But the world at large can never have that
knowledge of him that I have; and, therefore, though I know that he
looks upon mankind with an eye of benevolence, and upon his country with
the spirit of a patriot; and though, in addition to this, he is
certainly capable of any and every thing that demands fidelity, zeal,
energy, industry the most unrelaxing, and talents the most transcendent;
yet much I fear his country will never know him well enough to do him
justice, or to profit herself of his powers."
SKETCH OF FRANCIS WALKER GILMER.
As the graphic portraiture of Mr. Wirt represents Mr. Tazewell in youth,
so the annexed sketch by Mr. Gilmer represents him as he was about to
retire from the bar. Mr. Gilmer himself was one of the most brilliant
young men Virginia ever produced. That Mr. Jefferson selected him to
choose in England the first professors of the University of Virginia--an
office which he performed with eminent skill and judgment--is a proof of
the estimate which was placed upon his talents by the first men of the
age.
The sketch of Mr. Tazewell is taken from a small volume of Mr.
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