reat man. Then we saw
the statue of John C. Breckinridge in the public square, and visited
various old ebb-tide mansions where the "quarters" had fallen into decay,
and the erstwhile inhabitants had moved to the long row of tenements down
by the cotton-mill. My train whistled and we were half a mile from the
station, but the General said we would get there in time--and we did. I
bade my friends good-by and quite forgot to thank them for all their
kindness, although down in my heart I felt that it had been a time rare as
a day in June. I believe they felt my gratitude, too, for where there is
such a feast of wit and flow of soul, such kindness, such generosity, the
spirit understands.

When I arrived home I found a box awaiting me, bearing the express mark of
Lexington, Kentucky. On opening the case I found six quart-bottles of
"Henry Clay--1881"; and a card with the compliments of Little Emily and
General Bellicose. On the outside of the case was neatly stenciled the
legend, "Thackeray, Full sett, 14 vol., half Levant." I do not know why
the box was so marked, but I suppose it was in honor of my literary
proclivities. I went out and blew four merry blasts on a ram's horn, and
the Philistines assembled.

JOHN JAY

Calm repose and the sweets of undisturbed retirement appear more
distant than a peace with Britain.

It gives me pleasure, however, to reflect that the period is
approaching when we shall be citizens of a better ordered State,
and the spending of a few troublesome years of our eternity in
doing good to this and future generations is not to be avoided
nor regretted. Things will come right, and these States will yet
be great and flourishing.
--Letter to Washington

[Illustration: JOHN JAY]

America should feel especially charitable towards Louis the Great, called
by Carlyle, Louis the Little, for banishing the Huguenots from France.
What France lost America gained. Tyranny and intolerance always drive from
their homes the best: those who have ability to think, courage to act, and
a pride that can not be coerced.

The merits possessed by the Huguenots are exactly those which every man
and nation needs. And these are simple virtues, too, whose cultivation
stands within the reach of all. These are the virtues of the farmers and
peasants and plain people who do the work of the world, and give good
government its bone and sinew. To a great degree, so-called society