Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1858-06-02
VOL. 4.--NO. 40.
SKETCH OFJEFFERSoN.

The following sketch of Jefferson's personal
appearance and habits is from DIR. RandalPs
lite of that eminent man:
ssMr. Jefferson was generally, however, rath
er a favorite with the other sex, and not with
out reason. His appearance was engaging.
His face, though angular and far from beauti-
fui, beamed with intelligence, with benevo-
lence, and with the cheerful viyacity of hap
py, hopeful spirit. His complexion was rud-
dy, and delicately fair; his reddish chestnut
hair luxuriant and silken. His full, deep-set
eyes, the prevailing color of which was light
hazel, cor flecks of hazel on groundwork of
grey,) were peculiarly expressive, and mir
rored, the clear lake mirrors the cloud,
every emotion which was passing through his
mind. He stood six feet two and a half inches
in height, and though very slim at this period,
his form was erect and sinewy, and his move
ments displayed elasticity and vigor. He was
an expert musician, fine dancer, a dashing ri
der, and there was no manly exercise in which
he could not play well his part. His manners
were unusually graceful, but simple and cor
dial His conversation already possessed no
inconsiderable share of that charm which, in
after years, was much extolled by friends
and to which enemies attributed so seductive
an influence in moulding the young and the
wayering to his political views. There was
frankness, earnestness and cordiality in its
tone-a deep sympathy with humanity con-
fdence in man, and sanguine hopefulness in
feelings not only of the ordinary hearer, but
of those grave men whose commerce with the
world had perhaps led them to form less glow
ing estimates of it-of such men as the schOl-
arlike Small, the sagacious Wythe, the court
like and gifted Fauquier. Mr.. Jefferson's
temper was gentle, kind and forgiving. If it
naturally had anything of that warmth which
is the usual concomitant of affections and SYM
pathies ardent, and it no doubt had, it had
been subjugated by habitual control. Yet,
under its placidity, there were not want
ing those indications of calm sclf-reliance and
courage which all instinctively recognize and
respect. There is not instance on record
OF his having been engaged in personal rem
confer, or his having suffered personal in
dignity. Possessing the accomplishments he
avoided the vices of the young Virginia gen.
try of the day, and a class of habits which, if
not vices themselves. were too often made the
preudes TO them. He never grumbled. To
avoid opportunities to game which were gen.
orally accompanied with betting, he never
learned to distinguish one card from another;
he was moderate in the enjoyments of the ta-
BILE; to strong drinks he had an aversion which
rarely yielded to any circumstance his mouth
was unpOluted by oaths or tobacco Though
he speaks of enjoying ssthe victory of a favor
ite horse - and the ssdeath of the fox'' he
never put but one horse in training to run
never run but single race, and he rarely join
ed in the pleasant eXcitement-he knew il to
be too pleasing for the aspiring student-of
the chase. With such qualities of mind and
character, with the favor of powerful friends
and relatives, and even of yice-royalty to urge
him onward. Mr. Jefferson was not young
man TO be lightly regarded by the young or old
of either sex. lie became of age in 1764.''