Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1858-09-06
From the Macon Ga) Jou
Hon. VIM. G. Preston.

We find in the correspondence OF the National
Intelligence Of the 10Th inst the following notice
Of this most eminent and rcvered statesman, who
was M that time Mt Charlottesville, Va, attending
the commencement Of tho University, and where
he resides during tho summer season
"on the platform, among II crowd Of notabss
had the satisfaction Of seeing Vim. G. Preston. for
merly an eminent Senator from South Carolina
and more recently President Of the University Of
that State, who spends his summers among these
mountains, and is just now n visit to his rea-
tiycs in hospitable old Albemarle. Weighed down
by physical inGrmity, rs he has been for several
years, the brilliant genius, the disciplined under
standing. the richly stored memory the experience
ell wisdom, the bonhomme, flashing wit and pleas
antry of this truly great and good man. still survive
for the instruction, the delight, and the wonder of
those who are admitted to his inner circle. Thou
sands who admired him the most splendid of ull
our Southern rhetorcians and thousands more
who love him for those winning qualities which
secured n personal attachment seldom accorded to
politicians, will rejoice to learn that, though his
once noble form shows how severe and desolating
was the stroke that prostrated him. his mind is
active clear, and vigorous, and his chcerfuness
almost unimpnired You may easily imagine what
n qualification it was to II quondam member Of the
Washington editorial fraternity, to meet again with
one Of those orators and statesmen who in former
days occupied so much Of our attention to mark
the tranquil air with which he looks back upon
that Of bitter political waters which he has
quictcd forever and to listen to his "reminiscences
OF the past, his speculations on the present, and
his anticipations Of the future!"
To the above We would add, that we have be
fore US letter from Mr.. Preston. addressed to a
gentleman Of this city, dated at Charlottesville on
the Oath Of July. 1t will be seen that he slludes
TO his visit TO this city in lS40 and many of our
citizens will recoliect the pleasure with which they
and many thousands then listened to his almost
super-human eloauence The mannsr in which
he now speaks Of himself is truly touching. and
will excite the sympathy Of all who knew him in
his palmy days-when the health, strength and
vigor of manhood held its sway over the cultivated
talents and improvements Of such n mind as his
But time hath done its work" The casket re
mains, but the jewels will no longer shine, but o,
the record he has left on the page of history Sou
Carolina may boast of many wNrthy sons-but c
few more talented, more brilliant, more pure. tina
VIM. c. Preston.
In the closing part Of his letter. he says
How dear daughter is to fathers heart,
once had occasion to know-but by sad di
Pensatlon ofProyidence, | was made childles
Hue have for years been without family-des
*
ant;os,,slt ,vslt to Macon in 1870, seems in a remot
past, II1s thing gone-glimmerng into tim,
great, az A. least, times have changed and ho,
and scrr"'. sIIged with them, ASe. decren;tnG
now I ~ have done their ro-f ,,,o us'.e ~
siasipn;o on along. Ike an IA Ut IL upon ne|ai 1a9
amomsct ~ sluggishiy IS ~ ,os sa On me M
toward ~ ON wil,e,r. nn;n2 an eody, hangir