Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1858-08-04

70 foreign vessels. Mr.. Jefferson chose the
latter, and recommended the embargo to Con-
gress. 1t was adopted; and dire were the
curses which came down upon its author. 1t
is his reproach to this day.
But it was not original with Jefferson
Massachusetts, had used it before the Revolu-
ton. President Washington also recommend
ed If to the third Congress, by whom it was
adopted March 26, 1874, and proclaimed.-
Mr.. Jefferson was certainly following whole
some examples in proposing his embargo. If,
therefore, there be reproach belonging to it,
let Massachusetts, of 1775, General Washing
ten, and the third and the tenth Congresses
share in it. As a substitute for war it was the
choice of lesser evil, and at the same time
annoyed the enemy more than any direct and
open warfare which our government could
then carry on could have done.
While president, Jefferson performed large
amount of literary and other unofficial labor.
Regular essays on physics, law, medicine,
science, natural history, agriculture, manufac-
lures, naviga ton, morals, education. and re-
ligion appear in his correspondence. He
continued his communications with foreign
literary, scientific, and agricultural societies.
He imported valuable stock. He introduced
vaccination, amid storm of ridicule- He
used great eXcrtions to colOnize free blacks
upon the coast of Africa, hoping thereby to
suppress the save-trade, and prepare the way
country. He corresponded with Alexander
of Russia, then mediator between the beliger-
ents of Western Europe, and endeavored to
procure through him n recognition of the
rights of neutrals on the high seas. He strove
to embellish Washngton-that city of hills,
and sand, and marshes, of immense distances,
of marble palaces and negro hints. Standing
in the western pOrticO OF the capitol, and
looking down through mile of Pennsy ylvana
Avenue to the presidents house, you will be
struck with the beautiful colonade of trees
which adOrn the whole distance on both sides.
Those trees were planted under Mr.. Jefferson s
direction, and some of them by his own hands.
He was rarely seen returning from his daily
rides without bringing with him some sapling,
or shrub, or bunch of flowers, for the adorn-
ment of the infant capital.
In the spring of 1909, he made his last and
happy retreat to his own Monticello. Moth
ing could induce him to become a candidate
for reelection. He threw off the shackles of
power with as much joy ever prisoner did
his chains. He wrote to friend: ssNature
intended me for the tranquil pursuits of sci
ence by rendering them-m my supreme delight.
But the enormities of the times have forced
me to take part in resisting them, and to
commit myself on the boiSterouS ocean OF
political passion. l thank God for the oppor
tunity of retiring without censure, and car
rying with me the most consoing proofs of
public APPRECIATION" He retired to the peace
full repose of private life-to his s'famly, his
books, and his farms.
The beloved companion Of his early man.
hood had gone; she died in his arms in 1882.
With her he lived only ten years; but, to use
his own language, those were years Of cum
from the presidency two daughters and sever
al grandchildren remained to gladden. his
home, and in their presence his cup of joy
seemed full.
With his books he found sweet pastime.
His library was the largest and best private
collection of books in this country. And
their owner knew well their contents and COM
parative merits.
His farms also occupied much Of his atten-
tion. BY inheritance and marriage he posses
sed five thousand acres, eleven hundred and
twenty of which were under cultivation. His
was model estate, for system and perfect ar
rangement. 1t was divided into four farms,
and every farm into seven fields, on which he
raised seven crops in rotation. Each farm had
its overscer, its quota of slaves, horses, and
cattel. Around his family mansion, which
was splendid structure, costing more than
the White House at Washing ton, he had Il
manufacturing village; carpenters, black
smiths, cabinet and shoe shops, grain mills,
and manufactures Of cotton and wooden. AL
most everything needed at Monticello was
produced there. And yet with all this COM
pleteness that estate, like most slave estates,
was bankrupt. 1t had been lett to overseerS,
who cared but little for the interests OF its
owner. a2d was worked by slaves who had no
motives for thrift and industry.
And the man who, by his wisdom, had paid
off thirty-three millions Of dollars of debt
for his county, and more than doubled her eX-
tent of territory, and greatly enriched hei.
tt a. man went from the national capitol poor
man. And finally he had 10 apply to the state
for permission to parcel out his property and
sell 1t by lottery, for by no other means could
he realize its value and pay his debts.
One other public work remained for him.
He conceived the plan Of bcnefiting the youth
of his native state by founding the University
of Virginia. That plan he carried into exc
cution. And until his death he presided over
the destinies of the young and promising IN
stitutIon.
Thomas Jefferson was a full grown man.
He had head of good size and ample proper
tions His intellect was strong. penetrating
clear, and comprehensive. The amount OF
intellectual labor which he performed was
immense and it was well done.
His heart was fully developed, and accus-
toned to beat for humanity. His was an un.
selfish nature. He was unambitious, unaspir-
ing. When he returned from France in 1ISe
he wrote to friend thus: ssI had rather be
shut up IN very modest cottage, with my
| family, and books, and a few old friends, dl
ming on simple bacon, and letting the world
roll on as it liked, than to occupy the most
splendid post which any human power can
give" He courted no popular favor. He
made no grand tours through the country, and
no speeches for Buncombe. He never asked
an office, nor indirectly sought one. He only
accepted it as duty when it was imposed by
his friends and constituents. He often prefer
| red others to himself, and secured distinctions
for them which he might have gained for him
self.
He had deep sympathy for the masses
! and devoted his life and labor to the improve.