"In English composition," says Schouler, "he acquired almost insensibly so attractive a style of expression pellucid as a lake, picturesque and choice in the use of words, and warm because of his heart's earnestness as easily to grow into the best penman of his age in all America."

His interest in the cause of education is commemorated by the University of Virginia, which was founded chiefly through his agency in 1819 and opened in 1825, the year before his death. His was the guiding hand that shaped the policy and directed the work of this noble institution of the South.

As a Lawyer. While Jefferson was a student in college, a very strong friendship had grown up between him and George Wythe, one of the ablest lawyers in Virginia, and the five years following Jefferson's graduation were devoted to the study of law under Wythe's guidance. After he had been admitted to the bar, he practiced for seven years with considerable success, but at the end of that time he gave up his office and abandoned his practice. Later he had an opportunity to display his legal knowledge and skill in revising the laws of Virginia and effecting many wise changes in the state constitution.

As a Public Official. In 1769 Jefferson was elected a representative to the House of Burgesses, where he had as fellow-members Washington,

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Patrick Henry, and Richard Henry Lee. In 1775 he was delegated a member of the Second Continental Congress, which was in session at Philadelphia. Here he at once became a prominent leader because of his skill with the pen. He was later chosen chairman of a committee of five to draft the Declaration of Independence, and, like most chairmen, he was called upon to do the largest share of the work. His draft was amended and modified to some extent, but the strongest and best part of the document - the preamble - was left almost entirely as he had written it. In speaking of his influence in the Second Continental Congress, Schouler says:

"Jefferson touched the orb of continental deliberations as lightly as a winged Mercury; but wherever he touched he left his footprint."

Jefferson was not a soldier nor did he make a very efficient war governor, in which capacity he served his native state for two years.

In 1784 he was sent as Minister to France to join Franklin and Adams. He remained in Paris five years, serving his country faithfully and well.

His career as Secretary of State in Washington's Cabinet, as Vice-President, and then President is a fruitful field for the historian, but does not concern to any great extent the student of literature. Jefferson was a great public bene

factor, was the friend of popular liberty, believed in religious toleration, and felt that a country could not be wisely governed without the consent of the governed.

As a Writer. - Jefferson was not one of our greatest writers, and yet his works have had a wonderful influence in molding the thoughts of men. His most important book, Notes on Virginia, has been a mine of facts for many writers, and his state papers have scarcely been surpassed either in form or style.

"Phrases from his letters and public documents, sometimes fervent, sometimes humorous, circulated through the land like silver coin." ScHOULER.

Style. In referring to James Madison, Jefferson wrote:

"Never wandering from his subject into vain declamation, but pursuing it closely, in language pure, classical and copious, soothing always the feelings of his adversaries by civilities and softness of expression, he rose to the eminent station which he held in the great National Convention of 1787; and in that of Virginia which followed, he sustained the New Constitution in all its parts, bearing off the palm against the logic of George Mason and the fervid declamation of Mr. Henry. With these consummate powers was united a pure and spotless virtue, which no calumny has ever attempted to sully. Of the powers and polish of his pen, and of the wisdom of his administration in the

highest office of the nation, I need say nothing. They have spoken and will forever speak for themselves."

At Home. In 1765 Jefferson began building his palatial mansion at Monticello on his father's estate, and seven years later, when it was but partially completed, he led into it as its mistress the beautiful young widow, Mrs. Martha Skelton. Six children were born to them, of whom only two grew to maturity. Here at Monticello Jefferson was perfectly happy. With his wife and children about him he was wont to take particular delight in the work of his garden and farm. When his wife died, in 1782, Jefferson was inconsolable and found peace only in his ministerial duties abroad. After his retirement from the presidency, he lived quietly in Virginia, and his house was constantly thronged by those who had come to see "the sage of Monticello."

His Death. Jefferson died on July 4, 1826, just a few hours before John Adams, and on the fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, his most enduring monument.

An Estimate of his Work. Daniel W. Voorhees in a spirited oration on Thomas Jefferson, closed with these words:

"As a statesman his principles live in all that is greatest and best of his country's history; as a diplomatist he established our first relations with for

eign powers; as a philosopher his name will survive as long as the law of progress rules the world. Wherever among men, in all time to come, the oppressed aspire to be free, the enslaved mind to break its house of bondage, and ignorance struggles toward the light, there will Jefferson be hailed as the peer, in wisdom and benevolence, of the foremost who have lived in the history of the human race."

1757, Jan. 11. Born in the island of Nevis, West Indies.