Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1823-09-05
kiIH NUND, SkPTENBER 5, i8qs.
FOX THE ENQUIRER.
FOUR LETTERS
addressed 10 he People Of he United States
BY FELLOW CITIZEN.

Il T. Esh
'1"oTeSSed 10 lie People Of The United Siqies
BY FELLOW CITIZEN.
LETTER ~.
we come now To the last and most dbl
cate part of this discussion, Mr.. Craw Gord's
want OF capacity, aud connected with this. his
waot of claims, for so high station. II is del
Icate, first because it involves the examina
hon Ola question that must be peculiarly un-
pleasant 10 sensitive mind, and secondly we
snail nave tn adopt course of reasoning by
comparison, winch may not altogether be
warranted by the strict rules of decurum
IL Is Tar from my intention 10 become the
set eniogist OF Mr.. Crawford, but in giving a
snort biography of him, which is necessary To
my purpose, shall have to employ terms,
that, own, will SAVIOUR very much of that an
pearance, but rely upon knowledge of his
character to support the truth of my state
menis, and upon my otcn, whether it remains
anonymous or not, to sustain the rectitude of
my motives. The incidents of his private life
are nut few and humble, and although they
nave occasOned from the aristocracy of the
country, many a sheer, il is very great con
ISOLATION to his friends, that they furnish moth
ing oil which to be ashamed, and they mr., an
MATED with this additional gratifying renec-
ton, that il his youth afforded nothing to
envy, his manhood presents nothing TO abuse :
Il ms private virtues were unworthy OF imita-
'ion' ms public services are undeserving of re-
proach.
lie was born in the state of Virginia. on
the 9Th of February I772, ofpoor but honest,
0f obscure but respectable parents. His father
emigrated to Georgia when Mr.. Crawford was
but twelve years old, and after giving him e
complete English education. he sent him into
the world, rs ii is usually termed, upon his own
lnul'nS. Not contented with the sphere, in which
MS humble aitalnments would inevitably des-
tine hlm To- move, he determined To acquire If
not liberal, education, at least such an one as
would essentially include every thing contain
ed IN that honorable distinction. Accordingly.
after having taught an English school for some
time, in the month of April '94 he commenced
the study of the languages under that cele-
bratcd scholar OF high tory principles, Doct
w addie"-at the end of one year which had
been most assiduously employed in his lauda-
bic pursuit, finding his resources too limited.
to suffer him to devote all his time exclusive
ly tn ms studies, he was obliged to connect
himself, as assistant teacher with the Doct..
who was nevertheless 10 continue his valuable
instruction. In this situation he remained I'm
I'LL April 80, when he had acquired a thorough
and well grounded knowledge of the classics
ana pretty extensive acquaintance with ma
ny OF the sciences. In that month, this oh
scure usher, nothing dreaming of politics, but
stu anxious 10 increase his stock of useful
learning, with hope finally TO obtain pro-
lessIon if possible, for that purpose, bent his
lonely way To the federal town of Augusta"
there, III may be allowed poets strain, To hing
himselfin the way of fortunes gambos, and
To receive whatever the sportngs of her fancy,
she might turn up TO an unknown but bold ad-
venturcr. His means were however perfectly
m dr. - to hn bn
he was once more compelled tn resort to the
low but honest calling of subordinate teach
inS. lie obtained IA situation in the Richmond
Academy, where he remained in the double
character of student and instructor until the
latter part of the year '98 or the beginning OF
the succeeding year, in which time having he
come finished classical and scientific scholar,
and also having acquired the profession of
Law, he bid adieu To the dull labor of instruc
ton To engage in more active employments
upon much more busting field. Ii is wor-
thy Of remark that while he was engaged in
his scholastic and professional studies, he
supported character for the most exemplary
morality and prudence, he was a most indie
iatigabe, close and laborious student he pos
sessed mind of the most masculine vigour
and profound prnetration and his first rever-
end and venerable instructor has often been
heard TO say, that, such was the strength of
his memory and the force of his genius, he
acquired more learning in two years, than was
the usual hard requirement of four.
HIS profession, the great object of his de-
sires, being obtained, this almost self-taught
student, commenced his public life, and such
was his uncommon perseverance and indus
try, that in very short time he was mt the
head of the profession, although he began
without money or patron. When assert
that his talents were unrivalled will be sup
ported by every lawyer in Georgia, acquainted
with him, whether his friend or enemy. In
this ] fear no contradiction. His great profess
siona zral, that always made his clients cause
his own, his unrcmittrd attention to business,
his punclnality a ID promptness 10 its dispatch
his undisguised franlSness and official sinceri-
ty, disdanug the little artiice and oyerreach-
ing craft of the profession, combined with a
dignity, which spriugiug from sef-respect
alone, was entirely unnIngled with afiectation,
ms honesty and irreproaChablc moral Charac-
fer accompanied with manners the most plain,
simple and accessible, secured for him public
and private reputation seldom equalled, and
never eScoled in tins or any other c0untry.-
Mr.. Crawford's most prominent virtue is a hold
and lofty righteousness Of mind 4; in any inter
course whatever with him, it is his most oh
srryable trait, and yet ii is far from being stu
died IN IFS eXercise, he Is firm and positive,
yet neither rude nor biunt.-He does not en-
gage hy smooth aud flexible manner, either
ia the utlerance of his sentiments, or the ten
drncy nf his address : in The first be is polite
and unassuming though confident and dec
drd, ln the latter he Is easy without ostenta-
lion and commanding without arrogance
The blind generation and respectful awe, by no
means incousidcrabe, which i usually paid
Ia the graces and proud carriage Of person. the
fascinating richness aud gaiety Of apparel, and
The splendour Of equipage, ne neither claims
or desires, brought ny and educated altoge
dior lrea lrnm amnL Gin ..lLnruu,nr-L- M. =.