The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1879-01-02

books and works Of literature and sciences
was the splendid form OF Mr.. Peytcn, seate
in fis accustomed arm chair, book In hand
and a long Pipe in his mouth. [He was niue
addicted to the use Of the Virginia weed. j
On our approach he rose, and politely ex
changing with us the morning salutation
babe us be seated. He then remarked: s.
am looking over, for a second time, the frs
volume Of Allison's history Of Europe
Though it has faults Of style, and .is marret
by political prejudices, It is the most remark
able historical work Of the century.
The book was closed, his finger be-
tween the leaves. In, this attitude be pro
ceeded, as was habit with him, upon dis
QUESTION as to the value and importance o.
historical study. SIT instructed said ne
"the young whose destiny It might be II
time to guard the rights or secure the welfare
OF the community" He declared in gene.-
al terms that the object OF history, the grea
objecf, was to make men wiser In themselve!
and better members Of society. by recalling
The past 1t opened up wider field for oh
setvation and reflection than any persona
experience would do, and thus prepared
man how to act and advise in present con
tingencies. He continued In this vein. illus
trating his sviews by reference to ancient
medieval and modern history, displaying
soundness OF view. an extent OF research. 8
manliness Of principle and an acculacy o.
learning, and vigor Of style, surprising
any have since heard.
There hare been few truly great men who
were not noted for their courtesy and hospi
tality. Both Of these traits Mr.. Peyton
possessed in . high degree. His manner to
his son and myself was most courteous and
ever Of such nature as to impress US With
the idea, il possible, that we were men en-
tering upon the great theatre Of life, witt,
the prospect before us ofattaining eminence
in our profession, Of rendering ourselves
to the State, and Of service to society at
large. There was something IN the appear
ance and manner of the man, when you first
came into his presence and under his influ-
ence, before even he had uttered anything
more than the ordinary salutatlone, that
convinced you at once that you were in no
ordinary presence, and upon closer lntima-
cy he impressed you with the idea that you
were under the influence and power Of q
great man. In publlc,in his intercourse with
men generally, as / have seen him, there
was hauteur, dignity and a majesty, that
repealed rather than attracted men. At his
own flreslde, that feeling was entirely dis
PEELED, and the boy even was drawn to him,
listened to and talked with him, as though
he were his equal. Such were the warm SYM
pathies, the tender feelings, the affectionate
nature Of this, to the world, rserved and
naughty man.
Mr.. Peyton. asa Legislator and Senator,
representing Rockbridxe and Augusta, made
his mark as one Of the leading statesmen of
Virginia. stamping his genius and learning
upon the statute laws Of the State, es-
tablishing for himself such reputa
tlon as would have placed him, had
he been a member Of the Senate Of the
United States, by the side OF Webster,
Clay and Calhoun. But his love for his
home and family, devotion to his profess
sion, and natural fondness for rural pursuits,
all desire for public life and ex
tered public life, his reputation would have
been national, and he noted character in
history. 1t is we'll here to say, that Mr..
Peyton had been thoroughly trained, not on.
ly in the classical and mathematical schools
Of the country in early youth, but was also
a graduate. with the degree Of Master of
Arts, at Princeton College, where his great
ability was early and fully manifested and
by the eminent men under whose
charge that institution Of learning was then
conducted.
Mr.. Peyton-then q young man--was q
member OF the Lower House Of the Legisla-
ture Of Virgins in 1903, 1909 and 1910, from
the County Of Stafford, and wrote ard Of
fered series Of resolutions, as chairman Of
a committee, raised upon certain resolutions
adopted by the Legislature OF the State
OF Pennsylvania, and communicated by
the Governor Of that State to Govern
Or Tyler afterwards President OF the
United States), with reference to an
to the Constitution, SO as to
a collision between the State Gov
and the Government Of the Union,
as to their judicial departments, which pre-
amble and resolutions, drawn by Mr.. Peyton,
were adopted unanimously by both branches
81 the Legislature. This important State
paper car be seen IN the works OF Daniel
Webster, Vol. III, pages 352, $50 and $751;
80 able and important were these resou.
lions at the time, as TO attract tho attention
If the leading statesmen Of the country, and
guide the other States in the adoption OF
similar resolutions, thus overthrowinX the
effort OF Pennsylvania to establish separ.
ate and distinct judicial department as ar
bitter between the Federal aud State Govern
ments.
In the great discussion between Daniel
Webster and General Hayne, Of South Caro-
lima, Mr.. Webster, in his seco-d speech in
reply to Mr.. Hayne, referred to and quoted
The preamble and resolutions spoken Of, as
30 conclusive OF that question as to admit OF
no further discussion.
Mr.. Webster was 30 much struck with 01r.
Peyton's resolutions in the House Of Dele
gates of Virginia, that he wished to know
OF the author Of them. Meeting
Daniel Sheffey, long one Of the representa-
lives in the Lower House Of Congress from
yirg lnia, the following conversation In sub
stance occurred. Mr.. W. asked:
"Do you know a gentleman In Virginia