Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1826-02-04
From tie London Literary Gas.
OpICINAI, tI)RRESPON DEN(iE

There are now four ex-presidents in America,
living like private Individuals their farms with
out pensions, and with other privilege (franking
letters excep.ed) or authority than their fellow
citizens willing 10 accord to them from respect
Tor their pubirr services. This is (says an Ameri-
can citizen, in letter TO distinguished literar
character in England, which has been very kindly
handed to the Literary Gazete,) the most beauti-
iui feature in our government, and am sure you
would be delighted TO visit Messrs Adams, (father
of q. Adams, Jefferson, and Madison, at their
residences; and see with what republican dignity
taey live. 7 have had this qualification since my
return home, and though my expectations were
good deal raised, was much more pleased than l
expected TO be. HIr. Jefferson lives about 200
miles from Washington, II the interior OF Virginia,
on the summit OF mountain, from which you have
ore OF the most magnificent and extensive land
scapes that can be imagined At the base OF this
mountain is situated the University oil Virginia,
which the ex- president has bestowed considera-
be portion of his fortune, and all the energies of
his mind for the last nine or ten years. This insti
tution is in a flourishing condition. Mr.. Madison
lives about 80 miles from Mr.. Jefferson, aud de-
votes all his time TO farming pursuits IN which he
is Proficient. He Is president of the Agricultural
Society OF his county. Mr. Monroe's plantation
il adjoining to Mr.. Jetferson's. Mr.. Adams lives
five or six miles from Boston, and is the patron OF
>he ane arts and literature Notwithstanding the
extreme age Mr.. NJ. who is the youngest, is
90, and Mr. A. who is the oldest; So OF these
gentlemen, you would be as,onishej at the vivaci-
~ and gaie,y of their conversation and manners.
spent two days with Mr.. j. and two with alr.
Madison, last January, in the most agreeable and
instructive manner. regret extremely that you
have resolved not 10 visit country: pilgrimage
10 these old gentlemen's residences would almost
alone compensate for the iaiigues and risks OF a
yoeagc &C, oss the Atlantic.
Another letter of a later date, viz. in July last
tkus completes the foregoing general sketch.
promised 10 give you further account of some
OF our American pa,riarchs, whom have had the
good fortune to see since my return from Europe
Twill commence with Mr.. Jefferson, who is es,i-
mated by numerous party in this country. to be
The most wogthy ard distinguished Of the four eN-
presidents. ! beg you 10 accompany me TO his resi-
,sence .JiDnticeii0, in the centre Of The State Of
virginia, situated the summit Of isolated
mountain, 1000 feet above the level of the rve r
Rayenna; which serpen'ines at lis base. II COM
nianis view, which, for variety of objects and
extent of prospect is not surpassed in the United
States. III direction, you mountains rise
one above the o,ller, IN sublime confuson in ano-
Their, beautifully uDdulalcd and extensive valley,
covered with iine " Gods and well cultivated farms
and the Ravenna running through its centre. You
peEceive, apparently at your feet, but really at
distance Of three miles, IN: village OF Charotes-
VILE and the magnificent buildings Of the Universe
ty of Virginia.; and beyond This, a. distance of
twenty miles, the romantic gap Of the Blue Noun
tain. was delighted with the conversation of
Mr.. Jefferson and his daughter, Mrs. Randolph,
and his grand daughters, the Misses Randolph
lie is perfectly simple and unaffected in his map
ners, but as it struck me, with somethinS more
imposing than I observed in Mr.. Madison. I do
no, know whether this idea arises from the hahual
respect have always entertained for Mr. ]. and
which never had for Mr.. M. previous to visiting
him, or whether it proceeds from the commanding
aspect which the former possesses in pre-emiaent
degree and in which the latter is quite deficient.
Mr. J. is about six feet two inches in height, and
well proportional, his countcnance is strongly
1narzed the forehead is that Of mathematician and
deep calculator; his hair is very abundant, and
somewhat silvered by the frosts of eighty-tlnee
winters; 1t was originally red, but now may be
considered more in unison with what the generality
OF tastes deem good looking; his nose is rather
larger than the SIZE the nosril is open and
the whole face square and expressive ofinteligence
and deep thinking he is cheerful, enthusiastic, and
speaks with great vivacity and correctness. Mr..
Nelson the architect at the University told me the
following anecdote, TO illustrate the enthusiasm of
his character:-L Last autumn, when he was on his
death bed as he and all his friends thought, he sent
for Mr.. N. whom he told, that as he neither
able 10 write nor draw, he wished him 10 make
plan OF gymnasium from his direction, previous
20 his death, lest the idea should Ire lost and Mr.
". made the design, which has since been execu-
Sed. Thus, when he was within a few hours OF
me grave, as he believed, he employed himself in
1evsing how he should promote 9e health and
amusement OF the young men who should attend
the University after his death. MIR. Jefferson rides
on horseback yet; he galops down to the Uniyer-
sify thence the Ravenna 10 his son-n law =
estate, and then up the mountain home, every
day indeed his activity is astonishing. Mrs
Randolph, his daughter, (the wife of the ex-go-
vernon Of Virginia. who lives with him, is very
line woman; she had eleven children, whom she
principally educated herself; her eldest daughter
E,lleR, is a young lady Of remarkable talents and
requirements; her acquaintance with history and
politics. is great, and she conyersed well on all |
the subjects which discussed during my sCjouy
Al Monticello Mr.. Jefferson Is immersed in !
schemes for promoting the prosperity of the new
Virginia University, which has been founded by |
bis influence, and fostered by his perseverance: |
and be has thus far succeeded TO a remarkable de-
gree. Many persons have taxed him with wbiIns-
calngs in the design and execution of the buildings,
but if you were 20 bear him explain bis intentions
in the arrangement he has adopted, you would
mink with me, that he has shown more good judg- |
gent than is usually attributed TO him in thisre-
B2sct. will endesvor TO give you the outline Of
he plan, though il must be confused, and not very
Interesting 10 you, but it is the hobby OF one Of
bur greatest men, short description will not, ! !
,ops, be entirely unworthy Of your attention.
There are four parallel rows OF buildings. the
wo middle rows consist Of ten large two story
I