Sages and Heroes of the American Revolution Part 15

During his recess from the toils of public life Mr. Jefferson was unanimously elected President of the American Philosophical Society with which he was highly gratified. It afforded him much pleasure to occupy the chair which had been ably filled by his revered friends--the ill.u.s.trious Franklin and philosophic Rittenhouse.

After a repose of three years he was again called to the theatre of public action. President Was.h.i.+ngton had announced his determination to retire to the peaceful shades of Mount Vernon. The people had become divided in two political parties, each determined to nominate a candidate for the high and responsible office about to become vacant.

The federalists nominated John Adams--the democrats Thomas Jefferson.

The former was elected President--the latter Vice President of the United States. As the presiding officer of the Senate Mr. Jefferson discharged his duty with dignity and impartiality. Familiar with parliamentary rules, he was prepared to decide questions promptly and uniformly to the satisfaction of members.

At the next Presidential Election he was again opposed to Mr. Adams. The mountain waves of party spirit rolled over the United States like a sweeping torrent. Each party presented a bold front regardless of danger pressed on by a rear rus.h.i.+ng to conflict. The two candidates were bosom friends. Honest political differences did not interrupt their private good feelings. Not a word fell from the lips of either disparaging to his opponent. They regretted the fever heat of their partisans during the canva.s.s but could not allay it. The Democrats carried the election and returned an equal number of votes for Mr. Jefferson as President and Col. Burr as Vice President. This singular circ.u.mstance imposed the election of the Chief Magistrate upon the House of Representatives. To defeat the election of the great leader of the popular party, several of his opponents voted for Col. Burr. A very spirited contest ensued.

Thirty-five ineffectual ballotings were made. The ambition of Burr for promotion induced him to omit doing at once what propriety dictated and that which would have rendered him popular and perhaps saved him from the vortex of disgrace into which he subsequently plunged--_the immediate withdrawal of his name_. This he was finally compelled to do and on the thirty-sixth ballot Mr. Jefferson was duly elected President by a majority of eight votes and Col. Burr Vice President.

I have long been convinced that the Federal Const.i.tution should be amended with reference to the election of these two officers. The votes for each should be confined to each office independent of the other.

_The election should never go to the House of Representatives_, especially as political honesty is constantly deteriorating. The history of all time shows clearly, that as a government grows older corruption increases until it finally dissolves the state. Let the President be elected for four years and until another shall be elected in his place and let this be done directly by the PEOPLE. Reckless party management would then be stripped of half its horrors. Better pay the expense of two elections than have one unworthy inc.u.mbent in the Presidential Chair. The following extract from the Inaugural Address of Mr. Jefferson should be committed by every man and boy in our country--the principles would then be better understood and perhaps more generally exemplified in practice.

"Equal and exact justice to all men of whatever state or persuasion--religious or political--peace, commerce and honest friends.h.i.+p with all nations--entangling alliances with none--the support of the state governments in all their rights as the most competent administrations for our domestic concerns and the surest bulwarks against anti-republican tendencies--the preservation of the general government in its whole const.i.tutional vigor as the sheet anchor of our peace at home and safety abroad--a zealous care of the right of election by the people--a mild and safe corrective of abuses which are lopped by the sword of revolution when peaceable remedies are unprovided--absolute acquiescence in the decisions of the majority, the vital principle of Republics from which there is no appeal but to force--the vital principle and immediate parent of despotism--a well disciplined militia our best reliance in peace and for the first moments of war till regulars may relieve them--the supremacy of the civil over the military authority--economy in public expenses that labor may be lightly burthened--the honest payment of our debts and sacred preservation of the public faith--encouragement of agriculture and of commerce as its handmaid--the diffusion of information and arraignment of all abuses at the bar of public reason--freedom of religion, freedom of the press and freedom of the person under the protection of the _habeas corpus_ and trial by juries impartially selected. These principles form the bright constellation which has gone before us and guided our steps through an age of revolution and reformation. The wisdom of our sages and blood of our heroes have been devoted to their attainment. They should be the creed of our political faith, the text of civic instruction, the touch stone by which to try the service of those we trust and should we wander from them in moments of error or alarm, let us hasten to retrace our steps and to regain the road which alone leads to peace, liberty and safety."

Here is a statesman's chart drawn by one of the ablest, navigators that ever stood at the helm of government. His soundings were frequent--his observations were made with mathematical precision--he combined science and experience and traced his lines with boldness and truth. To follow its directions is to ensure safety. Its delineations are not designed for partisan use but for our whole country and the freemen of the world through all time.

Based upon these principles practically, the administration of Jefferson became popular, peaceful and prosperous. He understood the reasonable desires of the people and exerted his n.o.blest powers to gratify them.

He knew that the art of governing harmoniously consisted in HONESTY and governed himself accordingly. He antic.i.p.ated the future wants of the rising and expanding Republic and proposed in his annual and special messages to Congress wise and politic measures to meet them. So fully was his course approved that he was re-elected by a majority of one hundred and forty-eight. His second inaugural address reiterated the same magnanimous principles of his first, manifesting a deep and growing interest in the prosperity and welfare of our common country.

As he has been repeatedly charged with infidelity by those who descend so low as to desecrate the ashes of the ill.u.s.trious dead and the charge repeated but a few days ago in a prominent print in the city of New York, I insert the following extract from his annual message, which sentiment is found in all his writings where the subject is alluded to.

I have recently read two of his unpublished letters to a gentleman who is now a member of the New Jersey Senate, in which the same view is expressed.

"I shall need, too, the favor of that Being in whose hands we are, who led our forefathers, as Israel of old, from their native land and planted them in a country flowing with all the necessaries of life--who has covered our infancy with his Providence and our riper years with his wisdom and power." Was.h.i.+ngton and Adams said no more.

If all who profess the religion of the Cross discarded sectarianism and honored unsophisticated _practical_ religion as much as did Thomas Jefferson, the prospect of christianizing the world would burst upon us with refulgent brightness. The part.i.tion walls of various creeds, claimed to be drawn from the same pure fountain, would be dissolved by heaven-born Charity and the superstructure of the Redeemer's kingdom would rise in majesty sublime.

Soon after Mr. Jefferson entered upon the duties of his second term, a portentous storm darkened the horizon of our country, charged with the lightning of discord. In consequence of being disappointed in riding into the presidency on the whirlwind of confusion he created at the time he was made Vice President and at the end of four years--dropped like a traitor as he was, Aaron Burr mounted upon the tornado of his wild ambition and attempted the formation of a new Republic in the Spanish Provinces on the Mississippi, aiming at an ultimate division, if not dissolution of the Union. He was arrested and tried for high treason but being a man of great foresight, consummate genius and deep cunning--no _overt_ act could be proved against him within the technical meaning of the law and he was acquitted--yet the dark stigma is marked upon the splendor of his brilliant talents in traces so deep, that time nor angels' tears can ever remove it. Like a comet propelled by its own centrifugal force from its const.i.tutional orbit, he fell to rise no more--our country was saved from his Cataline grasp by the Cicero of our nation.

About the same time France and Great Britain were at war--both of whom and more especially the latter--had repeatedly insulted the American flag under various but false pretences. Redress was promptly demanded and measures pursued to obtain it. Anxious to preserve peace but determined to vindicate our rights and dignity--Mr. Jefferson simultaneously prosecuted a negotiation and prepared for war. He well understood the importance of the importing and exporting trade to England. Among the means used to bring her to honorable terms, he recommended to Congress the embargo law which was pa.s.sed on the 22d Dec.

1807. This measure was violently a.s.sailed by those opposed to his administration. As he antic.i.p.ated, it had a salutary effect upon the British government and caused propositions to be made by England for an honorable adjustment of all differences.

Thus were the foreign relations of the United States situated when the second term of Mr. Jefferson closed. He then bid a final farewell to public life and consigned the destinies of his beloved country into other hands. He had been an efficient and faithful laborer in the vineyard of American Liberty nearly forty years. He left it richly covered with green foliage and fruit--in the full vigor of health--enclosed by the palisades of truth and honesty--adorned with the crowning glories of philanthropy and patriotism.

From that time he declined all public honors and remained in peaceful retirement to the day of his death--seldom leaving his sweet home--the beautiful Monticello. Unlike too many with ample means he did not lead a life of inglorious ease. The same innate activity that had marked his bright career from youth--the same n.o.bleness of mind and energy of character that raised him to the loftiest pinnacle fame could rear, still promoted him to action. He reduced his time to a harmonious arrangement--his business to perfect system. He uniformly rose before the sun and held a supervision over all the concerns of his plantation.

The various productions of his pen during the period of his retirement, show that he labored arduously in the fields of science and philosophy.

For the promotion of literature and general intelligence, he opened an extensive correspondence with men of letters in this country and Europe.

He considered the diffusion of knowledge among the great ma.s.s of the human family the greatest safeguard against tyranny and oppression--the purest source of earthly bliss--the surest pa.s.sport to freedom and happiness.

Acting from this impulse, he submitted the plan of a University to the legislature of Virginia to be erected at Charlottesville, situated at the foot of the romantic mountain in front of his mansion. It was to be built with funds raised by donations from individuals in the state, himself to be a liberal contributor. The plan of the buildings and course of instruction were drawn by him and so much admired and approved by the members of the legislative body that an act was pa.s.sed to carry into effect the design and Mr. Jefferson was appointed Rector. For the completion of this object he spent all necessary time and more money than strict justice called for. It became the doating object of his old age. His best efforts were exerted in its accomplishment, which were crowned with success and the University filled with students to whom he paid great attention. The course of instruction was designed to prepare youth for the general routine of business, public and private and was not strictly cla.s.sical. The library was selected by him with great care, being composed entirely of solid useful books, treating on subjects important to every citizen in preparing him to discharge properly the duties he owes to his G.o.d, his family, his country and himself. A catalogue, written by Jefferson, is still there in a good state of preservation. He exercised a parental care over this inst.i.tution until his physical powers failed.

Much of his time was devoted to visitors to whom he was hospitable and kind. Thousands of his own countrymen paid their grateful respects to him--Europeans of distinction thought their tour in this country incomplete until they took by the hand the patriot, sage, philosopher and philanthropist of Monticello. He was ever anxious to please, delight and instruct. He was familiar with every subject. His mind united the vigor of youth with the experience of age. The broad expanse of the universe--the stupendous works of nature--the Pierian fields of science--the deep recesses of philosophy and labyrinthian avenues of the intellect of man--seemed spread before him like the map of the world. He was an encyclopaedia of the age he adorned--a lexicon of the times he enlightened--one of the brightest diadems in the crown of his country's glory.

With a calm and peaceful quietude Mr. Jefferson glided down the stream of time toward the ocean of eternity until he reached the eighty-fourth year of his age. Forty-four years had pa.s.sed away since his amiable companion had been laid in the tomb. She was the daughter of Mr. Wayles, an eminent lawyer of Virginia. One of two interesting daughters was also resting in the grave. The charms of earth were receding from him--he felt sensibly that he stood on the confines of another and a better world. The physical powers and mechanical structure of his frame were fast decaying--the canker worm of disease was doing its final work--the angel of death hovered over him with a keen blade awaiting Jehovah's signal to cut the silver cord of life and set the prisoner free.

Early in the spring of 1826 his bodily infirmities increased. From the 26th of June to the time of his death he was confined to his bed. He then remarked to his attending physician--"My machine is worn out and can go no longer." His friends who attended him thought he would again recover but he was convinced that his voyage of life was about to close and that he would soon cast his anchor in the haven of rest. To those around him he said--"Do not imagine that I feel the smallest solicitude as to the result. I do not indeed _wish_ to die but I do not _fear_ to die." Do infidels die thus calm and resigned? Echo answers--Do infidels die thus?

On the second day of July his body became extremely weak but his mental powers remained as clear as a crystal fountain. He called his family and friends around him and with a cheerful countenance and calm dignity gave direction for his funeral obsequies. He requested that he might be interred at Monticello without pomp or show and that the inscription on his tomb should only refer to him as "The author of the Declaration of Independence--of the Statutes of Virginia securing religious Freedom and the Father of the University." He then conversed separately with each of his family. To his surviving daughter, Mrs. Randolph, he presented a small morocco case which he requested her not to open until after his death. It was found to contain a beautiful and affectionate poetic tribute to her virtues.

The next day, being told it was the 3d of July, he expressed a desire that he might be permitted to inhale the atmosphere of the fiftieth anniversary of our national freedom. His prayer was granted--the glorious 4th of July 1826 dawned upon him--he took an affectionate leave of those around him and then raising his eyes upward articulated distinctly, "_I resign myself to G.o.d and my child to my country_"--and expired as calmly as an infant sleeps in its mother's arms. Thus lived and thus died THOMAS JEFFERSON, universally esteemed in life--deeply mourned in death by a nation of freemen--sincerely lamented by every patriot in the civilized world.

In person he was slender and erect--six feet two inches in height--light and intelligent eyes--n.o.ble and open countenance--fair complexion--yellowish red hair and commanding in his whole appearance.

In all the relations of public and private life he was the model of a great and good man. His whole career was calm and dignified. Under all circ.u.mstances his coolness, strong moral courage--deliberation and equanimity of mind, placed him on a lofty eminence and enabled him to preserve a perfect equilibrium amidst all the changing vicissitudes and multiform ills flesh is heir to. He kept his pa.s.sions under complete control and cultivated richly the finer qualities of his nature. His charity, the brightest star in the Christian diadem, was as broad as the human family--his sympathies co-extensive with the afflictions of Adam's race. He was created for usefulness--n.o.bly did he fulfil the design of his creation. If his were not the fruits of _practical_ Christianity, the immaculate Redeemer and the Apostles did not truly describe them.

You who basely charge THOMAS JEFFERSON with infidelity, remember--O!

remember, that his last words were those uttered by many of the martyrs--"I RESIGN MYSELF TO G.o.d AND MY CHILD TO MY COUNTRY."

BARON DE KALB.

A love for the land of our birth is natural--commendable. A continued oppression from those in power may drive us from that land--compel us to seek an asylum under a more congenial government--still the a.s.sociations of our native spot are a source of frequent and pleasing thought never to be entirely eradicated from our minds.

No man should ever adopt a new country and government without a full determination to become a good and useful citizen and submit implicitly to the laws as they are until he shall find himself in a majority of the virtuous who rise in their majesty to change for the better. With this principle for a polar star--foreigners who seek a peaceful asylum in our country may become as staunch supporters of our national Const.i.tution and UNION as native born patriots. If they cannot--they should retrace their steps quickly and return to the iron blessings of monarchy. We want none among us who do not love our country and her n.o.ble inst.i.tutions. An open door--a hearty welcome awaits every foreign _patriot_ that comes to this land of the brave and home of the free. We have an overplus of native demagogues, fanatics, ultraists, disunionists and bigots--without importing any from Europe.

During the American Revolution a number of ill.u.s.trious and n.o.ble patriots of high standing came from the old world to aid in planting the tree of LIBERTY in the new. Among them was the brave Baron de Kalb, a native of Germany. Of his early history we have no record. He was a brigadier-general in the French army and had earned a high military reputation. He was a knight of the order of Military Merit and highly esteemed by his fellow officers. A philanthropist of high order--imbued with liberal principles--in favor of a Republican form of government--familiar with the oppressions of England in America--acquainted with the n.o.ble efforts of the oppressed to free themselves from tyranny--Baron de Kalb at once resolved to be the companion of the patriotic La Fayette. On his arrival he was commissioned a major-general in the Continental army and placed in command of the Maryland division. He readily gained the esteem and confidence of all who made his acquaintance. He was a man of strong common sense--great experience--a close observer of men and things--an admirable disciplinarian--a brave and prudent officer. With a robust frame and iron const.i.tution--he was able to endure the proverbial fatigues and privations of the American army. He was remarkably abstemious--living mostly on bread and water. His industry and zeal in the glorious cause he had espoused were worthy of all praise. He was up early and late and spent all his leisure from official duty in writing in some retired place. Unfortunately his writings were lost and the subject matter was known to no one but himself.

The brilliant career of this n.o.ble patriot soldier was closed at the battle of Camden, S. C. He there commanded the right wing of the American army composed of regulars. The left wing was composed of militia who fled at the sight of the red coats advancing with fixed bayonets--as terrified as young horses at a locomotive. Not so with the right wing. Although contending against overwhelming numbers they stood their ground and fought like tigers. In his last desperate attempt to seize the laurels of victory--the Baron fell helpless with eleven wounds. In this prostrate condition a base attempt was made to pierce him with several bayonets which was prevented by one of his aids--Chevalier de Buysson--who threw himself over the fallen hero and received the bayonets in his own body--exclaiming "_Save the Baron de Kalb!_" The British officers interfered--saved him from instant death and made him their prisoner. He was kindly treated by his captors and survived but a short time. To an officer who expressed his sorrow for his sufferings he replied--"I thank you for your sympathy--I die the death I always prayed for--the death of a soldier fighting for the rights of man."

In his last moments he dictated a letter to Gen. Smallwood who succeeded him in command of his division. He expressed his ardent affection for his officers and men--lauded their bravery which had forced admiration from their enemies--urged them to persevere in the glorious cause of FREEDOM until triumphant victory should perch upon their manly brows. He then invoked a benediction on his beloved division--reached out his trembling hand to Col. de Buysson--resigned his soul to G.o.d and closed his eyes in death.

In that battle both armies suffered severely. Several others of the American officers were killed--among them Col. Potterfield who was a favorite of the whole army.

Baron de Kalb was a man of amiable disposition--modest and una.s.suming in his manners--frank and generous in his intercourse--strictly moral and temperate in his habits--was highly esteemed by all who knew him and died deeply lamented. He was buried at Camden. His memory is cherished by every friend of LIBERTY.

Some years after he had slumbered under the clods of the valley, Gen.

Was.h.i.+ngton visited his grave. He contemplated it thoughtfully for a few moments and remarked--"So there lies the brave De Kalb--the generous stranger who came from a distant land to fight our battles and to water the tree of our LIBERTY with his blood. Would to G.o.d he had lived to share its fruits."

In 1780 Congress caused a monument to be erected to his memory in Annapolis, Maryland, with the following inscription,

Sacred to the memory of the BARON DE KALB, Knight of the royal order of Military Merit, Brigadier of the armies of France, and MAJOR GENERAL In the service of the United States of America.

Having served with honor and reputation For three years, He gave a last and glorious proof of his attachment to the liberties of mankind And the cause of America, In the action near Camden in the State of South Carolina On the 16th of August 1780, Where, leading on the troops of the Maryland and Delaware lines Against superior numbers And animating them by his examples To deeds of valor, He was pierced with many wounds And on the nineteenth following expired In the 48th year of his age.

THE CONGRESS Of the United States of America, In grat.i.tude to his zeal, services and merit, Have erected this monument.

GILBERT MOTTIER DE LA FAYETTE.

Patriotism is one of the n.o.blest attributes of man. It is the soul of freedom--the fulcrum of liberty--the lever of independence. It soars sublimely above self--is prompted by honest motives--aims at glorious ends. It is the motive power of philanthropy and would gladly consolidate the human family in one harmonious universal brotherhood by the heavenly law of love which can fraternize the world. It is opposed to all oppression--abhors all tyrants--rejoices in the promulgation of liberal principles. Its desires to do good are diffusive as the sun light--it is not confined to country--nation or caste. No sectarianism can swerve it--no monarch suppress it--no obstacle paralyze it. The patriot may be crushed in person by illegitimate power--the principle--_never_. Chains and dungeons will kindle it to a brighter flame--persecution will increase its volume. The history of all time proves the truth of these a.s.sertions--they form a corollary firm as the perpetual hills--incontrovertible as the problems of Euclid. The man who is dest.i.tute of this n.o.ble attribute is a mere automaton. There is a vacuum in his soul which nature abhors and all despise--except kings, aristocrats and demagogues. Patriotism is the dread incubus that hangs over thrones. The true patriot delights to see all basking in the refulgent rays of rational liberty and is ever ready to peril life and fortune in the cause of equal rights whenever the people of any nation rise in their native dignity to reclaim them from oppressors.

Thus it was with Gilbert Mottier de La Fayette, born on the 6th of September 1757 at the castle Chavaniac in Auvergne. Soon after the birth of this son, his father fell at the battle of Minden. As childhood dawned upon young La Fayette he exhibited talents of unusual strength and vigor. Under the genial rays of science they rapidly burst from embryo--budded, blossomed and ripened into fruit of the most perfect kind. At the age of seven years he was placed in the college of Louis le Grand at Paris. His rapid progress in the elements of his education exceeded the fondest antic.i.p.ations of his numerous friends. By his modesty, urbanity and innate goodness of heart he gained the esteem of all who knew him. He graduated at an early age and was made a page to the queen and soon rose to the rank of a commissioned officer--an honor then conferred upon none but those presumed to possess superior merit and talent. At the age of seventeen he married the Countess Anastatie de Noailles--one of the most beautiful and amiable ladies of France. With kindred spirits they united splendid fortunes sufficient to support them in princely style through a long life. They were in the enjoyment of all the pleasures earth could give--favorites at the gayest court in Europe--caressed and beloved by those they held most dear--an ornament to every circle in which they moved. Mutual esteem gave a rich zest to every enjoyment--their social felicity was complete. All things combined to rivet La Fayette to his happy--his enchanting home. Nothing but the loftiest patriotism--the purest philanthropy could have induced him to burst these infatuating bands and peril his life, fortune and sacred honor in the cause of human rights in a foreign country.

Amidst the fascinating allurements that surrounded him, this n.o.ble youth paused, reflected and reasoned. Through the bright vista of the future Columbus saw the cheering vision of a new world. Through the same clear mirror La Fayette saw the sun of FREEDOM reflecting its refulgent rays over Columbia's prolific land. A band of patriots had sounded the clarion of LIBERTY. Echo had wafted it from Bunker's b.l.o.o.d.y mount to the ears of this young hero. The thought that there was a remnant left in the world who dared to a.s.sume their native dignity and strike for their just rights enraptured his soul. Contrary to the wishes of his friends and the King of the French, he resolved to fly to the aid of the oppressed Americans and partic.i.p.ate in the unfading glory of planting the standard of FREEDOM in the western hemisphere. Nor did he split on the rock of resolves and re-resolves where many waste away their lives.

He at once proposed to the American Commissioners, then in Paris, to enter the army of Was.h.i.+ngton. They informed him of the recent adverses of those who were struggling for Liberty. They could present no bright picture to induce him to hope for laurels or emolument. It was not necessary. n.o.bler motives incited him to action. He still resolved to go. Anxious as were Messrs. Franklin, Dean and Lee to secure his services, they had not the means to convey him to the scene of action.

Obstacles of various kinds were vainly thrown across his path. Impelled to an onward course by the n.o.ble impulses of patriotism--no difficulties were too great for him to surmount--no hards.h.i.+ps too severe for him to endure, no sacrifice of wealth too large for him to make. Embarra.s.sments strengthened the resolution he had formed to enroll his name with the brave and the free, even should he perish in the attempt.