The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1858-07-16
Thomas Jefferson.

be admired OF this great man, that we deem
it duty TO publish it:
Mr.. Jefferson was generally rather "a
voritc with the other sex, and not without
reason. Ills appearance was engaging. His
face, though angular and far from beautiful
heamcd with intelligence, with bencvolcncc,
and with the cheerful vivacity of happy,
hopeful spirit. His complexion was ruddy
and delicatcly fair; his reddish chestnut
hair luxuriaut and silkcn. Ills full, deep
set eyes, the prevailing color of which was
light hazel, Tor ilccks Of hazel on ground
work of gray) were peculiarly expressive,
and mirrored, as the clear lake mirrors the
cloud, the emotion which was passing
through his mind.
lie stood six feet two and half inches
in height, and though very slim at this peri
od, his form was erect aud sinewy, and his
movements displayed elasticity and vigor.
lie was al expert musician, fine dancer, a
dashing rider, and there was no manly ex-
crcisc in which he could not play we'll his
part. His manners were unusually grace
ful, but simple and cordial. His conversa-
tion already possessed no inconsidcraLle
share Of that charm which in after years
was so much cxtolled by friends, and to
which enemies attributed so seductive an
influence in molling t he young and the
wavering to his political views. There was
frankness. carnestness and cordiality in its
tone-a deep sympathy with humanity-a
confidence in man, and sanguinc hopeful
ness in his destiny, which irresistably won
upon the feelings not only of the ordinary
hearcr, but Of those grave men whose COM
merce. with the world had led them to form
less glowing estimates Of it-of such men
as the scholar like Small, the sagacious
Wythe, the courtly aad gifted Fauquier.
Mr.. Jetierson's temper was gentle, kindly
and forgiving. If it naturally had any
thing Of that warmth which is the usual
concomi:ant of affections and symrathes so
ardent-and it 10 doubt had-c had been
subjugated by hahitual control.-Yet un-
der its even placdity there were not want
ing those indications ofjg;calm selfrcliance
and courage whicfiall instifictivcly recog-
nize and respect. There is not an instance
on record Of his having been engaged in
personal rcncountcr, or his having suffered
personal indignity. Possessing the accom-
plisllmcnts, he avoided the vices of the
young Virginia gentry of tho day, and
class of habits, which, ifnot vices themselves
were too often made the prcludes to them.
lie never gamLlcd. To avoid importuni-
ties TO games which were generally accom-
with betting, lie never learned to
distinguish one card from another he was
moderate in the cnjoymcnts Of the table :;
to strong drinks he ha'l an aversion which
rarely yielded to any circumstances his
mouth was unpollutcd by oaths or tobacco
Though he speaks Of enjoying, the victory
of a favorite horse and the death Of the
fox he never put but one horse in training
to run-ncver ran but single race, and he
very rarely joined in the pleasant excite
ment-hc knew it to be too pleasant for the
aspiring student-of the chase. With such
qualities Of mind and character, with the
favor Of powerful friends and relatives, and
even vice royalty, to urge him onward, Mr..
Jefferson was not young man to be lightly
regarded by the young or old Of either sex.
"SoMErnrNG ELSE TO THINK oN."-Thc
phrase originated with DF. Chalmers, and
is thus illustrated by Henry Rogers:
You remember the coachman who said
to the gentleman on the box, "Do you see
that of leader there, sir?"
"Yes; what of hing
"IIe always SHES when he comes TO that
ERE gate. must give him something to
|