the ascent of a hill, which seems to have been cloven through its
length by some great convulsion. The fissure, just at the bridge, is,
by some admeasurements, 270 feet deep, by others only 205. It is about
45 feet wide at the bottom, and 90 feet at the top; this of course
determines the length of the bridge, and its height from the water.
Its breadth in the middle, is about 60 feet, but more at the ends, and
the thickness of the mass, at the summit of the arch, about 40 feet. A
part of this thickness is constituted by a coat of earth, which gives
growth to many large trees. The residue, with the hill on both sides,
is one solid rock of lime-stone.
The arch approaches the semi-elliptical form; but the larger axis of
the ellipsis, which would be the cord of the arch, is many times
longer than the transverse. Though the sides of this bridge are
provided in some parts with a parapet of fixed rocks, yet few men have
the resolution to walk to them, and look over into the abyss. You
involuntarily fall on your hands and feet, creep to the parapet, and
peep over it. Looking down from this height about a minute, gave me a
violent head-ach.
If the view from the top be painful and intolerable, that from below
is delightful in an equal extreme. It is impossible for the emotions
arising from the sublime, to be felt beyond what they are here: so
beautiful an arch, so elevated, so light, and springing as it were up
to heaven! the rapture of the spectator is really indescribable! The
fissure continuing narrow, deep, and straight, for a considerable
distance above and below the bridge, opens a short but very pleasing
view of the North mountain on one side, and Blue ridge on the other,
at the distance each of them of about five miles. This bridge is in
the county of Rockbridge, to which it has given name, and affords a
public and commodious passage over a valley, which cannot be crossed
elsewhere for a considerable distance. The stream passing under it is
called Cedar-creek.
ON FREEDOM OF RELIGIOUS OPINION.
Compulsion makes hypocrites, not converts.
It is error alone that needs the support of government: truth can
stand by itself.
ON THE DISCOURSES OF CHRIST.
Such are the fragments remaining to us to show a master-workman, and
that his system of morality was the most benevolent and sublime that
has ever been taught, and consequently more perfect than those of any
of the ancient philosophy.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM.
(_From an Act Passed in the Assembly of Virginia, 1786._)
Well aware that Almighty God hath created the mind free; that all
attempts to influence it by temporal punishments or burdens, or by
civil incapacitations, tend only to beget habits of hypocrisy and
meanness, and are a departure from the plan of the Holy Author of our
religion, who being Lord both of body and mind, yet chose not to
propagate it by coercions on either, as was in his Almighty power to
do; that the impious presumption of legislators and rulers, civil as
well as ecclesiastical, who, being themselves but fallible and
uninspired men, have assumed dominion over the faith of others,
setting up their own opinions and modes of thinking as the only true
and infallible, and as such endeavouring to impose them on others,
hath established and maintained false religions over the greatest part
of the world, and through all time; that to compel a man to furnish
contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he
disbelieves, is sinful and tyrannical; . . . that to suffer the civil
magistrate to intrude his powers into the field of opinion and to
restrain the profession or propagation of principles, on the
supposition of their ill tendency, is a dangerous fallacy, which at
once destroys all religious liberty, because he being of course judge
of that tendency, will make his opinions the rule of judgment, and
approve or condemn the sentiments of others only as they shall square
with or differ from his own; that it is time enough for the rightful
purposes of civil government, for its officers to interfere when
principles break out into overt acts against peace and good order; and
finally, that truth is great and will prevail if left to herself, that
she is the proper and sufficient antagonist to error, and has nothing
to fear from the conflict, unless by human interposition disarmed of
her natural weapons, free argument and debate, errors ceasing to be
dangerous when it is permitted freely to contradict them:
_Be it therefore enacted by the General Assembly_, That no man shall
be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place or
ministry whatsoever, nor shall be enforced, restrained, molested, or
burthened in his body or goods, nor shall otherwise suffer on account
of his religious opinions or belief; but that all men shall be free to
profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of
religion and that the same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge, or
affect their civil capacities.
LETTER TO HIS DAUGHTER, MARTHA JEFFERSON.
(_Written in France, May 21, 1787._)
I write you, my dear Patsy, from the canal of Languedoc, on which I am
at present sailing, as I have been for a week past,--cloudless skies
above, limpid waters below, and on each hand, a row of nightingales in
full chorus. This delightful bird had given me a rich treat before, at
the fountain of Vaucluse. After visiting the tomb of Laura, at
Avignon, I went to see this fountain--a noble one of itself, and
rendered forever famous by the songs of Petrarch, who lived near it. I
arrived there somewhat fatigued, and sat down by the fountain to
repose myself. It gushes, of the size of a river, from a secluded
valley of the mountain, the ruins of Petrarch's château being perched
on a rock two hundred feet perpendicular above. To add to the
enchantment of the scene, every tree and bush was filled with
nightingales in full song. I think you told me that you had not yet
noticed this bird. As you have trees in the garden of the Convent [_in
Paris, where Martha was at school_], there might be nightingales in
them, and this is the season of their song. Endeavor, my dear, to make
yourself acquainted with the music of this bird, that when you return
to your own country you may be able to estimate its merit in
comparison with that of the mocking-bird. The latter has the advantage
of singing through a great part of the year, whereas the nightingale
sings but about five or six weeks in the spring, and a still shorter
term, and with a more feeble voice, in the fall.
I expect to be in Paris about the middle of next month. By that time
we may begin to expect our dear Polly [_the younger daughter, Maria_]
It will be a circumstance of inexpressible comfort to me to have you
both with me once more. The object most interesting to me for the
residue of my life, will be to see you both developing daily those
principles of virtue and goodness which will make you valuable to
others and happy in yourselves, and acquiring those talents and that
degree of science which will guard you at all times against _ennui_,
the most dangerous poison of life. A mind always employed is always
happy. This is the true secret, the grand recipe, for felicity. The
idle are the only wretched. In a world which furnishes so many
employments which are useful, and so many which are amusing, it is our
own fault if we ever know what _ennui_ is, or if we are ever driven to
the miserable resource of gaming, which corrupts our dispositions, and
teaches us a habit of hostility against all mankind.
We are now entering the port of Toulouse, where I quit my bark, and of
course must conclude my letter. Be good and be industrious, and you
will be what I shall most love in the world. Adieu, my dear child.
Yours affectionately,
TH. JEFFERSON.
JEFFERSON'S LAST LETTER, IN ANSWER TO AN INVITATION TO BE PRESENT AT
THE CELEBRATION OF THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE,
IN WASHINGTON.--TO MR. WEIGHTMAN, MAYOR OF WASHINGTON.
MONTICELLO, _June 24, 1826_.
_Respected Sir:_ The kind invitation received from you, on the part of
the citizens of the city of Washington, to be present with them at
their celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of American
Independence, as one of the surviving signers of an instrument
pregnant with our own, and the fate of the world, is most flattering
to myself, and heightened by the honorable accompaniment proposed for
the comfort of such a journey. It adds sensibly to the sufferings of
sickness, to be deprived by it of a personal participation in the
rejoicing of that day. But acquiescence is a duty, under circumstances
not placed among those we are permitted to control. I should, indeed,
with peculiar delight, have met and exchanged there congratulations
personally with the small band, the remnant of that host of worthies,
who joined with us on that day, in the bold and doubtful election we
were to make for our country, between submission or the sword; and to
have enjoyed with them the consolatory fact, that our fellow-citizens,
after half a century of experience and prosperity, continue to approve
the choice we made. May it be to the world, what I believe it will be
(to some parts sooner, to others later, but finally to all), the
signal of arousing men to burst the chains under which monkish
ignorance and superstition had persuaded them to bind themselves, and
to assume the blessings and security of self-government. That form
which we have substituted, restores the free right to the unbounded
exercise of reason and freedom of opinion. All eyes are opened, or
opening, to the rights of man. The general spread of the light of
science has already laid open to every view the palpable truth, that
the mass of mankind has not been born with saddles on their backs, nor
a favored few booted and spurred, ready to ride them legitimately, by
the grace of God. These are grounds of hope for others. For ourselves,
let the annual return of this day, forever refresh our recollections
of these rights, and an undiminished devotion to them.
I will ask permission here to express the pleasure with which I should
have met my ancient neighbors of the city of Washington and its
vicinities, with whom I passed so many years of a pleasing social
intercourse; an intercourse which so much relieved the anxieties of
the public cares, and left impressions so deeply engraved in my
affections as never to be forgotten. With my regret that ill health
forbids me the gratification of an acceptance, be pleased to receive
for yourself, and those for whom you write, the assurance of my
highest respect and friendly attachments.
TH. JEFFERSON.
DAVID RAMSAY.
~1749=1815.~
DAVID RAMSAY was a native of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, was
educated at Princeton, studied medicine at the University of
Pennsylvania, and removed to Charleston, S. C., for the practice of
his profession. He soon acquired celebrity both as a physician and as
a patriot in the Revolutionary struggles. He was a member of the
Council of Safety and a surgeon in the army. He was one of the forty
prominent citizens who were sent as hostages to St. Augustine at the
capture of Charleston in 1780 and kept for eleven months in close
confinement. His death was caused by wounds received from a maniac,
who shot him in the street for testifying as to his mental
unsoundness.
His second wife was Martha Laurens, daughter of Henry Laurens, who had
spent ten years in Europe and who was always active in intellectual
and benevolent pursuits. She assisted her husband in his writing and
prepared her sons for college. Two of their daughters long had an
excellent and celebrated school for girls in Charleston.
WORKS.
Orations; Medical Essays.
History of South Carolina.
Life of Washington.
Memoir of Martha L. Ramsay.
Universal History Americanized (12 volumes.)
[Illustration: ~Jasper Replacing the Flag.~]
Dr. Ramsay holds a high place as a historian, being characterized by
impartiality, a fine memory, a clear simple style, and a personal
knowledge of many of the persons and events he describes.
SERMON ON TEA, (1775).
Touch not, taste not, handle not.
BRITISH TREATY WITH THE CHEROKEES, 1755.
(_From History of South Carolina._)
In the course of eighty years, or about the middle of the eighteenth
century, the most valuable lands in the low country were taken up: and
settlements were gradually progressing westwardly on favorite spots in
the middle and upper country. The extinction of Indian claims by a
cession of territory to the king, was necessary to the safety of the
advancing settlers. This was obtained in 1755. In that year, Governor
Glen met the Cherokee warriors in their own country, and held a treaty
with them. After the usual ceremonies were ended, the governor made a
speech to the assembled warriors in the name of his king; representing
his great power, wealth, and goodness, and his particular regard for
his children, the Cherokees. He reminded them of the happiness they
had long enjoyed by living under his protection, and added, that he
had many presents to make them and expected they would surrender a
share of their territories in return. He informed them of the wicked
designs of the French, and hoped they would permit none of them to
enter their towns. He demanded lands to build two forts in their
country, to protect them against their enemies, and to be a retreat to
their friends and allies, who furnished them with arms, ammunition,
hatchets, clothes, and everything that they wanted.
When the governor had finished his speech, Chulochcullak arose, and in
answer spoke to the following effect:
"What I now speak, our father the great king should hear. We are
brothers to the people of Carolina, one house covers us all." Then
taking a boy by the hand, he presented him to the governor, saying,
"We, our wives, and our children, are all children of the great king
George; I have brought this child, that when he grows up he may
remember our agreement on this day, and tell it to the next
generation, that it may be known forever." Then opening his bag of
earth, and laying the same at the governor's feet, he said: "We freely
surrender a part of our lands to the great king. The French want our
possessions, but we will defend them while one of our nation shall
remain alive." Then delivering the governor a string of wampum, in
confirmation of what he said, he added: "My speech is at an end--it is
the voice of the Cherokee nation. I hope the governor will send it to
the king, that it may be kept forever."
SERGEANT JASPER AT FORT MOULTRIE, _28th June, 1776_.
(_From the History of South Carolina._)
The loss of the garrison was ten men killed and twenty-two wounded.
Lieutenants Hall and Gray were among the latter. Though there were
many thousand shots fired from the shipping, yet the works were little
damaged: those which struck the fort were ineffectually buried in its
soft wood. Hardly a hut or tree on the island escaped.
When the British appeared off the coast, there was so scanty a stock
of lead, that to supply the musketry with bullets, it became necessary
to strip the windows of the dwelling-houses in Charleston of their
weights. Powder was also very scarce. The proportion allotted for the
defence of the fort was but barely sufficient for slow firing. This
was expended with great deliberation. The officers in their turn
pointed the guns with such exactness that most of their shot took
effect. In the beginning of the action, the flag-staff was shot away.
Sergeant Jasper of the Grenadiers immediately jumped on the beach,
took up the flag and fastened it on a sponge-staff. With it in his
hand he mounted the merlon; and, though the ships were directing their
incessant broadsides at the spot, he deliberately fixed it. The day
after the action, President Rutledge presented him with a sword, as a
mark of respect for his distinguished valor. . . . .
On the third day after the action, the lady of Colonel Bernard Elliott
presented an elegant pair of colors to the second regiment, which had
so bravely defended Fort Moultrie. Her address on the occasion
concluded thus: "I make not the least doubt, under heaven's
protection, you will stand by these colors as long as they wave in the
air of liberty." In reply a promise was made that "they should be
honorably supported, and never should be tarnished, by the second
regiment." This engagement was literally fulfilled. Three years after
they were planted on the British lines at Savannah: one by Lieutenant
Bush who was immediately shot down; Lieutenant Hume in the act of
planting his was also shot down; and Lieutenant Gray in supporting
them received a mortal wound. The brave Sergeant Jasper on seeing
Lieutenant Hume fall, took up the color and planted it. In doing so,
he received a wound which terminated in death; but on the retreat
being ordered he brought the colors off with him. These were taken at
the fall of Charleston and are said to be now in the tower of London.
SUMPTER AND MARION.
(_From the Same._)
As the British advanced to the upper country of South Carolina, a
considerable number of the determined friends of independence
retreated before them and took refuge in North Carolina. In this
class was Colonel Sumpter; a gentleman who had formerly commanded one
of the continental regiments, and who was known to possess a great
share of bravery and other military talents. In a very little time
after he had forsaken his home, a detachment of the British turned his
wife and family out of doors, burned the house and everything that was
in it. A party of these exiles from South Carolina who had convened in
North Carolina made choice of Colonel Sumpter to be their leader. At
the head of this little band of freemen he soon returned to his own
State, and took the field against the victorious British. He made this
gallant effort at a time when the inhabitants had generally abandoned
the idea of supporting their own independence, and when he had every
difficulty to encounter. The State was no longer in a condition to
pay, clothe, or feed the troops who had enrolled themselves under his
command. His followers were, in a great measure, unfurnished with arms
and ammunition; and they had no magazines from which they might draw a
supply. The iron tools, on the neighboring farms, were worked up for
their use by common blacksmiths into rude weapons of war. They
supplied themselves, in part, with bullets by melting the pewter which
they were furnished by private housekeepers. They sometimes came to
battle when they had not three rounds a man; and some were obliged to
keep at a distance, till, by the fall of others, they were supplied
with arms. When they proved victorious they were obliged to rifle the
dead and wounded of their arms and ammunition to equip them for their
next engagement. . . . . .
General Francis Marion was born at Winyaw in 1733. His grandfather was
a native of Languedoc, and one of the many Protestants who fled from
France to Carolina to avoid persecution on the account of religion. He
left thirteen children, the eldest of whom was the father of the
general. Francis Marion, when only sixteen years of age, made choice
of a sea-faring life. On his first voyage to the West Indies he was
shipwrecked. The crew, consisting of six persons, took to the open
boat without water or provisions; . . . . they were six days in the
boat before they made land. Two of the crew perished. Francis Marion
with three others reached land. This disaster, and the entreaties of
his mother, induced him to quit the sea. . . . . .
On the approach of General Gates he advanced with a small party
through the country towards the Santee. On his arrival there he found
a number of his countrymen ready and willing to put themselves under
his command, to which he had been appointed by General Gates. This
corps afterwards acquired the name of Marion's brigade. . . In all
these marches Marion and his men lay in the open air with little
covering, and with little other food than sweet potatoes and meat
mostly without salt. Though it was the unhealthy season of autumn, yet
sickness seldom occurred. The general fared worse than his men; for
his baggage having caught fire by accident, he had literally but half
a blanket to cover him from the dews of the night, and but half a hat
to shelter him from the rays of the sun.
JAMES MADISON.
~1751=1836.~
JAMES MADISON, fourth president of the United States, was born at Port
Conway, Virginia, and was a graduate of Princeton, where he was a
profound and excellent student. He and Jefferson were always friends;
yet they differed in some political opinions, for Madison was a
Federalist, and he contributed many papers to the periodical of that
name.
In 1794 he married Mrs. Dorothy Payne Todd, a lady of extraordinary
beauty and rare accomplishments; and the reign of Mrs. Dolly Madison
at the White House is esteemed its most brilliant period. "Memoirs and
Letters of Dolly Madison," by her grand-niece, published in 1887 at
Boston, is a most interesting book.
President Madison died at his home "Montpelier," Orange County,
Virginia. See his Life, by W. C. Rives, and by Gay.
WORKS.
Madison Papers (3 vols.), [Debates of the Convention, 1789].
Unpublished Writings.
29 Papers in the "Federalist."
Professor Fiske says of Madison: "Among the founders of our nation,
his place is beside that of Washington, Jefferson, and Marshall; but
his part was peculiar. He was pre-eminently the scholar, the profound
constructive thinker, and his limitations were such as belong to that
character."
OPINION OF LAFAYETTE, (IN LETTERS TO JEFFERSON).
(_From Rives' Life of Madison._[4])
(_17 Oct., 1784._)--The time I have lately passed with the Marquis has
given me a pretty thorough insight into his character. With great
natural frankness of temper, he unites much address and very
considerable talents. In his politics, he says his three hobby-horses
are the alliance between France and the United States, the union of
the latter, and the manumission of the slaves. The two former are the
dearer to him, as they are connected with his personal glory. . . . .
. . .
(_20 August, 1785._)--Subsequent to the date of mine in which I gave
my idea of Lafayette, I had other opportunities of penetrating his
character. Though his foibles did not disappear, all the favorable
traits presented themselves in a stronger light, on closer inspection.
He certainly possesses talents which might figure in any line. If he
is ambitious, it is rather of the praise which virtue dedicates to
merit than of the homage which fear renders to power. His disposition
is naturally warm and affectionate, and his attachment to the United
States unquestionable. Unless I am grossly deceived, you will find his
zeal sincere and useful, whenever it can be employed on behalf of the
United States without opposition to the essential interests of France.
PLEA FOR A REPUBLIC, ALTHOUGH A NEW FORM OF GOVERNMENT.
(_From the "Federalist," 14th No._)