Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-01-30
From The London Literary Gazette.
ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.
9MERICa, AND IT'S PRESIDENT

AMERICA, AND IT'S PRESIDENTS.
There are now four ex-presidents in Ameri
ca, living like private individuals on their farms
without pensions, and with no other privilege
(franking letters excepted) or authority than
their fellow citizens are willing to accord u
them from respect for their public services
This i. (says an American citizen, in letter
to a distinguished literary character in Eng
land, which has been very kindly handed to the
Literary Gazette, the most beautiful feature IN
our government, and am sure you would be
delighted to visit Messrs Adams, Gather of ].
o. Adams,) jefferson, and Madison, at their
residences; and see with what republican digni-
" they live have had this qualification since
nv return home, and though my expectations
were good deal raised, l was much more
pleased than | expected to be. Mr. Jefferson
lives about 2o5 miles from Washington, in the
interior of Virginia, on the summit OF noun
tain, from which you have one Of the most
magnificent and extensive landscapes that can
be imagined At the base Of this mountain Is
situated the University of Virginia, on which
the ex-president has bestowed a considerable
portion Of his fortune, and all the energies OF
his mind for the last nine or ten years. This
Institution is in hourishing condition-Mr.
Madison lives about IS miles from MIR Jeffer-
son, and devotes all his time to farming pur-
suits, in which he is proficient. He is presi-
dent of the Agricultural Society Of his county.
Mr. Monroe's plantation is adjoining to MIR.
Jefferson's. MIR Adams lives five or six miles
from Boston, and is the patron OF the fine arts
and literature. Notwithstanding the extreme
age (Mr. nj. who is the Youngest, is near 70,
and MIR. A. who is the oldest, s9) Of these gen
tIemen, YOU woslld be astonished at the vivacity
and gaiety OF their conversation and manners.
spent two days with MIR J. and two with MIR.
Madison, last January, in the most agreeable
and instructive manner. | regret extremely
that you have resolved not to visit our country,
a pilgrimage to these old gentlemen's resdrn
ces would almost alone compensate for the Ia
tigues and risks of a voyage across the Allan
tic.
Another letter OF later date, viz. in July
last. thus completes the foregoing general
sketch ,
| promised to give you further account Of
some of our American patriarchs, whom have
had the good fortune 10 see since my return
from Europe. will commence with Mr.. Jef-
ferson, who is estimated by numerous party
in this country, TO be the most worthy and dis
tiueuished of the four ex-presidents | beg you
TO accompany, me to his residence, Monticello,
in the centre of the State OF Virginia, situated
ON the summit of an isolated mountain, 1000
fee, above the level Of the river Ravenna, which
SCREENINGS at its base 1t commands a view,
which, for variety of objects and extent OF pros
pect, is not surpassed in the United States. In
one direction, you see mountains rise one above
the other, in sublime confusion; IN another,
beautifully undulated and extensive valley, CO.
yered with fine woods and well cultivated farms
and the Ravenna running through its centre -
You perceive, apparently at your feet, but really
at distance Of three miles, the village Of
Charlottesville, and the magnificent buildings Of
the University of Virginia; and beyond this, at
a distance OF twenty miles, the romantic gap OF
the Blue Mountain. was delighted with the
conversation Of Mr. Jefferson and his daughter,
Mrs Randolph, and his granddaughter, the
Misses Randolph. He is perfectly simple and
unaffected in his manners, but as it struck me,
with something more imposing than observ.
ed in Mr.. Madison. 60 not know whether
this idea arises from the hobitual respect have
ALWAYS entertained for Mr.. ]. and which new
er had for Mr. NJ previous to visiting him, or
whether it proceeds from the commanding as
meet which the former possesses in Pre-emi-
nent degree, and in which the latter is quite de-
6cient Mr.. J.is about six feet two inches in
height, and well proportiohed; his countenance
is strongly marked; the forehead is that OF
mathematician and deep calculator; his hair
is very abundant, and somewhat silvered
by the frosts Of eighty-three 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 common size, the nosrril is open, and
the whole face square and expressive Of intelli-
eence and deep thinking; he is cheerful, enthu-
siastic, and speaks with great vivacity and Cor
rectness. MIR. Nelson the, architect at the uni
versity told me the following anecdote, to illus
frate the enthusiasm of his character:-Last au-
tnmn. when he was on his death-bed, as he and
Al, his friends thought, he sent for Mr.. N. whom
he told. that as he was neither able to write nor
DIV he wished him to make plan OF gym
na sum from his direction, previous to his death,
lesr the idea, should be lost; and MIR ~ made
the design. which has since been executed
Thus. when he was within a few hours OF the
grave. as he believed; he employed himself In
aevising how he should promote the health and
.musemen, of the young men who should attena
the university after his death. Mr.. Jefferson
r;d.. nm horseback vet: he gAllopS down 70 the |