" One of our leading
statesmen declared, upon a memorable occasion, that "Tazewell was second
to no man that breathed." Certainly, it is no exaggeration to say that,
for robust discipline, vigorous reasoning, grasp and amplitude of
thought, he was almost without a rival.
Virginia had conferred upon him her highest official trusts. Her
generous confidence he requited with a deep and fervent devotion, laying
upon the altar of her stern and simple political faith the offerings of
matured wisdom, and upholding, in all seasons, with a lofty patriotism
and the utmost energies of his powerful intellect, her right and honor.
Standing upon the great principles that lie at the foundation of our
institutions, the powers of the Federal Government, as limited and
defined by the Compact, and the rights of the States in all their
integrity, he regarded as vital to the preservation of the Confederacy
and the stability of our republican system. Whether in repelling open
assaults upon the Constitution, or meeting at the threshold covert
abuses of delegated power, no man within our border saw more clearly, or
more directly and firmly trod the path of duty before him.
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