Thus it was, that though so long withdrawn from
the field of his meridian fame, he seemed to be connected with us by a
sensible and living tie; and thus it is that we feel more acutely the
loss which our body, which our city, and which our common country, have
experienced in his death.
It was a severe but touching sentiment of an ancient poet, that no man
ought to be deemed happy before his death; and such is the instability
of human affairs, so sudden and unexpected are human events and
opinions, there is too much room for belief in the mournful reflection;
but, if the case of any individual may be singled out as an exception,
it was that of Mr. Tazewell. He had reached the highest fame that has
been attained at the Bar of Virginia and of the Union; and with the
laurels gathered in forensic contests, he had interwoven those which he
won on the floor of the Senate of the United States. His wise economy,
his financial skill, and his sound practical judgment, had amassed a
fortune which increased with every year: and, as if nothing should be
wanting to his felicity, he was blessed with a large and lovely family,
the bride of his youth, until within a year past, still diffusing around
her the light of her early love, and children and grandchildren awaiting
his blessing.
Pages:
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202