ist and a demagogue, who, for
selfish purposes, opposed the purest patriots, and disseminated
doctrines which will pervert our institutions and destroy our social
fabric; by others he is revered as the philosopher who first
asserted the rights of man, and the statesman who first defined the
functions of our government and demonstrated the principles upon
which it should he administered. His detractors 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 liberty,--while
it was his happy fortune to inaugurate the system by which, with
occasional deviations, the republic, for more than fifty years, 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 establishment of the Constitution produced, and lived to witness
the outbreak of the quarrel which now threatens the existence of the
Constitution. His influence was felt through the whole of this long
period. Nor was it confined to affairs alone. He took part in all
the intellectual action of his countrymen. He was an adept in science,
an ingenious mechanic, and a contributor to literature. He stimulated
adventure, and was the judicious patron of architecture and the fine
arts. More than any man of his day, to the labors of a practical
statesman he brought a mind disciplined by a liberal philosophy; and
he adorned the most exalted stations with the graceful fame of
learning and polite accomplishments. It is impossible for us to
touch every point of his great career. It is difficult to dwell upon
a single point without being seduced into a discussion too extended
for these pages. We may, however, be permitted, in a rapid manner,
to present Mr. Jefferson in some of those relations which seem to us
to throw the strongest light upon his character and teachings.

Peter Jefferson, the father of Thomas, was a notable man. His
parents were poor, and in early life he went into the backwoods of
Virginia as a surveyor. He is described as a person of great stature
and strength. His mind was equally robust. He was a natural
mathematician, and was remarkable for hardihood and perseverance.
His temper was equable, but his passions were strong and his anger
terrible. In youth his education had been neglected; but, by the
wise employment of his leisure, h