perhaps OF the U. States
Tor many years with the small salary OF
ZOO. and, atlast, with salary somewhat
larger but still very Inadequate. Will
that scanty supply from his country, he
lived IN this expansive city, secluded from
all other business but that OF The pubic
to which he devoted all his time, unless
when prevented by sickness; and in that
othce he continued lii the day Of his
death, because he believed himself better
qualified to serve his country in that sta
Ton Than in any other; when, if he had
Ds-n disposed 10 seek for offices, he might
have easily obt.ined others far more ca
sy andlucratiye, Notwithstanding, how
ever, the toilseme duties of that Gfice, his
patriotism, ever active and ardent, brough,
ann forward whenever he conceived his
country's interest 10 require his assistance.
We behold him member of the conyen,
ton which met in this city in the year
iIe8, TO take under its consideration ,he
proposed constitution of The u. States,
bsi1S convinced that the confederation
was detective in the energy necessary 10
preserve the union, Liberty aud general
welfare OF America, he was q jealous I'D
Vocate Tor The new constitution. In that
august convention, this venerable patriot,
even then beginning 10 bow under the
weight of years, was seen to rise 10 adyo-
cate That constitution, ard exer,cd his
voice almost too feeble To be heard, IA
for a system, on The accep
lance OF which he conceived the happi.
ness of his drar.lov'd country 70 DEPEND
but the most remarkable INSTANCE of
his genuine patriotism, 10 which confess
4 am rendered mos. partial, perhaps by,
my own experience of its efefts, was his
zeal Tor The education of youth. Harray@
ssd as he was With BUSINESS; epyeloped
with perpIesing papers, and intricate
SUITS IN chancery, ne yet found time for
many years, to keep private school for
the instruction of a few young men al a
t,nae, always with very little, and often
no oompensaiion.--Wh
proof was this of condesecnsion, of pure
patriotism and philanthropy! With al;
Iilis, his industry and attention TO business
was nat diminished. but continued as in.
ccssani as ever. OF his indsiatigable az
siduiy ! was myself witness even in
ms last sickness.--When on his death
bed, racked with ag,nizIng pains, saw
HIM with large bundle of papers, rela. |
i've 10 an Injunction in chancery, living
BY his bed side.--fie told me he had been |
studying them, and hoped 10 be- better BY |
the next day, that he might be enabled 10 |
'icid The, court again, and pronounce his
decree IN tina. cause; lamepting with ex.
IRENE concern the Inconvenience, oil
which the delay OF business, occasionedi
~ his sickness, would be productive to |
persons who had causes depending be
tore him. A! that moment when death |
was visible in his face and in every limb.
ne thought not of himself; he thought |
only OF the public. Oh! where shall we
ind such another Chancellor
The necessary consequence of his |
great assiduity and attention 10 study. was
his extensive, various and profound learn |
'Dg' his sound and excellent Judgment, |
Others may Indeed have excel!sd him
IN genius, but he certainly never was sur. !
passed in patriotism, learning and iudg.
nent.
hnother quaiity, too, demands cur at !
ienuon, the most Industrious perhaps in |
The bright constellation OF his virtues {: !
his was his firm and inaexib!e republi
carism, ct which ! have already adyer,ed |
to several sirikog testimonials. Ever at. |
lached TO The constitution of the United |
otates, and 10 the principles of freedom,
he was IN every change of affairs always |
steady and mistaken. His mind was not
10 be moved by the gusts of popular influ ,
snce, nor by the stormy threats of ,yran
ny. AS, in l776, be was the enemy oil
The King OF Grea, Britain, sol 1898 and !
1879, he was an opponent ofthe admins |
Iraiion OF John Adams, Of alien, and Sc. |
diiion laws, and standing armies. Al. |
ways the friend fliberty and his country,
twice have ! seen him, hoaty with age
and touching all with generation, in that /,
very chair (pointing at the Speakers
chair,) sitting as President OF the repub
lean college Of electors, and voting twice
Tor republican President. Yet, was il |
very observable that he never yielded for
a moment to the rancour Of party.spifit, |
nor permitted the difference of opinion to
interfere with his private friendships, the I
truth OF which observation will be acknow. /,
edged by many OF his political opponents,
TO whom he nevertheless remained