Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1856-04-22

statue of King George Ill, which was set vi
in ITO; and they dragged il through th,
streets They also decided to melt il up int,
bullets. Baltimore was frantic with exctemen
at the proclamation. The kings efigy was til,
sport Of the people, and finally burned in IA,
public square. But Boston surpassed them al
in her demonstrations From the balcony O
the old state house, with her authorities present
both civil aud military, before an immense
concourse of people from city and country
independence was solemnly proclaimed. King
street was then metamorphosed as by magic
into State street for, there was the garrison
drawn up in battle array. The troops repre-
scented the thirteen States by thirteen detach
ments and a salute Of thirteen guns echoed
from Fort Hill, which was severally answered
bythirteen more from the Neck, from Nantasket
and from Point Alderton batteries. Then came
the thirteen salutes Of musketry from the gar
| rison, each Of the thirteen attachments firing
| in regular succession. A congratulatory ban
quet in the council chamber followed. Patriotic
toasts were drank in round numbers. The
bells rang as if the magic word ephphatha had
been uttered, and their pinioned tongues had
become suddenly loosed. State street blazed in
the evening with bonfire of sculpture and
painted lions rampant, sceptres, crowns, and
all the insignia of royalty to be found in the
vicinity. In Virginia, too, the exultations
were vehement. In fine. the whole Atlantic
seaboard was uproar and confusion with in
descrbable gladness. Mr.. Jefferson's clear
and enthusiastic pen was the match fire that
ignited the train and produced this tremendous
and saluiary explosion.
He resigned his seat in Congress Sept. 2,
and repaired to the Virginia legislature, where
of he had been chosen a member. His efforts
were directed to improving the State constitu-
ton and revising the laws. The proposition
for dictator received his frown and his most
bitter censure. His voice was ever for freedom
of mind, liberation in religion, and charity in
demeanor. In l779, he labored for the com
fort of Burgoyne's suffering troops, who had
surrendered at Saratoga. HIS was soul of
philanthropy. He addressed long, pathetic
and effective letter to Gov. Henry in their be-
halt, and his powerful appeal was successful.
In June of that year he became governor Of
Virginia He was one of the visitors of Will
liam and Mary College. During his governor
ship, Benedict Arnold spread his ravages
through Virginia with fire and sword. Jeffer-
son evinced much courage, great GOODNESS, and
sound judgment at this trying crisis. No
sooner had Arnold eluded all endeavors to cap
ture him and departed, than Lord CORVALLIS
came with fire and depredations, as we have
previously limited. He carried off much valu-
able property, plate, &C., together with numer-
Gus slaves. Jefferson bore the brunt of the
exigency In mastery manner, almost alone.
In June, 1871, he was appointed minister plen-
ipottntiary for negotiating peace, but unfortu-
nately could not attend to it. In November
his appointment was renewed; but, subsequent
events made it unnecessary for him to leave
the country. In June, 1888, he was again
elected to Congress, where, as usual, he was an
active and useful member. Among the impor-
tant committees of those times, you find him
almost always In March, 1885, Congress
made him successor to DR.. Franklin in France
and again, III 1887, when his commission had
expired. There he remained till October,
1889, visiting Holland, the Alps, Lombardy
and the southern and western French seaports,
learning much of the culture of the vine olive
and rice; and all this during his intervals Of
leisure from International business. He be-
came well acquainted with the prominent men
Of the national assembly; for, we must remem
Der that France was undergoing her revolu
ton at the time. A conference was held at his
house by six or eight patriots, and Lafayette
among them. Mr.. Jefferson left France before
the reign of terror made such direful devasta-
tons His observations confirmed Voltaire's
memorable assertion that every man must be
either the hammer or the anvil; j" and he might
have added, that little too much complacen-
cy generally characterized the hammer while in
the ascendant 1t was apt to forget what itself
had suffered while under similar blows, and
withheld its sympathy too much from the with
ing victims
Daring the formation Of our constitution he
was not here to contribute his wise ideas to-
wards its structure. He afterwards stated TO
Mr.. Madison some of bis objections to the in
strument, but was highly pleased that one had
been framed and ratified by the people; and he
expressed his cordial appreciation cf its general
tenor. During his absence he labored hard
to redeem our dilapidated credit abroad. In
deed, he aimed to benefit his country. Soon
after his return home he took his seat in Gen.
Washingtons cabinet, as the first secretary Of
state appointed under that constitution. This
Office he held about four years. He devised an
excellent system of weights and measures, as
well as uniform system Of currency; but his
report was not adopted in full. His report on
tonnage duties payable by France was one Of
great ability. His objections to national
bank we're explicit, logically arranged, and
proved its unconstitutionality and inexpedien-
cy. But the federal principles prevailed in
Washington's administration. The formidable
Kraken of Mammon was established. The
secretary of State penetrated and unravelled the
sophistry Of the French ambassador Genet, who
was soon recalled by Robespierre, on his acces-
sion to the head of affairs in France. In Jan.
uary, 1894, he resigned his Office, intending to
retire forever from public life. His health was
impaired he had been away from his family
and his plantation, and his affairs required his
care at home. He was strongly attached to
his agricultural pursuits and his homestead,
and enjoyed the society Of bis family to an IN
surpassed degree. His dwelling house was sit
uated on quite lofty hill, commanding very
extensive and circular prospect. From his at.
tachment to the Italian language he called the
site Of his house Monticello, Ia little mountain.)
When proposed to succeed Washington as
president, he shrank back, and desired that Mr..
Madison might be the democratic candidate.
He wished to stay at home and enjoy his own
Preside. He even preferred to see John Adams
elevated than himself But, in 1897, he was
elected vice president, which was more conso-
- ~ HI. foalirro N ha fret as would