out that higher beauty, which the spirit reflects and expand with the inspiration. His life was upon the form, Mr. Leigh was a handsome man, a practical illustration of his conformity to the it was the soul beaming through his expressive lineaments-the harmony of the outer with the inner man-which invested him with a rare and imposing charm. In a peculiar degree, was his countenance an index of his feelings, sentiments aud thoughts. It not merely expressed what he felt, but represented with such truth and distinctness, as well his intentions as his passions, that it seemed he was incapable of practising favourite son. concealment if he would. His features were It was there a friendship had its beginning, delicate, and well nigh effeminate;-yet there which interrupted never by professional jealousy, was such an impress of frankness and sincer-incessant and elaborate as were the collisions to ity, and of energy and decision, that he was which the parties were summoned, was even more on the instant recognized as alike bland and re-unreserved and cordial at the close of life than at solved. the outset. Greatly as they were respected and Some lineaments of the man might have been admired by the public, each, one for the other, discovered in the child. Interested as his family cherished feelings not only of kindness but affeemight be, and were, by the prepossessing boy, it tion. It afforded no pleasure to know that opinwas not for his good looks alone, nor mainly, ion was divided between them, for each did not that bright hopes were cherished of the distinc-hesitate to admit against himself differences, tion which awaited him. Sincere and earnest, which caprice or prejudice would not have quick and resolute, there were visible even then sanctioned. Leigh, Chapman Johnson, Heury St. the frankness, intrepidity, and directness for George Tucker and Robert Stanard, connected which he was afterwards conspicuous. His in youth were scarcely separated by death, for in father dying when he was a child, bis mother's quick succession did they sink into the tomb, the nurture, bestowed with the care and vigilance to victims of wasting and inexorable application. which a mother only is equal, found its rich re- They stood confessedly at the head of the proward in the progress of her son. It was a proof fession. The immediate successors of the illusat once of his goodness and her superiority, that trious Marshall and Wickham, it was high praise Mr. Leigh often acknowledged, with grateful af- to know that the profession lost none of its digfection, his obligations to his mother. It was uity and influence in their keeping. indeed one of the most touching evidences of The attachment between Mr. Leigh and Mr. his ingenuous and grateful nature, that he delight-Johuson is worthy of a more particular notice. ed to revert to those who had shared in the train-It was an instance of their maguimity and gooding of his youth;-and among them, was hisness, rare and affceting. Contrasted in some early and excellent preceptor, in whose school respects, differing occasionally in their views of he passed several years, the Rev. Needler Robin-leading questions, tenacious of their opinions, of son, whom he mentioned always with regard and strong will and competitors from the force veneration. of circumstances, they were never insensi pure standards of the honest age of the republie. Disdaining to profess doctrines fashioned to the varying bour, his opinions were formed, and his course resolved upon, regardless of approbation, save as it did justice to the pursuit of noble ends by noble means. The venerable college, entitled by hereditary right to transmit a true heroism, was justly proud of the massive character of her At College he held the position which might ble of the sympathy which united them in have been expected from his power of applica-affectionate intimacy. The explanation of a tion and quickness of apprehension. The pride friendship, which we cannot contemplate withof doing well whatever he attempted was as out admiration of their frank and generous nacharacteristic of him at William and Mary as at tures, is to be found in the knowledge which each the bar or in the Senate. This ancient seat of had of the true, simple, earnest character of the learning, in common with the classical city of other. Of high principle both, the spiritual in which it was the ornament, was replete with as-them was incontaminable, by the expedient and sociations fitted to inspire a lofty ambition. It politic. With just and manly views of their was there, as witnesses survived to relate, the own powers, and equal to the occasion how great royal government had figured in the imposing soever the effort it required, each would ascribe to ceremony and display which rank and wealth the other a superiority which each might have could commaud, and there that free government claimed for herself. Cherishing the highest opinhad been proclaimed, and brave hearts marshalled ion of Johnson's powers of analysis and inducto its defence, in tones as eloquent as can flow tion, when speaking of him familiarly, Mr. Leigh from mortal lips. It was a place and time to in- would say, his "sledge-hammer was resistless;" spire heroic sentiments and aspirations; and whilst of Leigh, with a humility which must have young Leigh's was the mind au! spirit to kindle been witnessed to be appreciated, Mr. Johnson would declare, that it required his grace and the charm of his elocution to gain and gratify attention. Incomparable men, none but yourselves were unjust to your varied and great powers. "Though deep, yet clear; though gentle, yet not dull; Strong without rage; without o'erflowing full." Learned he was, and admirably trained, for discipline and learning were essential to such an order of elocution-learned in the law as a science, and built up and grounded in its principles. And beside and beyond this, he had explored the fields of literature, and returned laden with its treasures ever ready for use. He went deep into the nature and essence of things, impelled by a love of truth which refused to be satisfied with semblances and forms. Knowledge for him possessed a value in itself, and was for itself coveted, might reflect. From his well stored mind every thing came forth finished, rounded and suited to its place. His position at the bar was one of influence as well as of distinction. His brethren delighted to put him forward as a leader they were proud to this, the loftiest distinction of the profession, Mr. Leigh was happily constituted by the exactness of his knowledge, his contempt for sophistry, and his reverence for just and stable principles. The style of Mr. Leigh differed at an after period from what it was in the early years of his forensic practice. Then it was ornate, copious and empassioned. There are those who survive to describe the effects of his rich and vehement unaffected by any concern for the advantage it declamation in the District Court of Petersburg, where he commenced his career. One of his earliest cases, if not that in which he made his debut, was of a nature strongly to excite him, and to call forth bursts of indignant and pathetic eloquence, of which he could be an eminent master. It was the volunteer defence of a boy prosecuted for acknowledge; and the bench to welcome him killing his step-father in the act of beating his as one who was sure to edify, when he failed to mother. The effort inspired enthusiastic admi- convince. His frank and manly bearing-highration, and placed him at once in the front rank toned and scrupulous propriety, could not fail to of a bar, distinguished by great ability. We are produce their own resemblance in those permitreminded of Thomas Erskine, England's greatest ted daily to contemplate and admire him. It advocate, emerging to rank and fame by a single was a fortunate consequence of his connection, effort of intrepid invective. When he removed as advocate, with the adjudications of the appelto this city, and entered regularly upon the prac- late Court, that he exercised an important agentice in the appellate court, his style had assumed cy in settling our system of jurisprudence. The a more severe, compact, and simple form. The bar is scarcely less influential than the bench in change proceeded from his exact and critical ascertaining and determining the law; and for taste. He assented to Swift's definition of style, "proper words in proper places," and was wont to admire its beautiful exemplification in the history of the last four years of Queen Anne. Now, he aimed at clearness, simplicity and force. As lawyer and advocate, he filled the measure of The old habit would, however, sometimes break his fame-aye, more-occupied exclusively with out, and when led into that field, he never failed his profession, averse to public station, contemuof applause for his affluent and varied profusion. ing influence gained by interested attentions, and It was easier for him to gain applause than to scorning the arts by which popularity is usually satisfy himself. His taste rejected whatsoever sa- sought and acquired, he was yet, unconsciously voured of display, and decided for plainness and to himself, singled out, by common consent, as brevity. It might have been that he would have worthy the highest honors of the State. It was gratified more the general ear by allowing him- a high tribute to receive, and not less honorable self a greater freedom. Yet within the limits in the State to pay. which he prescribed to himself, there was lati- The mission to Kentucky, though not the first tude enough for the best efforts of an orator, as of his appointments, was a flattering instance of his own brilliant example demonstrated. Such the State's regard. Previously he had been aswas his depth and clevation, and so largely did sociated with other distinguished jurists in the his feelings enter into his speeches, that his terse, revision of the Code, and had gained upon pubsententious, epigrammatic style, glowed with an lie consideration by his large share in the laboriardor which elaborate ornament would have ob-ous work. The objects of the mission were of scured. Refine he did not, nor deal in subtle deep interest to the State, and it was not less distinctions. Everything about him denoted a due to her fame than to the magnitude of the powerful intellect. eminently practical. Confi- questions at issue, that Virginia should be reprening himself to common sense views, which, after sented by the most eminent of her sons. Kenall, involve the solution of every question, he tucky had set the example of such state interpresented them with a perspicuity and force of communication, and invested it with all the imdiction which impressed his hearers with the posing circumstance which the loftiest character highest opinion of his dignity and ability. could impart. Clay, accompanied by Bibb, had been sent hither, and here in this hall was heard that magic eloquence, which, in the national Senate, happily for the nation, has so often controlled and determined public measures. The State had every motive which could influence a magnanimous people, to be represented before the legislature of Kentucky in a manner worthy of her fame. The choice fell upon Mr. Leigh. His speech in execution of his mission remains, a fine specimen of a chaste and nervous style, and of perspicuous and logical compactness. Hooker, that "the love of things ancient doth argue stayedness; but levity and want of experience maketh apt unto innovations." His maxims linger yet in the memory of the public, if they abide not in its faith. The highest efforts of his genius and wisdom were witnessed in the State Convention of 1830. The place he had sought, excited by a dread of the changes which he foresaw would be attempted, and au apprehension that okl principles, the better for their age, would be sacrificed to dangerous theories. In his cautious philosophy he condemned, as fatal to rational freedom, many current devices for a larger liberty, and desired to retain institutions which had worked well, even though they might not conform to the latest Though not next in the order of his public ser- discoveries of science, so called. In a true and vices, his mission to South Carolina may here large sense a conservative, he was opposed to claim our notice. The occasion was one of in- experiments upon the body politic, and recoiled tense national excitement and anxiety. Caro- from most of the popular schemes of innovations lina, inflamed under a sense of supposed wrongs, as dangerous to the general safety and decorum. proceeding from the general government, was Experience, he acknowledged, was a safe guide about to expose the union to a fearful hazard. in deciding questions respecting the alteration The crisis was of momentous, awful concern; of the organic law, but he dignified with that Virginia so regarded it, and so did Leigh, content title, not the hasty inductions of careless obserever to leave public concerns to those who aspi-vers, nor every expression of popular discontent red to them, when no impending calamity was or impatience, but a comprehensive and accurate discerned. His brave heart looked on with dis-resolution of results into their causes, for which may and distress. The sensibilities of our legis- candor was as necessary as discrimination. He lature, in common with the whole country, were entertained, we may suppose, the opinion of painfully excited. The authority of the Union was about to be defied, and Heaven only knew what might be the issue of the direful conflict. The integrity of the sacred Union itself was threatened, and as in such case it must ever be, until we be mad enough to defile the memory of It would not be too much to say, that whatever our fathers, and throw away a jewel richer than there be in the Constitution which is really valuearth's treasury, a cord was struck which beatable, if indeed in this day it be conceded there responsive in every patriot breast. It was an is any thing so, is to be credited more or less to occasion for State interposition in its most ma- Mr. Leigh. In the august assembly which framed jestic form. And who so worthy as Leigh to it, consisting of the illustrious men of another represent the State in a mission to avert the age-Madison, Marshall, Monroe, Giles, who yet threatened catastrophe. It was a theatre to retained the faculties which made them memorabring out high qualities which found no place in ble, and of Randolph, Tazewell, Johnson, infehis retired and laborious walks. One of his ear-rior only to those couscript fathers in the length liest admirers and a constant friend, whose bril- and variety of their public services, he was conliant career has attested his own great ability, fessedly the leader. Admired, deferred to, quoted, as it has advanced the fame of his country, it was a summons to thoughtful attention when(Major General Scott.) gracefully ascribes to ever he addressed the house. Mr. Leigh his own taste for military subjects, and pronounces that he would have made a peerless soldier. His coolness, chivalry and intrepidity, and his generous appreciation of those noble qualities in others, fitted him to prevail with chivalrous men, intent upon a venture His speeches may be consulted by statesmen in which success, had success been possible, with advantage, and those who aspire to lead in would have been the most fatal disaster. There the State might make them their models. is a sympthy between elevated spirits which insures success to temperate intercession, when other means would fail. The highest commendation of his conduct was contained in the short, but expressive declaration of Carolina, that he had executed his mission with "ability, temper and affection." "Of piercing wit and pregnant thought- Of the course of Mr. Leigh in the Senate, it is difficult to speak, without introducing topics of a disturbing political nature ill suited to this occasion. I wish to say only so much of him, as all just men of whatsoever party will coueur in ascribing. As a public man he was necessarily involved in those discords which, more or less, continue to agitate the public mind. "Time, the corrector where our judgments err," must pass on bis and ours. But confining ourselves to his conduct and bearing as a public man, we may say of his career in the Senate, that it displayed throughout the purity, intrepidity and independence of his character a thorough devotion to his sense of public duty, under circumstances most trying to his sensitive pride, and that it was throughout adorned by a brilliancy of eloquence rarely equalled. relating to topics, the interest of which has passed away, they deserve to be remembered. Mr. Leigh was of a nature to attract to himself strong feelings either of attachment or opposition. He would speak out, and had nothing of the policy which endeavors to propitiate by simulating assent, or garbling unwelcome truths. The only thing which he seemed not to consider, was the effect of his acts and opinions upon himself. In matters which appealed even remotely to his sense of duty, or that disturbed his fastidious propriety, he was impatient and intractible ; but those obstacles out of the way, he was gentle aud indulgent, and of unsurpassed benevolence and hospitality. Elected in spite of his known aversion to public life, and greatly to the detriment of his private and professional interests, and in the first instance, under circumstances implying the most Of one of such earnestness and truth, it is congratifying public confidence, he did not shrink soling to know, religion had never been altogethfrom the course he deemed it his duty to pursue, er forgotten or contemned. When he entered nor faint or falter in the pursuit of it, by reason upon life, infidelity was a thing of fashion and a of the falling off of those on whose support he boast, but the sophistry of pedants and scoffers had a right to rely, and the fierce asperity with moved him only to pity or disgust. He inherited which he was assailed. a devout admiration of the Episcopal church, for No man ever lived with a heart more full of his father was a holy man, aud ministered at her home affections. Tenderly as he prized the sup-altars. Attracted to theological literature, be port of his State, and necessary as it was to his had strengthened his religious convictions, and usefulness in the Senate, he scorned to court trained and purified his taste by the study of favor, or avert censure. by submission to what Jeremy Taylor, Hooker, Sherlock, Tillotson. he conceived the “civium ardor prava jubentium," The illustrious person to whom I have before and maintained his post, until, in his judgment, referred, owns gratitude to Leigh, for his rescue neither public duty nor private honor required a in early life from a fearful state of infidelity. further sacrifice. A common faith added another tie to their indisFor the Senate he was in his day too senato-soluble friendship. Under the waste and weakrial-offending often by the inflexible advocacy ness of declining health, his devotion became of his convictions, and his unsuppresed disgust apparent, and, God be praised, he seemed posat whatsoever he considered venality, artifice or sessed of its holy influence. assumption. It was his last appearance in political life, as indeed it was the first, with the exception of a short service in the legislature of the State, when he appeared there to animate and nerve his countrymen in the national controversy then pending with England. On that theatre he was a much prized favorite, kindling the enthusiasm of others with his own generous ardor. Much as there was to honor and revere in this good and great man, it was in retirement, midst his friends, and in his family, and only there, ho could be appreciated and loved as he deserved. There his joyous spirit gave itself vent, and geutleness and affability seemed his greatest distinc tion. His quick and open affections seemed, indeed, hardly consistent with his inflexibility before the world, and yet nothing could be in more exact and beautiful harmony. Lofty natures aloue are capable of the lovelier manifestations of His professional engagements were too onerous and engrossing to permit him to engage, except occasionally, in composition, yet he con- love, confidence and hope. trived to make himself kuown and admired as a Thy name, oh Leigh, may perish from human writer. His style was classical, and abounded memories. 'Tis the heritage of mortality. But in the glowing thoughts and language which gave thy being was invested with power more endueffect to his speeches. There was indeed a stri-ring than the memorials of kindred and friendking resemblance between his essays and speech-ship, derived from the light of the high endeaves. The papers which he published on the Ar- ors which circled thy life, and felt it will be as a buthnot and Ambrister affair, under the signature stirring moral incentive when its source shall be of Algernon Sidney, were eagerly read both in no more remembered. A well spent life, through this country and in England. They were mas- the creative energy of the virtues it illustrates, is ter pieces of their kind-distinguished by great an indestructible element of advancement, not ability and compass of argument, and by the tone the less influential because a thankless world is and spirit of a resolute and lofty citizen. Though unconscious of its benefactor. Notices of New Works. SHANNONDALE. By Emma D. E. Nevitt Southworth. view here maintain its high reputation, and we have every confidence that in the hands of Dr. Doggett, it will, in no degree, lose rank or influence. This gentleman has long enjoyed great distinction in the pulpit, and needs, we are sure, but little training to become equally distinguished as an Editor. In the present number of the Review we find several articles of unusual merit. "Calvin & Serve nate Sundays at that institution by the most celebrated Presbyterian divines of the country. Mr. Moore is one of the most elegant scholars and original thinkers in the whole range of our acquaintance, and his present effort has at once all the perspicuity and polish of his style. We are sure that it will attract general attention. tus" is the title of a valuable historical essay from the pen of the Rev. Mr. Lee of the Methodist Church of Richmond. The Hon. Mr. Hilliard, M. C. from Alabama, contributes To speak in proper terms of this work might lay us But the best article in the number, to our taste at least, is a an interesting paper on "The Smithsonian Institution." open to the charge of assailing a lady, and we therefore forbear to give it that extended notice which, as an Ameri- review of Morell's Philosophy of Religion, or more procan novel, published by a worthy American house, it perly of that portion of the work which relates especially might otherwise claim. Merits it has none to demand a to the Inspiration of the Scriptures. This paper was remoment's consideration. Of all the inanities which, within cently delivered by its learned author, the Rev. T. V. twelve months past, have issued, like the heads of hydra, Moore of this city, before the Students of the University from previous critical decapitation, to the delight of milliner of Virginia, as one of a series of Discourses on the Evigirls and the terror of editors, "Shannondale" is beyond dences of Christianity-now being pronounced on alterall question the most flat, stupid and absurd. The plot is wretched and made worse, if possible, by palpable anachronisms, the characters "have no character at all," and the style is about midway between the nursery and the boarding school. As an instance of what we have charged concerning the plot, we may content ourselves with say. ing that the scene opens just after the American Revolution, and a young gentleman is introduced who has graduated at the University of Virginia-an institution, at that time undeveloped in the brain of its illustrious founder, Mr. Jefferson. To fortify ourselves as to the characterless condition of the dramatis persone would demand larger space than we can here devote to the subject, and we spare our readers, in mercy, any quotations, as speci mens of the style, referring them to the volume, (which we trust they will not buy,) passim. But by far the worst This is a home work, and as such we should bail its feature of "Shannondale" is its imitation of the French school of fiction, and those yellow covered American nov-hands of the public, independently altogether of its merits. appearance and ask for it a generous reception at the ellettes near akin thereunto, in which the hero always But we are quite sure that Dr. Gooch's journal deserves falls in love with somebody else's wife, and otherwise large success on the ground of real excellence. We are conducts himself after a fashion quite contra bonos mores. THE STETHOSCOPE; and Virginia Medical Gazette. A Monthly Journal of Medicine and the Collateral Sciences. Edited by P. Claiborne Gooch, A. M., M. D. Vol. 1. No. 1. January 1851. Richmond, Va. Printed by Ritchies & Dunnavant. We think it high time that respectable publishers should no judges, of course, in the premises, being all uninitiated unite in suppressing this demoralizing sort of literature.in medical technicalities, but the articles of the StethoThe Appletons are responsible for the appearance of a scope have an able look, and the names of the contribuformer work by Miss (or Mrs.) Emina D. E. Nevitt South-tors furnish a sufficient guaranty of their ability. We worth-(a nom de plume, we sincerely trust,) which we are not sure, however, that the editor has not started on felt in duty bound to condemn as a novel of the Dudevant too large a scale, in promising 64 large pages for each number. This is more, we think, than is usually given stamp. We cannot say as much, even in condemnation, of the present volume, for while we consider it equally by works of the class, and more than his readers have a vicious in its tendency, it surely lays no claim to any of right to expect. It should at least secure for the Stethothose striking qualitics which render so fascinating the scope extensive patronage. compositions of George Sand. "Shannondale" is very appropriately printed with bad type, on wretched paper, and, but for the name of the publishers, might readily enough be mistaken for one of the free and easy issues of Ann Street. In this respect, observing the unities, it is an improvement on the "Deserted Wife." We are indebted to J. W. Randolph for a copy of the Debates in the Virginia Convention of 1829-30. Just at this time, when another Couvention is in session to remodel the Constitution of our State, this volume is likely to attract increased attention. Perhaps a more remarkable assembly-when we consider the great names that appeared on its roll, or the brilliant efforts of oratory that were elicited during its deliberations-never convened than the Convention of 1829-30. Madison, Monroe, Marshall, Randolph, Leigh, such are the lights that shed lustre upon that memorable body, lights whose effulgence has been shed abroad in all lauds. The volume of Debates contains therefore much of the finest forensic arguThe publication office of this excellent review has been mentation that our age and country have produced. We removed since the death of its former editor, the lamented learn that Mr. Randolph has bought up all that remains Dr. Bascom, from Louisville to Richmond, and the present of the only edition of the Debates ever published, and number appears in the handsome typography of a prin- those who desire to procure copies had best make appli ing establishment of our own city. We hope to see the Re-cation speedily. QUARTERLY REVIEW, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, |