The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1858-11-04
From the Atlantic Monthly.
Thomas Jefferson.

There is much conflict Of opinion as to the
character Of Jefferson, and the value OF ms
services, We doubt whether there is another
person in our history, as to whom there still
exists 20 strong feeling of dislike on the one
hand, and Of admiration on the other. by
some he is regarded as theorist.and dema-
gogue, who, for selfish purposes, opposed the
purest patriots, and disseminated doctrines
which will pervert our institutions and destroy
our social frabic /; by others he is revered as
the philosopher who first asserted the rights
Of man, and the statesman who first defined
the function Of our government and demon
strated the principles upon which it should be
administered. His detrators and admirers both
bear witness to the extent and permanency OF
his influence. He saw all the phases of our
national life. He assisted in the struggle for
liberty. and in the contest which gave form TO
that iiberty,-while it was bis happy fortune
to inaugurate the system by which, with occa-
sional deviations, the republic, for more than
ffty wears, has been governed. He heard the
discussion Of the Stamp Act, and the debate
on the admission Of Missouri. He shared in
the dispute which the establishmentof the Con-
stitution, produced, and lived to witness the
outbreak Of the quarrel which now threatens
the existance Of the Constitution. His in
fluence was felt through the whole Of this long
period. Nor was it confined to affairs alone.
He took part in the intellectual action of his
countrymen. He was an adept in science, an
nd nfrih hufn tn
rature. He stimulated adventure, and was the
iudicious patron of architecture and the fine
arts. More than any other man Of his day. to
the labors Of practical statesman he brought
mind disciplined by a liberal philosophy ;
and he adorned the most exalted stations with
the graceful fame Of learning and polite ac-
compishments. 1t Is impossible for us to
touch every point in his career. 1t is difficult
to d well upon single point without being se-
duced into discussion too extended for these
pages. We may, however, be permitted in a
rapid manner, to present Mr.. Jefferson in
some OF these relations which seem to us to
throw the strongest light upon his character
and teachings.
Peter jefferson, the father Of Thomas, was
notable man. His parents were poor, and in
eerly life be went into the backwoods OF vir-
eiuia as surveyor. He is described as per-
sen Of great stature ana strength. His mind
was equally robust. He was natural mathe-
matician, and was remarkable for hardihood
and perseverance. His temper was equable,
but his passions were strong and his anger ter
rible. In youth his education had heen neg
lec,sd but, by the wise employment OF hs
Tor learning throughout the rude region where
he lived. This huge man, with gigantic
strength and fierce passions, is said to have
been endowed with tender sympathies, and to
have have had ascholaI's love for Shakespeare
and Addison.
that day, but Peter jefferson Broke through
them and married daughter Of the Randolph
family.
Thomas, the third child and the oldest son
Of this marriage, was born at Shadwsll, his
father's estate, on the I'd Of April l743. The
characteristics Of the sire descended to the
son,-the physical attributes. in milder, and
the intellectual in more active forms. Like
many men Of his class, Peter Jefferson had
perhaps an undue sense Of the obstacles he had
encountered through lack Of education, and
was careful to provide for that Of his children.
Al soon a. possible he was sent to school, and
when nine years old, under the tuition Of
Scottish clergyman, he was introduced to the
study Of Latir, Greek, and French. His faith
q died when be was fourteen years old, leav-
Ing considerable estate, and particular die
rections that Thomas should receive thor
3ough classical training. The executor had
some doubt whether II would be prudent to send
the lad to college in obedience TO the parental
request; whereupon Thomas addressed him
In little argument which is . curious exhibi-
ton Of the proclivitiss Of his mind. In the
mathematical manner which Afterwards be-
came cosnmoa with him, he urged that at
homo be would loose one fourth Of hisstime on
seeount Of the company which was attracted
by bic presence. and that entertaining 70 many
guests would b > heavier charge upon the o.