Prince Edward and Charlotte

ME. HENEY PEOGEESS EST LEAENLNG SMITH’S E1VEE — PASTOEAL SET-TLEMENT MODE OF PEEACHTNG PATEICK HENEY AND JOHN RAN-DOLPH HAMPDEN SIDNEY COLLEGE JOHN H. RICE CONEAD SPEEEE

PEESIDENTSHLP OF THE COLLEGE.

THE part of Virginia with which our narrative must now for some time be concerned, is highly interesting to those who wish to study Southern institutions in their connection with Christianity. There is no portion of the State or country where the bright side of the planter’s life is more agreeably exhibited. The district has always been remarkable for its adaptation to the culture of a particular variety of tobacco which usually commands high prices, and it has therefore abounded in slaves. Although the estates are less extensive than in the cotton districts of the remoter South, the proprietors enjoy the comforts and luxuries of life in a high degree, and almost every family has some man of liberal education within its bosom. Hospitality and genial warmth may be said to be universal. Nowhere in the South

has the Presbyterian Church had greater strength among the wealthy and cultivated classes. It was to be for a long time the theatre of Mr. Alexander’s labours; and throughout life he looked back on these as halcyon days. Some of the reminiscences gathered by him in his excursions from persons long since dead must find a place in these pages.

The Bev. Mr. Kobinson, one of the pioneers.of Virginia, preached in the Caldwell settlement on Cub Creek, in the county of Charlotte. It was a small colony of Scotch-Irish Presbyterians. Among the first ministers settled in Virginia, after Mr. Davies, was the Kev. Kobert Henry, who was pastor of this church on Cub Creek. He was a pious but blunt man, whose natural passions were strong and not altogether disciplined. His preaching was unpolished but warm and evangelical. It should never be forgotten that like Davies he laboured faithfully for the salvation of the negroes, many of whom were converted under his preaching. The number of black communicants in this church was greater than in any within our bounds; and in general these converts maintained a consistent Christian character. Even at this moment the fruits of these labours are apparent. From the time of Mr. Henry the names of black communicants exceeded those of the whites, and were probably more than a hundred.

Some characteristic anecdotes of Mr. Henry are recorded in the manuscripts before us. On his way to Briery Meeting-House, where he regularly preached once a fortnight, he was accustomed to lodge at Mr. Morton’s, near the Little Koanoke bridge. It was his manner, on turning into the

forest through which the road lay, to throw the reins upon the neck of his horse, and to engage in prayer aloud. On one occasion he was so absorbed in this exercise, that the horse reached the door before Mr. Henry had ended his devotions. Such was his absence of mind that he sometimes mistook his own horse on coming from the place of worship.

Mr. Henry was a native of Scotland, but his name appears among the early graduates of Princeton, in 1751. At that time all who had not taken regular degrees elsewhere were required by their Presbyteries to pass through the College of New Jersey.

“The Hebrew Bible,” says the narrative, “which I found among the old books in the house of Mr. Henry’s widow, I brought with me to Philadelphia. Having there obtained one more complete, I transferred this to Mr. Belleville, then a student, who with a pen very neatly supplied the chapters which were wanting. Since the establishment of the Seminary, this very volume has come in as a present, and may be seen in the library. I found here also several books of Latin theology, but all much injured. Among them was Chemnitius’s Examen Concilii Tridentini, from which I derived my first accurate knowledge of the Komish tenets.

The Kev. William Kobinson, already mentioned as the first preacher in the Caldwell Settlement, came from the Presbytery of New Brunswick. He formed the purpose of visiting all the scattered Presbyterians in Virginia and North Carolina, and as many others as might be willing to hear. When he first arrived in these parts great joy was felt by

the pious settlers. A stand, or tent (for both names were used), was made ready, and notice was sent round in all directions that a preacher had come from the North. “Among others one Austin, a half-breed Indian, was called upon. This man was notorious for violence of temper, a quarrelsome disposition, and shocking profaneness. His wife expressed some desire to go to the meeting, which he swore she should not do. But he nevertheless went himself, and not intending to hear any thing lay down on some leaves, near the outskirts of the large congregation. Here he was apparently slumbering, when the preacher announced his text, ‘Awake thou that sleepest! ‘The words conveyed a barbed arrow to Austin’s conscience. In a moment he started to his feet, and fixed his eyes on the speaker, gradually advancing towards the stand, until towards the close of the discourse he was standing near Mr. Kobinson’s feet, gazing into his face, while streams of tears ran down his tawny cheeks. After sermon he returned home in silence. He appeared to be in great agony of mind, so that his wife was in excessive terror. At night, instead of going early to bed, as was his custom, he walked to and fro before his house until midnight; when unable any longer to conceal his distress, he came into the house, and declared that he was an undone sinner, and that he had heard that day things which had never come to his ears before. For a day or two this distress continued, and then he obtained relief by as clear views of the Gospel as he had previously had of the Law. This profane and violent man was become as meek as a lamb. To this account I received some additions

from old Mrs. Morton, of Little Koanoke Bridge, who said she had often conversed with Mr. Davies, Dr. Waddel, Dr. Smith, and many other eminent ministers, but with none from whom she received so much edification as from Austin. When persons were in distress about their salvation, it was common to send for him; and in one case he had been summoned to go thirty miles into Lunenburg.”

These journeys of Gospel service were not without their crosses. Mr. Alexander speaks of preaching at Tomahawk in Pittsylvania, while racked with toothache, and then riding seventeen miles in the rain, without an umbrella. At this time he had apppointments to preach almost every day for many weeks. In some places the avidity of the people to hear the Word was such, that he speaks of having preached “night and day for a good part of a week.” He penetrated into Henry County, preaching on his way at Leatherwood, in the house where Patrick Henry lived several years after leaving Prince Edward. In his later years Dr. Alexander used to relate with much animation his meeting, in this county, with several pious but illiterate Baptist preachers, by whom he was very cordially received. They marvelled at the pocket Greek Testament in which he read, and invited him to a council of ministers.” The affair, however, was not ready for the trial, and Father Anthony, the pastor, went round to the clergy present, offering each one his small Bible, to go up into the pulpit and preach; but all refused. Upon which the old gentleman said, c Brethren, if none of you will consent, I will preach myself, and my text shall be concerning that wicked and slothful servant who would not do his smith’s river. 161

Lord’s work. I know why you are all unwilling; it is because so few are out. But I tell you there are more here than you will be able to convert. The best sermon I ever preached was to two persons; and by the blessing of God they were both converted.’ After this pithy little concio ad clerum, he approached one of them, saying, c Brother Hall, preach; ’ and the other without a word of excuse ascended the pulpit, and gave us a very passable sermon.”

The country into which his mission now took him is eminently picturesque. “Smith’s Kiver,” to use his own words,” rises in the Blue Bidge, and its head spring is very near the head spring of New Kiver, which falls into the Ohio, as Smith’s does into the Koanoke. The mountain range at this place sinks low, and is cultivated on both sides nearly to the top. On the eastern side there is a beautiful cove of table-land, where a number of mountain streams come together and form Smith’s Kiver. The soil along these waters is exceedingly fertile, and the land lying low and sheltered on all sides by mountains, enjoys a very temperate climate in winter. Except over the Blue Kidge, there is but one way into the settlement which is practicable for wheels, and this winds so much that for twelve or thirteen miles there were no habitations on the road. Along this way I entered from old Mrs. Houston’s, where I had lodged. The leading man in this settlement was one Squire Pilson. He had been a Presbyterian elder for eighteen years, without knowing any thing experimentally of religion, until Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Turner, from Bedford, made a preaching visit to this sequestered spot. He was then remarkably converted. He took every 11

opportunity of making religious addresses to his neighbours, and was always greatly rejoiced to see any minister arrive, hoping that a blessing would attend his labours. Books were rare in this nook of the mountains. He had fallen upon Gregory’s Legacy to his Daughter, and invited some of his neighbours to come to his house and hear it read. This meeting took place the day after my arrival. He read the book through, and in so doing shed many tears.”

Dr. Alexander was often heard to describe the odd appearance of the women in this out-of-the-way place. Having little intercourse with the rest of the world, they cut their dresses after the exact pattern which their grandmothers brought with them. Mr. Pilson had been with his wagon to Petersburg, and had brought his daughter a beautiful piece of changeable silk. This she made up after the fashion aforesaid, with cuffs upon cuffs, reaching almost to the ground, a stomacher broad at the top and tapering downward to a point, with ribbons crossing each other very elaborately.

Among these secluded people he preached a number of times. But even here there were religious animosities, which operated as hinderances to the truth. One of the principal men was a bigoted opponent of Watts’ s Psalms. He had gone to hear the Keverend William Calhoon, and had contended with him on this subject; so that when the next itinerant missionary came, he would not go to hear him. From Smith’s Kiver Mr. Alexander went into Franklin County, where there was a small place of worship, called, it is believed, Wood’s Meeting-House. But as he had now

traversed all the counties included in his commission, and as the “Virginia Synod was soon to meet, he prepared to go homeward. Mr. Calhoon, afterwards a connection by marriage, here became his companion. They crossed the Blue Eidge at one of its lowest passes. The record of these events takes notice of a mountain spring of uncommon beauty. “It boiled up in the midst of clear white sand, which it threw up in a jet, and covered a considerable circular space. The outlet was like a mill-tail, and within less than two hundred yards of the fountain, two mills were turned by the water.” The travellers were very desirous to overtake Mr. Matthew Lyle, who, as they learned, was before them; they therefore pushed on to Fincastle. Here they met with an experience which is not without its instruction.

“We put up at the principal km, and the people appeared civil enough, and the house was quiet; but we were scarcely seated before a great company of gentlefolks arrived from the Sweet Springs. The house was soon full of noise and confusion; for these persons affirmed that they had that day crossed no less than seven mountains; they were accordingly fatigued, hungry, and out of humour. In those days it was customary for the preachers in Virginia to have worship wherever they stopped for the night. On this occasion I was in favour of dispensing with the service, as we could hear the noise and profaneness of the new-comers. But Mr. Calhoon, always one of the most conscienscious men, insisted that we should do our duty, and inquired of the host whether he would have any objection to our holding family worship with him and his guests. But no sooner was it mentioned to the visitors than the whole house was in uproar; some calling for candles, and some for slippers, till the whole of a large company of gentlemen scampered off to bed, to escape the infliction of a prayer. The tavern-keeper, however, brought in his wife, and Mr. Calhoon, who officiated, vociferated so loudly, that no one in any part of the building, or of the neighbouring houses, could fail to hear him. I felt uncomfortable, and was led to think that this method of forcing prayers on irreligious people could do no good,”

The analogy of the subject leads us here to introduce a couple of anecdotes, which he used to tell with much enjoyment; we are able to give almost his very words, but the manner of his narrative must be supplied by those who remember the humorous vivacity of his manner. “In travelling to the north,” said he, “I lodged in a large and pleasant public-house at Elkton. There was no company, and the host appeared serious and intelligent. We conversed all the evening on the subject of religion. I did not tell him that I was a clergyman, but supposed that he would infer it. “When it drew near bed-time, I said to him, in as gentle a manner as possible, ‘Have you any objection to having prayers in your house? - lie was much confused, and after stammering a little, replied, ‘You must excuse me — you must excuse me; I live* here in a public way — but I hope I do not forget the proper reflections when I lie down at night, I was astonished, both at his refusal and his reasons; and it was not until I was in bed that the true

state of the case flashed upon my mind. Kecalling the form of my request, I perceived that he thought I was asking him to officiate in family worship. When I went to the bar to pay my reckoning, he was reserved and distant; no doubt thinking me an impudent fellow, who wanted to set him a-praying in his own tavern.”

The other story is a kindred one. “Once when I was going,” said he, “from the Northern Neck to Eichmond, the sun went down as I approached a tavern well known as the Piping Tree. Finding no company, and seeing many servants about the house, I felt it to be a duty to ask the privilege of praying in the family. The innkeeper was quite an old man, of hoary head, and yet as thoughtless of religion as a child. He said he belonged to the old English church; but that it had now gone down. He spoke of abundance of Baptists and Methodists in the neighbourhood; and against the latter his feelings were much aroused. I requested him to call in his family, saying I should like to pray with them. c Bless you, said he, * I have no family; I have had the misfortune to have two wives, and have lost them both, I replied that there were numerous servants, and that their souls were precious. ‘To be sure — to be sure! ’ said he, and began to call in one and another, so that the room was soon pretty well filled. I said something to them, and offered a prayer. A large, fine-looking black man remained to take my boots and show me to bed. But before we left the room my host approached the negro with a threatening countenance, and began to berate him for being a Methodist. e There, said he, ’ there now’s a prayer for you! Did you ever hear a Methodist make a prayer like that? No, you black fool, you never did — you never did, I was really afraid he would make an assault on my poor attendant, who however got off with me to my chamber, where I talked with him, and found him to all appearance an humble, pious man.”

Ileturning to our narrative we have to record, that the next day they joined Mr. Lyle, and went to the house of the Rev. Edward Crawford, the only Presbyterian minister in Botetourt County. He was a native of the Valley, and a graduate of Princeton, in the year 1775. Thence they went to the Pastures, to the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, in the church of the Rev. John Montgomery. This good man had a gift of pleasing eloquence, and was settled in a field of much extent, where, however, he seems to have had small success. This was the last stage of our young missionary before reaching his native place, where he arrived with greatly improved health, after a tour of six months, in which he had visited the counties of Amherst, Rockingham, Prince Edward, Charlotte, Lunenburg, Nottoway, Amelia, Dinwiddie, Prince George, Mecklenburg, Halifax, Pittsylvania, Patrick, Henry, Franklin, and Botetourt, in Virginia, and .of Granville, Wake, and some others in North Carolina. After making his report to the Commission of Synod, he was directed to return at once to Lunenburg and Nottoway, with permission to spend a few weeks in Prince Edward. On arriving in Nottoway he found the appearances less favourable than on the previous visit. After passing a few weeks there, he therefore proceeded again along his former track, with events very similar to those which have been recited.

It has been already stated that the Kev. John Blair Smith had accepted a call to Philadelphia. Upon this the congregations of Briery and Cumberland, together with the Trustees of Hampden Sidney College, invited Mr. Graham to take charge of both the college and churches. The call was unsuccessful, and the attention of the people was at once turned to Mr. Alexander. All the Presbyterian congregations in that part of the county were vacant, namely, Cumberland, including the College, Briery, Buffalo, and Cub Creek, including Charlotte Court House. Mr. Lacy was a regular supply for the two first named. After consultation it was determined that all these churches should unite in calling two ministers, who should serve them in rotation. The number of preaching places was six, and the persons designated were Mr. Lacy and Mr. Alexander, who both signified their acceptance. They immediately entered on their laborious circuit, the field being not less than sixty miles in length and thirty in breadth, distances which they were to traverse on horseback.

Although Mr. Alexander was induced to take a pastoral charge so early, from a desire to pursue theological study, he now found that he must spend most of his days in the saddle. The plan was moreover found to be unsatisfactory to the people, who were too far removed from their pastors. It was therefore agreed that a division of the parochial diocese should take place; in pursuance of which, Mr. Alexander received for his share the churches of Briery and Cub Creek.

His residence was in the county of Charlotte, at the house of Major Edmund Head. And by a remarkable coincidence, one of his sons, when first settled in the ministry, dwelt in the same house thirty years afterwards, and enjoyed the hospitality of the same Christian lady, Paulina LeGrand, formerly Mrs. Read. Here, at the mansion still known as Retirement, about two miles from the Court House, Mr. Alexander resided three or four years. The lofty oaks under which he walked and sat still remain, among the noblest of their kind, and when we last saw the place, a small separate house used by him as a study, was yet standing.

Mrs. Read, afterwards Mrs. LeGrand, was widely known and honoured among Christians of every name in Virginia. It is probable that no house in the land ever opened its doors to more ministers of the Gospel. A whole Presbytery was sometimes sheltered under her roof. Her wealth was largely dispensed in acts of charity. Though of a desponding turn as to her own spiritual state, she was perpetually occupied with religious thoughts and employments, and was a devoted hearer of the word. Having been recently brought to the knowledge of evangelical truth, she was at this time full of zeal, and unwearied in her endeavours to second all Gospel labours. Her recollections of Mr. Alexander and his youthful ministry were lively and affectionate. She loved to expatiate on his ardent piety and acceptable preaching. From her representations, it would appear that at this period of his life, he was burning with desire to save the souls of men, and frequent in his personal addresses to all who were accessible on this all-important subject. While in her house, he redeemed much time for study, and though his discourses were extemporaneous, he sometimes wrote them out with much care after delivery. We have seen in the hands of Mrs. LeG-rand, a manuscript volume containing nine sermons, thus written in a fair and beautiful hand. They were remarkable for the same simple perspicuity which characterized whatever proceeded from his pen. This volume, after some effort, we have not been able to recover, though we have a few scattered discourses of the same period. The date of his ordination and installation was May 5, 1795.

Some of the anxieties of a young pastor, overburdened by the greatness of an unaccustomed charge, may be discovered in the following narrative.” As the chief reason for the division just mentioned was the desire expressed by many, that they might have pastoral visits, and an opportunity of knowing their minister, I determined to begin a regular course of this kind. I accordingly went to Col. Charles Allen, the elder who lived furthest east, and gained his consent to go with me through that section of the congregation, beginning with old Mr. Kedd’s, on Bush Kiver, as the remotest house. We arrived pretty early in the day. The old gentleman was out in a distant part of his estate, where the hands were clearing ground, but was sent for by his wife. Although we told her that we came not to dine, she gave no heed, but set all around her in motion to prepare viands. The chickens were chased in all directions, fires were kindled, closets were searched, and I soon found that we should scarcely be able to get away. After some time, the old gentleman came in; but before he could be seen he must shave his beard and put on some clean clothes. - We now repeated our wish to see the family collected, but the mistress and her maids were now in the act of preparing a fat turkey for the spit. For hours we had none to converse with but the master of the house, and conversation with this old tobacco planter was not easy. He seemed like one sitting on nettles. I informed him of the object of our visit. — l Very good. — Very glad to see the parson. — Live so far from church that I can seldom get there, At length he thought he would use his privilege of asking a question. And that which he propounded was about the meaning of that passage, where it is said that seven women should take hold of one man. I was obliged to tell him that I did not know, intimating that the knowledge of this was not essential to salvation. ‘Very true, said he; i but I have thought it might refer to our times, when so many men have been killed in the French Ke volution, and in the consequent wars, Late in the day the table was spread with an enormous dinner. By the time this was concluded, a thunder-storm burst over us, and detained us until near sunset. Thus a whole day was wasted in visiting one family, and that without the least benefit. I found that among a people so widely scattered, and unaccustomed to such a thing, no progress could be made in this way. I adopted the method of preaching in different parts of the bounds, in private houses. But here a mischievous custom existed. After worship was over, as many as thirty persons would sometimes stay to dine. This was by invitation of the family, and to some must have been a heavy tax. But the old

Virginians never count the cost of dinners, even when they give very little for the support of the Gospel.”

The habits of preaching which marked the whole ministerial life of Dr. Alexander were formed during this period; and he may be considered the best witness as to his own methods. “While itinerating,” says he, “I studied my sermons in my mind; and seldom preached without intense application of my thoughts to the subject beforehand. Texts of Scripture would often open to my view, and these I would seize upon for discourses. The necessity of thus composing in the evening and morning where I lodged, or as I rode along the way, proved a good discipline, as it accustomed me to close thinking and to going over and over the same train of thought. I was, however, often greatly disappointed and mortified; for when I had great freedom in premeditation I naturally expected the same in preaching. But this was sometimes far from being the case. On some occasions a text would strike my mind shortly before speaking, accompanied with a strong aversion to the subject proposed. I commonly ventured on the new topic, and in such cases almost always had better success than usual. Not unfrequently, while I was preaching, my subject would present itself in new lights, much more favourable than preceding ones, so that I have often changed my whole plan of treatment. Though the thought was often suggested to me, that is very good,” yet when I was done I was greatly humbled., and sometimes so discouraged as to feel as if I could never venture into the pulpit again. I have commonly felt that the people who admired my preaching were deceived.”

From following a premeditated train of thought, he fell into a habit of fixing his eyes on the floor, which was a great hinderance. In later years no man could be more free from any such fault; as all his hearers will remember the piercing look with which he was accustomed to single out individuals in the congregation. In reference to this early period, he describes his own preaching as occupied much with Christian experience. When his text was figurative, he usually carried the imagery through the whole discourse. He allowed himself a license of accommodation which his later judgment disapproved. The parables were favourite themes. The excessive rapidity of his utterance sometimes exhausted his natural fervour before he had arrived at the application. But while he speaks thus humbly of his own performances, it is certain from the testimony of others, that his popularity was unbounded, and that he already ranked in public estimation among the first preachers in the country.

In his manuscript record he turns aside from time to time to speak of his private friends, some of whom were eminent in the church. Among these a place is justly given to the Kev. Samuel Brown, who was now one of his fellow-labourers. Mr. Brown was a native of Bedford, and a subject of the revival already mentioned. “He began his classical course after he was grown, and was hurried in his studies. But his original mind was constantly employed in thinking out difficult points in theology; so that by the time he was through his course he was in many respects a profound theologian. His religion was of the best kind; deep, lively, and Scriptural. He became early attached to the writings of President Edwards and this both encouraged and directed him in his investigations. Indeed he always appeared to me to have a mind much like that of Edwards; not remarkable for quickness, but profound and sure, and free from the aberrations to which men of greater vivacity are subject. Whatever he read seemed to be merely the occasion of opening new trains of thought to his own mind. He possessed great ardour and generosity, and was susceptible of the strongest attachments of friendship; indeed all his affections were of uncommon vigour. If he had possessed advantages of person and voice, he would have exceeded as a preacher all that I ever heard. Though he had a fine eye, deeply sunk in its orbit, and much benignity of countenance, his face was plain, with a slight distortion of the mouth, and a certain efflorescence over the cheek bones which was unsightly. Nevertheless he was a clear, original, powerful and often eloquent preacher. Even his voice became forcible and penetrating, when toned by strong feeling; and he succeeded in communicating to his hearers the elevation of his sentiments and the benevolence of his feelings. Sometimes, indeed, when his mind was not roused, his preaching was indifferent; but on occasions which called forth his powers, or when his pious feelings were in lively exercise, his performances were certainly among the best I ever heard. He excelled in apt illustration, and was thus able to render abstract truth plain to men of common minds.

“Mr. Brown accepted a call to the church of New Providence, west of the Blue Kidge. He had a turn for business, both mechanical and agricultural, and finding his

family increasing around him he devoted himself with much ardour to secular pursuits; so that for some years his improvement was not equal to what might have been expected from his talents. As far as is known to me he never published any thing. His most elaborate trains of thought were studied without a word being committed to paper. Mr. Brown felt a deep interest in all that related to the welfare of his country, and therefore, without being a politician, entered warmly into those views which he believed to be dictated by sound policy. He patronized with zeal the College of Washington, of which he was a trustee at the time of his death.

“The close of this good man’s life was somewhat remarkable. He had sold the farm on which he first settled, and bought another, larger and better situated, on which he was engaged in erecting a commodious dwelling-house. As he was dextrous in the use of tools, he often put to his hand to help forward the work. One day, some exertion being required to remove some timbers, he turned in, and while thus engaged suddenly complained of being sick, sunk down, and expired in a few minutes, in the very prime of life. His successor, the Rev. Mr. Morrison, married his only daughter. Five of his sons are now ministers of the Gospel, and the sixth has received a liberal education, and is I believe a communicant in the church.”

The connection of Mr. Alexander with a number of congregations, sometimes as a temporary supply and sometimes as pastor, leads to so much confusion, that we prefer to throw together the several dates, as collected by the Rev.

Dr. Foote. It appears, then, that he presented his testimonials to the Presbytery of Hanover, November 3, 1793, at which time he received calls to become collegiate pastor with Mr. Lacy of Cumberland, Briery, Buffalo and Cub Creek; which calls he did not accept. On October 22, 1794, he received calls from Cub Creek and Briery. He was ordained at Briery, November 7, 1794, and was dismissed from Cub Creek, April 11, 1797, and from Briery November 16, 1798. He was reported President in May 1799.

Being now established in a charge, it was natural for him to desire that some of his early associates should be near him. After a disappointment in regard to Mr. Brown’s settling in Mecklenburg, he turned his attention to Mr. Matthew Houston, as a friend remarkable for his free and pleasant temper. Houston had been a student at the Liberty Hall Academy. He was frequently under religious concern, and amidst impressions received during the revival made a profession of his faith, though without pungent convictions or any strongly marked exercises. He had a vein of wit, and fell into levities which attracted attention. With moderate talents, but warm feelings, he spoke with fluency and acceptance. Houston received an appointment to be a missionary for six months in Mecklenburg. But his frivolity alienated the more serious of his people, and his animated and shallow preaching had little effect. He removed to Kentucky, where he became popular. About the year 1800, a great awakening spread like wildfire through Kentucky, and Houston being a combustible material was soon ignited. His mind became bewildered and deeply in-

fected with the prevalent enthusiasm; until, in 1801, he and his wife and a number of his people were so infatuated as to join the people called Shakers. Both church and congregation were hereby broken up. At first a society of these fanatics was formed in the immediate neighbourhood; but they all soon removed to Ohio, where for many years he was the presiding elder at Lebanon. When he was just seventy years of age, he sent to Dr. Alexander, then of Princeton, a copy of the Shaker Testimony, accompanied with a short note, in which he declared that since uniting with this people, he had enjoyed uninterrupted happiness. Of his subsequent history nothing is known.

In the occasional retirement of his rural study, the young pastor endeavoured to make up for lost hours. Most of the books which he had read up to this time, were either borrowed or picked up at the places where he lodged; but their rarity led him to devour rather than to peruse them. Sometimes he found in unexpected places scarce volumes, which he continued to read while he was in those neighbourhoods. This pursuit of knowledge under difficulties left its mark on his mind. We remember to have heard him recite events from the History of the Arabians, which he had not opened for sixty years. At the house of an old German on James Kiver, he first met with Stillingfleet’s Irenicum, which he read with great avidity, and with a valuable accession to his knowledge on controverted points in church polity. The main principles of that work he retained through life as his own; though the distinguished author is said to have abandoned them. Though he preached in x

counties, he continued to redeem some time for study, and laid out a small sum for books. Among these early purchases, he mentions the works of Keid and Stewart, so far as then published.

He was further stimulated to laborious investigation by the alarming prevalence of infidelity in his native State. Paine’ s Age of Keason was widely circulated and much read by the young men of the country. “Indeed,” says he, “most of our educated and professional young men became Deists, or worse. Young lawyers openly reviled religion, and boldly attacked its serious professors. Many of those who entertained such opinions occasionally attended public worship; and in these circumstances it was needful to study the evidences of Christianity with care. My mind was so occupied with the subject, that I often preached on it. My trialsermon for ordination was entirely on this topic; the text being John xvii. 17, c Thy Word is Truth, I also undertook an answer to Paine; but his Second Part was soon published, and then Watson’s Apology, which I considered far better than any thing I could produce. Murray’s Evidences appeared to me popular and convincing; but I have since never seen a copy.”

“It was perhaps an advantage to me that my collection of books was small, and that my attention* was devoted to few subjects. On a copy of the British Encyclopedia I seized -with much avidity, and thus learned something about the progress of the Sciences. My thirst for knowledge was always great, and its pursuit was never a weariness to me.” It is not improper to add, that throughout his whole life he

retained a lively interest in mathematical and physical investigation; delighting in the severe methods of the old geometry, and keeping himself acquainted with the course of discovery to an extent which was surprising to all around him.

As these pages, if read at all, will he read by persons living in the very region where the scenes here described are laid, we have thought it expedient to introduce notices of families and individuals who were active in the promotion of religion, and who “addicted themselves unto the ministry of the saints.” Among other good results it will serve to show how extensively the blessings of grace continued to descend in the lineage of the righteous. The large and Christian connection of the Yenables has been already mentioned. To these we must now add the Aliens. They lived chiefly in Cumberland, but also in Prince Edward, and many of them were parishioners of Mr. Alexander. The root from which they all proceeded was (like various eminent persons named in our memoir) a member of Mr. Davies’s church in Hanover, and was converted, it is thought, under the missionary labours of Whitefield. Mr. Alexander heard from an eye-witness that while Whitefield was preaching, Mr. Allen fell at full length, as suddenly as if shot through the heart, and lay for the remainder of the evening as one dead. He had four sons. “James, the eldest,” says the manuscript,” was one of the most venerable men I ever saw. When I came to the country he was above seventy years of age, and lived alone. He was more than six feet in height, slender and pale, but of benignant countenance, and with hair white

as snow. The most of his time he spent over a large family Bible, which lay open before him on a small table, and which he often moistened with his tears. His son, also named James, was, before his conversion, irascible in the extreme, and often engaged in broils, being of great muscular power. On one occasion he came home in a rage, threatening to flog a man who had said that his father was an old hypocrite. But the father said meekly, l Jemmy, my son, be not angry about it; for I assure you it is the very thing I have been suspecting of myself for twenty years, Besides James, he had two sons, Benjamin and Charles, who were elders in the Cumberland church, while I was minister there, as was also their uncle Benjamin Allen. His brother Daniel was the father of the Kev. Cary Allen. James Allen, the younger, died by the slow torture of a cancer, which began in the middle of the lower lip. But though naturally a man of strong passions and unquiet temper, he was now as patient as a lamb, and edified all who came to see him by his heavenly conversation.”

The particulars which he gives of the Morton family afford glimpses of a state of society now existing only on the frontiers. The founder of this family, called Little Joe, to distinguish him from another of the same name, was a bold and enterprising pioneer, a staunch hunter, and employed by the Randolphs and others in exploring the country not yet inhabited, in order that they might lay their warrants on the good lands and have them surveyed. “I believe that all the fine lands on Staunton River were first discovered by him.” He was skilful in catching wild horses, which

abounded in the unsettled parts of the country. They were commonly taken in pens, into which they were decoyed; and several streams in that region have hence derived the name of Horsepen.

Joseph Morton, with a young wife, built a log cabin near Little Roanoke Bridge. Mrs. Morton, when an aged widow, informed Mr. Alexander that for several years she had not a neighbour nearer than thirty miles, and that during the greater part of the time her husband was absent, and she and her young children were alone in the forest. Such was Morton’s knowledge of woodcraft, that he could pursue a horse for any distance by means of his tracks, and this even if the road was crossed by thousands of other tracks. On one occasion he was sent for to follow a horse-thief, which he did for more than a hundred miles, and with success, although the fugitive had taken all imaginable means of concealing his course. This account was given by his son, Col. William Morton, a man of undoubted veracity. Joseph Morton left his sons possessed of good estates.

“His character was remarkable in several respects. He possessed a most unshaken firmness, and rigidly adhered to what appeared to him to be duty. He was brought up an Episcopalian; but the Rev. Mr. Davies, in one of his preaching tours, was taken to his house by John Morton, a young cousin. Being a rigid Churchman he was reluctant to consent, but after some consultation with his wife, he agreed that the newlight preacher should come. Mr. Davies, by the dignity and suavity of his manners, made such an impression on both, that when he departed they accompanied him to Cumberland, to the administration of the sacrament. His wife had become deeply concerned from the first evening, and was anxious about partaking of the Lord’s Supper. But she was afraid her husband would not agree to it. She however broke the matter to him on Sunday morning. Though surprised, he told her to do as she thought proper. In the intermission after the ’ action sermon, he called out Mr. Davies, and told him he wished to join in communion with the church. Mr. Davies, after a little conversation, gave him a token of admission, and the husband and wife went together to the Lord’s Table. From this pair sprang a large Presbyterian population, spread far and wide through Prince Edward and Charlotte counties. Not long after, he and a number of others united in building a house of worship at Briery; and in a short time they obtained one half the labours of the Bev. Kobert Henry. When there was no sermon, Mr. Morton regularly attended, read a discourse, and catechised the children. So consistent was his character, and so beneficial his influence, that he was a blessing to the whole community in which he lived. As a justice of the peace, he exerted a salutary influence in suppressing profaneness and other immorality. Being visited by one of his wealthy correspondents from below, who was exceedingly profane, Morton gave him warning, that as a magistrate he was bound to put into execution the law against swearing. The other disregarded his threats, and was fined accordingly. I never saw him, but I have been in no neighbourhood where any man had left on the minds of all a stronger impression of his integrity and piety. Mrs. Morton lived to the age of ninety-two, and died some time after I was settled in Charlotte. She was a very pious woman, whose house was always open for ministers and religious people, and for the preaching of the Gospel”*

From John Morton, named above as the guide of Mr. Davies, also a numerous progeny descended. Of his sons, one of the same name spent his life chiefly in France. The eldest, Maj. James Morton, was a revolutionary officer, and long an active elder in the church at Prince Edward. The Rev. Dr. John H. Kice married his daughter, a lady of known Christian excellence, who still survives.

The County of Charlotte, where Mr. Alexander now laboured, is remarkable for having been the residence of two very celebrated orators, belonging to two successive periods in our national history; we mean Patrick Henry and John Kandolph of Koanoke. During Mr. Alexander’s earliest visit, he was invited to accompany his preceptor, Mr. Graham, in a visit to Mr. Henry, who then lived in Prince Edward, seven or eight miles from the college; but the plan was disappointed by the straying of the horses. Mr. Graham went alone, and spent a day with the old patriot, to his own great satisfaction; for they were of one mind in politics, both being exceedingly opposed to the Constitution which had that year been adopted. At a later

* Josiah, the oldest son, was the father of Col. William Lewis Morton. William, the second son, was for many years presiding judge of the county court of Charlotte. The third was oddly enough named Little Joe. The fourth was Col. Jacob Morton. Three of these were ruling elders in the Briery church.

period, however, he was brought into nearer acquaintance with Henry’s powers. The account of this in his own words, as published in 1850, we can by no means omit. “,

“From my earliest childhood I had been accustomed to hear of the eloquence of Patrick Henry. On this subject there existed but one opinion in the country. The power of his eloquence was felt equally by the learned and the unlearned. No man who ever heard him speak, on any important occasion, could fail to admit his uncommon power over the minds of his hearers. The occasions on which he made his greatest efforts have been recorded by Mr. Wirt, in his Life of Henry. What I propose in this brief article is to mention only what I observed myself more than half a century ago.

“Being then a young man, just entering on a profession in which good speaking was very important, it was natural for me to observe the oratory of celebrated men. I was anxious to ascertain the true secret of their power; or what it was which enabled them to sway the minds of hearers, almost at their will.

“In executing a mission from the Synod of Virginia, in the year 1794, I had to pass through the county of Prince Edward, where Mr. Henry then resided. Understanding that he was to appear before the Circuit Court, which met in that county, in defence of three men charged with murder, I determined to seize the opportunity of observing for myself the eloquence of this extraordinary orator.

“It was with some difficulty I obtained a seat in front of the bar, where I could have a full view of the speaker, as well as hear him distinctly. But I had to submit to a severe penance in gratifying my curiosity; for the whole day was occupied with the examination of witnesses, in which Mr. Henry was aided by two other lawyers.

“In person, Mr. Henry was lean rather than fleshy. He was rather above than below the common height, but had a stoop in the shoulders which prevented him from appearing as tall as he really was. In his moments of animation, he had the habit of straightening his frame, and adding to his apparent stature. He wore a brown wig, which exhibited no indication of any great care in the dressing. Over his shoulders he wore a brown camlet cloak. Under this his clothing was black, something the worse for wear. The expression of his countenance was that of solemnity and deep earnestness. His mind appeared to be always absorbed in what, for the time, occupied his attention. His forehead was high and spacious, and the skin of his face more than usually wrinkled for a man of fifty. His eyes were small and deeply set in his head, but were of a bright blue colour, and twinkled much in their sockets. In short, Mr. Henry’s appearance had nothing very remarkable, as he sat at rest. You might readily have taken him for a common planter, who cared very little about his personal appearance. In his manners’ he was uniformly respectful and courteous. Candles were brought into the court house, when the examination of the witnesses closed; and the judges put it to the option of the bar whether they would go on with the argument that night or adjourn until the next day. Paul Carrington, jun., the attorney for the state, a man of large size and uncommon dignity of person and manner, and also an accomplished lawyer, professed his willingness to proceed immediately, while the testimony was fresh in the minds of all. Now for the first time I heard Mr. Henry make any thing of a speech; and though it was short, it satisfied me of one thing, which I had particularly desired to have decided; namely, whether like a player he merely assumed the appearance of feeling. His manner of addressing the court was profoundly respectful. He would be willing to proceed with the trial, but, said he, ‘My heart is so oppressed with the weight of responsibility which rests upon me, having the lives of three fellow citizens depending, probably, on the exertions which I may be able to make in their behalf, (here he turned to the prisoners behind him,) that I do not feel able to proceed to-night. I hope the court will indulge me, and postpone the trial till the morning, The impression made by these few words was such as I assure myself no one can ever conceive by seeing them in print. In the countenance, action and intonation of the speaker, there was expressed such an intensity of feeling that all my doubts were dispelled; never again did I question whether Henry felt, or only acted a feeling. Indeed, I experienced an instantaneous sympathy with him in the emotions which he expressed; and I have no doubt the same sympathy was felt by every hearer.

“As a matter of course the proceedings were deferred till the next morning. I was early at my post; the judges were soon on the bench, and the prisoners at the bar. Mr. Carrington, afterwards Judge Carrington, opened with a clear and dignified speech, and presented the evidence to the jury. Every thing seemed perfectly plain. Two brothers and a brother-in-law met two other persons in pursuit of a slave, supposed to be harboured by the brothers. After some altercation and mutual abuse, one of the brothers, whose name was John Ford, raised a loaded gun which he was carrying, and presenting it to the breast of one of the other pair, shot him dead, in open day. There was no doubt about the fact. Indeed, it was not denied. There had been no other provocation than opprobrious words. It is presumed that the opinion of every juror was made up from merely hearing the testimony; as Tom Harvey, the principal witness, who was acting as constable on the occasion, appeared to be a respectable man. For the clearer understanding of what follows, it must be observed that said constable, in order to distinguish him from another of the name, was commonly called ‘Butterwood Harvey; ’ as he lived on Butterwood Creek.

“Mr. Henry, it is believed, understanding that the people were on their guard against his faculty of moving the passions and through them influencing the judgment, did not resort to the pathetic, as much as was his usual practice in criminal cases. His main object appeared to be, throughout, to cast discredit on the testimony of Tom Harvey. This he attempted by causing the law respecting riots to be read by one of his assistants. It appeared in evidence, that Tom Harvey had taken upon him to act as constable, without being in commission; and that with a posse of men he had entered the house of one of the Fords in search of the negro, and had put Mrs. Ford, in her husband’s absence, into a great terror, while she was in a very delicate condition, near the time of her confinement.

“As he descanted on the evidence, he would often turn to Tom Harvey — a large bold-looking man — and with the most sarcastic look would call him by some name of contempt; ‘this Butterwood Tom Harvey, ‘this would-be-constable,’ &c. By such expressions, his contempt for the man was communicated to the hearers. I own I felt it gaining on me, in spite of my better judgment; so that before he was done, the impression was strong on my mind that Butterwood Harvey was undeserving of the smallest credit. This impression, however, I found I could counteract the moment I had time for reflection. The only part of the speech in which he manifested his power of touching the feelings strongly, was where he dwelt on the irruption of the company into Ford’s house, in circumstances so perilous to the solitary wife. This appeal to the sensibility of husbands — and he knew that all the jury stood in this relation — was overwhelming. If the verdict could have been rendered immediately after this burst of the pathetic, every man, at least every husband in the house, would have been for rejecting Harvey’s testimony; if not for hanging him forthwith. It was fortunate that the illusion of such eloquence is transient, and is soon dissipated, by the exercise of sober reason. I confess, however, that nothing which I then heard so convinced me of the advocate’s power, as the speech of five minutes, which he made when he requested that the trial might be adjourned till the next day.

“In addition to this, it so happened that I heard the last public speech which Mr. Henry ever made. It was delivered at Charlotte, from the portico of the court-house, to an assembly in the open air. In the American edition of the New Edinburgh Encyclopedia an account of this speech and its effects is given, so charged with exaggeration as to be grossly incorrect. There is more truth in the statements contained in Mr. Wirt’s memoir. In point of fact, the performance had little impression beyond the transient pleasure afforded to the friends of the administration, and the pain inflicted on the Anti-federalists, his former political friends. Mr. Henry came to the place with difficulty, and was plainly destitute of his wonted vigour and commanding power. The speech was nevertheless a noble effort, such as could have proceeded from none but a patriotic heart. In the course of his remarks, Mr. Henry (as is correctly stated by Mr. Wirt) after speaking of Washington at the head of a numerous and well appointed army, exclaimed, ‘And where is the citizen of America who will dare to lift his hand against the father of his country, to point a weapon at the breast of the man who had so often led them to battle and victory? ‘An intoxicated man cried, i I could, ‘No, answered Mr. Henry, rising aloft in all his majesty, and in a voice most solemn and penetrating, No; you durst not do it; in such a parricidal attempt, the steel would drop from your nerveless arm! ’

“Mr. Henry was followed by a speaker afterwards noted in our national history; I mean John Kandolph of Koanoke; but the aged orator did not remain to witness the debut of his young opponent. Kandolph began by saying that he had

admired that man more than any on whom the sun had shone, but that now he was constrained to differ from him toto coelo. But Randolph was suffering with the hoarseness of a cold, and could scarcely utter an audible sentence. All that is alleged in the Encyclopedia, about Henry’s returning to the platform and replying with extraordinary effect, is pure fabrication. The fact is as above stated. Henry retired to the house, as if unwilling to listen, and requested a friend to report to him any thing which might require an answer. But he made no reply, nor did he again present himself to the people. I was amidst the crowd, standing near to Creed Taylor, then an eminent lawyer, and afterwards a judge; who made remarks to those around him, during the speech, declaring among other things that the old man was in his dotage. It is much to be regretted that a statement so untrue should be perpetuated in a work of such value and celebrity.

“Patrick Henry had several sisters, with one of whom, the wife of Colonel Meredith of New Glasgow, I was acquainted. Mrs. Meredith was not only a woman of unfeigned piety, but was in my judgment as eloquent as her brother; nor have I ever met with a lady who equalled her in powers of conversation.

“At an early period of my ministry, it became my duty to preach the funeral sermon of Mr. James Hunt, the father of the late Rev. James Hunt, of Montgomery County, Maryland. The death occurred at the house of a son who lived on Staunton River: Mr. Henry’s residence, Red Hill, was a few miles distant, on the same river. Having been long a

190 henry’s eloquence.

friend of the deceased, Mr. Henry attended the funeral, and remained to dine with the company; on which occasion I was introduced to him by Captain William Craighead, who had been an elder in President Davies’s church. These gentlemen had been friends in Hanover, but had not met for many years. The two old gentlemen met with great cordiality, and seemed to have high enjoyment in talking of old times.

“On the retrospect of so many years I may be permitted to express my views of the extraordinary effects of Henry’s eloquence. The remark is obvious, in application not only to him but to all great orators, that we cannot ascribe these effects merely to their intellectual conceptions, or their cogent reasonings, however great: these conceptions and reasons, when put on paper, often fall dead. They are often inferior to the arguments of men whose utterances have little impression. It has indeed been often said, both of Whitefield and of Henry, that their discourses, when reduced to writing, show poorly by the side of the productions of men who are no orators. Let me illustrate this, by the testimony of one whom I remember as a friend of my youth. General Posey was a revolutionary officer, who was second in command, under Wayne, in the expedition against the Indians; a man of observation and cool judgment. He was in attendance on the debates of that famous convention in which there were so many displays of deliberative eloquence. He assured me, that after the hearing of Patrick Henry’s most celebrated speech in that body, he felt himself as fully persuaded that the Constitution if adopted would be our ruin, as of his own henry’s eloquence. 191

existence. Yet subsequent reflection restored his former judgment, and his well considered opinion resumed its place.

“The power of Henry’s eloquence was due, first, to the greatness of his emotion and passion, accompanied with a versatility which enabled him to assume at once any emotion or passion which was suited to his ends. Not less indispensable, secondly, was a matchless perfection of the organs of expression, including the entire apparatus of voice, intonation, pause, gesture, attitude, and indescribable play of countenance. In no instance did he ever indulge in an expression that was not instantly recognised as nature itself; yet some of his penetrating and subduing tones were absolutely peculiar, and as inimitable as they were indescribable. These were felt by every hearer, in all their force. His mightiest feelings were sometimes indicated and communicated by a long pause, aided by an eloquent aspect, and some significant use of his finger. The sympathy between mind and mind is inexplicable. Where the channels of communication are open, the faculty of revealing inward passion great, and the expression of it sudden and visible, the effects are extraordinary. Let these shocks of influence be repeated again and again, and all other opinions and ideas are for the moment absorbed or excluded; the whole mind is brought into unison with that of the speaker; and the spell-bound listener, till the cause ceases, is under an entire fascination. Then perhaps the charm ceases, upon reflection, and the infatuated hearer resumes his ordinary state.

“Patrick Henry of course owed much to his singular insight into the feelings of the common mind. In great cases,

he scanned his jury, and formed his mental estimate; on this basis he founded his appeals to their predilections and character. It is what other advocates do, in a lesser decree. When he knew that there were conscientious or religious men among the jury, he would most solemnly address himself to their sense of right, and would adroitly bring in Scriptural citations. If this handle was not offered, he would lay bare the sensibility of patriotism. Thus it was, when he succeeded in rescuing the man who had deliberately shot down a neighbour; who moreover lay under the odious suspicion of being a tory, and who was proved to have refused supplies to a brigade of the American army.

“A learned and intelligent gentleman stated to me that he once heard Mr. Henry’s defence of a man arraigned for a capital crime. So clear and abundant was the evidence, that my informant was unable to conceive any grounds of defence, especially after the law had been ably placed before the jury by the attorney for the commonwealth. For a long time after Henry began, he never once adverted to the merits of the case or the arguments of the prosecution, but went off into a most captivating and discursive oration on general topics, expressing opinions in perfect accordance with those of his hearers; until having fully succeeded in obliterating every impression of his opponent’s speech, he obliquely approached the subject, and as occasion was offered dealt forth strokes which seemed to tell upon the minds of the jury. In this case, it should be added, the force of truth prevailed over the art of the consummate orator.”*

* Princeton Magazine, 1850.

From manuscript authorities we add a few traits. At first sight Mr. Henry’s appearance struck him as being not unlike that of an old clergyman. There was a peculiar earnestness in all that he said, and his small gray eyes seemed to be in perpetual motion. “The only time,” says he, “that I ever was in Mr. Henry’s company, was a few months before his decease, when I was sent for to preach at the funeral of old Mr. James Hunt, the father of the Kev. James Hunt. This man had been brought up in the same neighbourhood with Mr. Henry, and resided near him during his last years. Old Captain Craighead had late in life married a daughter of Mr. Hunt, and it was he who introduced me. I had, however, little conversation with him. After the sermon he asked Capt. Craighead what we meant by talking so much about grace, and added that he did not understand it. He was, however, a firm believer in Divine Kevelation, and spent much of his time during his retirement in reading the works of such authors as Sherlock and Tillotson; and he warmly recommended religion to those young friends who came to see him.” Some years ago we obtained from the Clerk’s Office of Charlotte County a certified copy of an extract from his last will and testament, which is in these remarkable words: “This is all the inheritance I can give to my dear family. The Keligion of Christ can give them one which will make them rich indeed.”

The College of Hampden Sidney derived its name from two great English patriots. It was founded for the purpose of raising up an evangelical ministry. As early as 1771, in consequence of representations made by Mr. Samuel Stanis hope Smith, afterwards President Smith, of New Jersey, the Presbytery of Hanover began to consider the subject of education. The first attempts were humble, and did not contemplate any thing so elevated as a college. One or two schools, under presbyterial direction, were during the following years taught in different places, till at length in 1773 it was determined to open a seminary in the county of Prince Edward. Mr. Samuel Stanhope Smith was appointed the rector, and became at the same time pastor of the congregations of Prince Edward and Cumberland. Land was given and moneys were raised for books and apparatus. The revolutionary troubles greatly impeded, but did not utterly hinder the progress of the institution. In 1776, Mr. John Blair Smith, so often mentioned in this narrative, became the assistant of his brother, and there were other instructors. After some time Mr. John B. Smith became principal of the seminary, as well as jmstor of the churches of Cumberland and Briery. Mr. Smith was chosen captain of a company of the students, about sixty-five in number, and Mr. David Witherspoon, his assistant, was first lieutenant. The charter of Hampden Sidney as a College was obtained in 1783, and its first literary degrees were conferred in 1786. In 1788, on the retirement of President Smith from the active duties of the college, the Kev. Drury Lacy was made Vice President. In September, 1789, Mr. Smith resigned his presidentship, and for several years efforts were made, without success, to obtain the services of the Rev. William Graham. “The attention of the Board” — we here quote from Dr. Foote —” was then turned to the Rev. Ar-JOHN H. KICE. 195

chibald Alexander, a member of Lexington Presbytery, recently licensed to preach the gospel, a pupil of Mr. Graham. He was invited to unite with Mr. Lacy in the government and instruction of the College, with equal authority and emolument.”

We are happily able to give Mr. Alexander’s own statement with regard to this important step in his life. “In this retirement,” says he,” I spent a few years, when the Trustees of Hampden Sidney elected me to the office of President. The condition of the college was as low as it could be to have an existence. Mr. Lacy set up a school in the vicinity, which was attended by most of the youth who had been at the college. But the Trustees were determined to resuscitate it if possible. At first I was very averse to an undertaking of so little promise. But at length I was persuaded to make the trial; and the consideration had much weight with me, that if I did not succeed, I should leave matters no worse than they were, but that if I had success, I might be doing some public good. I accordingly consented in the autumn to go to the college in the following spring; and immediately applied myself to the studies connected with my office.

“John H. Rice, then about the age of twenty, had been engaged in teaching below Richmond, and not being satisfied to remain there, was employed by the Trustees of the College to take charge of the few students who were preparing for entrance. During the winter I visited him frequently, and conversed with him respecting the enterprise. I soon found that he was no common man. His appetite

for books was rabid. Having access now to the college library, which, though small, contained some well selected works, he was like a hungry ox when let into a rich pasture. Before he had half finished one volume, he would be forcibly drawn to another, and thus he roamed from book to book, and from shelf to shelf. I found him also to be fond of composition. He read to me many of his pieces, most of which were seasoned with no little sarcasm. He had a peculiar disposition to satirize the fashions of the times, without any thought of publication; but it was customary with him to give his essays to the students to be pronounced as orations.”

It is scarcely needful to add, that the person here named is the same who in later years, as the Kev. Dr. Kice, filled so large a space in public observation, as a preacher, an author, a controvertist, and a theological professor. During all his life he was one of the most intimate and cherished friends of Dr. Alexander.

The name of Rice suggests that of Speece, another ornament of the Virginian church, and likewise closely allied to the subject of these memoirs. Conrad Speece was the son of a German who lived in Campbell County, some miles east of New London. The grandmother of Conrad, living at this town, used to receive frequent visits from the boy, whose education had been neglected, but who had a turn for music, so as to play on several instruments. On one occasion the boy composed a humorous description of some Christmas sports which had taken place at the village tavern. The verses were shown to a number of persons and were thought extraordinary for a boy of thirteen. At that time Mr. Edward Graham, afterwards the brother-in-law of Dr. Alexander, taught a school in New London. By his encouragement young Speece turned his attention to regular study. He was large for his age, and had a rough and uncultivated appearance. But he learned readily whatever was assigned to him. He did not, however, commit the Latin Grammar to memory as speedily as another boy in the school; but as soon as he began to read, and to apply the rules to the structure of language, he seemed to have awaked to a new sense, and began to study with extraordinary delight. He soon finished the first book, leaving all his classmates far behind. Kising to a higher class he distanced them in like manner, until at the year’s close he stood at the head of the school, and was able to translate Cicero and Horace with more than common accuracy and even elegance. Nothing could now cool his ardour of desire for a liberal education. After struggling through many difficulties he at length realized his hopes and entered Washington College in Lexington, where he took his degrees with high distinction, and became one of its tutors.

“I first knew him,” says Dr. Alexander, “when on a visit to my friends. On leaving college he returned home and began to read law, but his health seemed so much impaired that for a while he gave up study and travelled on foot to the Sweet Springs, where he spent the usual season of attendance, bathing and drinking the waters. Another teacher being needed at Hampden Sidney, I turned my attention to Speece, who had now returned home, whither I went to seek him out. I found the dwelling of his father in a rough country, at a romantic and sequestered spot. Conrad was at home, in coarse farmer’s dress, and seemed pleased with the idea of spending his life in husbandry. But after deliberating upon my proposals, he agreed to come to us at the commencement of the next session. He came accordingly, and he, John H. Rice, and I, performed the duty of professors without the title.”

The intimacy of these three young men was so close and affectionate, that we seize with avidity on any estimate which any one of them formed of the others; and we therefore introduce here, by a little anticipation, some remarks of Dr. Rice, in which he sketches his two associates. u The eldest of them” (whom he calls Paulinus, but who is evidently Mr. Alexander,) “had been a preacher ten or fifteen years, is endowed with faculties of the highest kind, and has cultivated them with great assiduity. No man of his age has greater extent or variety of information. His powers are peculiarly fitted for the investigation of truth. With a sound judgment, a vigorous understanding, a quick perception, a great compass of thought, he has the capacity of holding his mind in suspense, until a subject be viewed in all its bearings and relations, and until the rays of evidence, however widely they are dissipated, are all brought to a focus on the point under investigation. Possessing such intellectual powers as these, he is animated with a love of truth, and thirst after knowledge, which prompt to unwearied diligence in research, and unremitting application to study. His knowledge, then, must be considerable. His taste is refined, his imagination rich in imagery, his elocution copious, and his trains of reasoning are close and logical; his eye sparkles with intelligence, and his voice is as melodious as the notes of the nightingale. But in addition to all these excellencies, he is remarkably modest; it is impossible for you to be in his company without seeing his superiority, and yet such is his modesty, that it gives you no pain to acknowledge it.”

“The second” (Philander, or Mr. Speece,) “is a younger man and a younger minister. He also possesses real genius. The most remarkable quality of his mind is vigour; in argumentation he resembles one of the Ajaxes of Homer, with his mace of iron, at every vibration overthrowing whole troops of Trojans. His conception is very clear; and of course he is perspicuous, precise and fluent in elocution. From the comparison just used, however, it is not to be supposed that there is any thing of coarseness in his mind. Far from it. His imagination is delicate, and his taste refined.” He adds, “The piety of both these gentlemen is warm and unaffected. They have hearts formed for friendship. Possessing the highest talents, and the best means of information that Virginia could afford, they would have been capable of filling any office, and might have risen to the first eminence in the State. But such was their devotion to the cause of Christ, that they left all and followed him.”

To return to our narrative; when Mr. Alexander went to the college he resigned his more distant charge, and divided his preaching between the congregations of Briery and Prince

* Virginia Religious Magazine, Vol. iii. pp. 170, 171. Maxwell’s Life of Rice, pp. 39, 40.

Edward. His friends in Charlotte, and especially Mrs. Bead, were much opposed to his removal. On going to Hampden Sidney he had possession of the president’s house, but usually took his meals at the common table. At no time of his life did he feel more keenly the stimulus to application, and he declared in later years that whatever accuracy he possessed in classical and scientific knowledge was acquired during this period, under the spur of necessity. He began by insisting on the utmost exactness, and took pleasure in drilling the young men in those rudiments which they had neglected. The number increased rapidly, but there were as yet no regular classes, and very few took a complete course. Yet all the branches then common in colleges were taught, and some of them thoroughly; the studies being arranged in some degree after the method then prevalent at Princeton.

It is to be regretted that of that very interesting period of his life, we have but slender memorials from his own pen. He was earnestly engaged, even beyond his strength, in accumulating and systematizing stores of knowledge; and in conscientiously endeavouring to lift up an institution which had sunk almost to the lowest point. At the same time he was laborious in preaching the Gospel, not only to his two congregations, but, according to the custom of the country, in many places on every side. To this part of his duties he always recurred with most pleasure in the memory of later years. Though he had under his care many promising and interesting pupils, some of whom live to remember his kind instructions, he never felt himself completely at home at the head of a college. There was, however, much solace in the cordial intimacies of a cultivated and Christian people, who have been and still are noted, even among Virginians, for the warmth of their attachments and the largeness of their hospitality. These years, spent amidst many anxieties, were, nevertheless, profitable in no common degree, in the corroboration of principles, and the moulding of character.

We find perhaps a dozen manuscript sermons of this period, most of which contain no indications of the date. They are strongly marked with all the traits of his later preaching; and some of them contain elaborate arguments on evangelical doctrine, and in defence of Christianity against the forms of French Deism then prevalent. Our attention is arrested by one of these, apparently of the year 1794, on the text, Psalm ii. 11, “Kejoice with trembling.” The opening sentence shows that it was delivered on a day of national thanksgiving. An extract will not fail to be interesting.

“It is now less than twenty years since our country asserted its independence, and declared its determination to shake off a foreign yoke, and no longer submit to the impositions of an imperious power which desired to give us laws. This engaged us in a long and bloody war, which desolated our land, and swallowed up many of our bravest men, who, fired with the love of liberty and country, despised danger, and fell in the noble cause. When we view bloody fields of battle strewed with a kindred race, our noble officers and brave soldiers, we may take up a lamentation and say, ‘How are the mighty fallen! And when we recollect that it was for our safety and freedom that they exposed and lost their lives, surely their memory deserves the tribute of a tear from every benevolent and patriotic heart.

“But that which this day calls aloud for the exercise of gratitude, is the issue of this interesting and difficult contest. Who could have supposed that the thirteen United States, in their scattered and defenceless situation, without a standing army, and without training in the art of war, should have been able to maintain their rights and liberties against a British army of disciplined troops? We were frequently driven to the last extremity. The enemy had possession of the most important places in our country, and our strength appeared contemptible, so that according to any calculation of human probability, we must have been conquered. But God in His providence ordered it otherwise. To Him must we attribute our success. These things indeed were brought about by means, and depended immediately on secondary causes. But in this mannner all providential events take

place. The second causes to which our success should be

attributed, are first, the unanimity of the people, and their determined resolution. Yet every one will be ready to ascribe much to the wisdom and firmness of that great man, who is now at the head of our affairs. The interposition of Providence appears in raising such a man, exactly suited for the work, and in bringing him by a series of events into notice, so that the government of our armies was committed to him. His name will long stand in the books of fame, and

be dear to Americans for ages to come. After having

mentioned our success in the American war, as a reason why we should feel gratitude, I will in the next place, advert to our peaceable settlement under a Constitution and form of government of our own choosing. It is not my design to enter into a discussion of the merits of these. A perfect government is not to be expected in the present state of things; much less can we look for perfection in the administration of government. Let it be of what nature it may, we are not oppressed by it; we are protected; we live in peace and safety. And certainly we must conclude that it is mild, and favourable to liberty, if we compare it with the despotisms of the East, and the governments which prevail over a great part of Europe. And I am sure I do not know a nation under heaven, whose civil and religious privileges are so great, where every class of citizens have such advantages, and where the rights of men are so well secured. To this there is but one exception, which distorts the political features of our country, but with which it is not my business to meddle.

“I shall mention only one more national blessing, which we have recently experienced. It was only last year, that we were threatened with a calamity at home. We had before us the disagreeable prospect of a civil war. Our internal peace seemed to be broken. Our troops were under the necessity of marching out, not against a foreign or a savage foe, but against our own brethren. But Providence interposed, the insurrection is suppressed, and every thing has returned to peace and order. The gloomy cloud which hung over our country is dispelled, and we have had the happiness of seeing how promptly all classes of citizens stepped forth to restore order and support the law.”