Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-08-16

opinions, poured upon them the virulence of
party anathemas, and the aspersions of disap.
pointed ambition;---but they lived to see the
beams of patriotism dispelling the mists Of
envy and prejudiceand to hear their bitterest
enemies speak of their names with reverence
I was never the enemy of either-but, before
had Judged for myself, was led to admire the
!, one-and question the heart OF the other.
have examined them since, with attention and
calmness; and speak Of them now, in all the
sincerity that belongs tony nature.
AS the champions of opposite parties, they
will ever, perhaps, be the subjects of opposite
censure. Yet, whatever opinions we may en-
terrain of the results Of their political measures,
as tending to the best interests of their country
lit is impossible to withhold from such men,
that high respect which is due to their UNI
wearied application of superior powers Of
thought--and that gratitude which we owe
them, for the exercise Of those powers, in the
accomplishment of our independence and ma
tional happiness. AS publi benefactors, none
have been more boun,iful, none more dsinte-
rested. Let Us equal, five can, therloye s mag
nanimity Let their merits be traced on ada
mant---their errors on the sands Of the lonely
beach.
But it was not on Che theatre of politics a.
lone, that they acted so well their parts. The
reputation which they acquired in the dis
charge of their public duties, was amply sus-
tanned by the great responsibility of their pri-
vate lives Their moral characters were uninl-
pcachable. Guided in their intercourse with
the social world, BY the same correct Judgment
and love of Justice, which characterised their
writings, and governed their official actions,
they were eminently distinguished throughlife
by the prudence, the purity, and the dignfed
propriety of their conduct. A love Of business
and useful employment, was one Of their ruling
passions, in every condition Of life. 1t raised
them to eminence, in literature, science, and
politics; and enabled them to leave to the world
extensive chronicles of those evcntful times,
which established new era in the relations Of
man. They knew not--they asked not, to rest
from their labors. Every minute Of the morn.
ing, and the meridian of their glorious day,
was appropriated to the calls Of their country;
and the leisure, which they enjoyed in the even
ing, was devoted to schemes Of socialimprove-
ment in their respective neighborhoods, and to
great public undertakings for the cultivation Of
the rising genius Of their land. This love OF
employment, tempered with discretion, and
united to eminent talents, and inAexibIe inte-
srity---while it secured, to the last, their own
relish Of life--was Remarkably calculated to en-
dear them to their friends, and to render them
enviable members Of any society to which they
men more universally respected by those who
knew them intimately; more sincerely esteem.
ed in the circle Of their acquaintance; or more
tenderly beloved by those who enjoyed the
blessings Of their private and domestic connec-
ton. If you would know their standing as
neighbors, go to the vicinities of Monticello
and Quincy--go ask of the tears that still mois-
ten their graves. AS husbands, their affection
and love were proyerbial AS fathers, let that
child OF sorrow, who was willed to her country,
speak in behalf of an idolzed parent---and let
him who fills the high station of Nations
Chief Magistrate, tell what the watchful tender
ness of a sire may do for his son.
Thus far, have felt it my duty to review
them together-For awhile, mast speak Of
them separately.
MIR. Jefferson was a man, designed by ma
ture to fill bright and instructive page in the
worlds history.-And, not by titles, by fortune,
or by birth-right powerful, by means, alone,
of his own solid worth, he has gloriously full
filled his destiny.
With every thing that is noble, beautiful,
grand, or sublime, in the character and insti-
tutions Of his country--his name is inseparabIy
associated. AS soon as the laws Of the land
would permit his native Colony to avail herself
of his light, he rose .esplen IDENTIFY from obscu-
rity---and, thence, until he calmly sunk below
the horizon of his temporal career, he shined
star of the first magnitude eclpscd--
seldom clouded.
In every station to which he was called, he
distinguished himself for zeal, Integrity, UNI
wavering firmness-and more than requisite
antitude The FIRST sipnS of Liberty IN the