Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1849-02-12
TIE JEFFERSON PAPERS.

1t IS known to most of our readers that Congress
has appropriated twenty thousand dollars the pur-
chase q the Jefferson papers, being composed in part
OF eicla political scientific, and miscellaneous letters
amounting to about forty two thousand, many of
which were written and received from the most dis
tmgulshed men OF his time and country. OF the num-
Der written by himself namely, about sixteen thousand
eight hundred have been published, but they not
more interesting than those which remain There are
besides three thick quarto volumes Of MSS containing
MI. Jefersons opinions Secretary of State under
General Washington, including interesting memoranda
Ihere are besides other manuscripts, historical,
or less, OF Mr. JefersOns public duties, of records
events which he Observed or with which he was con
temporaneous These include notes Of Cabinet Councils
incidents growing out of the French Questi3n-rev
dictionary papers-scientifc observations-and much
miscellaneous matter. Many of these papers are mar
ked valuable by the ustrious statesman hinnslf.
The facts here stated for which indebted IT,
the able report Of the Hon X. Brodhead at the sec
ond session Of the last Congress- sufficiently explain
the character Of these papers, now deposited in the
State Department at Washington for safe keeping,
until they ordered to be published by act of Con
gress.-Apart from the mass of new and valuable in.
formation which they contain is the manner in which
they are prepared. They now nearly if not quite
ready tor publication AS the report of Mr. Brcdhead
says: LAS the consequence of the extraordinary labor
and system with which Mr.. Jefferson appears, during
the whole course Of his long and active life to have
made and preserved written record Of every impor
tant matter TO which his thoughts or his duties were
directed the manuscripts are not only an example il
variety and volume as compared with other manu-
scripts but correspond in all respects, as the Com
mttee have reason to believe with the services thu
stations, and the renown Of their author
Mr. Jefferson, in the Of this vCluminous cor
respohdence and diary, has not only drawn graphic
sketches Of the with whom he was cotempo
raneous but has fairly and eoquenty defined the orgi
OF parties in this country. OF Gen. Washington he
never speaks with veneration and respect His
portrait OF Hamilton and the men who were associated
IN the cabinet of Washington is faithful and candid
All the personages of his time came under his clea
and powerful observation. The doings of Congress
are graphically noticed. The movements Of the PEG
pie are commented upon. The feelings and preiu
dices, interests and exciements of the foreign void
Including the great actors the stage of foreign pol
ltlcs, are all carefully noticed and freely and fearess
criticised. Introductory to the valuable part d
his writings, is history Of the origin of parties in Z
country, which is almost prophetic in its speculation
upon the uture,and which is wholly inestinable n n
disclosures Of the past This history Is market by Al
the peculiar characteristics Of the great rcformer anc
is legacy to his country which can never be suff
GENTLY practiced upon appreciated
We obtain from confidential friend of the Jefferson
lamy this insight into the character Of these impor
tant paPers--Pennsyirdala