ustry that works without undue expenditure of nervous force; that
intuitive talent which enables the possessor to read a whole page at a
glance and drop at once upon the vital point; and then he had the ability
to get his whole case on paper, marshaling his facts in a brief, pointed
way that served to convince better than eloquence. These are the
characteristics that make for success in practise before our Courts of
Appeal; and Jefferson's success shows that they serve better than bluster,
even with a backwoods bench composed of fox-hunting farmers.

In Seventeen Hundred Sixty-eight, when Jefferson was twenty-five, he went
down to Shadwell and ran for member of the Virginia Legislature. It was
the proper thing to do, for he was the richest man in the county, being
heir to his father's forty thousand acres, and it was expected that he
would represent his district. He called on every voter in the parish,
shook hands with everybody, complimented the ladies, caressed the babies,
treated crowds at every tavern, and kept a large punch-bowl and open house
at home. He was elected. On the Eleventh of May, Seventeen Hundred
Sixty-nine, the Legislature convened, with nearly a hundred members
present, Colonel George Washington being one of the number. It took two
days for the Assembly to elect a Speaker and get ready for business. On
the third day, four resolutions were introduced--pushed to the front
largely through the influence of our new member.

These resolutions were:

1. No taxation without representation.

2. The Colonies may concur and unite in seeking redress for grievances.

3. Sending accused persons away from their own country for trial is an
inexcusable wrong.

4. We will send an address on these things to the King beseeching his
royal interposition.

The resolutions were passed: they did not mean much anyway, the opposition
said. And then another resolution was passed to this effect: "We will send
a copy of these resolutions to every legislative body on the continent."
That was a little stronger, but did not mean much either.

It was voted upon and passed.

Then the Assembly adjourned, having dispatched a copy of the resolutions
to Lord Boutetourt, the newly appointed Governor who had just arrived from
London.

Next day, the Governor's secretary appeared when the Assembly convened,
and repeated the following formula: "The Governor commands the House to
attend His Excellency in the Council-Chamber." The mem