Memoir of William Madison Peyton, of Roanoke, together with some of his speeches in the House of delegates of Virginia, and his letters in reference to secession and the threatened civil war in the United States, etc., etc

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V^i

I

LIBRARY OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA

GIFT OF

R03:i:rt l. pai'jiish

V

MEMOIE

OF

WILLIAM MADISON PEYTON,

OF BOANOEE,

TOGETHER WITH SOME OF HIS SPEECHES IN THE HOUSE
OF DELEGATES OF VIRGINIA, AND HIS LETTERS IN REFERENCE
TO SECESSION AND THE THREATENED CIVIL WAR IN
THE UNITEP STATES, ETC., ETC.

BY

JOHN LEWIS PEYTON,

AtAhoT of ^*The American Crisis, or pages from the Note^book of a State"
agent during the Civil War ;" " Over the Alleghanies, and across the
Prairies;^* ^^ The Adventures of my Qrandfaiher,^^ etc^etcy etc.

*'Zvtt^ man ba« ft Wstorg vmrfh taJixwIuuf."

RALPH WAUM> KMCflSON.

LONDON:

JOHN WILSON, PUBLISHEE,

9S, GREAT BUSSELL STBEET, W.C.

#

F
.P5\

52320

GUEBKBEY:

PriBted by Fbeoebick ClabkE;

States Arcade.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

His birth and early education — Statmton in 1805 — ^The
Chancery Court — Legal men of that day — Memorable ana — ^War
of 1 8 12- 1 5 — He wishes to join the army and follows volunteers —
His mother's death and character — ^Jefferson's rules of health,
etc. — ^The Staunton academy — His course there . . , i

CHAPTER n.

Princeton University — His rapid progress in this place —
Combat with Thomas Van Bibber — Celsus on the preservation of
health — ^Whig , society — He wooes the muses — His manly
conduct 16

CHAPTER HI.

Life at Montgomery Hall — His love affair discovered —
Colonel Stuarf s memoir — Staunton founded by John Lewis —
Superstition of the early inhabitants — ^Judge Allan Taylor — ^The
Old Stone house — Life in Virginia before the introduction of
railways— Changes wrought by time 27

iv. Contents.

CHAPTER IV.

He enters Yale College — His career there — Influence on his
opinions by reason of a residence in the north — Dr. Sims' opinion
of his character — He studies law — His travels and adventures —
Singular incident of life in Florida — His want of ambition —
Singular scene at Huntersville, where he bums his clients
bonds — His love of nature 43

CHAPTER V.

His life on returning from Yale — Amusing occurrence at
General Jackson's dinner table — ^Jackson's dogma *' to the victors
belong the spoils " and its corrupting effects — ^John H. Peyton's
speech against a horse-thief, and William Peyton's singular
defence of the accused — Sketch of Chapman Johnson junior —
His advice to a young man whose marriage is opposed . 61

CHAPTER VI.

Leaves the Hot Springs and settles in Roanoke — Society
there — His home and life in that place — ^He is elected to the
Legislature ; nominates W. C. Rives for the U. S. Senate —
He writes an address on the subject to the people of Virginia —
Text of the address 85

CHAPTER VII.

He is re-elected to the Legislature — General aspect of the State
of Virginia — Physical divisions and the political divisions created
thereby — Opposition of Eastern Virginia to internal improve-
ments, a system advocated by the western coxmties — His speech
ip favour of a general system 129

Contents. v.

CHAPTER VIII.

The author's first visit to his brother in Roanoke — Primitive
style of travelling in Virginia — His valet Ned Phipps — Scenery
on the route — William Peyton's domestic life — Kind treatment
of his slaves, etc. — Colonel William L. Lewis and his discussions
on religion and politics with John H. Peyton — A catholic church
established in Monroe, etc i66

CHAPTER IX.

History of the public lands of the United States — How
augmented by the purchase of Louisiana and Florida, and the
English defeat of the French Canadians — Colonel Peyton's speech
in reply to General Bayly, and advocating a distribution among
the States of the money arising from their sale . . i86

CHAPTER X.

Popular education and free schools in Virginia strongly urged
by Colonel Peyton — His views on the subject of education and
the bad effects of ignorance in ancient and modem times — Mr.
Jefferson's plan for educating the masses — A man up to the
times 200

CHAPTER XI.

He is defeated in the next election and retires from public
life — Course of Thomas Ritchie and Bowyer Miller — It is not the
most deserving who are elected by the people — ^Trickery and
demagoguism often controlling the polls — His eloquent resolu-
tions in favour of Henry Clay's election to the Presidency — His
life on his estate — He discovers channel coal and some of its
properties — Foundation of the town of *'Peytona" . 209

vi. Contents.

CHAPTER XII.

Signs of a revolution in the U. S. — ^The Presidential election
of i860— Lincoln elected — S. C. secedes — ^The president calls
out 75000 men— Virginia secedes and the war begins — Colonel
Peyton's eloquent letter to Mr. Rives . . . . 235

CHAPTER XIII.

Colonel Peyton under surveillance in New York — Lives with
his old friend Dr. Sims — He writes a second letter to W. C.
Rives in which he announces the new position in which southern
men have been placed by the course of the President — He
advises Virginia to take an attitude of armed neutrality — His
analytical review of Mr. Lincoln's policy. . . . 277

CHAPTER XIV.

His escape from New York and arrival in Canada — Journey
thence to the north-west and south through Ohio, Indiana and
Kentucky — Political situation in Kentucky and Tennessee — ^Battle
of Millmount and death of General Zollicoffer and Captain
Balie Peyton, junior — His gallant conduct on the field of
battle— His fathers sword in the Capital of Minesota — Colonel
Peyton reaches his home in Virginia and gives his property and
employs his pen in the Confederare cause .... 290

CHAPTER XV.

His death — The hope derived from the demise of such a
man .......... 301

Contents, vii.

APPENDIXES.

A.

Abridged pedigree of the Peyton family . . . 310

Isleham Hall — Priory and Church in 1870 . . 337

B.

Memoranda of the Preston family 355

C.
Abridged pedigree of the Lewis family .... 375

D.
Extract from pedigree of the Washingtons . . . 380

MEMOIR

OP

WILLIAM MADISON PEYTON,

OF BOANOEE.

CHAPTER I.

The pithy remark of Taylor, in Philip Van Artevelde,
that the ** world knows nothing of its greatest men/' is
so universally accepted in the present day, as to have
passed into an axiom. And never has its force and
beauty been more impressed upon my mind than when
contemplating the life and character of the subject of
this sketch. Of him it may be said that he was a great
man in all that constitutes true greatness. A man of
comprehensive ideas, deep sympathies and generous
impulses, which took the form of noble deeds ; — a man
of varied endowments, cultivated intellect, extensive
learning, and refined tastes and affections, who wielded
a powerful influence on tiie circle in which he moved,
and upon all with whom he came in contact ; — a man
always mentioned by his friends and acquaintances with

^

2 Memoir of WiUiam Madison Peyton,

affectionate respect and as one gifted with the inspira-
tion of genius. Yet few beyond the limits of his native
state have heard his name or known ought of his life.
To me the office of rescuing from unmerited obUvion
the character of such a man is too grateful to be
neglected. A higher motive^ however, directs my
course than the gratification of personal feelings. His
character was singularly instructive, and, while the life
of a good man cannot be written without pleasure, it is
equally true that it cannot be read without improve-
ment.

WiUiam Madison Peyton, of Roanoke, Virginia,
was the only child of John Howe Peyton, of Montgomery
H^, by his first wife Susan, daughter of WiUiam
Strother Madison ♦ and was bom September 4th, 1805,
in Montgomery County, Virginia, where his mother was
at the time on a chance visit. Descended from an
ancient tioble family on the father's side,t ^^ 1^ the
good fortune to be related by blood through his mother
to some of America's greatest men X. At the period of

* William Strother Madison was the nephew of the Bigrht Beverend
James Madison, D.D., Bishop of Virginia, and cousin to the celebrated
author of the ** Constitution," James Madison^ fourth President of the
United States, and married Elizabeth Preston, daughter <d William
Pr^rfcon, of Smithfield, Montgomery County, Virginia.

t Soe Appendix A.

•

X Amonff others, he was cousin to the celebrated Presbyterian
Divine, B<H>ert J. Breckenridge, of Kentucky ; to Major-General John
C. Breckenridge, late Vice-President of the United States ; to the stem
patriot, John Brown, of Kentucky, a member of the Continental Congtess
m 1787, and eightec^ ^rears United States Senator for Kentucky, after
the Independfflioe of bis coxxatry was achieved ; to the eloquent gOYem^r
James McDowdl, of Virginia ; to the great South Carolinian Orator,
WiUiam Campbell Preston; to Qoieral James Patton Preston, Cbyemor

\

f

i

Memmr of William Madison Peyton. 8

his birth, our revered father, then about twenty-seven
years of age, was a rising barrister on the Fredericks-
burg circuit, and resided in the neighbourhood of that
city and of his birth place *♦ Stoney Hill." Four years
subsequently he removed to Augusta Co., which was
erver after his home, and from which he was never long
absent, except under the following circumstances.

At no period since the existence of a misunderstand-
ing and controversy between Great Britain and the
United States, on the subject of what was styled *^ The
Right of Search," had the excitement in America at^
tained the height it did in the winter of 1811-12. The
signs of approaching war were numerous and unmis-
takeable. The British Gbvemment claimed the right to
impress native-bom British subjects, though they had
become naturalized American citizens, found on Ameri-
can national vessels as well as from merchantmen. This
lamentable extravagance on part of the EngUsh
Cabinet caused no small irritation in the United States,
and it became — sooner than was imagined in Downing
^areet— a matter of grave importance how the question
might be disposed of peaceably. Both Presidents
Jefferscm and Madison pointed out that to accomplish it
by treaty the susceptibilities of the American people
must not be offended by the slightest concession on a
point which touched their honour. Jefferson, however—

of Virginia ; to Hon. Francis Preston Blair, of Missouri ; to Thomas F^
Marshall, M.C. for Kentnokj ; to Benjamin Howard, Gk>Yemor of
Missouri ; and to Eobert WioUiffe, M.C. for Kentncky.-~See i4>pendi3C
B., a reprint of Orlando Brown^s*' Memoranda of the Preston family,'*
Albany, New York, 1864.

4 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

8uch was his desire for peace— opened negotiations with
Great Britain on the vexata qmzstio as early as 1806«
The negotiations failing, and a collision arising out of
the British claim, between the United States frigate
Chesapeak and the British frigate Leopold^ in 1807, in
which the British were worsted, the Q-ovemment of Mr.
Jefferson once more sought to arrive at a pacific solution
of the dificulty, and a treaty to this end was signed by
the representatives of the two Governments in London
during the winter of 1807-8, Immediately thereafter
it was transmitted to Washington, but owing to some of
its vague features, President Jefferson signified to Con-
gress his refusal to ratify it on the 18th of March 1608«
Meantime, Great Britain had opened that series of
attacks upon neutral rights known as the ''Orders in
Council," in retaliation for which Napoleon issued his
equally aggressive Berlin decrees of 1806-10. Jeffer-
son determined to follow the example of the French,
and an embargo was declared in 1807, but was shortly
afterwards revoked. Then non-intercourse or non-
importation acts with regard to Great Britain were
passed by the American Congress. Indignation and
excitement still increasing in the United States,
President Madison was re-elected, on condition that
he would declare war against England, and on the
re-assembling of Congress, after this election, a new
embargo was laid, an increase of the army voted, and
other steps taken as preparation for war. On the 1st
of June, President Madison sent a war message to
Congress, and, in accordance ^th his views, war was

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 5

declared by the United States against Great Britain on
the 18th of June, 1812.

The nation was much divided on this policy. By
the opposition party, . the main strength of which was in
the Northern and Eastern States, it was considered as a
m^re adniinistration measure, resistance to which argued
no want of patriotism, but quite the contrary; and so
from the beginning to the close of hostilities the
Federalists did all they could to stay the course on
which they thought the Government wAs driving to
destruction. The Hartford Convention met, and some
of the New England States went so far as to nullify an
Act of Congress regarding enlistments. During all this
time the country was in great want of resources, which
nothing but unanimity could supply. The army was
but a handful, and the miUtia, instead of coming forward
in large numbers, remained at home to attend party
meetings and discuss the right of the Government to
call them out; the supply of war material was very
scanty, and the treasury almost empty.
. Such was the unpromising state of affairs, when my
father, who had voted for Mr. Madison and warmly
supported the war policy, came fonvard and exerted
every energy of mind and body to stir up popular
enthusiasm in support of the war. He volujiteered at
once into the army, to serve until peace was proclaimed,
and was immediately appointed Chief of the Staff of
General Robert Porterfield. Forgetting everything but
his duty to his country, which, with the patriot is
paramount,, he abandoned his lucrative practice, which

6 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

more selfish men greedily sought to appropriate^ and
left his wife and family in order to join the army in
Eastern Virginia, with the active operations of which he
was identified until the declaration of peace, February
17th, 1815.

But to return from this digression. In 1809, when
our gallant father changed his residence to Augusta,
Staunton was already a considerable place and the seat
of the Superior Courts of Law and Equity for Western
Virginia, the jurisdiction of the Chancery Court, extend-
ing south 300 miles to the Tennessee frontier, and west
about 400 miles to the Ohio River. To lawyer and
litigant alike, it was, therefore, not only the most
interesting, but the most important point west of the
Blue Bidge. To its quiet streets and attractive suburbs
the principal members of the profession throughout
Virginia were periodically drawn at term time. Among
the most conspicuous legal men of those days who
attended these terms were George Hay, author of
**Hortensius" and other political tracts, George Wythe,
PhiUp Doddridge, Edmund Randolph, William Wirt,
author of the Life of Patrick Henry and of ** The British
Spy/' John Marshall, afterwards Chief Justice of
the Supreme Court of the United States, Henry
Peyton, James and Philip P. Barbour, and among
the junior members of the bar, who were always
present and subsequently became eminent lawyers,
were Benjamin Watkins Leigh, John Wickham,
Littleton W. Tazewell, Mr. (afterwards Judge)
Coulter, Chapman Johnson, Briscoe G. Baldwin,

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 7

Samuel Blackburn, Heniy St. George Tucker, author of
a ** Coiximentary on Blackstone" and Stirling Claiborne.
Neither raiboads nor steamboats then existing. Judges,
Chancellors, and Lawyers often travelled hundreds of
miles on roads Uttle better than Indian war paths, in
ricketty stage coaches, or on horseback, carrying their
briefis in portmanteaux or saddle bags. Their physical
powers were as sorely tried by the profession, as their
mental energies, and a sound mind in a sound body was
indispensable to the successful practitioner. One of the
egal lights of that day was the late Daniel Sheffey, who
was wont to say, there was nothing like leather. He
was a man of excellent abilities and remarkable energy.
Exerting both these quahties, he rose from the bench of
a journeyman shoemaker to a seat in Congress and the
front rank of his profession. Mr. She£fey facetiously
used to remark, in his later life, that when he was a
young man the most important preliminary for the legal
tyro was not the study of Coke and Blackstone, but
(Mr. Sheffey drew his joke from his trade) the tanning of
his cutkle, a precaution which one of his cUents observed
would certainly lessen the pains of horsemanship, but
render the gentlemen of the long robe insufferable, if
their brazen airs increased as their hides toughened.

It did not unfrequently happen that the ^^ bench and
bar ** must swim across rivers and pass over high and
rugged mountains to attend term; and it is related
among the ana of this period^that a solicitor to whom a
horse was sold with a warranty that ^^the animal
possessed the usual quaUties of a riding horse," brought

8

Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

an action and summarily recovered damages, the teuA
transpiring after the sale, that the horse was unable to
swim. Inasmuch as the lawyer had been detained
from a term of the court by reason of this defect, the
jury mulcted the defendent in heavy damages, requir-
ing him at the same time to receive back the compa-
ratively useless ammal.

To this important town of Staunton, the centre of
all that was learned in the law, our respected father
was called by his appointment as pubHc prosecutor in
1808, and was now reaping the honours and rewards of
his profession. Absorbed by these duties, he could give
little of that care and attention to his son's education
which my grandfather had bestowed upon his. His
wife, however, a woman (^ energy and experience
combined with rare good sense, and whose nature was
tempered with singular tenderness of affection and
adorned by much simpHcity of character, a freshness of
wit and an unfaih'ng cheerfulness, which made her the
delight of every circle, quaUties which were transmitted
with exceptionable fideUty to her son, undertook and
performed this task. His mind was early stored by her
^th MeM knowledge, hi. h«>rt tortiSed with genLu.
principles, and his passions regulated by discipline. She
sought to make him good rather than great, beHeving
that nothing can make a man truly great but being
truly good. She had none of the ambition and worldly-
mindedness of the mother of Zebedee's children, who
brought her two sons to Christ, and said: ^' Ghrant that
these may sit, the one on Thy right hand and the other

s

I

^

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 9

on the left, in Thy Kingdom, "She was wiser than that
mother whom the Saviour so sharply reproved for her
haughty spirit, by saying : "Ye know not what ye ask/'
She understood too well that the wings of Icarus are but
the instruments of self destruction to the simpletons
who try to soar away upon them ; ** that it is better to
be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the
spoil with the proud."

In his fifteenth year he had the misfortune to lose the
guardianship of this excellent woman. The illness
which terminated her life was sudden and unexpected.
She had long been in deUcate health. This had, how-
ever, at no time given rise to symptoms causing much
anxiety. The melancholy event overwhelmed the world
of Staunton, where she had made hosts of friends, with
grief. She was a dear and admired friend and her body,
says one of those present, was followed to the tomb by
multitudes, who responded to the sad summons with
tears and marks of sympathy.

Mrs. Susan Madison Peyton often spoke with a
mother's pride and affection of the obedient, truthful, and
ingenuous character of her son, remarking that he had
never, save upon one occasion, deliberately defied her
authority. This occurred in his tenth year, when,
during the war of 1812-15 between England and the
United States, a call was made for volunteers. Our
patriotic father, who had been two years in the service,
returned on furlough, from Camp Holly, near Biehmond,
to pass a few days with his family. During this short
leave he was actively engaged recruiting, and a number

B

10 Memoir of William Madison Pet/ton.

of young men were enrolled in the service. On his
arrival at home, he presented my brother with a fowling-
piece, purchased in Richmond, WilUam was greatly
delighted with this plaything, and was the whole day
'* banging away " at beast and bird.

Some of Napoleon's biographers have endeavoured to
account for his sanguinary tastes and love of war, by
the supposition that these were called forth and
stimulated by a dismounted field-piece, which he used
in his childhood as a plaything, K there be any truth
in this itccount, which I doubt, it is possible that
William ^Peyton's fowling-piece and the smell of
villanous saltpetre aroused in him something of the
like martial spirit, for he was quickly seized with a
desire to join the Augusta forces and proceed to the
seat of war. The idea was simply ridiculous^ and its
absurdity was explained to him by his mother.
Inexpressibly disappointed, chagrined, and mortified, he
held his peace and "waited an opportunity. Next
morning our father bade farewell to his family, giving
much good advice to my brother. The substance of
this was contained in the cel^rated President Thomas
JeflTerson's ten good rules to hb observed in practical
life, a copy of which he left with William. With Mr.
Jefferson our father had been on terms of intimate
friendship for many years, always passing a night at
Monticello when attending the superior court of
Albemarle, and having been Mr. Jefferson's (H>unsel in
the Bivanna canal and other suits.

Mr. Jefferson's rules, which my brother committed

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 11

to memory, but which I doubt whether he governed
himself strictly by, were :

1. Never put off tOl to-morrow what you can do to-day.

2. Never trouble others for what you can do yourself.
8. Never spend your money before you have it.

4. Never buy what you do not want because it is cheap.

5. Pride costs us more than hunger, thirst, and cold.

6. We never repent of having eaten too little.

7. Nothing is troublesome that we do willingly.

8. When angry, count ten before you speak : if very angry, one

hundred.

9. Take things always by the smoothest handle.

10. In all cases when you cannot do as well as you would, do the
best you can.

After my father's farewell, he took command of the re-
cruits and proceeded by forced marches to the front. The
day following, my brother was missed. A diligent search
failed to disclose his hiding place. Messages were
despatched in pursuit towards Eichmond, his old nurse
declaring her belief that he had followed the ** sogers."
On the next day they came upon him twenty-five miles
from home on the Eastern slope of the Blue Eidge
mountain, When overtaken, he was sitting, appa-
rently in meditation, munching a piece of salt pork,
amcmg a party of teamsters belonging to the supply
trains, covered with dust, wearied and foot sore, his
fowlii^ piece loaded lying by his side. Though nearly
exhausted in body, his resolution was as determined as
ever to follow the troops, and stand up, as he said, for
old Virginia. He seemed to think his country in dire
extremity. Lake his companions, the teamsters, he
believed, however, that she would emerge from the
Morm and have a brilliant future. For himself, he

12 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

asked no recompense, but to serve her, to fight for her.
Such were the notions akeady floating through his
juvenile mind. Was this patriotism? Could such
sentiments find a place in the breast of one so
young or had the smell of gunpowder and the
fowling-piece aroused the spirit of war in his
bosom ? He was at once taken prisoner and borne
home in the most inglorious manner. Finding on
his return, his mother ill and in tears, he was
deeply grieved at his behaviour; his conscience,
indeed, seemed to overwhelm him with reproaches.
Becoming at once sensible of the reckless cruelty of
his foolish conduct, he made every apology and atone-
ment in his power ; sought to soothe her with a voice
and manner of touching sorrow, and ever after was the
most affectionate and obedient of sons. It is not,
surprising then, that he was the darling of her heart.

It may not be here out of place to anticipate and to
remark that from this period, throughout life, deference
to his parents was one of his leading traits. He
honoured them by loving them, confiding in them, obey-
ing them, abstaining from whatever was disagreeable to
them, and doing everything in his power to promote
their comfort and happiness. After the loss of his
mother, and our father's second marriage to one of her
cousins, Anne Montgomery Lewis, daughter of Major
John Lewis, of the Sweet Springs, a distinguished ofl&cer
of the American revolutionary army, and grandfather of
the writer, he extended to her, not only deference and
respect, but a truly filial affection. My mother was,

Memoir of William Madison Peytorij 13

therefore, soon warmly attached to him, and taught her
chUdren to love him before they learned to do so for his
own qualities, for the variety of his endowments and
the extent of his accomplishments, as they were deve-
loped to the family in after years. My aflfection hurries
me on, I pause, and ask myself why I speak of his
great accomplishments. Can any human knowledge be
all-comprehensive ? The most eminent philosopher is
of yesterday, and knows nothing. Newton felt that he
had gathered but a few pebbles on the shores of
a boundless ocean. The moment we attempt to
thoroughly penetrate a subject, we learn that it probably
has unfathomable depths. That which is known is the
prelude to the infinite unknown. Every discovery gives
us a glimpse of greater things to be discovered. In
everything, from the grain of sand to the stars, the wise
man finds mysteries before which his knowledge sinks
into insignificance. It must be understood that the idea
sought to be conveyed is that his attainments were vast
only in relation to those of other men.

In his twelfth year he entered, as a pupil, the Staunton
Academy, then under a head master of the name of
Fuller, a man of much learning and of a plodding
character. Here he remained four years and was
quickly distinguished for his superior parts ; was known

** As a sharp witted youth —
Grave, thoughtful, and reserved among his mates,
Turning the hours of sport and food to labour."

The common recreations of volatile youth, the games
invented to kill time without improvement, he never
enjoyed ; but sought for higher gratification in science

14 Memoir of William Madison Peyton^

and meditation. It soon became a common remark of
his teachers and acquaintances, that he was '' a boy of
singularly gifted intellect." He spoke at this time
with peculiar vivacity and fluency, was already
brilliant in his juvenile wit, and quick in the acquisition
of knowledge. His liveliness too, was not the noisy
accompaniment of emptiness, but the offspring of a
rich imagination. It may not be out of place to
mention here that at this time, and indeed throughout
life, his health, like that of his mother, was delicate — at
times alarmingly so. This may account in a measure
for his neglect of sports and his studious habits. At tl^e
Academy he was obedient and industrious, and mani-
fested in his every act a kind and affectionate
disposition, which was combined with a rare upright-
ness and love of truth. Such was the sweetness of his
temper, his amiability and readiness to oblige, his
simplicity of character and thorough ingenuousness,
that he won the affectionate confidence of all with
whom he came in contact. His influence, as will be
readily inferred, over his youthful companions was
marked, and was solely due to his superior power, his
firmness and moderation, and not to any bullying or
self assertion. To the youngest and weakest he
always acted as the kindest and humblest brother.
Like the apostle of old, he was gentle towards all, even
as a nurse cherisheth her children. Consequently the
intimate connections formed in his boyhood were never
relaxed or broken through life. On the contrary he
was noticed for maintaining among men throughout

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 15

life the ascendency which he acquired at school over
his youthful conapanions. Possessing a clear judgment
send a fund of common sense, he was always able to
give his young companions sage counsel and to
extricate them from the little difficulties of the daily
course. Many a time he was seen, during this period,
in the play grounds of the school, the centre of a circle
of lads, with whom he conversed about their studies,
thus lightening their labours and clearing away their
difficulties. His frank and kindly manner, his tenacity
of principle and feeling, his power of beUef, the entire
absence of cynicism, all of which he displayed at that
early period, invited the confidence of all his companions.
In their little griefs and sorrows his schoolfellows
appealed to him, and such was his joyous, buoyant spirit
tiiat he never failed to soothe and comfort them. It is
not surprising, then, that he exerted the most salutary
influence in the Academy. At this school he obtained
a good classical and mathematical education, and was
ccmsidered so mature, both in character and attain-
ments, that he was, in 1822, withdrawn, and matricu-
lated at the University of New Jersey, Nassau Hall,
Princeton, whither we will follow him in the next
chapter.

CHAPTER n.

In order to understand and fully appreciate the
character of the promising boy introduced to the reader
in the preceding chapter, it is expedient to foUow him
from the school in which he began to climb the
hill of knowledge to the University of New Jersey,
and to dwell briefly upon his career in that place.

This northern institution had long been a favourite
with the southern people, and especially those of
Virginia, as it stiU is. Many of the leading Southern
States scholars and politicians of the past century and
early part of the present were educated at Princeton.
Among them was Archibald Alexander, an eminent
author and divine ; his sons James and Joseph Addison
Alexander, scarcely less distinguished ; John Macpherson
Berrian, U.S. Senator for Georgia ; William Gaston and
Nathaniel Macon, of North Carolina; Robert J.
Breckenridge, of Kentucky; Charles Fenton Mercer
and John Peyton, of Virginia, and many others. And
our father himself was one of the Alumni^ having been
graduated M.A. in 1797, in the same class with
Richard Rush, late minister Plenipotentiary from the

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 17

United States to England, apd author of a well kQOwn
book entitled ^^ Memoranda of a residence at the Court
of London from 1817 to 1825."

For these reasons it was selected rather than the
college of "William and Mary" in Virginia, which
was in a declining state, probably owing to the
unhealthy climate of Williamsburg; but of which
uistitution our paternal grandfather John Bouse* Peyton,
was a graduate. The course of study in the University
of New Jersey is comprehensive, embracing Hebrew,
Qreek, Latin, and the modem languages, mathematics,
natural and moral philosophy, ethics, etc. Notwith-
standing his youth, my brother's scholastic attainments
put him at once in an advanced position in the
University, and during his second year he rose to the
first distinction as a scholar. His diligence gave
perfect satisfaction to his tutors, by whom he was both
loved and respected. The noble features of his
diaracter, too — ^his open, affable, manly, and cheerful
disposition and his active habits — ^made him a general
favourite, not only with his teachers and fellow students,
by whom he was regarded as a model, but by all his
acquaintances, whether in the college or out of it. He
seemed ever to have engraven upon his mind that
sacred rule ''do all things to others, according as you
wish that they should do unto you." He was absolutely
without any of the dissimulating in youth, which is the

* This name has been spelt in several ways, thus: Bons, Bonse,
Bowse, or Bowze (as by Dr. Lodwiok Bowze, author of *' The Queenes
Welles" London 1630), and Bows^e.

18 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

forerunner of perfidy in old age. His manners were
natural and engaging, free from anything like affeeted
politeness, and were marked by much courtesy of
demeanour. A friend and contemporary at Princeton,
John Randolph Bryan, of Gloucester County, Virginia,
once informed the author, as they were sailing up the
James River from Norfolk to Richmond in 1848, that he
regarded William Peyton while at college as the finest
pattern he had ever known of the thorough conservative
high-toned gentleman. In a letter addressed to the
author, in 1856, by the distinguished writer, N. Parker
Willis, he spoke of him, when they were fellow students
in Yale, in the same terms of commendation. Mr. W.
held him to be a man of genius, whose failure to
achieve greatness he would have deemed a marvel, but
that he knew the race was not always to the swift, nor
the battle to the strong.

ffis influence in preserving order, or stilling storms,
among the Princeton students was of great service
to the faculty. On occasions when disorders were
apprehended from rough and reckless students, and the
combinations they formed among the idle, the dissolute,
and refractory, the masters applied to him, and through
his exertions many a disturbance was avoided. Such
in fact was his success in this way, arising from the
power of influence he possessed, that the epoch of his
college life was marked as one of the most quiet and
respectable which had for many years occurred.

It was soon discovered at Princeton that he had a
warm imagination, a feeling heart, and keen passions.

Memoir of William Madison Peyton^ 19

These latter were, however, under such control that
they did not betray him into idleness, sensuality, or any
of the usual vices of youth. From his earliest years,
indeed, he seemed imbued with the necessity of
acquiring virtuous habits. So much was he noted
for his pTire and lofty principles, that he was, while yet
in his teens, the subject of remark, some attributing his
excellence to the training of his parents, particularly
to the influence of his mother, while others believed
they were innate ; for in whatever he undertook he
was guided by the principles of virtue; they formed so
essential a part of his character that through life he
inspired aU with whom he came in contact with
perfect confidence, and consequently could not fail to
exercise great influence. And it may be said with truth
that the world at no period of his life ever narrowed or
debased his affections, but his virtuous youth led to an
accomplished manhood and tranquil old age.

K the newspapers of Virginia be consulted during the
period of his public life, it will be found that those
journals, of whatever poUtical complexion, and however
heated the contest might be, always spoke of him with
the utmost respect, and paid high tribute to his talents,
but above all to his lofty personal character. It is a
matter of deep regret to the writer that none of these
papers are contained in the library of the British
Museum, or can now be procured, else many interesting
extracts would be adduced to illustrate the esteem in
which he was held by the people of his native State.
It is not too much to say that in after life his honesty

20 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

and straightforwardnesSy his invincible fortitude, gave a
yigoor to his mind, a weight to his character, and a
nobleness to his sentiments, which exalted him to the
highest fame aifiong the gentlemen of Virginia. With
those who were near him, his personal popularity was
unbounded, yet he never resorted to a dishonest act or
stooped to the slightest meanness. There are but few
public men of whom this can be truly said ! It is
proper that I should say on this subject, that, though
singularly amiable, he never neared, or much less fell into,
that vicious prostitution of mind in which a man has no
will, sentiment, or principle of his own. So far from
wanting the courage to avow his opinions, however
distasteful they might at times be, his openness of
character caused him often to display a generous, almost
reckless boldness, in their expression.

His physical and moral courage, it should not be
forgotten to mention, was, as may be readily imagined,
soon proved to be equal to his frankness, and was of the
heroic type. In illustration of which it may be related
that on his return to Yale in his nineteenth year,
when he was over six feet in height and of great
bodily strength, he fought with and overcame, after a
severe contest, Thomas van Bibber, known as ^'Big
Tom" an intrepid fighting cock and recognized AthletsB.

His health was so much impaired by the end of his
second year's residence at Princeton, his physical system
so unstrung by close application to books, that he was
withdrawn, and he returned to pass some time in the
pure, diy atmosphere of Western Virgmia. This course

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 21

was deemed necessary for his restoration to health, and
the result was highly complimentary to the hygienic
qualities of the mountam air. A few months spent in
the AlleghanieSy far from his studies and confinement,
and near the trout stream and the hunting ground,
enabled him to recover his customary tone and vigour,
and at the end of six months he resumed his labours.

On his return to college, our wise father gave him the
following abstract of the advice of Gelsus, with respect
to the preservation of health. ^'A man,'' says he,
''who is blessed with good health, should confine him-
self to no particular rules, either with respect to
regimen or medicine. He ought frequently to diversify
his manner of living; to be sometimes in town,
sometimes in the country; to hunt, sail, indulge 'in
rest, but more frequently to use exercise. He ought to
refuse no kind of food that is commonly used, but
sometimes to eat more and sometimes less ; sometimes
to make one at an entertainment ; sometimes to forbear
it ; to make rather two meals a day than one, and
always to eat heartily, provided he can digest it. He
ought neither too eagerly to pursue, nor too scrupu-
lously to avoid, intercourse with the fair sex ; pleasures
of this kind, rarely indulged, render the body alert and
active, but when too frequently repeated, weak and
languid. He should be careful in time of health not to
destroy, by excess of any kind, that vigour of constitu-
tion which should support him under sickness."

Notwithstanding the youth's amended health, our
prudent father determined, upon the advice of his

22 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

family physician, the late William Boys, M.D., of
Staunton, a noted provincial member of the profession,
and a descendent, I believe, of the Boys, of County
Kent, in England, so many of whom have found a
sepulchre in Canterbury Cathedral, to send him farther
north, to the more bracing air of Connecticut. He was
accordingly entered at Yale College, in 1824.

As a proof of the high estimation in which he was
held at Princeton, it may be mentioned, that when it
was known that owing to ill health he would not return
to the University, the authorities wished, in considera-
tion of his fine scholarship and exemplary deportment,
to confer upon him the degree which he would have
obtained had he remained there two years longer.
Indeed they were prevented from doing so only by
the statutes of the Institution, which were found, on close
examination, to prohibit that course, and also William
Peyton's declared purpose not to accept such a degree.
The Whig Society, however, a literary association
and debating club to which he belonged, conferred upon
him the honour reserved for their most distinguished
members, and though he refused this mark of apprecia-
tion from his comrades also, the society dispatched to
our father, in Virginia, the diploma my brother would
not accept. This document, handsomely framed, long
graced the walls of the library, at Montgomery Hall,
and is now (1873) in the possession of my eldest sister.

It was the opinion of the litterateurs of Princeton that
the peculiar faculty of acquiring languages was
developed in him in the highest degree, and that he

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 23

would rival the fame of Crichton, Walton, Pocock, Sir
William Jones, Mezzofanti, or any of the great English
or eontiaental linguists. Some of the accounts, indeed,
of his feats at this day are so remarkable that I am
disposed to regard them as legendary, such as the
stories told of Buddha and Mahomet, the first of whom
is said, at the age of ten years, to have taught his
master Babourenon, fifty non-Indian tongues and their
respective characters, while the second, according to
his biographer Prideaux, was promised before the
throne of the most High that he ** should have the
knowledge of all languages."

At the period, when he left Princeton, his personal
appearance was that of one who had grown too
rapidly into manhood. He was tall and slender.
In his movements, however, he was easy, graceful,
and firm, withal showing the nobleness of his
origin. His hair and complexion were light brown,
the forehead broad and expansive, his nose aquiline,
his eyes dark blue and brilUant, and the appear-
ance of his whole person pleasing and dignified.
His mind had rapidly expanded at Princeton, and he
now showed a keen penetration, clear judgment, and
comprehensive intellect. He added to these the talent
of wit and ridicule in a remarkable degree, recited ad-
mirably, possessed a rich fond of anecdote, an easy flow
of worS, \md high «mmJ spmto, mi impk>™ed ver^s
and epigrams. The first efforts of his genius, id fe^ct,
seemed to be in the direction of the muses. Unre-
strained at this early day by the coldness of argument

24 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

and the confinement of rules, his mind seemed
gladly to indulge in flights of imagination, a thing
not unconmion with men' of genius. Indeed an early
taste for the beauties of poetical composition is in my
opinion an almost infallible mark of a refined and
elegant mind. Cicero, Valerius, Cato and other ancient
philosophers, orators, and historians, are known to have
sacrificed to the muses in their earlier productions.
This talent for versification sometimes led him into
difficulties. On one occasion, previous to his return
to Yale, he wrote some verses upon an entertainment
given by an old lady of Staunton. She was a connec-
tion of the family, and he had been accustomed to call
her auntj though she was really no relative. At this
party, to the surprise of the small fiy, and the disgust
of the young gentlemen, the only wine suppUed was
made by herself from the blackberry, a favourite
fruit which flourishes in Augusta. The gay youths
expected to sip the juice of the grape in the form of
sparkling champagne. This domestic wine is an
excellent summer drink, but was not what the fashion-
able boys expected. When their host provided it, she
considered that she was not only conferring a favour,
but paying them a compliment. Her well known
hospitaUty, at all events, excluded the idea that in
proffering it she was influenced by any mean con-
siderations of economy. " Young America," however,
was dissatisfied with the change. These youths were
decidedly of the opinion of Diogenes, who, when asked
what wine he preferred, answered, **the foreign."

Memoir of WUliam Madison Peyton. 25

The thirsty popinjays of that day were as fond as those
of our generation of the glass which not only exhilarates,
but inebriates, and felt the slight in two ways. Their
pride was stnng, their wrath kindled, and their thirst
remained unslaked, at least by the desired champagne.
Consequently they set their wits together to be avenged,
and persuaded William Peyton to compose a few
stanzas, as they expressed it, ''suitable to the occasion/'
Without a moment's reflection, and evidently while
inspired by the Blackberry cordial, he compUed with
their wishes. His Unes began somewhat after this
fashion:

This blackberry wine is all very fine,

Bnt it makes Jack go to bed with his breeches on.

Probably my reader loses nothing by reason of my
inabiUty to procure a copy of these lines, which
proceeded in a comical vein to eulogize the home-made
beverage, but ridiculed its heady qualities, and the
wine itself in comparison with vin etranger. The verses
ran through the town, causing no small merriment.
Coming finally with the author's name to the
knowledge of the old lady, her wrath was kindled.
The verses were sent her by a marplot. She put on
her spectacles and proceeded to read them, and, though
her anger waxed hot, she could not help exclaiming, as
one happy joke after another flashed upon her sight,
" Marvellous boy ! marvellous boy." The improvisator
called some days later, before his departure for college,
when she had somewhat recovered her temper, and in a
graceful manner made his peace with his old friend by

D

26 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

explaiiung the simple circumstances under which the
jeu desprit was perpetrated. Thus, by a display of
that frankness and candour which formed so
prominent a part of his character, and which education
and cultivation only rendered more conspicuous, he
disarmed her resentment. Her sense of injury
removed, she laughed as heartily as anyone at the
vexation of the young people and the sparkling wit of
the Quixotic bard. A few weeks later, when he left to
resume his academic duties, he was supplied by this
generous friend with a case of her best "blackberry,"
with which, in the midst of his college fellows, he often
drank to her health and long life.

It is obvious from this incident that he did not then
belong, if he ever did, to that rare class who are never
foolish even when they are young ; who never cry out
when they are hurt ; never are driven out of their
course by adverse winds, and are always able to see
that every thing is for the best. Such people in this
world of troubles are not only rare but blessed, and
are very unlike the rest of us, who cry out a great
deal, and are very foolish generally, not only when we
are young, but all our lives.

CHAPTEB m.

Wjbbe I detailing the life of one whose career had
been eventful, I should not occupy the space given in
this chapter with what might prove of little interest to
the reader. But as few lives worth recording are more
devoid of incident, it is not expected that this simple
record of his will be adapted to the tastes of those who
enjoy only what is now termed sensational reading. As
I neither write for, nor expect to please, this class, I
shall not omit such minor occurrences in his career as
may appear likely to prove useful and interesting to
others.

On a fine sunny afternoon of early September, in the
year 1825, two young gentlemen dressed in shooting
costume were lying on the grass beneath the out-
stretched branches of an old walnut. This venerable
tree threw its grateful shade over an ancient stone
building covered with woodbine, honeysuckle, and grape
vines, and from which a gurgling stream issued forth.
Their fowling-pieces and game-bags were by their sides.
This house protected the bubbling spring from which

28 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

the supply of water at jolly old Montgomery Hall,
the red gables of which were seen amidst foliage
about four hundred yards distant, was drawn. Jolly
old Montgomery Hall !

" In that mansion used to be

Free-hearted hospitality:

His great fires np the chimney roar*d ;

The stranger feasted at his board :
• • • •

There gronps of merry children play'd

There youths and maidens, dreaming, strayed."

Gushmg from the side of a rock, covered with moss
and wild flowers, and shaded by waving branches, the
fountam, though not large, sent forth a stream of pure,
bright water. This rivulet lies in the lap of the rich
and partly wooded valley of Peyton's brook, a tributary
of Lewis' creek, in the midst of a sea of verdure, for it
meanders through meadows, which extend through dale
and over gently undulatiug hill. Overlooked by the
high grounds on which the hall stands, and the more
distant north mountains, it is the coolest and most
picturesque of vallies.

Fatigued from their morning's amusement, the young
sportsmen were looking out lazUy, ahnost insensibly,
upon this scene of blue and green, and the various
beauties soliciting their admiration, the while carrying
on a desultory conversation. Both were tall and
graceful, and about both there was the charm of happy
youth. One of them had black eyes, large, bold, and
sparkling, and hair dark as the raven's plumage — ^this
was Jefferson Stuart. The other was brown haired.

Memoir of William Madison Peyton, 29

blue eyedy and fSsurer of oomplexion, was taller and
more robust of figure than his handsome companion.
He was really his junior by two or three years, and
seemed not to have attained his fall growth — ^the
darkening down only just shaded a cheek somewhat
sunburnt though naturally fair — ^this was WiUiam
Madison Peyton. They had gone forth some hours
before to shoot partridges, which are plentiful in this
section of Virginia. Beaching on their return the
beautiful fountain, hot and dusty they quenched their
thirst and threw themselves on the grass to indulge,
perhaps, in a short siesta. Here they remained some
time in silence, apparently listening to the peculiar
sounds of the country, which replace the hum of the
city, the rustle of the leaves, the waving of the com,
the song of birds, the humming of insects. For some
time they did not stir, nor wince, nor speak a word, but
remained delighted by the rural sights and sounds.
Stuart, whose curiosity had often been excited by the old
building, and the numberless names carved upon
its sides, rose to examine it more closely. In the
act of raising some ivy leaves which covered its
hoary sides, he started back with an arch smile, as he
saw engraved upon one of the stones, Sally Tatlob.

'V^niliam Peyton, who saw the movement and the smile
of his friend, quickly turned away and sent his hat into
the air with a squir, then, seizing his gun, he fired at a
skylark and, of course, brought down no game. Stuart,
who observed his confusion, with that sensitive delicacy
for the feelings of others which always characterised

80 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

him, said nothing of his discovery, and the two, after a
further short delay, went their way merrily.

The town of Staunton, though its foundation does
not date anteriorly to the year 1780, when it was
traced out by the Huguenot emigrant. Colonel John
Lewis, ♦ the pioneer and first white settler of
Augusta, has nevertheless, so new is new America,
something of the odour of antiquity about it. '^ Age
cannot wither nor custom stale the infinite variety,"
indeed, of the reminiscences connected with the name of
Staunton and its old and noted houses. These houses,
like all those which have seen better days, in every
ancient town or viUage, are not unillustrated by their
legends of terror. Some are historical, and strange
stories they have, some are haunted and with the worst
kind of goblins, and there are evenings when one
might believe, with Chaucer, that the

Queen of Faery,
With haips, and pipe, and symphoney,
Were dwelling in the place.

Of the houses whose names are written in Virginian
history, many thrilling tales are told connected with the

* Colonel Stuart, of Greenbrier, in his Memoir of the Indian Wars,
publiahed by his son, Charles A. Stuart, under the auepices of the
Virginia Historical Society, in Biohmond, 1833, remarks that the river
Greenbrier received its name from Colonel Lewis, in the following
manner. ** The next year, 1778," says Colonel Stuart, " Greenbrier was
separated from Botetourt Couninr, and the county took its name from
the river, which was so named by old Colonel John Lewis, fatiier to
the late C^eral Andrew Lewis, and was one of the (Grantees under
H.M. Order in Council, who, in oom^my with his son Andrew, explored
the country in 1751. He, Colonel Lewis, entangled himself one day
in a bimoh of sreen briers on the river banks, and declared he would
ever after call the stream Greenbrier river."

Memoir of WUliam Madison Peyton. 31

bloody border wars. Stories of how they were
besieged by the Eed-skhis, who alternately tried the
experiment of burning or starving out the indwellers, of
the stratagems and surprises to which they were
subjected, and the direct attacks they sustained. The
best known and most famous of these old houses was,
of course, that of GoL John Lewis, which was not
inaptly styled "The Fort." It was built of huge
masses of stone, with walls of extraordinary thickness,
pierced with windows of slender proportion, and looked
more like a fortress than a mansion. The truth is, it was
both. Here the brave old pioneer lived many years —
indeed till his death in 1762, defending his family and the
infant colony from their savage foes. Another of those
houses is '^ Spring farm" mansion, which was built of
adoube (bricks dried in the sun) by Hessian prisoners
taken by the American army during the war of the
Revolution. Sent west of the blue mountains to remain
during the war, these mercenaries were turned to
valuable account. Houses were built, lands drained,
private grounds embellished^ and roads constructed by
their labour.

Of the houses haunted, of spectres still more horrible,
stories are told of the spirits of evil and goblins
danmed by which they are infested. One of these
ancient, tumble down buildings — a soot begrimed,
leaky-roofed centenarian, occupied by an old woman,
whose appearance at an earUer period would have
subjected her to the ordeal of fire and water — ^was the
teiTor in our youth of young folks. In addition to

82 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

the venerable occupant^ Mrs. Fitzpatrick, it was popularly
supposed to shelter a great population of goblinSi whose
horrible noises oft startled the dull ear of night. The
old crone who lived in this desolate and weird house
had been married to an improvident man. At his
death she was left poor and childless, and continued to
occupy her solitary house on the outskirts of the common.
Strange reports began to be circulated regarding her and
the house. Lights were seen burning in her attic
windows, strange sounds were heard in the house at
unseasonable hours, her cow gave bloody milk. So(m
the stock of the neighbouring farmers was found with
tangled and knotted tails and manes, the horses waxed
poor, the supply of milk fell off, the cattle caught
disease (what is now called the pleuro-pneumonia), the
potatoes grew mouldy. These misfortunes were traced
to poor Lovie. She was regarded as a witch, and her
dwelling as the abode of disembodied spirits, of astral
spirits, gnomes, salamanders, and naiads. The young
people never passed the cottage without tucking up
their garments and veering to the opposite side of
the street, especially about nightfall. The belief in
ghosts, gobhns, and wraiths still lingered among the
rustic population, in spite of the schoolmaster and tiie
newspaper. Barely did these simple folk visit the town
without peering furtively round as they passed (if during
twilight's hour) the lonely home of Lovie, lest bogles might
catch them unawares. Another of these prematurely aged
houses — ^a house whose days seemed numbered, whose
space of life was rapidly drawing to a close — was three

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 38

stories high, standing between two heavy squalid-looking
Imildmgs, having one story each; consequently the
beholder might easily acquire the impression that its
altitude had been caused by the pressure of its sleepy
neighbours. It had four tall, lanky chimneys, which had
apparently eschewed smoke for years, and eight front
windows. These windows had most of their panes
broken, but were aU fortified on the inside with
ricketty shutters, which excluded light and air,
and frustrated the curiosity of passers-by to obtain
a view of the interior — save of two small rooms.
I might go on describing the peculiarities of this strange
building until I had filled pages of my MS., could I but
afford the space. It was owned and partly occupied by
an eccentric old man, named Bury Hill, who was a cross
between a monomaniac and a hypochondriac. This
house was, of course, classed among the haunted* Mr.
Hill was >a grocer, but his principal business consisted in
selling inferior whiskey to what our town snobs called
low Iwish. These ignorant sons of Erin feared ghosts, but
were never known to shrink from spirits. This singular
but inoffensive man, Hill, took quite a fancy to the writer
in his boyhood, and often refreshed him in hot weather
with "cobbler."* Mr. Hill was supposed to occupy his
house in common with " Old Nick " himself. Aged
negroes, especially those belonging to the class of nurses,
declared that they had seen the hideous salamander

* The sherry cobbler belongs to that catalogue of American drinks
which have a nomenclature of their own, and is an iced drink much in
request during the summer. Made generally of imitation sherry,
it yields only a temiK>rary refreshment. If long indulged in, it is
sure to end by destroying the stomach.

E

84 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

there, " ye deville bodilie, being like unto one hngeons
black gote, with homis and taille/' In common with
the children of the town, I believed these stories, but
it did not impair my taste for his cobblers. Oh
the charming simplicity of childhood ! How rare* and
refreshing! Who does not long once more for the
happy dreams and sweet illusions of youth I

These were not the only, nor the most attractive,
houses of which our town could boast. There were
many comfortable mansions, with an air of substantial
and aristocratic prosperity. Of some of these I will speak
presently. The streets of the town itself were narrow,
with badly-paved footpaths; the houses generally tall
and roofed with shingles— thin boards. An ancient
church, with a gray, moss-rusted tower, clothed from
base to summit with the Virginian creeper, a decrepid
wooden bridge spanning the pebbly creek, and a
tottering mill (Fawkler's) near the centre of it, a
desolate looking court-house and dreary prison, were,
omitting the private residences, the principal features
of the town. Such was the borough of Staunton of
early days — ^my native loved old village. It is painful
to look back upon a home and social circle broken up,
upon a sunny childhood faded, and upon parents lost but
unforgotten — ^upon Virginia dismembered, subjugated,
a prey to "carpet baggers," harpies, and negroes.
Nothing can ever eflFace from my heart the remembrance
of " the old dominion." Nothing is comparable, amidst
the arts and ruins of older lands, to the splendour with
which nature decks herself ia her woods and vallies,

Memoir of WilKam Madison Peyton. 86

her motiiitain& and her streams. Capable of yielding
every comfort, oflFering every charm, what can exceed
ihe enthusiasm of her sons for sach a country ?

The foregoing in regard to Staunton has been
altogether by way of digression — ^has no immediate
connection with this history. Digressions are not
unfrequently indulged in by the writer, and are, as a
cleveir man has said, the sunshine, the life, the soul
of reading. Take them out of a book, and you might as
well take the book along with them — one cold, eternal
winter would reign in every pi^e of it : restore them
to the writer, he steps forth like a bridegroom, bids all
hail — brings in variety, and forbids the appetite to fail.

Though our history has no concern with what has
been described of my native town, it is closely connected
with two of Staunton's solid houses, about which I shall
now speak : on them hangs a tale. The first of these
was a brick building, frontmg on Beverly, near its
intersection with Augusta Street. It was a thoroughly
comfortable and respectable abode — a picture in its
way. That plain Yirgroian house, its cheerfal face of
red bricks, its solid squareness of shape — a symbol of
the substance of its owner — ^was the residence of the'
Hon- Allan Taylor, Chancellor of the Equity Court,
which I have mentioned as having such an extensive
territorial jurisdiction. Chancellor Taylor was much
respected for the probity of his character, the accuracy
of his learning, and the fidehty with which he devoted
himself to the business of his court.

It was often said of him, that he might be mistaken in

36 Memoir of Wiiliam Madison Peyton,

Bin opinion ; but, if so, it was an error of the head and
iiot of the heart. His social habits were winning, as
well as those of his contemporaries; this has given
celebrity to what is known in America as Virginian
hospitality* His house was therefore a favourite resort,
where the old oaken board was always spread for
friends, and the old chairs ranged in a wide cres-
cent around the log-heaped fire. In early life
he married an accomplished lady. Miss Elizabeth
Thompson, who, besides many personal charms, was
an heiress, and he was now surrounded by an interesting
brood of children. His two daughters were named
Elizabeth (or, as she was commonly called, Sally) and
Juliet. The elder, Elizabeth, at this time (September,
1825) in her eighteenth year, was the acknowledged
village beauty, which was not surprising, for she
looked, according to all contemporaneous accounts,
like the fairest and youngest of the muses. In a
dreamy moment of youthful love, William Peyton had
engraved her name upon the side of the old building.
Entertaining for her a tender and deep affection, which
began in childhood, it was now one of the most
profound sentiments of his heart.

Elizabeth Taylor was, in Sept. 1825, rather petite^ had
the look of those young people who have not quite done
growing, giving her an appearance at once elegant and
interesting. Her features were regular, the nose
aquiline, eyes blue, eyebrows in a simple, almost
severe, arch, like those of a Circassian, and there wias
something resolute and original in her expressicm

Memoir of WUUam Madison Peyton^ 87

that was exceedingly attractive. Her month, which
was small, had even then a slight expression of disdain.
Notlpng could exceed the brilliancy of her complexion,
in which were mingled the lily and the rose, and her
hair, which was light chestnut, fell in ringlets about her
neck. The grace and dignity of her movements
bespoke a noble nature and descent. Such was the
young creature destined to play an important part in
the life of William Peyton. Through the partiality of a
rdation, she enjoyed a separate estate, and was regarded
as the richest prize in the community. In the slang of
the town and country fops, she was known as, ^^ beauty
and bootyy*' and there were few of those coxcombs who
did not aspire to her hand. Some were disinterested
and attracted solely by her personal charms and accom-
plishments, but it is beyond doubt that others were
drawn by the fortune. As several of the gallants of
that day are stiU Uving, and have grown wiser with years,
I wiU L menUon tteir n«i.es which might mie it
necessary to indicate those who were attracted by the
beaisty and those by the booty — an invidious task which
is gladly avoided. The united causes, however, gave
her a marked pre-eminence among the belles of a town
famous for the beauty of its women. The chancellor's
house was, of course, one of the chosen spots where the
village butterflies most loved to congregate.

In Augusta Street, facing the east, was a capacious
residence, called ** The Old Stone House," from the fact
Uiat it was built of blue limestone, which exists
eveiywhere in large quantities ia the Shenandoah

88 Memoir of WUliam Madison PeyUm.

valley. It was erected at an early period, and was
intended to be, .as it really was, half dwelling-house,
half fortress. The inunense thickness of the buttressed
walls, the narrow windows, the front door through
which a gun carriage might pass, and the situation
of the edifice, which commanded the approaches,
leave little doubt of its original purpose. It was
evidently designed both as a residence and as an
outpost, a kind of detached fort set up in early days
against the attacks of Bedskins. This was the town
residence of our father for several years, while Mont-
gomery Hall was being rebuilt upon the site of an
ancient edifice. Though facing another point of the
compass, and in a different street from Chancellor
Taylor's residence, the grounds of the two establish-
ments were adjacent, and communicated by a small vine-
covered gate-way. The grounds were large and
ornamented, in addition to much shrubbery, with oaks,
walnuts, and chestnut trees. Through this rustic gate-
way, the two fEuniUes of Taylor and Peyton kept up a
constant intercourse, and not a day passed without their
children spending some hours together. It was during
this happy period that William Peyton and Elizabeth
Taylor had unconsciously learned to love. And it does
not appear that their case illustrated the trite adage that
the " course of true love never did run smooth," for, as
they advanced towards adolescence their affection
'^ grew with their growth and strengthened with their
strength" — ^nothing occurred to mar their happiness.
They probably were, however, themselves then uneon-

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 89

scions of the character and depth of these tender
JBelings. The hero of this little tale of real life had
made no declaration of his passion, and neither the
parents of the one nor the other suspected the
existence of a secret attachment. The affair attracted
less attention from the fact that in the next property
sonth of the stone hoose, there lived the family of a
seafaring man, Captain WiUiamson, of the United
States Mercantile Marine, whose family were in the
constant habit of joining the group of young people
playing in the grounds. The worthy Captain had
a daughter also, who was afterwards famous for wit
and beauty. WiUiam Peyton was as frequently with
one family as the other, and was known years later to
derive no small pleasure from the society of the captain's
fair daughter. Probably he was more with the
Williamsons than the Taylors at this time, for
Captain W. had enriched his house with many
curiosities collected iu Europe, Asia, Africa, and
other distant quarters of the globe. He had many
rare paintings, vases, statuettes, Chinese-pagodas,
tapestries, medals, coins and other objects of virtu ; and
for the study of these, William Peyton evinced a strong
passion. Much of his time was spent in examining
them, and the correct taste he afterwards displayed in
the decorations, the furniture, the paintings, etc., of
his establishment, at Elmwood, in Boanoke, was
probably in some measure due to the direction now
given to his mind. Being much in the society of
both fGumlies until the completion of his education, if

40 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

anyone thought of the probability of his losing hia
heart with either of these beautiful girls, they wete at a
loss to imagine which fair charmer 'twould be. It
was, therefore, something of a discovery for his young
friend and companion, Stuart, to have penetrated so
unexpectedly and unwittingly into the secret workings
of his soul; for who can doubt but to Stuart's
mind the hoary sides of the Spring house told a tale of
love. Stuart may have jested with him upon the
subject of his passion, in their solitary walks, and may
have been taken into the lover's confidence ; but, if so,
he preserved the secret with fidelity, for up to
William's return from Yale, in 1824, the world had
no knowledge of the afiair.

It may not be uninteresting to the reader if I
conclude this chapter with a brief allusion to some of the
changes which time has wrought in the Staunton of
1810-20. Railways and telegraphs have penetrated
beyond the mountains, and the village of earlier days
has passed away. Now trains, like comets with
" fiery tresses," hiss and foam through the frightened
fields and crowded ways. Shops have taken the place
of homes, and grass no longer grows in streets which
reverberate with the music of commerce, and are full
of the stirring stream of life. Judge Taylor's house tas
been despoiled, "gutted", the lower story metamorphosed
into a place of business, where sugar and salt, firesh
butter and dried herrings, are offered for sale. The
ivy, the jessamine, and the woodbine have been
stripped from the walls and replaced with firesh

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 41

stucco, and the old home bears a new nsune. Now it
16 called after a recent occupant, " The McDowell
House. " Many other changes have taken place. The
dignified gentleman of the old school, with his blue
coat and brass buttons, buff waistcoat and top boots,
viermillion face and powdered hair — ^the type of a
proud and generous race — one of the institutions, if I
may so speak, of the Virginia of the past> has disap-
peared. Indeed, he is almost forgotten by a bustling,
money-making, and irreverent posterity. The ancient
constitution and conservative local government, the
habits and customs of the inhabitants, have also passed
away, and, what they were, will in a few years, in aU
probability, become a matter of curious enquiry.

At the period of which I speak, railways and
telegnq)h8 were unknown — ^people travelled on horse-
back and in coaches, when they did travel, which was
seldom the case. There were horses of every breed,
and coaches light and heavy, single and double, long
and short — all the crosses between a hearse and an
omnibus ; but if people moved more slowly in those days
may they not have been happier ? There was no
talking to distant minds by means of lightning, no
travelling on the wings of steam — ^none of the ** fast "
and ^^ slap-dash'' propensities of the present; but again, if
there was less excitement, was there not more quiet
comfort ? If our ancestors were not happier, if modern
improvements are all for good, and nothing for evil, let
wiser heads and deeper philosophy than mine deter-
mine. What remains to me of this bygone age but the

F

42 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

hearts'B memory of old things ?"I camiot but remember
aaoh things were, and were moat dear to me." With
the fine old gentleman, the whole throng have vanished
throngh the raby skies. Yes, the men, dear honest
race, and their manners and cnstoms, the spirit of the
age in which they lived, like their houses and festival
days, have departed !

Oh I friends regretted, scenes for ever dear —
Ksmembrance hSLls y oh with her warmest tear !

CHAPTER IV.

The vacation of 1823, which William Pejrton spent
at home, had scarcely passed away before he was on his
return to Yale. During the term which followed, he
completed his academic education, giving such increased
evidence of talent and scholarship, that there were few
of his associates who did not believe he would achieve
great things in after life. Professors and students
alike regarded him as the coming man, as well by the
cleverness he had displayed in his Uuniversity career, as
by his conversation, conduct, tone, and manner, by his
ready writings and speeches, or, in other words, by the
thousand signs and tokens through which mind can be
recognized and made known.

It may not be uninteresting to remark, that his resi-
dence and partial education in the north exercised a

wholesome influence upon his opinions in after life.
Many of the prejudices which he imbibed in youth
against the northern people, and more especially those of
New England, were removed. He learned to take
larger and more catholic views, to respect the New

44 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

Englanders for their great virtues of intellect, per-
severance, and morality. In later years these youthful
impressions were strengthened by further inter-
course with the northern people, and he did much
to create a better feeling between the inhabitants
of the two great sections of the Republic. Among
other things, he invited one of his college friends,
Mr. B., subsequently the Rev. E. Boyden, to make him
a visit. Mr. Boyden, who accepted the invitation, was
so much pleased with the Bociety, climate, and scenery
of Virginia, that he adopted it as his home, and, some
years after this visit, married a Stauntonian. Through
the influence of my father and his wife's family, he was
appointed curate, and afterwards rector, of Trinity
Church, Staunton. The Rev. E. Boyden is still
( 1873 ) living in Virginia, where he is much esteemed
and respected.

On my brother's return from Yale, oiu* kind
father, by a rare display of wisdom and liberality,
placed at his son's absolute disposal, the estate he had
acquired through his mother. Under the laws of
Virginia, the husband is entitled, on the wife's death,
by what is termed the " courtesy of England, '*
to the usufruct of her property for life. My father
did not choose to exercise this right, because, having
married again, and having already one child bom
with every prospect of a large family, * he did
not desire or intend that the offspring of his

* The writer was bom of this second maniage the year following,
namely on the 15th of September, 1824.

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 45

seoond wife should participate, to the slightest extent,
hi the property of the first. According to his strict
sense of hononr, his elder son was equitably
entitled' to his mother's estate, and it was accordingly
transferred to him, at his coming of age. He took
this course for the further reason that it showed —
certified — ^his confidence in the prudence, good sense
and mature judgment of a son, of whom he had so
much reason to be proud. The sagacity of his
course in this matter was apparent in after
times. It had the happiest effect, among other
things, of preventing any envy or jealousy between the
son of his first marriage and the children of
the second. William Peyton always felt and acted
towards his half brothers and sisters with the affectionate
sohcitude of a parent. During the thirty-odd years
of the writer's intercourse with him, down, in &ct, to
the period of his death, he never spoke an unkind
word, or was guilty of a single action unworthy of
the fraternal relations existing between them. On
the contrary he was always anxious to promote the
success and prosperity of his sisters and brothers,
but more especially of the author, in his every plan
and project ; was, in a word, everything that a brother
could or should be. Well may my hand tremble, and
my eyes grow dim, as the memory of the past rises up
out of the grave. Turning back to the period when
I first remember him, now after the lapse of forty years^

His every look, His every word,

His very voice's tone,
Come back to me like things whose worth

Is only prized when gone.

48 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

The past stirs up again the churchyard of memory,
and I see him as I saw him when a lad of ten. I
loved him as a boy can love ; and boys love with a
devotion, a truth, a purity which few preserve in
youth and manhood. My affection for him, however,
was always the same. Time, business contact with the
cold and selfish world did not impair or lessen it. But
why dwell upon my grief at his loss ? a grief heightened,
if possible, in my case, since the blow was received
when my home had become strange to me, and a strange
land my home. The heart only knows its own bitter-
ness. Suffice it to say, that in those days he com-
pletely fulfilled my boyish notions of the beau ideal.

From that period, I follow our intercourse down to his
death, without recalling a single instance in which his
anxious care, affectionate kindness failed. All my
recollections of him, indeed, are associated with his
almost parental solicitude on my behalf. It cannot be
surprising, then, that I feel warmly concerning him, that
I cherish his memory, that I have spoken of him and
must still do so in high — ^in what some might consider
extravagant — terms. Far be it from me, however, to
indulge in idle praise. Elsewhere I have remarked
that such praise is weak as unjust, reflecting credit
neither upon the eulogist nor the person commended.

Nor does his fame require it. In his case the simple
truth is more eloquent than the highest- wrought praise.
Bom with a love of the good, the pure, and the true, a
lovelier character never existed. If I may be permit-
ted, after having already said so much on this subject,
to refer to it again, it would be to say that if such a

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 47

umltiform and mixed thing as the human character

can be described by a single word, his might very

neariy be concentrated into that one word — ^magnamity.

His genius allied itself to deep thoughts, great Indies

and objects. His intellect was solid, vigorous and

comprehensive ; taking in the whole range of knowledge^

but was particularly devoted to those branches which

require industry, sustained attention and the power of

abstract thought. He was learned in the languages^

thoroughly versed in the law, an adept in mathematics

and the natural sciences. But, if his varied abilities

elicited admiration his virtues were greater. Truth

and honour were the two poles within which his whole

actions revolved. He was capable only of the loftiest

conceptions, of the noblest sentiments. Everything

little, false, and corrupt, was spumed by him as the

dust beneath his feet. In a crooked path he could not

walk : in a foul atmosphere he could not breathe.

Some years since, I met the distinguished Dr. J«

Marion Sims, of New York, at a private party in Paris.
He had taken refuge there during the civil war in

America, and, by his professional abihties, was not only

making a support, but extending his fame.* In the course

of the evening, our conversation turned upon the subject

of the civil strife in the United States, which was then

at its height, and to Colonel Peyton's actual detention

under surveillance, his quasi imprisonment for some

months after its commencement in New York. A

gentleman present, one of my brother's old friends,

* He was Consnlting Physician to the Enipress Eugenie, and Physician
in Ordinary to the Duke and Duchess of Hamilton.

48 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

asked Dr. Sims if Colonel Peyton was an acquaint-
ance of his ? " Yes '' said Dr. Sims " I know and love
him. We have been intimate friends for years. He
is a man of superior intelligence, versed in the arts, in
science, and in politics — in everything, in short, which
can enrich and elevate the human mind, " *' He has,"
continued Dr. S. ** a heart superior to his head — ^is,
in a word, as near perfection as is possible with a
human being. »

Perhaps an apology is due to the reader for the
abruptness of my transitions, and for the want of strict
sequence as to time in relating these recollections. It
arises from the difficulty of combining all the facts of a
personal history in a continuous recital. The assurance,
however, that it does not interfere materially with the
continuity of the narrative, will palliate, if it does not
altogether excuse, the adventurous freedom of my pen.

The estate previously mentioned as having been
transferred to my brother, consisted of lands in Virginia
and Kentucky, negro bondsmen, and a considerable
accumulation of money. He found himself, therefore,
at his majority, in command of a handsome fortune, the
representative of a family, which in point of antiquity,
of high connexions and the political influence it
exercised, second to none in the land. It is not
surprising, therefore, that the law had faint allurements
for him, that he turned reluctantly to its study and then
only to gratify a father who was ambitious that he
should shine in the forum. Of all the professions, that
of jurisprudence affords the fairest and most promising

L

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 49

field for the exercise of abilitieB. Neither patronage,
connections, nor address, can make a man an able
lawyer or an eloquent pleader. In this profession
there must be intrinsic merit, which will at last
snimonnt all difficulties and command that attention
which the generality of men are obliged to court.
Knowing my brother's abilities, and that he must make a
conspicuous figure in the forum, my father felt a strong
desire that he should pursue this profession. The law
was also at that time, as it now is, the avenue to every dis-
tinction in Virginia, and this fact also induced our learned
father to urge him to adopt it. Our father was a man
of high and honourable ambition, and naturally sought
the distinction of his son, at the same time he ever kept
in view, that our chief end in this world is to prepare
for a better one — often recalling his son from too eager
a pursuit by remarking, verily, it would be no profit if
he gained the whole world, and lost his own soul.

Perhaps my brother's disinclination for the law may
be better understood when his character is more fully
developed before the reader. Among his earliest
propensities was a fondness for the arts, music, poetiy,
painting, and sculpture. In both drawing and painting
he acquired much skill, and while these pursuits were
necessarily neglected amid the multiplied and pressing
occupations of after life, he always showed the highest
appreciation of them. His sense of the beautifdl was
vivid, his taste exquisite, and it was said of him by the
late Mr. Sully, an eminent painter of Bichmond and
Philadelphia, that he was not only an amateur and a

a

60 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

connoisseuTy but an axtist as well. Before he was
twenty-five he had amassed a considerable collection of
paintings, busts, statuettes, vasds, coins, medals, and
other rarities, a collection which was augmented from
year to year till the visitor wandered from room to room
in his Boanoke mansion bewildered with the embarras
des richesses. His library, too, was one of the best
selected, and probably the largest private collection of
books in Virginia. On his shelves were many old, rare,
and valuable works, and some of the finest books of
plates and engravings extant. It would* have required
the industry and learning of an American Dibden to
classify the books and set forth their claims to celebrity.
Such was his proficiency as a linguist, that he wrote
several of the polite languages with the correctness and
fluency of an educated native. Yet, with all this
surface of graceful accomplishments, no one called him
superficial. On the contrary, it was the habit of his
mind to search into the depths of things. He had
sufficient warmth of imagination to appreciate the

•

works on which fancy bestows a life more lasting than
reality, yet that appreciation did not lead him to copy,
but rather to analyse what he admired. Fond of
metaphysics, he prized most that kind of poetry in
which intellectual speculation lights up unsuspected
beauties, or from which it derives familiar illustration
of hidden truths. Thus, in his conversation, though it
had the easy charm of a man of the world, there was a
certain subtlety, sometimes a depth, of reasoning, which,
aided by large stores of information, imposed upon his

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 51

listeners and brought into bolder relief the vantage
ground for political station, which his talents and his
knowledge took from the dignity of his birth and the
largeness of his fortune.

With little taste for the routine and technicalities of
the common law, he yielded to the earnest desire of
our father, and, after a short respite from collegiate
labours, commenced studying for the bar. Two years
later (1828), when in his twenty-third year, he was
admitted to the practice. A few months following this
introduction, during a recess of the courts, he set
forth upon a tour of the States, or what were termed
" his travels." It was not only his own, but our
father's wish, that he should make this tour. No doubt
there is a period in the existence of every man, when
he desires to waitder away from the famiUar objects
around him, when he longs to be far from his best
friends ; times when the stream of humanity becomes
dull and prosy, when one tires of routine, and desires
to be upon the lake shore or the mountain peak.
This was now his case, and consequently he left
home in high q,irite. He wae no del inined with
the meaning of the remark of Beaumont on a similar
occasion, who said :

'* lyet rogues be fixed, who have no habitation,
A gentleman may wander."

During his absence, he visited the British North
American provinces^ and, returning by Canada passed,
thence through the lakes to the north-western States
and territories, and down the Mississippi to New

62 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

Orleans. From New Orleans he proceeded home
through Alabama, Florida, Georgia and the CaroUnas*
These travels were midertaken, not merely to gratify
his taste for the picturesque, but, in imitation of the
example of the wise Ulysses, to study the laws and
institutions, the manners and customs, of the different
regions which he visited and where he resided. In
the society of the numerous state and colonial
capitals where he sojourned, he abstained from all
giddy and licentious pleasures^ though it was not
unfrequently the case that youi^g men whom he met,
sought to make him ashamed of sobriety, and I regret
to say, many of the women of modesty.

While in Florida he was prostrated by a violent
attack of fever. He could scarcely have recovered,
such was its severity but for the kind and watchfol
attention of a Virginian doctor, who had years before
migrated to the territory, and who attended him more as
a friend than a physician, and the singular fidelity of an
African freedman, a waiter in the town of Tallahassee,
who had been his travelling guide and servant far
some weeks before. This faithful black watched at his
bed-side, day and night, apparently without ever giving
way to sleep or fatigue, studying his every motion,
administering medicine at proper intervals, and fanning
his fevered brow. When he had sufficiently recovered
to leave his room, and was once more convalescent, he
enquired the cause of a sadness which he had all along
read ui the countenance of his excellent attendant.
The black informed him, with a simple eloquence, which

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 63

brought fears to his eyes, that he had long loved a
atave girl whom he wished to many. Her master,
however, ohjeeted, not wishing his slaves to intermarry
with freed persons. The black attributed his refusal to
anoth» and a difiSsrent cause, and trembled for the girl's
virtue. He represented that the master was in debt,
and purposed selling his property, and removing west
of the Mississippi. In this contingency, William's nurse
wished to accompany them, though he should leave
behind an aged and infirm mother, who relied entirely
iqpon his labour for support.

Deeply moved by this simple narrative, my brother
formed a resolution. On the following day he visited
the girl's master, and, after a long interview, the
|)articulars of which never transpired, he succeeded
in not only procuring his consent to the union, but also
io his parting with the ownership of the beautifdl slave.
By some arrangement, into which the freedman was
made a party, the girl passed to her lover, or in
other words, from the bonds of slavery to those of
-conjugal life. When this affair was settled, and
the particulars communicated to the gratefdl black, he
was overwhelmed, and bewildered at his good fortune.
SocMQ he burst into a paroxysm of tears, and throwing
lomself upon his knees, in extravagant terms
thanked his generous benefactor, commending him to
the favour of Heaven.

William Peyton remained long enough in Florida
to see the lovers married. The night before leavmg
they came to him with the aged mother, their friends

54 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

and relatives, to make a last demonstration of their
gratitude, bringing fruits and flowers as an offering,
and singing songs of thanks and praise. When he
left, he was surrounded by a crowd of gratefiil
Africans, deeply moved with grief and frantic in
their gestures, and in their wild language of praise
and thanks.

This afifecting incident of his travels, which was not
mentioned on his return, many years later, came to
the knowledge of the ^author, through a communication
from a Floridian, who was in Virginia on a summer
tour.

On his return from these well employed travels,
he became the general object of esteem and attention
in his own county, not only on account of his noble
character, but by the elegance of his manners, the
comeliness of his person, and the delights of his con-
versation. His reappearance at the bar was now
anxiously awaited by his friends, many of whom
supposed he would equal, if not surpass, our learned
father as a pleader and an advocate. His first
appearance before a jury, gave the best hopes of
his abiUties, and inspired his friends with fresh zeal
for his continuance at the bar. He soon became
conspicuous for the analytical powers of his mind,
for the accura<5y of his legal knowledge, the dexterity
of his handling of an opponent and the fervour of his
eloquence. Business came in rapidly and his success,
had not his failing health prevented, must have
equalled any expectations formed of him by his

L

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 55

most sangnine friends. Always in delicate health,
he suffered periodically from vertigo and severe pains
in the head, and [after these paroxysms . was subject
to long periods of weariness. At the end of two
years, therefore, upon the advice of a medical man,
he determined to give up the profession, and to
retire upon his estate, in order to give himself up to
less exhausting and more congenial pursuits. Thus
it is that he is not famous in the legal annals of
Virginia ; that he produced no great work in his
retirement. In addition to his ill-health, which
impaired his energies, he wanted ambition, self-
assertion — ^was extremely placable, and saw other and
less worthy men advance and pass him, without any
effort or regret. Had his health been vigorous, had
he been arrogant, grasping, and faithless, and had he
been ready to betray or blacken those with whom he sat
at meat, he would have reached the highest political
honours and distinctions, and must have passed many
men, who in the course of his life passed him. But
without selling his soul for a mess of pottage, had
he been more zealous for the promotion of his interest,
more selfish, more conscious of his power and of
the place nature intended him to occupy, he would
have acted a great part in life and remained a noted
cbameter in histoiy. A man, however, cannot be
what he would, if circumstances do not permit it.

It may not be out of place to anticipate events at this
point and to relate the following interesting occurrence
which took place on his abandonment of the wig and

66 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

gown. It had not been customary with him to receive
his fees, while at the bar, in money, but turning a kind
ear to the complaints of clients, he had satisfied
himself, following in this the advice of my father,
with simply taking their I.O.U.'s. These he could
collect if he required the money, and if not, it was
evident he would not inconvenience his debtors.
Previously to the last term of the superior courts
which he attended, he addressed a letter to each of his
debtors, informing them of his wish to meet them at
the next court, and asking them, if possible, not to
disappoint him.

What occured when he reached Himtersville, where
the superior court of Pocahontas county was held,
will give the reader an idea of what took place every-
where in the circuit. His clients received these notices
with various feelings. They were anxious — ^restless.
Those who owed him large sums were filled with
apprehension. They could but suppose from the brief,
almost curt, note they had received, that immediate
payment of their accoimts would be demanded.
Somethmg akin to a money panic prevailed at the
time in the country — ^there was great financial embar-
rassment, and the stoutest men quailed as they looked
forward to the ruin in which all industrial interests
were likely to be involved. The dread, therefore, with
which his debtors assembled for his appearance at
Huntersville, may be better imagined than described.
Many said it was impossible such a man could think
of pressing them for his claims at such a moment, or

Memoir of WUliam Madison Peyton. 57

indeed, at any time. Others, said he, might be in
trouble, and thus havB no alternative. A third party
protested that the human heart was deceitful above all
things and desperately wicked, and while they never
could have believed him capable of such oppression,
they feared they had mistaken his tiature. Still a
fourth set came forward to cheer the despondent,
declaring they would never beUeve him capable of
wrong and injustice, (and it would be both to demand
immediate payment of these notes, during a period of
financial distress) until it could be made to appear that
black was white and white black.

On the first day of the term, a day which finally
came, great crowds assembled (as is usual in Virginia
on assize days) at Huntersville. William Peyton was
already in his lodgings, where his clients began to drop
in. When all had arrived they were invited to a large
room, in the centre of which stood a censer filled with
burning coals. Shaking hands with his old friends and
making a few inquiries after their families, he advanced
to the head of the table, and, in a short address, inform-
ed them of his continued ill health and of his purpose
to retire from the bar. He then took from a drawer a
tin box containing their bonds. A shudder passed
through the frame of many a poor fellow, as he
recognised the fatal bills to which his hand and seal
were affixed. My ' brother then remarked that the
notes which he took from the box had been given for
his professional services, while the truth was simply this,
that he had rendered them little or no service what-

58 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

ever and that^ therefore, he could not consent to receive
a penny from any of them — ^that he had called them
together that day to absolve them from their obU-
gations — to wish them every kind of prosperity in life,
and to bid them farewell. Nothing more.

A profound silence followed these words, his audience
was momentarily stupified with astonishment. During
this pause he proceeded to place upon the live coals their
promissory notes, and the entire bundle was consumed
before their wondering eyes. His grateful cUents,
having somewhat recovered their self possession, raised,
amidst the smoke of the charred papers, shout after
shout, cheer after cheer.

Next day they instructed a committee from their
body, to wait upon and invite him to a pubUc dinner
and to say in substance,

** Not that we think ub worthy such a gaest,
But that your worth wiU dignify our feast
With those that oome."

When the committee arrived at his rooms, they found
them empty and in disorder, a few stray bits of paper,
the ends of strings and other evidences of hasty packing
were scattered about the floor. Betimes that morning
he had risen, and was now probably twenty miles
distant on his return. He travelled by a road con-
ducting to the Hot Springs, instead of proceeding
immediately towards Staunton. This was a common
thing with him. He often turned away from the beaten
track, trebling his journey, in order to visit some region
famed for its scenic beauty. On the present occasion,

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 69

following this custom, he took a ronte remarkable for its
diversified and romantic landscapes. Brought up in
a beantifdl pastoral district, he early imbibed a love of
nature which he viewed with a poetic eye. He early
fed upon the open sky influences of the fields, the
wide vallies, the rolling meadows, the lofty mountains :
was nurtured upon sunshine and shadow, on hill and
in vale, by mountain-stream, and in the leafy dell. He
.knew all the choicest haunts, the sweetest and most
sublime scenes of nature, throughout a district unrivalled
in Virginia for varied and picturesque beauty. The
grandeur of the summer and autumn fogs rolling
up the hills and mountains, of the roaring cataract
plunging down into the valley below ; the ineffable
sweetness of the evening glow enveloping the far spread-
ing valley, amid which the peaceful flocks browsed in
quiet joy ; the glory of sunrise,

** When from the naked top
Of some lofty peak he beheld the son
Bifie up, and bathe the world in Hght."

were all famihar to him from a boy. Thus was his
mind fed upon nature in her choicest aspects, and his
enthusiastic heart impelled towards art and its
cultivation.

It is proper that it should be explained with
reference to his observation to his clients, when burning
their notes, " that he had rendered them no service,"
that no man deserved to stand higher for his moral
qualities and his faithfol discharge of duty. He was as
much distinguished tor the uprightness of his dealing

60 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

in all transactions of a business character, as for his
benevolent affections. In this remark his modesty
spoke, and only his modesty. He was emphatically
antiqua homo virtute ac jide^ and, moreover, a philanthro-
pist in the truest sense of that word. Everything
tending to the good of his kind, he was on all
occasions, and particularly in cases of distress, zealous
to forward, considering nothing as foreign to himself,
as a man, which related to man. Consequently, he
counted, as we have before said, many friends, and
from the great purity and simplicity of his manners,
few or no enemies, unless I may be allowed to call
those enemies, who, without detracting from his merit
openly, might yet from a jealousy of his superiority,
be disposed to lessen it in private. An old author
has said on this point, " men take an ill-natured
pleasure in crossing our inclinations, and disappointing
us in what our hearts are most set upon; when,
therefore, they have discovered our ruling passion,
they become sparing and reserved iu their com-
mendations, they envy the satisfaction of applause, and
look on their praise rather as a kindness done to our
person than as a tribute to our merit. Others, who
are free from this natural perverseness of temper, grow
•wary in their praises of one who sets a value on them,
lest they should raise him too high in his own
imagination, and, by consequence, remove him to a
greater distance from themselves."

CHAPTER V.

In 1824 when WOliam Peyton returned from Yale
he commenced, as has been previously said, reading
for the bar. Though he gave sufficient time to this
grave pursuit to pass for a young man of "steady
habits," he mingled largely in polite society. His
name was generaUy found at this period among those
who frequented balls, theatres, and other amusements.
Frequently in Richmond and Washington his box was
well known at the opera. Considering his youth and
high natural spirits, this was but reasonable, one of
those things to be expected.

During an incidental visit to Washington a year or
two later, when dining with General Jackson, who had
been recently elected President, the following passage

occurred between them. It must be remembered that

«

with the election of "Old Hickory" in 1829, a new
and by no means improved order of things was
introduced into American politics. For the first
time since the foundation of the Government and
to the no small disguft of the President's best friends

62 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

and wisest counsellors, General Jackson announced
his determination to be guided in all appointments to
ofl&ce by the maxim that "to the victors belong the
spoils." Shortly, therefore, after his inauguration, he
Bmnmarily discharged every poUtical opponent who
chanced to hold office. That reckless spirit which has
since degraded American politics was thus introduced, and
has been from that time to the present in the ascendency.
Shame has graduaUy perished ; insolence and impudence
prevail over justice, and possess the land. The
purity of an earlier and better period of the Republic
and their traditions are forgotten. Those days

" Onoe far famed,
Where liberty and justice, hand in hand,
Order'd the common weal ; where great men grew
Up to their natural eminence, and none
Saving the wise, just, eloquent, were great ;
Where power was of Good's gift, to whom he gave
Supremacy of merit, the sole means
And broad highway to power that ever then
Was meritoriously tidminister'd,
Whilst all the instruments from first to last.
The tools of state for service high or low,
Were chosen for their aptness to the ends
Which virtue meditates."

At the President's dinner our father was present,
being at the time a guest at the Executive mansion.
He had been one of Jackson's supporters in the
election, but, it must be said in justice to his memory,
under a total misapprehension of the General's political
character. No man detested and repudiated more
heartily than did John Howe Peyton the corrupting
doctrine with which Jackson commenced his official
career, and he became so convinced in the progress of

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 63

events of its lowering and corrupting tendencies, that
he forsook his party and joined the whigs. Dnring the
second term of General Jackson's administration,
the control of the party passed into the hands
of m^e adventurers, E fungis nati homines. At
this time (1831), however, our father was on the
best terms with His Excellency, and was staying
during a business visit to Washington, as he was in the
habit of doing, at the White House. Some years
previously General Jackson made the acquaintance of my
brother, and conceived an especial liking for him. The
liveliness, wit, and humour of the young man quickly
captivated ^^old Hickory," who took a rare delight in
his society and always treated him with marked atten-
tion. Few indeed could resist the charm of William
Peyton's manner and conversation. In the course of
the dinner, ^^old Hickory" expressed his astonishment at
the numbers attracted to Washington in search of office.
It must be borne in mind that at this early period in his
administration, the President had not unfurled the pirate
flag to which I have referred. Turning to his young
friend he said jocosely :

**Well William, What office are you seeking?"

My brother replied at once with equal humour and
with his customary animation :

^* I do not aspire to any post, but if your Excellency
confer an office upon me let it be one with a fat salary,
where there is no work and less responsibility."

Old Hickory received this sally with hearty laughter,
and said:

64 Memoir of WtUicmi Madison Peyton.

"My dear boy, I shall not forget yon. We have too
many snch sinecures m Washington. It is all salary, no
^ork, and as for responsibility it is expected that I shall
assume this and by the Eternal I am not afraid to do
so.

The year following this visit to the capital, the impor-
tant Federal office of attorney for the district of West-
em Virginia became vacant. This is no sinecure, and
the President oflfered it to William Peyton. A most
unusual distinction for one so young, and exhibiting in
the strongest manner the unbounded confidence reposed
in him by the Government. William hesitated to
accept or to refuse the appointment. If he continued
at the bar it was important that he should do the
former. He was somewhat apprehensive, however, that
his health might not permit hhn to perform its duties.
He paused, therefore, before communicating with the
Govenmxent on the subject. At this moment an aj^eal
was made to his better nature. A young friend, Mr.
Harrison, in straitened circumstances, who had with
difficulty obtained an education, greatly desired the
office. This gentleman was on the circuit, and gave
promise of future usefulness, but was absolutely without
political interest. He appealed to his friend William to
refuse the position for his benefit. " You are rich," said
'Mr. Harrison, " and have no need of the salary — ^your
health is deUcate, why undertake its drudgery — ^you have
no particular taste for the law, why should you
unnecessarily impose the heavy yoke of its labours
upon yourself ? " Mr. Harrison's confidence in William's

Memoir of WiUiam Madison Peyton. 65

^efOBity was not misplaced. My brother, after Mr.
H/s earnest appeal, determined to decline the post, and
recommended his friend's appoiQtment to the President,
if you have one friend, says the proverb, think yourself
happy. Here was a friend iadeed, a practical illustra-
tion of disinterested friendship. Yet there are people
who calnnmiate poor human nature and speak of self
sacrifice and true friendship as if it had no existence.

If it be true that no object is more pleasing to the
eye than the sight of a man whom you have obliged,
nor any music so agreeable to the ear as the>oice of one
that owns you for His benefactor, William Peyton must
have gone through life cheered by pleasant sights and
grateful sounds: never was there a man who so
habitually lost sight of himself, who made more
numerous sacrifices for his friends, nay even his mere
acquaintances.

Shortly after he entered upon the practice of the law,
when attending court at the warm springs, Bath Co., he
mortified my father exceediugly by a piece of off-hand levity,
which the latter regarded as a most undignified proceed-
ing, xmworthy of the profession. He was employed to
defend a man charged with horse stealing, and, as there
was only circumstantial evidence to prove his guilt, my
brother, who was much exhilarated, for it must be remem-
bered that the case came on after dinner, set up the
deiience that according to the principles of science, and
of a new science likely to prove both useful and
ornamental, it was impossible his client could be guilty.
He then referred to and explained the theories of Gall

66 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

and Spnrzheimi and declared that according to the
phrenological bumps on the head of his client, theft was
a crime he was incapable of committing. He argued
with much gravity and ingenuity in this direction,
amidst the suppressed giggling of the bar, to the great
chagrin of my father, who was public prosecutor, and
to the thorough mystification of the county court. This
body was composed of country gentlemen unacquainted
with law, and it was one of their boasts that they made
up their decisions, not so much in accordance with the
principles of common law, as of common sense. My
brother went on, and drawing from his desk a
copy of Combe's phrenology, illustrated with plates,
exhibited it to the jury, and declared that at the point
upon the pericranium of his client, where there should
be a protuberance if he were capable of robbery, there
was not the slightest development, and asked, what is
the value of science, if we discarded its teachings ? He
then made an animated and eloquent appeal to the
feelings of the jury, based upon the humane principle of
the common law, that it is better that ninety-nine guilty
men should escape, than that one innocent person
should suffer, and, declaring his conviction of the
prisoner's innocence, asked them to give him the benefit
of every doubt, and lean to the side of mercy.

My father, in reply, was exceedingly severe in his
comments upon the airiness of my brother, as inconsistent
with the administration of justice and the dignity of his
profession. He ridiculed Ghdl and Spurzheim's far-
fetched theories, which he declared were not scientific

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 6T

deductions, but only speculative opinions, and attempted
to bring the whole defence into contempt, by referring
to the human skeleton, saying, "If you run your eye down
the spine it aUghts upon the oscoccyffis.'* Neither the
court nor the jury understanding what these words
meant, but overcome by the ludicrous manner of my
father, both burst into a hearty laugh. * * Now, " continued
my father, ^^iid&oscoccygis is nothing more nor less than a
rudimentary tail, as Lord Monbeddo has well said, and I
suppose we shall soon have some modem philosopher
startling the world again with the proposition that man
once flourished a tail, but of which, the civilized use of a
chair has, in process of time, deprived him." He
continued somewhat in this style, "I mean nothing
against philosophers nor tails, both are useful in their
way. What would a cow do without her tail, especially
on our fly-pestered prairies, or the Pampas of South
America ? What would a monkey do without this caudal
appendage and its prehensile quality ? — ^with him it takes
the place of hands. And shall we have philosophers
telling us that we received our hands when we lost our
tails, and that the monkey lost the use of his hands
because of his peculiar facility of using a tail ? A beauti-
ful science," said he, "is this phrenology, according to the
theory of the learned counsel for the prisoner. To all
standing in the unenviable position of his client, it will
prove, if the learned gentleman be correct, not only a
thing of beauty, but a source of comfort and a joy for
ever. To the murderer, the thief, the burglar, the high-
way robber, to all in fact, who wish to be rid of the

68 Memoir, of WiUiam Madison Peyton.

responsibility which attaches to their actions^ it will
become a positive blessing. Not to these only^ bat to the
entire commnnity — ^it opens a briUiant prospect of life, of
life as it should be in this enlightened age, at this
advanced period in the progress of the world. Upon
the rains of oar present inunatore civilization it will
uprear a charming state of society. Under the vivifying
inflaences of this new system, mankind will be happy,
perfectly happy ; and ontil the aaspicioas day when the
new order commences this ^^ consammation so devoutly to
be wished," need not be anticipated. Throughout the
world, or at least so much of it as is illumined by the sun
of phrenology, perfect liberty will obtain, and the present
generation will wonder at the darkness in which their
ancestors groped. Justice will reign supreme, and our
statute books will be no longer disgraced by those dread-
ful laws founded in ignorance, superstition, and cruelty,
which consign a helpless and irresponsible man, criminal
you call him, to the merciless hands of the executioner.
It will then be clear as the noon-day sun, that law and
liberty cannot exist, that they are natural enemies.
Along with this knowledge will come a resolution to
demolish the whole system of our jurisprudence, to cart
off the rubbish, and substitute in place thereof a new,
nobler, and higher civilization. Poor weak man wiU no
longer be held accountable for his actions. The infirm-
ities of his nature will become a recognised principle, that
men are but men, will be known of all men. It will be
understood that from the foundation of the world, it was
determined, predestined, and fore-ordained that he should

Memok of William Madison Peyton. 69

act thns and thus, and that, therefore, he cannot be
justly rewarded for any action however meritorious, nor
punished for any crime, as we term it, how atrocious
soever. Men will stand aghast that laws should have
existed, and for so many ages, for afflicting a human being
for actions, over which it is clear, according to the pris-
(mer's counsel, he had no control — actions, in fact, which
they were bound to perform, by an irresistible law of human
nature. Then will it be seen that men commit murder,
perpetrate rape, and apply the torch because they cannot
help it. Gentlemen of the Jury, no line of argument
would be shorter — I leave you to determine its soundness."
"But to be serious," said my father, who though
cheerful in his disposition had a manner so tempered
with gravity as to check the sallies of indecent levity,
"I must refer, before closing, to the conduct of the
prisoner's counsel, and remark that some speakers are
more anxious to display their eloquence, than to
promote the public good. Now, when this is the case^
as I must charitably suppose it to be on this occasion,
OTatory is a useless gift, and such fine speeches as we
have had to day are simply disgusting. When great
tidents are employed to support a bad cause, perhaps
from selfish motives, (I trust and beUeve that this is not
the case now), they are objects of universal contempt.
Oratory, with aU its pleasmg charms becomes an
instrument of mischief, when used by an unprincipled
man, as, when resorted to by a good man, its happy
infloeiices almost exceeds belief. An orator who thus
uses his talents, without reference to his personal

70 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

interests, if he do not succeed in his efforts, at least,
enjoys self approbation, and that of his God."

In this manner my father threw the defence into
ridicule and disrepute. His sound sense and keen
sarcasm was too much for my brother's after dinner
eloquence, and, from a brief consultation, the jury
returned and delivered a verdict condemning the prisoner
to the penitentiary for two years.

The Hon. David Fultz, of Staunton, recently Judge
of the Circuit Superior Court of Augusta County, who
was present on this occasion, told the writer twenty
years ago, that he had never during his career at the
bar been so much interested and amused by any trial as
this. The disgust of my father at such a defence being
set up, the elation 6f my brother, at the probable
success of his ruse, the bewilderment of the court and
jury, both of whom seemed lost in a fog, the suppressed
merriment of the audience, which did not comprehend
exactly all that was transpiring, but which to some
extent entered into the fun, rendered the whole scene
inimitable.

The reader must not fall into the error of supposing,
because I have delayed thus far to recur to my
brother's love affair, that he had lost his interest in
Miss Taylor. Far from it. On his return from Yale,
their friendship was renewed, and William gave less
time to the study of Captain Williamson's art collection,
wandered more on the banks of the purling streams
which water the meadows above and below the town.
In other Words, made a tolerably fair division of his

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 7 1

time between Coke — Lyttleton, and his amiable friend.
Of course in a small place these things could not long
escape public attention, becoming food for gossips.
Staunton was one of those retired communities, such as
exist the world over, where everything is known and
thin fictions flourish in wanton luxuriance. Mrs.
Brown never had beef and carrots for dinner without
the knowledge or " unbeknownt," as the jiegroes said,
to Mrs. Smith. The grocer never called at Mrs.
Jones' without the extravagance of that unlucky
woman, who was supposed to be ^* gone in the head,"
because she indulged in an extra quantity of rum and
molasses, becoming the subject of interesting specula-
tions among neighbours, as to how long her
unfortunate husband could bear the drain upon his
finances. It was a standing joke among the
« conscript fathers" that in bygone days an individual
had amassed a fortune in Staunton by attending to
his oton btcsiness. Something not likely to occur again
was the doleful commentary upon modern degeneracy
when people are wont to mind every body's afiairs but
their own. The old ladies assembled almost daily to
^'sometimes counsel take and sometimes tea," and
nothing transpiring in the place was likely to
escape their observation.

It must not be supposed because this is an accurate
description of the town of my boyhood that it was
worse than^ or very unlike, other small communities.
Far from it. I shall not, however, attempt any
vindication or make any apologies for the place. Que

72 Memoir of WUliam Madison Peyton.

s* excuse s'accuse. The trath is, the residents were
. very pleasant after their fsushion, and not more addicted
to gossip than the rest of the world. As a role they
were much given to hospitality, and entertained
strangers on the fiat of the land. They were a little
lethargic, somewhat like the dwellers in Sleepy Hollow,
but stagnation in trade rendered the affairs of the social
life all the brisker. Every now and then daring term
toe, it enjo^ some ^eb »t festmty, but Boeh
seasons only occurred twice a year and Staunton had
ample time to recruit her energies. From these
periodical festivities she would relapse into placidity,
and nodded on from month to month contentedly.

During the latter part of the month of Oct. 1828, a
party of ladies, (there was only one gentleman present^
Mr. Sam. Moore), I do not say old ladies, for one or
two sweet seventeen's were in the room, were grouped
around a table from which the hissing urn had just been
r«noyed. Thej we«, palling, mL«ring, adjosting
their work, and settling themselves down, after heavy
potations of that friend to prattle and that foe to
slumbers, for a cosey tittle-tattle. A jocund wood fire
illumined the hearth and a brilliant light was diffused
through the wainscoted room, from an ancient glass
chandeUer, suspended from the ceihng. Some good
paintings lined the walls, and several small tables were
loaded with glittering nick-nacks from all climes and
countries'. Much old china was disposed about the
room, a little cracked if closely examined, many books,
a pretty work box, a bird cage, and a great vase of

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 73

freshly gathered flowers, the early frosts had not yet
withered these. Mr. Moore and the young ladies were*
engaged in a round game, and a fine King Charles dog
and an Angora cat, after their diurnal squabbles, were
peacefally sleeping side by side on the rug. This
wainscoted apartment in which there was a ceaseless
rustle of silky raiment, a shimmer of jewels, and a glitter
of eyes brighter yet, was the drawing-room of a
Staunton mansion. It stood in its own grounds, was
innocent of stucco, lath or plaster, and was one of the
finest pictures imaginable of the local respectability of
former days. This was the "Blackburn House," though
not then occupied by the family from which it took its
name, but by Mrs. Lisle, one of the feminine "institu-
tions" of the town.*

Mrs. Lisle was the centre of a little coterie, the chief
personages of which were now assembled around her.
Every one knows the freemasonry that exists
in such a set, and it is not without its social
advantages. However much they trouble themselves
with their neighbours' concerns, they have the good
nature and tact to generally keep it to themselves.
Among those present this evening was Mrs. Bob
Macdowell, — a large, bony looking woman, with a tumed-
up nose and a pouting under lip, that expressed a sour
contempt for all that she heard. The writer remembers

It is now, or was in 1859, the E^nscopal parsonage, occupied by
Rev. T. T. Castleman, M. A., Rector of Trinity Church. It has been
plartered and white wa^ed, the ffrounds stripped of trees, and the build-
ing stares at you with sharp, har^, and stem, almost forbidding outlines,
and is, thanis to modem architecture, the most uninviting looking of
dwellings.

E

74 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

Mrs. Macdowell perfectly^ for she survived this period
many years, and she was a character, obstinate, opinioti-
ative, incredulous. She not unfrequently breakfasted on
beefsteak and Albany ale, daily taking so many pints ct
that bitter liquid, which was imported into our commun-
ity by the leading confectioner of the day, Merrill
Gushing. Mrs. Macdowell was as unangelio in persoa
as in her diet, dressed gorgeously, and indulged in.
masterly intrigues, polite hatreds, and a perpetual
struggle with the little world of fashion around her.
Having failed in a good fight she had waged since her
widowhood against all wealthy widowers and bachelors,
she had dropped to the rear, desperately wounded, but
with life enough left to carry on a harrassing battle with
hmn^ty. L indnlgea to ronge, powder. Li jMtm,
and seemed to have far down in her heart the germ of
an unlawful admiration for anything scandalous — not to
say wicked. When listening to the gossip of her
neighbours, she would sometimes exclaim with the
affected modesty of a maiden of seventeen "Oh 1 how
delicious, and so improper 1" Another of the evening party
was Mrs. Telfair, one of the strong-minded women of that
day. There was also present Mrs. Blackburn and Mrs.
Brown, both originals in their way and of many good quali-
ties. Mrs. Lisle and her friends had been delightfully
occupied with their small talk about two hours, during
which they had pretty well discussed the affairs of the
town, and, among the rumours of the hour, the approach-
ing marriage of William Peyton and Miss Taylor. At the
moment they were turning this deUcious morsel over their .

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 75

tbngaes, the door opmied, and a shadow fell upon the
taUe. Turning their eyes, they rose and greeted warmly a
tidl, strongly-built, straight-limbed, fresh-coloured, young
man who entered, hat and cane m hand. This was
William Peyton, of whom they had been speaking. He
called at the instance of Mrs. Boys, to escort her sister,
Mrs. TeUiGkir, on her return home. There was no resist-
ing the importunities of the ladies, and he took a seat
and remained to sip a glass of mulled wine.

Now, at the moment this was going forward at Mrs.
lisle's, another scene, a festive scene was taking place in a
different part of the town. In Augusta Street, at the
oomer of Court-House Alley, on the spot now (1873)
occupied by the Augusta Law Offices, there stood in
1826, a long two-story frame building, called ^^The
Bryan House." The boards on its sides, from long
exposure to wind and weather, and to the action of the
semitropical sun of a Virginian summer, were warped,
curled, and bent, in a remarkable manner. Originally,
when the boards had been smoothly arranged, the
exterior of the Bryan House was not unhandsome — ^now it
Was horrible to behold. Long since, mischievous boys
had shattered the glass of the basement windows, and
the cats and dogs of the neighbourhood roamed at
liberty through the subterranean vaults. The entire
sashes of the dormer windows were gone, and two black
holes, like eyless sockets, stared at you from the roof.
These ghost-like apertures, where there were no eyes,
let in light upon an upper story as empty as any ever
illuminated by visual organs. With Hwo such unprom-

76 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

ising stories — the upper and lower — little can be
expected from what remains to be described of the
*^ Bryan House." Yet there were two floors still habit-
a];)le — at least to bachelors, who are generally expected
to put up with slender accomodation, and these were
known in the legal language of the town as attorney's
chambers. They were now occupied by two students of
the law. One of these was the late Chapman Johnson,
jun., who was at the moment, when WiUiam Peyton
entered Mrs. LisleJs parlour, sitting amongst a number
of chosen friends, pipe in mouth, playing the violin.

Mr. Johnson was a musician out and out, sons tarn les
rapports. In fact, was so absorbed with music that he
could not be separated from it : it was himself. He
recalled the epitaph on the grave stone of the obscure
Englishman, which records "One Claudius Philips,
whose absolute contempt for riches, and inimitable
performance on the violin, made him the admiration ci
all who knew him."

Mr. Johnson, certainly from no unusual gravity in
his manner there, was confessedly something antiquated
in his appearance, had been called from his fifteenth year
" Old Chap." He was (for this dear old friend of my
youth has been gathered to his fathers) a social,
harmless, improvident, generous fellow. From his
chambers there was ordinarily a sound of revelry by
night. As may be imagined, he was personally
popular, particularly among the younger portion of the
community. Old Chap possessed more than social
qualities, was a man of excellent abilities and sound

^

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 77

professional knowledge, yet his life had been a failure.
No success attended his presence at the bar, nor when
subsequently elected a member of the House of
Delegates of Virginia did he add anything to his
fame. His singular inefficiency was attributed to
various causes. To my mind it seemed that he had
never proposed to himself a certain aim in life and
set forward steadily to attain it. Possibly, like
many boys, he thought there was time enough, and
grudged all that inteffered with his pleasures ; that,
unmindful of the wise maxim of the ancient poet, he
was always " sowing his wild oats," did not renounce
his gaieties at the proper time. Nee lusisse pudet^ sed
non incidere hcdum. It may be that he wanted the
opportunity — Opportunity ! phantom goddess of
success, that so few seize and make their own. And
nothing is more true than the remark of the younger
Pliny, ^'no man possiesses genius so commanding as
to be able to rise in the world, imless these means are
afforded him : opportunity and a friend to promote
his advancement." If it be true that hell is paved
with good resolutions, may it not be roofed over with
lost opportunities. " Old Chap" had relations at the
bar in Virginia, who were, at the time of his coming
forward, in good practice. Had one of these extended
a helping hand to him at the critical moment, he
would in all probability have become a shining light
in the profession. All watched his sinking, no one
offered to rescue the drowning man. He was allowed
to waste his best years in vain waiting, at times

78 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

goaded by his pecuniary difficulties to desperation, and
anon driven to despair. His selfish connections who
pretented to be friends, but were his crudest enemies —
those who saw him fail and die of a broken heart —
verily, they have their reward. But what is that
reward? Not the smiles of heaven ; nor the
testimony of a good conscience ; scarcely the
praise of men. If the latter, has been their reward^
let them enjoy it. Whether it was the meanness,
the baseness of his so called fnends— enemies he had
none who dared to avow it — or his own idleness and
indifference, which I do not beUeve, his life was never-
theless a failure, and this man of real legal learning, of
fine logical mind and persuasive eloquence was wholly

unsuccessful. No one knew exactly why. My father
had his opinion upon the subject, and thought he .

fiddled away his time and leaned too much upon his

relations. He said of Old phap, in a moment

of merriment, and no one was fonder of a good jeu

(Tesprii than John Howe Peyton — " Music is out of

place in a court house. I never knew a fiddling

lawyer to succeed^ especially if nature designed him to

play that useful, yet much despised, instrument, the

" second fiddle," a good enough instrument for a

duet, but one cm which no successful solo was ever

played."

But, to proceed with my narrative, Old Chap's

friends were, on the night referred to, listening with

rapt attention to the dulcet strains of music, and

Paganini never called forth sweeter sounds. Now and

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 79

again they pledged him a health as they quaffed from a
bowl of egg-nog. As the evening advanced they
mellowed into the most delightful companionship. Snch
are the seductions, too, of this popular Virginian drink,
that when they left off at eleven o'clock it was without
exception with glowing faces and watery eyes. A few
moments after this, William Peyton and his friend
Moore, having conducted the party of ladies to their
respective homes, were returning in the direction of the
old stone house when they espied the Ughts in Old Chap's
sitting room. As neither of them was disposed for sleep
<they determined to pay an xmseasonable visit to their
friend and indulge in a whiff of the calumet. Stumb-
ling up the dark stairs, they entered without knocking.
Here they saw Old Chap in the midst of his friends,
his pipes, and bottles. The warm-hearted fellow greeted
them cordially, and proceeded to fill two tumblers with
^gg-^^- After awhile they subsided into arm chairs,
and continued their chit-chat, while one after another
of the company dropped off, and the three were left
alone. William Peyton then informed his friend of his
approaching marriage and secured his services to attend
upon him as ''best man," when the nuptials were cele-^
brated.

The friends sat an hour longer over this absorbing
topic, indulging in occasional sallies of playfdl wit,
puffing away at their meerschaums, and watching the
smoke wreathing up to the ceiling. Young Peyton, and
indeed Sam« Moore for the matter of that though
several years his senior, was drinking in worldly wisdom

80 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

from the Kps of their venerable friend, as they called Old
Chap, whom they esteemed the very guide-book to
everything connected with matrimonial life. Why Old
Chap was so considered it is not the easiest thing in
the world to tell. Never had he made a trial in that
direction himself, and more than once he had been heard
to say rather dogmatically ^^ Mes enfants*' — ^he always
spoke a little French after his egg-nog ^^voiis ne poiwez
pas/' ^'wive and thrive."

But to cut my story short. In accordance with the
announcement of this evening, William Peyton was
married to Miss Taylor within a month of this time, in*
the year 1826. It may not be out of place to say here,
what was proved by time, that they were well-mated and
knew each other's worth ; William ever thought that no
wife surpassed his own ; and she exulted in her husband
— ^regarding him as her greatest earthly gift from God.
Their union recalled the lines of Massinger :

** I know the sum of aU that makes a man — ^a jiist man — happy,
Consists in the weU chosing of his wife ;
And then weU to discharge it, does require
Equality of years, of birth, of fortune ;
For beauty, being poor, and not cried up
By birth or wealth, can truly mix with neither."

The little town broke out in an extravaganza of
flags and flowers on the occasion of this wedding —
everyone went in for pleasure with a will.

One of the landed estates my brother acquired by his
wife, was the Hot Springs, in Bath county, Virginia — a
property which was sold*, by the by, in 1864, for three

Memoir of Wiliiam Madisan Peyton. 81

hundred thousand dollars (£60,000). Shortly after
his marriage he removed from Stamiton to the SpringSi
where he passed three years. When leaving Pocahon-
tas Court house, after the conflagration of his clients'
bonds, in order to avoid any demonstration they might
be disposed to make in his honour, it was to join his
young wife at this Spa. She was then the happy
mother of two lovely daughters, Elizabeth Thompson
and Susan Madison.

While residing at the Hot Springs, the following
incident occurred, and though some might consider it
too trivial to be mentioned, is deemed not unworthy of
being recorded in further illustration of his character.
Am<mg the intimate friends of his youth was a young
gentleman still living, whom I shall call A. B. Young
Alexander wished to marry an accomplished lady who
was governess in his father's family. For several
years, without the fact transpiring, he was her suitor
and had proffered her marriage. The affair finally
came to the knowledge of his father, who was greatly
incensed, as is usual in such cases, and he deter-
mined, if possible, to break off the match. Old Mr. B.
declared that if his son persisted in marrying one so
much his inferior in social position and fortune, he
would banish him for ever from his presence,
cut him off with a shilling. Young A. B., who
had no independent means, was greatly troubled at
this opposition, and wrote to his friend Peyton, relating
ihe circiunstances of the case and asking his advice.
My brother, in reply, said, among other things, that in

\

82 Memoir of WiUiam Madison Peyton.

the conflict of duties, Alexander owed more to the lady
than to his father, since he had secured her afifectiona
and pledged his honour to marry her ; that he owed it
to himself, as well as to the young lady, to fulfil, his
engagement. He continued, " Her fanuly is reaUy only
inferior to your own in wealth and the kind of position
it gives — ^the opposition of your father is therefore seLflsh
and unreasonable." Hence he advised him, to be con-
stant to his engagement. '^As soon as you are
married," he continued, ''come to my house and
make it your home, until you are able from your
legal practice to support your family. I will supply
you with means in the interim, and will not accept
payment, unless your father repents of his hasty
Lwon, aua p^Jt. you .0 As« L property .,U
with his other children." Delighted with these sentiments
and with the noble evidence of my brothers friendship,
Alexander determined to act upon his advice. Before
taking the final step, however, he thought it
advisable to confer again with his father and show
him the letter. Seeking his father's presence, he
aonounced his resolution, declaring that it was
absolutely necessary to his happiness and success in
life. If he was disappointed in this matter, he felt he
was wrecked ; had he anticipated his father's opposi-
tion, he would not have allowed his feelings to become
so mvolved; as it was, matters had gone too far for a
retreat. He contmued saying that his honour was
implicated, not only in his own, but in the opinion of
his best friends, that he had recently received from one

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 88

of these, William Peyton, whom his father had always
held tip to him as a model worthy of imitation, a letter
going over the whole ground. He would leave this
with him for perusal, and call the next day to ascertain
what he thought of the advice it contained. It must
be remembered that the affair had caused so much
unpleasantness in Mr. B's. family, that Alexander was
virtually banished from the paternal roof and was
staying at the house of a relative in the neighbourhood.
Two days after this interview he called on his father,
and was greatly surprised and delighted to receive a
friendly reception. The old man said he had
never been mare impressed than with the
good sense and right feeling of William Peyton's
views, that they had brought him back to
his good sense and completely changed his
mind. I no longer oppose, said he, your union
with a woman who is worthy of you, simply
because she is poor, one whom you love so tenderly,
and who returns your affection. A wise man has
said, continued Mr. B., that he who has one friend
is fortunate and ought to be happy. You, my
son have a true friend in William Peyton-— cherish
Mm. K I felt that you would be guided by his
counsel and advice throughout life, I should have
kes regret in giving up the ghost. Promise me
that you will at least always consult him when in
trouble* His son was not slow in making this promise,
and, receiving the blessing of his father, hastened
to eommunicate the happy news to his affianced

84 Memoir of William Madmn Peyton.

bride. They were married soon after. Mr. and Mre.
B. Borvive, sarroauded by a nomerons offEipnug, the
learned Mr. B. an omament to his profeBsion and
an honour to his State. The dear friend, William
Peyton, to whom they owe so mach sleeps mider
the green Bod, bnt his memory yet lives and is
hallowed in the recollecticm of all those who knew
him.

CHAPTER VI.

Finding, after a further residence of a year at
the Hot Springs, that the climate was not good for
his health, nor the society congenial to his tastes, he
made sale of that valuable property to. Dr. Samuel
(joode, of Mecklenburg, receiving from him in part
payment an extensive landed estate in Botetourt.
Shortly after he removed to that county, which is
situated in one of the most favoured agricultural
sections of Virginia, and in a part of the country
remarkable for its picturesque scenery, pure air, and
cultivated society.

He resided there, with the 'exception of a few years
spent (HI the tributaries of the Eenawha river,
developing the wealth of his coal property almost down
to the period of his death. He kept a large estab-
lishment, dispensing a generous hospitality, and was
surrounded much of the time by the learned and
accomplished gentlemen of the state. The charms and
variety of his conversation, and the polite animation
of his manners and address, made him the delight of

86 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

his guests and companions. In the county society of
Botetourt and Roanoke, he soon became the chief
object. All paid him that deference and respect
which seemed due to his superior nature. Among
the most noted in this society, all of whom the
writer remembers to have seen at his dinners, were
Edward Watts, James L. Woodville, Harry Bowyer,
Charles Burrell, William Radford, Dr. John B. Taylor,
Gary Breckenridge, Major Benjamin Howard Pe)rton,
Governor Floyd, Hon. William B. Preston, General
Robert Preston, Charles Beale, George Taylor,
Alexander P. Eskridge, Colonel Edmondson, The
Right Rev. Mr. Wilmer, Bishop of Georgia, Colonel
Wm. Lynn -Lewis, Major Oliver, Edward Valentine,
J. R. Anderson, George Shanks, Dr. Griffeth, Thomas
C. Read, and Mr. Langhome

Some of these gentlemen, though residing in the
adjoining county of Montgomery, were near enough
to come on occasions of a dinner party. Among his
guests from a distance, some of them making him an
annual summer visit, were the late Governors of Virginia,
General Campbell, James McDowell, James P. Preston
and J. B. Floyd, the Honourables W. C. Rives,
John M. Botts, Wm. L. Goggin, Wm. Taylor, Alexr.
Rives, Thomas W. Gilmer, Thomas Jefferson Randolph,
Messrs. Chas. L. Mosby, William Radford, James E.
Bruce, Vincent Witcher, Thos. W. Flomoy, Dabney C.
T. Davis, John Howard, James P. Halcombe, Walter
Preston, James Lyons, Charles Carter Lee, General
Brenard Peyton, Randolph Harrison, Colonel A. S.

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 87

Gray, Revd. Peyton Harrison, all choice spirits. The
reader already knows what a polished man was Colonel
Peyton, and will not wonder at the admirable skill with
which he played the part of host — a part so difficult to
sustain. At that early period of my life, when I had a
seat at his table (and he always insisted on my being
present on every occasion of a dinner party), I was
struck and delighted at the ease with which he dissipated
the constraint and reserve which nsnaUy prevail during
a formal dinner. He addressed his gaests alternately
speaking to each concerning those subjects upon which
he could expect a ready answer, and by a kind of intui-
tion elicited from each the qualities in which he most
excelled. Gentlemen sought his society for the pleasure
and improvement to be derived from his conversation, to
consult him upon State or Federal politics, and not to
'' banquet and drain the bowl." The scenes at his house
recalled to my mind Florence and those merchant states-
men and munificent patrons of learning, the Medici.*

* In 1453, Constantinople was taken by the Turks. Its walls had
sustained the fortimes of the Eastern Empire nearly 1000 years ; that .
Empire now feU. The news of this event spread terror throughout
Europe, neyertiieless it proved to be amons^ the things which ** work
together for good to them that love €k>d." All tlutt could escape,
fled before the conquering Ottomans, and carried westward aU they
could save of the accumulated treasure of Gbeeoe; and the outcast were
gladly received at Florence, which was at that time the resort of all •
who nad a taste for learning and the arts. Cosmo de Medici, who had
no hereditary nobility to boast, had risen to tiie highest place of
authority in the State ; his family had commercial establishments in aU
the chief,Gitie8 of Europe, and the wealth thus acquired he shared with
the poorest of his feUow citizens, and expended in improving his city,
topporiing leamcnl men, and ooUecting all kinds of literary treasures ;
large numbers of persons were engaged in the costly and tedious
labour of tanscribing M8S, whidr were so highly valued that a copy
of livy, sent by Cosmo to the King of Naples, was the means of
healfng a breach between them.

88 Memoir of William Madison Peyton^

Had the condition of the country admitted of it,
his home would have been surronnded by the learned,
as was the Tuscan Capital when the Turks scattered
the wise men of the Lower Empire, who took refuge
thither, yet he was not a pedant, but what our
fathers used to call an elegant scholar. SQs company
and manner of life recalled to mind the life of Lord
Falkland, of whom Clarendon thus speaks, ''His
house being within little more than ten miles from
Oxford, he contracted familiarity and friendship with
the most poUte and accurate men of that University,
who found such an immenseness of wit, and such a
solidity of judgment in him, so inlQnite a fancy, bound
in by a most logical ratiocination, such a vast
knowledge, that he was not ignorant in any thing,
yet such an excessive humiUty as if he had known
nothing, that they frequently resorted and dwelt with
him, as in a college situated in a purer air, so that
his house was a University in a less volume,
whither they came, not so much for repose as study,
and to examine and refine those grosser propensities
which laziness and consent made current in vulgar
conversation."

The universaUty of his learning, its accuracy, and the
manner in which he discoursed upon even professional
topics recalled the lines of Henry :

Hear him but reason in diyinity,

And, all-admiring, with an inward wish

You would desire (he) were made a prelate.

Hear him debate X>f commonwealth's affiurs,

Tou would say, — ^it has been aU and all his study.

list his discourse of war, and you shaU hear

Memok of WHiiam Madison Peyton. 89

A fettrfnl battle rendered you in mnaio ;

Tam him to any cause of policy,

The Goidian Knot of it he will nnloeee

familiar as his garter ; that when he q»eaik8»

The air, a chartered libertine, is still,

And the mute wonder Inrketh in men's ean.

To steal his sweet and honeyed sentences.

Much of the happiness, indeed, of his Hfe was
derived from the companionship of his friends, from
indulging in this most gratefrd tie of hiunan society ; to
faim to have lived without friends, would have been
not to live* A maxim which cannot be understood
by those, who, entirely, devoid of regard for others,
have no friends and do not deserve to have any, because
ihey only live for and love themselves.

His mansion was like so many others in Virginia,
timber-built, and though altogether an extensive edifice
was composed of many diqointed parts* These
separate buildings were connected by haUs and veran-
dahs, which gave a picturesque appearance to the
exterior, while protecting it from the sun, wind, and
labi. The rooms were spacious and famished with all
the riches of the Eastern world, nor was there anything
in ibe embellishment of the house, the fomiture, or
articles of vertu like ostentatious display — ^the arrange-
ments were such that the idea suggested by the tout
ensemble was that of classic grace. It was replete
with not (mly every comfort, but, indeed, every luxury,
and surrounded by park-like grounds, which were
improved with exquisite taste, and yet so consummate
was the art by which it wa» done, that the hand of man
was unseen, and it appeared but nature's work.

M

90 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

Shaded by noble trees and intricate bowers, ^lamelled
with flowers and all kinds of herbs and plants, which
basked in the sunshine of the slopes or bloomed in the
dark vales, ornamented With water which sparkled in
the light and gUded awaj with refreshing sonnd, the
whole aspect of the scene was enchanting.

To this house he brought his extensive collection of
books, paintings, prints, medals, coins, statues, china
etc.,* and when not surrounded by society or engaged in
superintending the affairs of his estate, was either occu-
pied with these objects of art and curiosity or in com-
posing essays on some moral, philosophical, scientific oif
practical subject. Some of these on agricultural chem-
istry and its application to the growing of crops were
published in the " Southern Planter," of Richmond, and
the "Farmers Register. "f

In one series he discussed the question of rust in
wheat, and demonstrated the unsoundness of the popular
theory upon the subject, at the same time putting forth
his own views to the effect that it was due to an exube^
rant growth of straw, stimulated by repeated showers
of rain followed by very warm weather immediately

* This Tahiable and recherche oolleotioiii the ooetly fiiniitiiTe» heir-
looms, etc., which surviyed the civil war, was burnt with Colonel
Peyton's mansion, in May, 1870.

t The latter was edited by the late Edmund BufBn author of an
interesting essay on Oaloareous Manures, who fired the first shot
against Fort Sumter, S. C, thus opening the civil war of ,1861-65 in the
17. S. Mr. BufBn committed suicide in 1865, when seven^ years of age,
unable to bear up under the subjugation of the south. He thus
proved that he wanted true magnanimity, for it shows the most exalted
courage to support the accumulated ills of life without despondency.

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 91

l^reeediog the time of harvest, a theory which is now
ahoost imiversaUy accepted as correct. Of course, his
attack an the popular theory was not allowed to pass
Himotioed and a warm discussion arose in the Begister,
between him and Mr. Jessie Turner , a successful planter
and agricultural chemist.

^ His time was further occupied in a series of kindly
actioBS. His wealth was dispensed with an unsparing
hand. As magistrate for the county, and sitting
regularly at the Quarter Sessions, he had opportunities
of knowing the business and affairs of the county and thus
becoming acquainted with many real cases of want.
These — ^for his generosity was judicious not indiscriminate
— ^he invariably relieved. Honest tradesmen, whose
Qperations were restricted by lack of means, were
assisted by him. He paid the debts of prisoners and
set them free to labour for the support often of depen-
dait families, relieved the distress of poor widows and
orphans, and redressed, whenever an opportunity
presented, the wrongs of the oppressed. Numberless
were the quiet obscure distresses he thus succoured. He
did not merely understand what was good, but
practised it.

From these remarks the reader will not be surprised

•to learn that he enjoyed great popularity, and that the

|ije(^le of Botetourt were anxious to give form and

substance to their appreciation of his merits by securing

bis services in the pubUc councils.

This remote section of Virginia was almost wholly
without public improvements. There were no navigable

92 Memoir of WiUiam Madison Peyton*

streams, no canals, no railways,, no macadamized
turnpike roads. People were virtually imi»risoned^
except during the summer. In winter the roach
were almost impassable, and it was a conmicm thin^
to see the four-horse mail coach floundering in the
mud, the passengers walking in the fields, taking ifi
by turns to carry a raU*,

The people of eastern Virginia, whom the beneficent
author of nature had supplied with many navigable
streams, and a porous, sandy soil, which drinks up raioy-
leaving the roads firm and smooth, were imwilling
to vote funds from the State Treasury for constructing
high ways in the transmountain country. By tfaid
ungenerous conduct they had kept the western counties
unimproved for upwards of a century. To break
down this selfish policy and inaugurate a m<^^
liberal and generous sptem of internal improvements,
had long been the cherished object of the western
people. They had sent to the legistatnre, from time to
to time, their ablest men, hoping to succeed through
their efforts in securing a system of general state
improvement out of a common fund, for the commofl
good. Among the able men, west of the Blue Ridge;
whom they elected with this view, were Robert Y.
Conrad, James M. Mason, General Briscoe, G. Baldwin,
Thomas J. Michie, George W. Summers, Robt. Trigg^
Benjamin Smith, Gov. J. P. Preston, General Samud
Blackbume, and J. W. Brokenborough. Their efforts

*A rifled log or long pieoe of split timber used as a leyer to rais^
tile ooadi wheels out of ruts and mud holes.

Memoir of William Madison Peyton* 93

were futile, and many amusing caricatures were
circulated to mislead the people in Eastern Virginia.
At one time it was said that the object of
Western Virginia was to remove the capital from
Richmond to Staunton, and this rumour contributed
to band the people of the east against schemes of
western improvement.

The inhabitants of western Virginia were daily becom-
ing more anxious on the subject, and more determined, if
poBsU>le, to secure such an extension of railroads and
canals from the east, as would open the markets of
ike sea-board,' and of the world, to the products of
their soil of teeming fertility. Though long defeated
la their enlightened policy, they were still active and
sanguine of ultimate success. As indispensable to their
^nds, it was now thought necessary to secure the services
of th^ ablest citizens in the General Assembly. With
this view, the voters of Botetourt, wished to avail
tiiemselves of the talents and influence of their friend
snd neighbour, Colonel William Madison Peyton.

Accordingly, during the winter and spring of 1838, he
received numerously signed requisitions from the prin-
cipal inhabitants of the county, requesting that he would
attow them to present him at the forthcoming spring
Section as a candidate for a seat in the House of Dele-
gates* After much reflection — ^for he had no taste for
poUtica — and ihe urgent appeals of his friends, he ac-
cieoded to their wishes and in the month of May,
proceeded in company with the late Mr. Shanks of
Kncastie, to canvass the county. Party spirit ran hi^.

94 Memoir of WiUiam Madison Peyton

and the opposition faction were eaxly in the field with two
oi their best men. Appointments were made for pmhlic
meetings, and at these the rival candidates appeared and
addressed, the masses in what are called ^^sttm^
speeches/' It was agreed on all sides that Col. Peyton's
efforts during this canvass were the finest specimens
of popular oratory which had been heard in Virginia
since the days of Henry. His colleague, Mr. Shanks,
surrendered the rostrum almost entirely to him, and
everywhere he aroused the utmost enthusiasm, resum-
ing his seat at the end of each speech in the midst of a
storm and diapason of applause. Indeed, to use a
strong phrase, he made ^' short work of his opponents,"
who retired firom these intellectual contests completely
discomfited — entirely routed. It is scarcely necessary to
add, what the reader will already have anticipated,, that
he was returned, with his friend Mr. Shanks, at the head
of the poll, by what is called in our electicmeering lan^
guage, a triumphant majority. Upon the opening of
the next session of the General Assembly, he took his
seat, and the reader will see with what success he
advocated the cause of western Yirginia as a claimant
for internal improvements. It may not be uninterest-
ing to mention that at the same session our venerable
father occupied a seat in the Upper House as senator for
Augusta and Rockbridge. For the movement in behalf of
and against a general system of. internal improvements
was general — ^the people of both sections calling from
retirement their wisest and best men. In this crisis the
voters of Augusta and Bockbridge urged our father to sinr-

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 96

rend^ Ms office of Public Prosecutor, which he had held
neatly thirty years with so much honour to himself, and so
nmch benefit to the public. He did so, reluctantly, and
was elected senator. For a like reason they sent to the
House of Delegates at this session, or within the next
few years, his life-long friend and associate at the bar
that able jurist and excellent man, Briscoe G. Baldwin,
who was some years later elevated to the Supreme
Court of Appeals of Virginia ; Alexander H. H. Stuart,
subsequently Secretary of the Interior ; George W.
Summers, of Eenawha, and others. The people of
ilie eastern . counties at the same period electing
their ablest statesmen, such as Bobert E. Scott,
V. W. Southall, TViUiam Daniel, Oscar M. Crutchfield,
etc.

One of the first duties of this assembly was the
election of a U.S. senator. The conservative party
presented Mr. W. C. Bives as their candidate. That
gentleman had served several times in congress, and
resided abroad four years as liCnister Plenipotentiary to
the Court of the Tuileries. In both positions he
displayed much skill and ability. By some of the leaders
of the Conservative party, he was mentioned as a suit-
able successor to Martin Van Buren in the Presidency.
No means, therefore, were likely to be neglected by his
opponents for his defeat. By preventing his election to
the senate, the radicals hoped to outflank him in the
Presidential contest. Canvassing had proceeded in
Bichmond with more than the usual animation several
weeks, yet it was impossible to forecast the result.

96 _^ Mmovt of William Madison Peyton.

Willkm Peyton waa an active fidend and supporter
of Mr. Bives ; they belonged, of conrse, to the same
party, and he inherited a fidendship for him from onr
father, which had been cemented by much personal
intercourse. Besides, Mr. Bives had placed William
under obligation in the following manner. At
the period, (years before this time), when Mr. Bives
was appointed by the President, (Jackson,) Minister
Plenipotentiary to France, he nominated his young
friend, Peyton, as Secretary of Legation. Private and
personal reasons induced Peyton to decline the
appointment, bjat he always entertained a grateful
sense of the high distinction conferred upon him. To
his conscientious conviction, therefore, that the good of
his party, and in some measure the welfare of his
county, depended upon Mr. Bives' return, which
stimulated his zeal, he brought his warm feelings of
personal friendship to bear in the contest, and spared
no effort to secure the success of his friend.

The veteran leaders of the party in the assembly,
witnessing with admiration his zeal and the success
with which he laboured, determined in private, the night
before the election, that his should be the honour of
nominating Mr. Bives. The position is somewhat similar
to that in the British Parliament of confiding to the two
most rising of the younger members of the Government
party the duty of moving and seconding the address to
the Sovereign.

Accordingly, upon the next day, the 14th of February,
1889, when the House was assembled, and Mr. Speaker

Memoit of WiUiam Madison Peyton. 9T

in the ohair, Colonel Peytcm rose and made his nominat-
ing speech.

It was published in the daily papers and in pamphlet
tornij bnt the author has not 'been able to procure a
copy, notwithstanding repeated efforts to do so through
correspondence with Mends in America. It was consi-
dered the most eloquent of his parliamentary utterances*

Mr. Bives' nomination was seconded by Hon. J. S.
Pendleton, late M.C. for Virginia, who opened his speech
with a high compliment to Colonel Peyton upon the
elegant and eloquent manner in which he had presented
Mr. Bives claims to the Assembly.

After a warm contest it was found impossible to elect
Mr. Bives, whose public course had offended the
prejudices of certain sections of the party. All eyes
were then turned to our yenerable father, who, having
made one sacrifice in giving up a lucrative office to
enter the Assembly, was expected to make another by -
going to Washington for six years at his advanced age.
He, however, feelin^his great weight of years, peremp-
torily declined under, any circumstances to allow the
use of his name. The party then held a conference and
determined to elected my brother, who had offended
nobody, and whose election, had he consented, was
beyond a doubt. He, too, firmly refused to accept the
candidature or station, because he was unwilling to
interpose between his Mend Mr. Bives and the object
of his ambition. No other available candidate being
within reach, from necessity, and by common consent,
tbe election was postponed until the following session.

N

98 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

Exciting rumours were afloat this winter of m
serious difficulty between Great Britain and tlie
United States on the^ subject of the Oregon boundary
line, in fact the sovereignty of the whole territory
was in dispute.. Both Great Britain and Spain had>
as early as 1789, set up a claim to this extensive region,
but, as the United States Government considered, on
vague and unsatisfactory grounds. The American
Government claimed it by reason of the discovery
and exploration of two distinguished American pioneers,
Lewis and Clarke. The citizens of the B^uMio
had so long been accustomed to deem it their own,
and so many of their children had settled in it under
this conviction, that no Government would dare
surrender it without a war. As England refused to
allow the American claim, there seemed no peaceable
way out of the difficulty. Hostilities with Mexico
were also threatening, owing to the revolt of Texas
and the aid she had received from American citizens^.
The Governors of the difierent Sfates were apprized
of the delicate nature of the Government's foreign
relations, and ordered to organize the State forces,
with a view to placing in the field, at short notice,
two invading armies — one to advance on the city of
Mexico from Vera Cruz and the river Sabine, and
the other to converge on Quebec from diflferent points
on our northern frontier. At this juncture. Governor
Campbell, of Virginia, a distinguished survivor of
the war of 1812-15, appointed William Madison
Peyton to a post on his staflf, with the rank of Colonel

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 99

«f Cavaky. He informed Colonel Peyton that he
did this with a direct view to the impending war
with Gkreat Britain, Mexico, and their allies, and
because of his perfect confidence in his judgment
as an adviser, and in his gallantry, which had been
made conspicuous on more than one occasion since
his encounter with Van Bibber. Colonel Peyton
immediately accepted the position.

During this session of the legislature, the county of
Botetourt was divided, and a new county formed of that
portion lying south of a line drawn "east and west
through the suburbs of the village of New Amsterdam,
which was* called Roanoke. Colonel Peyton's home
was in the new county.

To those whose attention was directed to the career
(rf Colonel Peyton in the legislature, it was evident from
his course during this, session that he brought into the
political arena all his high intellectual qualities, and all
the grandeur and heroism of his character. He was
soon^ the object oi everyone's confidence, it might
almost be said of everyone's veneration. About him he
carried that priceless talisman, the magic of exalted
moral character ; he was trusted by the members from
eastern Virginia, confided in by those from the north-
west, and looked up to by those from the valley and
south-west, and is believed to have been more com- .
pletely the confidant of the whole political secrets
connected with the movements of that time than any
oHier man. All-worthy, too, was he of the trust reposed
in him ! His heart was the temple of hon<
nothing selfish or unjust could approach.

A

100 Memoir of WtUiam Madison Peyton.

When it was ascertained that, owing to the division
of parties, no election of senator could take place
during this session of the General Assembly, a committee
was appointed, at the head of which Colonel Peyton was
placed, to prepare an address on behalf of the conservB««
tive party to the people of Virginia. This gave rise to
the following document from his pen, which was widely
circulated throughout the Commonwealth : —

To THE People op Virginia,*

Fdlow citizens: — The term of service of one of the
senators of this State, in the senate of the United
States, expired on the 4th day of this month. In con-
templation of this event, the duty devolved upon the
present General Assembly, under the Constitution, to
elect his successor. Hon. William C. Rives was the
incumbent, and was put in nomination for re-election ;
and the undersigned adhered to his support with con-
stancy and zeal. A struggle, unexampled in the his-
tory of Virginia, for its duration, and the pertinacity
with which the advocates of the several candidates
adhered to them, continued until it was believed im-
possible to make an election; and after consuming
seven days in fruitless balloting, the order was
indefinitely postponed.

As it is determined by all parties, that this subject
shall not be disturbed during the present session, the
duty of supplying the vacancy will devolve upon the
next General Assembly, and thus, in an especial manner,
it is necessarily and directly referred to the people.
Under these circumstances it seems to us, that propriety
dictates a full and candid exposition of the motives

* This addreee and all the speeches and published letters of Colonel
Peyton, engrafted in this work, are in the library of the British Museum,
as they originally appeared in Bichmond.

Memoir of WiUiam Madison Peyton. 101

and feelmgs which have mfluenced us^ during the late
exciting contest, and which will govern our future
course. While we did not desire to avoid that share of
tiie responsibility of making the election, which rested
iq>on us as a constituent portion of the legislature upon
which that duty devolves, we at the same time wish to
be distinctly understood, as not in the least deprecating
that apf)eal to the sovere^ authority of the popular
will which has been produced by tne extraordinary
state of parties and opinions in the legislature.
Indeed, the only source of regret on that score is, that
this appeal cannot be made more absolute and complete.
The House of Delegates, where the re-election of Mr.
Rives was repeatedly sustained by a decided plurality,
is subjected to the ordeal of the popular suffrage every
year, whereas the Senate is only renewed every four
years, and three-fourths of that body, by its organiza-^
tion are removed for the present, from responsibility
for any disregard of the popular will, which they may
have committed in the Senatorial election. That those
Conservatives who were members of the Senate had
no disposition to abuse that immunity, is sufficiently
evinced by the fact that -when it was proposed, in an
early stage of the contest, to postpone the election,
indefinitely, an amendment was moved and voted for
by them, annexing as a condition, that each Senator
should resign at the end of the session, and thus put
it in the power of the people to elect a Legislature
which would fully reflect their wishes. Had this
obtained, there would, in that event, have been no
danger that the action of the representatives " fresh
from the people" would be '^check-mated" by a body
removed measurably from their control and who might
safely bid defiance to their wishes. This proposition,
however, was voted down, and even by some of those
who most strenuously .urged the propriety and duty of
waiting for ** new lights from the people,^' before

102 , Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

venturing to perform the high and responsible duty of
electing a Senator. '

We do not mean to indulge any complaint that
the election has been postponed. Some of us at last
voted for it, from a conviction that it had been demon-
strated that the legislature was so constituted as to
render it impossible for a majority io agree upon
any individual. Claiming for ourselves to have acted
according to our honest and conscientious convictions
of duty, in refusing to be accessory directly or
indirectly, to the defeat of Mr. Eives, we have no
disposition, even if we had the right to question, and
do not mean to censure the conduct of any one who
refused to co-operate with us in supporting Jiim.
Recognizing freely and fully our own responsibility'
to our constituents and to public opinion, we refer
others to the same great tribunals, and leave them
to justify themselves as they may.

Our main object in this address is, to present
to our constituents and to the country bur own reasons
for the course we have felt it to be our duty to take,
and we shall await their judgment with the calm
serenity of conscious rectitude. We have no desire
to abate one jot or tittle of the full weight of responsi-
biUty which we have assumed. It was repeatedly
in our power, during the progress of the election, by
abandoning Mr. Rives, and by throwing our votes
upon John Y. Mason or Chapman Johnson, to have
elected either one of them. We could not, however,
reconcile it with our sense of duty to do so, and
whatever of credit or blame attaches to us we are
willing and ready to enjoy or suffer it all. It is,
however, unquestionably true, and we beg it will
be borne in mind, that the friends of the other
nominees stand precisely in the same predicament*
The friends of Mr. Mason could at any moment have
decided the contest in favour of Mr. Rives or Mr.

/

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 103

Johnson, as the friends of the latter conld at any time
have decided it by voting for Mr. Bives or Mr. Mason*

We acted in this matter with due deliberation, taking
every step candidly and dispassionately, and now plead
ourTusiiLtion, ^d put "'ourselves In the cou/try."
Seeing that the large body of the Admmistration party,
with which we had heretofore acted, were determined to
withdraw their confidence from Mr. Rives, ai\d willing,
and even desirous to co-operate with them, so far as we
could, without an abandonment of principle and duty,
we anxiously sought to know upon what grounds those
professing the principles of the EepubUcan party, and
determined to sustain the. character of this * Ancient
Commonwealth ' could aid in surrendering up our
distinguished Senator, as a victim to be sacrificed on
what was called in debate the altar of the bloody
Moloch of party. But we appealed in vain — ^no act
could be instanced which forfeited his claims to Repub-
lican orthodoxy. We very soon became convinced that
no just reason existed for the fury and rancour with
whiih he was assailed by the - shik or swim " oracles
of the Adnynistyation party on the one hand, or by the
intolerant leaders of the Impracticable squad that
attacked him from the opposite quarter.

It will be recollected that scarcely three years have
elapsed since Mr. Rives was recalled to the Senate of
the United States, by that party in the Legislature and
out of it, who are now so industriously plotting his
downfall. We would respectfully ask them, what just
expectation has he not fulfilled ? What principle, that
he ever professed, has he deserted ? What pledge,
expressed or implied, has he violated ? Not one, no,
not one. He has not failed to represent the opinions

* 1 1 wiU not be denied, that if those members of the legislature, who
were either elected on aocotmt of their declared preference of "Mjt, B.,
or under distinct pledges to snstain him, had redeemed the expecta-
tions thns created, the election must have been promptly deciaed in
his favour.

104 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

of Yirginia in a single particular, and no man in the
Senate of the United States has heen more diligent,
prompt) energetic, ahle, and intrepid in defending the
principles, maintaining the interests, and asserting the
rights of the people of Virginia. It is, indeed, suspected
that in his zeal for the connty he has not been
suflficiently mindful of the interests of his party. It is
thought,, that in resisting the behests of the Executive,
he has been more devoted to the duties he owes to his
constituents, the people of Virginia, than to promoting
the triumph and adding to the power and importance
of the President. " The head and front of his offending
hath this extent, no more." Many of those, who, with
Pharisaical humiUty, claimed to be the especial repre-
sentatives of the Bepublican party in the Legislature,
declared that they did not oppose the re-election of
Mr. Kives in consequence of his difference of opinion
with theni and the President on the leading measure of
the Administration, the Sub-Treasury expedient.. Indeed
it has been announced, eon cathedra^ by tiie organ of the
"sink or swim" party, in Virginia, that Mr. Itives
would have received the united support of that party,
notwithstanding his hostiUty to the course of Admiois-
tration on the subject of the finances, provided they
could have been satisfied he would have supported the
Administration in all other things.

Whether such a pledge, under any circumstances,
would have been consistent with the character of a
Virginian senator, and proper to be required by the
Legislature, or any part of it, as the condition of their
support, we will refer to the judgment of the PubUc.
We are confident that no man, properly imbued with the
spirit of freedom, or duly impressed with the sacred
duties, and solemn responsibiUties of a representative
of the sovereign state of Virginia, in the senate of the
United States, would ever require such a pledge, or
justify any man aspiring to that station, in making, it.

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 105

We trust that the Senate of the United States will
never be humbled into the cohdition of a mere political
junto to register the edicts of the I^esidenty and instead
of being, as it was designed by its organization, the
guardian of the rights of the States in their sovereign
capacity, degraded into a mere privy council of the
Executive, acquiescing in his demands with the humble
submission of an eastern Divan to the orders of an
Asiatic despot. W6 are satisfied that many of those
who raised the objection we are now considering, would
revolt at the imputation that they wished or demanded
any such humiliating debasement ; and yet the avowals
of what would have been sufficient to have secured
their support and the known spuit of the opposition to
Mr. Bives, inevitably lead to such degradation of the
Senate. No declaration of principle was required o(
him. His opinions, in regard to all the great questions
of constitutional construction and practical expediency,
had been long known • and approved by the Kepublican
party of Virginia.

It may be well to add, as an instructive fact in the
history of the late contest, that these same self-styled
Simon Pures of Democracy, who pride themselves in
nursing their wrath against the United States Bank,
publicly proclaim, that the Sub-Treasury is a question
of minor importance, and the great issue presented to
the countnr is Bank or no Bcmk — that the former is a
questi(m of expediency only, while the latter involves a
constitutional principle of the utmost magnitude and
importance. With these professions constantly upon
tiieir lips, it is impossible we can close our eyes to the
glaring inconsistency in which their conduct involves
tiiem. Numerous and conclusive proofs might be
adduced to show, that those who, like ourselves, utterly
repudiate a National Bank, as both unconstitutional and
inexpedient, but who are inimical to the Sub-Treasury,
ace viewed by the friends of the latter measure with

/

106 Memoir of William Madison Peyton

»

infinitely greater suspicion and distrast than the open
and avowed advocates of a Bank of the United States ;
but there are one or two so directly connected with the
subject of this address, that we cannot omit inviting
your particular attention to them. The uniform hos-
tility of Mr. Rives to the incorporation of a National
Bank, at all times and under all circumstances, is so
universally known to the people of Virginia, that no
man has ventured to express a doubt upon the subject ;
and yet in the late Senatorial election, a portion of the
friends of the Administration in the House of Delegates,
including two of the most distinguished members of
that party, recorded their votes for Mr. Chapman
Johnson — a gentleman, it is true, of eminent talents,
and great private worth, but the known and decided
advocate of the re-charter of the U. S. Bank, and who
has diflfered with the present and late Administrations
upon almost every question of principle or expediency',
whether practical or theoretical. It is equally notorious
that a large portion of these straight-laced RepubUcans,
did at one time meditate bringing forward, and openly
avowed their readiness to sustain, in preference to
Mr. Rives, the President of the Court of Appeals, with
all the sins of the Bank, and internal improvements by
the general Government, unexpiated and unatoned for,
except by the support of the present financial scheme
of Mr. Van Buren. And that, when the Van Buren
Convention assembled, containing as it did, a "large
infusion" of representative purity, "fresh from the
people,'' they unanimously, with characteristic consis-
tency, called this same distinguished gentleman to
preside' over the deliberations of this newly-christened
' * Democratic RepubUcan States Right *' party. These
examples are sufficient to show how little confidence
can be reposed in the professions of a disposition on
the part of the supporters of the Sub-Treasury, to treat
that question as one of subordinate importance to the

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 107

Bank question, or to regard a difference of opinion with
them, on that subject, as famishing no sufficient ground
for withholding from its opponents their countenance
and support. But it is idle to reason upon this subject,
when there are none so blind as not to see the plain
and palpable proofis which are every day presented to
us, of the settled and deliberate purpose of the friends
of this measure to make it the test of poHtical orthodoxy
{See Note A.]

The opinion is becoming ahnost universal, that there
is no necessity for the establishment of a National Bank
to regulate the currency or administer the finances of
the country. The system of internal improvements
by the general Government, seems by common consent,
to be abandoned, and the controversy about the tariff
for protection has been, it is hoped, terminated by
the celebrated Compromise Act of 1833. Should any
of these measures be at any time unfortunately revived,
we have the most abundant guarantees for his future
course in regard to them, in the uniform coincidence of
opinion in past times, between Mr. Bives and the people
of Virginia, and in his zealous and harmonious co-
operation with them in opposing these unconstitutional
4nd dangerous stretches of power. Indeed, we may
boldly challenge the opponents of Mr. Bives, of what-
ever hue and shade of poUtical complexion, to point out
one single prominent measure of Government, on which
he was required to act at any time since he came into
public life, in which, as a representative, he has not
faithfully reflected the public sentiment of the State,
and discharged his duty to the satisfaction of the
Bepublicans of Virginia. In respect to no measure,
has he more unquestionably been a faithful representa-
tive of the opinions and interests of his own State, than
upon what was termed by the Bepublicans, in 1834,
*/that odious Federal conception," the Sub-Treasury
ischeme. He has, with unflinching steadiness and

108 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

andannted fimmess, resisted the thrice-repeated st*
tempt to enlarge executive power and put into the
hands of the President the means of corruption, dis*
closed in a manner calculated to alarm the BepuUieans
of the old Dominion, and '* indicating a hostility to
State institutions, which augured hadly for the rights
of the States/' In this he has considerably and steadfiy
** walked in the footsteps of the illustrious predecessor "
of Mr. Van Buren, and maintained the position which
in common, with the whole Eepublican party, and
indeed in common with ahnost the entire body of the
Opposition party, he occupied in 1835. [See Nate BJ]

For what, then, is he to be immolated ? Is it because
he has been faithful to his principles, or not sufficiently
submissive to party ? Is it because his political
moraUty is not sufficiently elastic, to enable him to
turn a somersault at the word of command ? Is it that
he prefers the service and approbation of this good old
Commonwealth, to all the rank and station which power
can bestow, and will not " bend the pregnant hinges of
the knee, that thrift may follow fawning"? Or is it
that, like Aristides, he is to be ostracised for his very
virtues ? There are some, probably, who feel that the
daily beauty and integrity of his Me and conversation
make them ugly, and who like the hump-backed tyrant,
view him as a "spider in their path, and would have it
crushed." He gloried in the proud character of a Vrr*^
ginian senator, conscious that he was honestly and truly
discharging the responsible duties of his station, and he
manfully scorned to make pledges calculated to destixrjr
the moral force of his opposition to measures which he
deemed revolutionary, disorganizing and demoralizing,
and fraught with the most pernicious consequences to
the prosperity of the country. We see those callinf^
themselves Bepublicans, although they approve the
Sub-Treasury, avowing their readiness to give him their
support, if he would give assurances for future party

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 109

devotion to the admini8tiati0ii — ^whenthe hnmiliating
and almost disgusting spectacle is exhibited, of men
wiio agree with him in condemning the Sub-Treasnry as
pemicioas and who have been cheering him on in
<>PP06ing it, yet demanding his expulsion from the
senate with all the violence of ^^tone to hatred turned/'
only because he will not pledge himself to sustain the
future acts of the administration, and promise in advance
to '^ sink or S¥^ " with Martdn Van Buren ; when we find
the ultra^partisans of the Whig party requiring proofis of
his party devotion to the inte^sts of the opposition, as
the condition of their support ; when we see all these
things, are we not folly justified in asserting that the
great question, the vital principle, involved in this contest
is, whether the Senate of the United States should be
reduced to a mere instrument to accomplish the purposes
and execute the will of the Executive of whatever party
may be in the ascendant ? He so regar ded it. And
so viewing it, the contest swelled immensely beyond a
^esfcion of preference for William C. Bives for his
superior talents and political orthodoxy ; it became of
infinitely more consequence than the defeat of the Sub-
Treasury project, destructive as we believe that measure
to be in a political, economical and financial view. It
became a great question of political ethics, reaching to
the foundations of the edifice of civil liberty. It
involves the stabiUty of the pillai:s on which our
B^nblican iustitutions rest. Let it be once established
88 the recognised and cardinal canon of party fidelity,
that no politician shall oppose the will of his partizan
chiefs or stubbornly refuse to accompany his opposition
vfitix professions of future support, and Continued
allegiance, without being shot for desertion, or branded
witibi ignominy as an apostate, and it is obvious, that all
political responsibihty of the President is at an end, and
every barrier to the possessi<m of absolute ^ower is
tfaeown down. B^resentative independence and fidelity

110 Mmoir of William Madison Peyton.

to the people are conyerted into treason to the Executive)
and although the externals of a Bepnblican Oovemmexvt
may, for awhile, be preserved, we shall have established
in substance, an elective despotism in its wcnrst icanai.
The President, from being a servant of the people, asid
subject, through their organized agents, to constant con^
trol and restraint, will have become an irresponi^ble
monarch. The Representatives of the State and of
the people deserting the high function and duty of
** eternal vigilance" upon his conduct, will be bound, tt
the hazard of being exposed to the most unsparing
reprobation, as des^ers and apostates, to become his
apologists and flatterers, aiding and abetting him in
each new encroachment upon the constitution or out-
rage upon the principles of free governments. As
Republicans — as Freemen — as Virginians, we renounce
and repudiate all such serviUty. As Representatives^
we felt that we would have betrayed the trust confided
to us, if we could have consented to aid in any act
which would have sanctioned it. — [See Note C] ^

Why should a Senator of Virginia be desired to give
any opinion, or express any preference as to who ought
to be elected President of the United States two years
hence ? What has he to do in his character of Senator
with the election of President ? Nothing — emphatic
cally nothing. As an individual citizen he may give
his own suffrage- as every other citizen gives his, for
that individual whose election, under all the circum-
stances, will be most likely to advance the prosperity of
the country : no matter who is elected, the Senator, if
he be honest and independent, will sustain the
measures and recommendations of the President, so far
as they are, in his judgment, consonant to the interests
and honour of the country, and the principles of the
State he represents.

The seductive influences and corrupting tendencies ci
an overgrown and constantly increasing Executive

n

Memoir of William Madison Peyton^ 111

pfttronage, are snfficiently potent in subduing the
fl|yixit and weakening the independence and fidelity of
the Tepresentatiyes of the States and the people. Let
UB take care how we do anything to require them to
manifest an obsequious and deferential submission to
the Executive will, as the only passport to popular
faYOTT. We believe that, under' the circumstances
of i^e case, the refusal of Virginia to sustain Mr. Bives
m his present position would go far, very far, to' infuse
SBch a spirit amongst the representatives of the people.
The State of Virginia has ever exerted a powerful moral
influence in the admimistration of the affairs of the
general Gt)vemment. It has ever been her boast that
she adhered to c^ain great principles, and sustained
her public men so long as they were faithful to those
principles, no matter from what quarter they were
assailed. The time has never been, when, in the
patriotic and eloquent language of Mr. Bives, she
did not , expect her representatives to remember ^Hhat
they had a country to serve as well as a party to obey.*'

It was, we believe, from a conviction that the great
Conservative principle of representative fidelity and
independence was about being cloven down, and
that a servile spirit of undeviating acquiescence in the
opinions and wishes of party leaders, would be fostered,
by permitting Mr. Rives to fall a victim to the furious
and vindictive resentment of remorseless partisans, that
induced many of the most influential of the Whig party
in the Legislature to prefer his election to that of a&y
man in the Commonwealth. It was the same persua-
sion, strengthened by the disclosures of the feeling of
peculiar zecd and anxiety exhibited by the Sub-Treasury
democrats, to defeat him, and even to prefer any one
(Whig or Tory) to him, that finally reconciled almost
the entire body of the Whig party to unite. with us in
endeavouring to re-elect Mr. Eaves. With the course of
the fragment of that party who refused to co-operate

112 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

with the rdlst of their brethren, and thus prevented his
election, we have nothing to do. We shall not even
impute to th^m the responsibility of defeating the election,
however justified we might be by a portion of that squad
who, witti remarkable modesty, have made a similar
charge agamst the Ck)n8ervatives.

The support thus given bv the Whig party to Mr.
Rives, affords honourable testimony, that many of them
were willing to forego a mere party triumph in the
support of so important a principle as Senatorial
independence. And why should we or Mr. Rives
have any repugnance to such aid fr6m the Whigs?
For ourselves, we avow our willingness to derive
support from any quarter, in checking the extravagant
and pernicious measures of any parlr, in restraining
its excesses, preventing the abuses which it may run
into, and preserving the ancient <ind approved principles
of the Republican party from being overwhelmed by
the wild spirit of rash innovation, and the mad
projects of radicalism and agrarianism.

Who are these Whigs, [See Note BJ] that contam-
inate by their support and assistance? They are
our fellow-citizens, comprising nearly one half of
the population of the State, and embracing a
full proportion of its virtue, intelligence and patriotism.
It is true, that they, like their rival contemporaries,
the Democrats, have in their ranks numbers of every
variety of complexion, from the rankest nullifier, and
Ultra State Rights men, down to the most nmforiii
and consistent consolidationists. If every man were
obstinately to refuse to support for public oflSce only
those who agreed with him in every opinion, it k
obvious that no public man ever could be elected, and
no popular Government ever could exist. We have
already shown that there was a great political prin-
cipal mvolved in the re-election of Mr. Rives, which
appealed with irresistible force to those Whigs who

Memoir of WUliam Madison Peyton. 113

had been accustomed to denounce the A dministration
party for its proscriptive spirit and for the bUnd and
submissive devotion it was charged with exacting
from its members. Besides the issue really was
between Mr. Rives and a Sub-Treasury democrat,
and it is amazing how any Whig really sincere in his
{»*ofessions of opposition to the financial schemes of
the Executive could hesitate to sustain the most
zealous, the most able, and the most efficient opponent
of that system. Indeed, we believe that there is but
a moiety of the "forlorn hope" of fourteen, who are
opposed to the Sub-Treasury principle.

The great bodv of the Whig party, therefore, as well
as the Conservatives, had sufficient and manifest reasons
of public duty, and obvious considerations of high
political principle, to unite them in sustaining tne
election of Mr. Rives. We think every true patriot,
every real republican, in fact as well as in . name, had
presented to him the most cogent reasons for doing so.
The imputation, therefore, of a coalition between the
Whigs and Conservative republicans, . is as ridiculous
as it is known to be false in fact. We wooed and
courted no party. We made no stipulations. We
entered into no arrangements or political combinations.
We sought for no pledges of support, either from Sub-
Treasury men or Whigs. We presented our candidate
as he was, an independent, manly, devoted and able
representative of the principles of the State, and then
actually doing battle in their defence, with the chival-
rous spirit and gallant bearing which became a Virgin-
ian senator. We called upon every Virginian, no
matter what might be his party, or what had been his
political associations, as he valued the ancient and
proud character of his State — as he cherished the
venerable usages of his ancestors — as he desired to
preserve the institutions of the country from destruc-
tive innovation — as he wished to control and restrain

114 Memoir of WiUiam Madison Peyton.

the encroachments of Executive supremacy over popular
will — as he respected the Conservative principles o£
senatorial freedom and representative fidelity, to rally
to the standard of our virtuous, eloquent and indepen-
dent senator, Wm, C, Rives.

Many, very many, with noble and patriotic alacrity,
responaed to the call. It is, we verily believe,
because the sentiments and feelings of the people of
Virginia were not truly reflected in the Legislature,
that there were not more who had ears to hear the
call and voices to answer it.

To you fellow-citizens the appeal must now be
made. We have too much abiding confidence in the
steady adherence to principle, and the noble spirit of
freedom which animates the people of the old
Dominion, to have the least apprehension as to the
manner in which the appeal will be answered. The
recollection is too recent of the generous enthusiasm
with which you came to the rescue, and restored to
the councils of the country this distinguished citizen
of genius, eloquence, and virtue you are so justly
proud, to permit the least fear that you will abandon
him. On that occasion, he was driven from your
service because he was maintaining, as you thought,
your principles, and faithfully representing your
wishes. NoWj the proofs are positive and irresistible
that he is standing upon the ancient and approved
principles of the Republicans of Virginia, guarding
the public domain from profligate waste, endeavouring
to rescue the Treasury from the control of the
I'^xecutive, and place it under the dominion of the
law. Detecting and exposing the first approaches
towards a meretricious and illicit intercourse between
the Administration and the Bank of the United States,
and endeavouring to restrict Executive patronage,
and prevent the corrupting tendencies of its improper
exercise, and, in a word, fearlessly sustaining all thoae

Memm of Wiiliam Madison Peyton. 116

measures imd principles which, under the administration
of Jefferson and Madison, constituted the cardinal
doctrines of the Republican creed. Can you be
expected to discard him from your service, to place in
his stead some complaisant smporter of the Administror
tioHy who wiU perchance aid in fastening the odious
Sub-Treasury upon the country, who will leave the
public money in the hands of the subordinates of the
Treasury, and will see millions of it lost in fraud and
peculation, permitted by the gross and culpable neglect
or incompetency of the heads of the Treasury and its
bureaus, with calm composure and unruffled devotion
to the Executive? Whatever may have been and
still may be your predilictions for the Administration,
your support is that which liberal and generous
masters will extend to faithful servants.

You require of your Representatives a watchful
supervision over the Executive Administration. And
when it is demanded of you by the parasites and
sycophants of the Executive, that you shall expel from
your service one of your most faithful and vigilant
sentinels, because he is not sufficently devoted to the
President to comply with all his behests, your sentiment,
and thrice condemned by the Representatives of the
people. [See Note JS?.] He still persists in it, and it
has been announced by his official organ, that he means
to "sink or swim" with it, and been proclaimed by his
financud organ in the House of Representatives, that
this condemned and rejected measure must be submit-
ted to in spite of lamentations in Congress or elsewhere.
That this determination is entertained, is still more
decisively proved by the fact, that everywhere those
who will not abandon their opposition to this measure,
BO matter how clearly in accordance with the opinions
of tiiieir constituents, are put under the ban of the party,
and the most gross and offensive assaults made upon
their siucerity and honour, and the whole power and

116 Memoir of William Madison PeyUm.

influence of the Executive exerted to withdraw the
confidence of the people from them.

Recent developments shew, that the most offensive
official delinquency and defalcation pervade the public
departments, and there is too much reason to fear that
this state of things has resulted from great neglect or
incompetency in those branches of the public service.
They furthermore prove, that there is great reason to
apprehend that this condition of things has, in many
instances, proceeded from an improper use of the power
of removal and abuse of the Executive patronage for
party ends : thus demonstrating the necessity for " that
reform " which was promised and which is necessary to
prevent the patronage of the President from beini
brought in conflict with the freedom of elections. AI
these things make us pause in the bestowal of our
confidence in the Administration. We cannot pledge
ourselves to sink or swim with Martin Van Buren.
These clouds must be cleared away and these abuses
reformed altogether. We are in this. Conservatives.
We desire to preserve the purity and integrity of the
Administration of the Government ; and if our democra-
tic friends require that we should make no complaint,
demand no reform, relinquish all regard to our principles
and to the safety of the country, or else be no longer of
their party, we can part company with them, without
any other regret, than that reply will be, "he has been
faithful — he is our friend — the friend of the people —
the friend of Republican principles — ^the champion of
Representative freedom — and the President must look
elsewhere, than in Virginia, for Senators to do ^ his
bidding — to sacrifice the interests of the people in
compliance with his wishes, and thus contemn and
disregard the known opinions of their constituents.'*

Fellow citizens, We constitute that portion of the
Legislature of Virginia, who have been denominated
conservative Republicans, and we desire the principles

Memoir of Wiiliam Madison Peyton. 117

of our public action to be distinctly understood. We
were supporters of General Jackson's election, and in
most of tiie leading questions of principle, policy, and
party action, which occurred during his time, we
sustained them and hstrmonized with the party. We
Bustained the election of Mr. Van Buren, because we
confided in his professions of devotion to the supremacy
of the popular will, and of his hostility to those latitu-
dinous constructions of the constitution which the States
Right BepubUcan party, of Virginia, had ever condemned,
and because, in general, he was pledged to ''walk in
tiie footsteps of his illustrious predecessor," in en-
deavouring to prevent the exercise of doubtful and
unconstitutional powers by Congress, in limiting and
diminishing Executive ^scretion in regard to the
management and safe keeping of the pubUc revenue,
in ** reforming those abuses \vhich brought the patron-
age of the Executive in conflict with the freedom of
Elections," and maintaining the usages and principles of
the Bepublican party. In so far as he does, or shall,
answer these expectations, we will sustain him, but we
are ready and determiaed to oppose him in all acts and
measures in conflict with these expectations, as firmly
and decidedly as if we had never voted for him. We
have not been able to shut our eyes to the fact that he
has departed from these promises much and widely.
He has recommended again and again, a measure
opposed and denounced by the whole Bepubhcan party
in 1834 and 1835, as a departure from the practice of
the Government from 1789 down, condemned by public,
they, who have always professed to be acting on
principle, should have surrendered themselves bhndfold,
a2id with passive submission, to approve everything, or
at least to make no complaint, no matter what abuses
may be disclosed, what corruption may be proved to
. exist, or what mischief may be perpetrated upon the
, institutions and liberties of the people. If the whole

118 Memoir of WiUiam Madison Peyton.

creed of the democratic faith is reduced to the sii^e
article of a determination to sink or swim with ^
Executive, we no longer belong to the congregation.

Fellow citizens, We adhere to the ancient and
venerable principles^ as we continue to cherish the
ancient patronymic appellation of tfc e Rebublican party.
We are Republicans. We need no new title or addition
to designate .our political character, though we have
no objection to that of Conservatives, which has
been reproachfully attached to us. Genuine conserva-
tive principles in this country are conservative of
the established institutions and long cherished maxims
of free Government. They are in perpetual conflict
with the restless spirit of destructive innovation which
seeks protection and sanction under the guise of some
new and popular name, as Danton, Marat and Robes-
pierre perpetrated their atrocious crimes and profanities
in the sacred name of liberty and reason. Conservative
principles here characterize those who are in favour
of maintaining the rights of the States, a strict con-
struction of the constitution of the Federal Government
and of restricting and watching with an eye that never
closes, the approaches of tyranny from the enlargement
of Executive power and patronage. These are our
principles. It is these that constitute us Republicans.
It is not the name, but the conformity of our practice
to our professions. Men may call themselves
** Democratic Republicans," or *' Democratic States
Rights Republicans." They may be re-baptized by
every new convention at the instance of every new
convert, but if they continue to apologize for abuses,
to justify usurpations, to approve everv contempt of
popular opinion exibited by the Executive, applaud to
the very echo, measures subversive of the usages and
principles of Jefferson and Madison, and of the
Republican party of 1789 to the present day, an^
proclaim their determination to sink or swim with the

Memoir of WUliam Madison Peyton. 119

Pregident, no matter what he has done or may do, they
Hiay add title to title, and addition to addition, untd
their party cognomen is as long as that of a Spanish
hidalgo ; and after all their real designation, their actaal
principles and political conduct will be comprehended
in the single word, they are subservatives.

We wUl sink or swim with the principles of the
RepnbUcan party of Virginia; we wiU sink or swim
with the maintenance of the free principles handed
down to us by our ancestors ; we will sink or swim in
the effort to preserve our representatives in congress
from executive control and dictation, and will sustain
them in manfully resisting the mandates of selfish,
merc^iary and unprincipled party leaders and scur-
rilous partizan editors.

These are the leading sentiments which have united
us under the designation of Conservative Republicans,
and we cannot but believe they are the sentiments of the
great body of the enlightened, virtuous and patriotic
people of Virginia.

This address was signed by John T. Anderson^ of
Botetourt; Edmund Fontaine^ of Hanover; Moses C.
Grood^ of Ohio Co. ; Joseph H. Sherrard^ of Frederick ;
Oscar M. Orutchfdd^ of iSpottsylvania ; Thomas Shanks^
of Botetourt and Roanoke; David Bamett^ of Mont-
gomery ; Joseph W. Davis^ of Smyth ; WUliam Shands^ of
Prince George ; John O'Farrd^ of Morgan ; George Park,
of Hampshire ; Nathaniel E. Venable, of Prince George ;
Bar. G. Paine, of Fluvanna; and William Madison
Peyton, of Roanoke and Botetourt.

Note A. — Since this address was written, a striking
illustration of the truth, of this remark has been
famished in the proceedings of a convention of friends
of the Administration in the Frederick congressional

120 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

district which met for the purpose of nominating a
candidate for congress. Mr. James M. Mason, the late
member, a uniform State Rights Republican, and a
gentleman of fine talents, had differed with the Admin-
istration on the Sub-Treasuiy question ; preferring the
special deposit plan, which was recommended by Mr.
Van Buren, as his second choice. Mr. Mason, in a
letter to one of his Constituents, and in an address to
the people of his district, both recently published,
distinctly avowed his preference for Mr. Van Buren over
any of those who have been spoken of as likely to be
his competitors for the next Presidency, and declared
that, "whether in pubUc or private life," Mr. Van Buren
should have his support, " earnestly and zealously given.'^
But this, it seems, was not enough to propitiate the
convention. Mr. Mason had disagreed in opinion with
them on the Sub-Treasury question, and that disagree-
ment could not be cured by pledges of earnest and
zealous support of Mr. Van Buren. The objection was
fatal, and Mr. Mason was put aside to make room for a
Sub-Treasury democrat, who received the nomination.
" Off with his head ! So much for Buckingham ! "

W. M. Peyton.

Note B. — The Editor of the Enquirer, ♦ in his
paper of August 18th, 1838, in the exposition of his
financial views, reprints and re-asserts the opinions
which he expressed in 1834, when the Sub-Treasury
scheme was first broached, and when he charged Mr.
Leigh with entertaining sentiments favourable to it.
The immediate inducement to the expression referred
to, was a passage in a letter written by Mr. Leigh in
reply to one addressed by 26 citizens of Richmond. A
short extract from his very lengthy strictures will be
sufficient to show his opinions as the organ of the
Republican party at that day, and to establish thesr

* The woU known Thomas Bitohie

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 121

identity with the opinions maintained by Mr. Rives and
the Conservatives at present.

'*As to the letter of Mr. Leigh," he says, *' it may satisfy
his twenty-six friends ; but it certainly does not satisfy us.
The letter which they have called forth, should call
forth in its turn, another letter to explain" the true
meaning of that passage '* which speaks" of divorcing
aU connection with banks, State or Federal. **Doyau
mean (they might say) that the pubUc money is to be
left in the hands of the Custom-house officers, responsible
to the President and removable by him? — If so, is Mr.
Leigh prepared to incur the irresistable objections urged
by the globe — and to increase (in so alarming a degree)
the patronage, power and influence of the Executive? "

Mr. Ritchie was a faithful exponent of the sentiments
of the RepubUcan party at that day, and it would seem
that they were at least opposed to a divorce of the
Gx>vemment from the State Banks.

In his paper four days afterwards, August 22, in some
remarks addressed to two of his correspondents,
**AtUdus" and ^* Another Democrat^'' he says, they are
not probably aware of the extent to which this discus-
sion on the Sub-Treasury had been carried three years
before, in 1834. " They may npt recollect that their
Q^item of Sub-Treasuries was advocated by the Whigs
three years ago, and that the Republicans then resisted
the proposition. If then we advocate a heresy now, it
WW the heresy of the RepubUcans in 1834. If it be our
thunder now, it was our thunder, and what is more
BDportant, their thunder then. » » » He, ^^Attahis^**
forgets that at every era when a National Bank came
into discussion, it was held not to be necessary, because
the State Banks furnished a sufficient resource.
Messrs. Madison, Jackson, and Stone suggested their
10(8 in 1791, Messrs. Burwell, Seybert, P. B. Porter
and Wright of M., recommended them in 1811. They
all concurred in the sentiment of Mr. Wright, that " the

122 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

Btate Banks are abundantly sufficient to supply
every requisition, if the U. S. deposits are made in
them." Not a word from any of these orators about an
Independent Sub-Treasury system ! The same ground
was taken when the second U. S. Bank was put down ;
and when the debate came on upon the removal of
the deposits, the same ground was taken by the
KepubUcan party, when, also, the substitute of the Sub-
Treasuries was pressed by Mr. Gordon it received the
vote of but one Eepublican member of the House of
Kepresentatives. » » » The RepubUcan press of that
day took up Mr. Leigh's speech and denounced the
scheme of resorting to treasurers, appointed by the
President, and removable at his will, and having the
public money in their actual possession, " in their
pocketSy desks J trunks , and vaults." They contended
that the present system of deposits for the public
money, regulated by law, as it will be, is as good for
safety and the least liable to abuse by the Executive,
of any which the wit of man can conceive ; and declared
" that the power now exercised over the State Banks is only
such as has been exercised by the Administrations of
Washington, the Adamses, Jefferson, Madison and Monroet
but if Congress can be induced to impose upon it new
and wholesome restrictions, General Jackson will glory
in it as another of the happy fruits of his harassed, but
for himself and his country, most fortunate Administra-
tion." And yet, says Mr. Ritchie, we are to give up
this system now without any imperious necessity, and
fly to the system proposed by the Whigs, and opposed
by the staunchest Republicans in 1834 !

We will merely add, without comment, a few more
extracts from the Enquirer, as we are anxious to derive
the full benefit of its potential influence in this appeal
to our Republican brethren.

L

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 12S

From the ** Enquirer."

Septemhisr 8ihy 1837. — How is it that the great masses
of the two parties seem to be respectively shifting the
grounds they occupied in '34 — the friends of the
Administration violently assailed it — most of the
Eepubhcans, with the President at their head, are
inclined to support it. A better soldier than ourselves
then gave forth the most serious objections to the
Bcheme.

The pubUc moneys, from the time of their receipt
to the time of their disbursement, amounting as they
often do, to ten or twelve millions of dollars, muiat
remain in the hands of individuals appointed by the Presi-
dent and removable at his will I They ought not to be
kept in their pockets, chests or vaults, where they can
approach it every day and use it, without the checks of
warrants drawn, countersigned, registered and recorded,
and passing through many hands, without which (that
is their warrants) not a dollar can now be touched by
any pubUc officer, not even the President himself."

We have no desire to see such accumulation of power
in the hands of the Executive — ^no wish to put the
money directly into the palms of his friends and parti-
sans. We wish to see the power and patronage of the
Executive increased as little as possible — ^the powers of
the Federal government not enlarged — the purse and
sword not more strongly united, than they are in the
hands of the President, and as few means of corruption
as possible trusted in his possession.

From the same.

September 15th, 1837. — ^He designates it as **a wild
and dangerous scheme" estabUshing two sorts of
eurrency — the better for the officers of the government,
the baser one for the people.

124 Memoir of William Madison Peyton

October 20th, 1837.— Re says the Sub-Treasury vnH
enlarge the Executive power, already too great for a
Bepublii^. In the same paper, speaking of the special
deposit, he says, "such is the compromise we beg leave
to submit to all the friends of a limited Executive and a
guarded exchequer."

Jcmuary 20thy 1838. — Speaking of the change made in
the bill from extra session to the session in December,
and of the rapid growth of Executive patronage, which
would follow the adoption of the measure, he says: "It
has already expanded from collectors to receivers and
who shall say that it shall not expand from four
receivers to 20 or 60. In fact who shall stop the
augmentation of tax receivers under the Administration
of some future ambitious President ? The bill increases
the Executive patronage by the appointment of Beceivers
Generals, Bank Commissionaries, and places the public
funds more immediately under the control of officers
appointed by and removable by the President."

In another editorial of the 12th September, (date
omitted,) alluding to the premium the merchant must
pay to obtain specie for his duty bonds, he says: " who
pays all these expenses? The people — ^for, let the
merchants, for instance, pay their bonds in specie, they
will ultimately receive it in the advances on their goods.
A tax, then, to all intents and purposes, is laid on the
people at large, to the amount of the psemium on specie,
and it goes into the pockets of every man who feeds from
the pubUc crib."

Note C. — On the 4th of May, 1830, a select com-
mittee, raised at the instance of Hon. Thomas n«
Benton, on the subject of Executive patronage, of which
he was chairman, and Mr. Van Buren with other dis-
tinguished gentlemen . of the Jackson party, wero
members, reported their views at length to the senate of
the United States. They represented, with a pencil of

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 126

light, the inherent tendency of patronage to increase-

its insidnous approaches — its aknost seductive and
MsiBtless influences, and its overpowering energy, when
it has once acquired the ascendant. We must look
forward, say they, to the time (that period is now
arrived) when the pubhc revenue will be doubled ; when
tiie civil and military officers of the Federal Government
will be quadrupled; when the influence over individuals
will be multipHed to an indefinite extent; when the
nomination by the President can carry any man through
the senate, and his recommendation carry any measure
through the two Houses of Congress ; when the principle of
public action will be open and avowed, the President
wants my vote and I want his patronage. I will vote as he
wishes and he will give me the office I wish for. What
will this be but the government of one man ? And what
k the government of one man but a monarchy ? Names
are nothing. The nature of a thing is in its substance,
and the name soon accommodates itself to the substance.
The first Roman Emperor was styled ** Emperor of the
Bepublic," and the last French Emperor took thd same
title, and their respective countries were just as essen-
tially mon^chical before as after the assumption of
them. It cannot be denied or dissembled, that the
Federal Government gravitates to the same point, and
that the election of the executive by the Legislature
quickens the impulsion. "Those who make the Presi-
dent, must support him. Their poHtical fate becomes
identified, and they must stand or fall together. Bight
or wrong they must support him."

What would the authors of these trulyjpatriotic and
BepubHcan sentiments have thought of that jpohtical
servility which openly and unblushingly inculcates a
" sink or swim" poUcy ? How would these slavish
doctrines square with their Bepubhcanism, as laid down
in this report ? If Colonel Benton and Mr. Van Buren
ifrere sincere and honest in this solenm expression of

126 Memoir of WiUiam Madison Peyton.

their sentiments, they would be compelled by ihdir
principles, to repudiate, with as much scorn and
indignation as any Conservative, this degrading
oath of fealty to a party chief, this nnscmpiil0ii8
endorsement in advance of opinions and conduct
which cannot be foreseen or anticipated, this odions
and unmanly submission to the capricious and des-
potic exactions of party. If sincere, their patriotic
apprehensions for the perpetuity of our institutions
would have been greatly excited and they would have
made the very walls of the capitol tremble with
the thunder of their denunciations. They would
have told us that the prophecy and its fulfilment were
contemporaneous; that our Government was a mon-
archy now. Is there nothing at this day to mske us
fear that our Government gravitates to monarchy ? If
the recommendations of the President can carry this
Sub-Treasury measure through the two Houses of
Congress, stamped as it has been by the reprobation of
almost all men of all parties, throughout our extensive
dominion, and receiving especially the almost unani-
mous reprobation of that party now advocating it, what
cannot the President do, under this vassal doctrine of
blind and indiscriminate support?

Note D. — ^When Mr. Boane was elected to tiie U.
States senate, the vote in the House of Delegates, so far
as the Whig party was concerned, was for Boane 24,
against him and for Judge Daniel 16, with some few
scattering. In the senate, for Boane 6 Whigs , against
him 2. So that he received the votes of 29, and his
competitor those of 18 only. Without the Whigs, Mr.
Boane would not, and could not, possibly have been
elected. [Note to Mr. Pendleton's speech].

At the dinner which was given to Mr. Bives in ttie
City of Bichmond, after the close of the session of
Congress, and very shortly after the election of Mr.

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 127

Boane, Mr. Bives in responding to a complimentary
tofipt, to<^ occasion to vindicate the principles of that
ewr^icj bill, which is now so mnch the subject of
oliloqay among those very gentlemen who, at the time,
were paying the homage of heart-felt gratitude for
has distinguished services, and lavishing the most
extravagant encomiums upon his repubUcan virtues.
Not Ja discordant note in this numerous assemblage,
disturbed the harmonious greeting and joyous gratula-
ticms which animated them. It also becomes worthy
of remark on this occasion, as Mr. Bives is assailed and
eondemned by many of Mr. Boane's poUtical Mends for
not repudiating the aid of the Whigs in the late
senatorial election, that Mr. Boane, who, it seems, was
obnoxious, in the estimation of some, to a similar
objection, in the course of a speech which he made at
the same dinner, with a correctness of judgment and
feeling, alike creditable to his head and his heart,
repelled this new idea of contamination in Whig
support. Among many other just and forcible remarks,
be said, " Let us never forget that our adversaries are
^ bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh,' that they are
our fr^ds, our neighbours and our countrymen." To
those who press this objection to Mr. Bives, we would
commend the old adage, "ye who live in glass houses
should not throw stones at your neighbours' windows.

Note E. — The official organ of General Jackson (the
Globe) in 1885, shortly after the Sub-Treasury scheme
was broached, and when it was alone countenanced by
a few ultra whigs, assailed it in the most violent terms,
as a measure fraught witH mischief, and threatening our
liberties. It asserted ^Hhat it would enlarge Executive
power by putting in its hands the means of corruption."
•*That it would transfer the money directly into the
palms of Executive agents, the Mends and partizans of
the President, instead of its being kept on deposit in

128 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

banks, whence it coald not be drawn for other than
pablic purposes, without certain detection, and thus
exposing it to be plundered by a hundred hande, where
one cannot now reach it. " Sed tempora mxttaiUur et nos
mtUamw in illis."

"Men change -with fortune, mann
Tenets wiui books, and principli

W. M. Peyton.

On the reassembUng of the Legislature, Mr. Bives
was elected and took his seat in Congress. On the 14th
of the following January, he delivered his able speech on
the Fiscal arrangements of the Government with the
United States Bank, and reviewing the annual report of
the Secretary of the Treasury.

CHAPTER VII.

Yielding to numerous and urgent importunities^
Colonel Pejiion consented to become a candidate, the
following Spring of 1838, for the House of Delegates
for Roanoke and Botetourt, and* was elected without
opposition. At this time he did not seek for, nor
despise, honours. Shortly after the meeting of the
Legislature, the subject of internal improvements
came up for consideration. On all sides the question
excited the liveliest interest. The delegates for
Eastern Virginia were as hostile as formerly to a general
tax for what they sophistically termed local improve-
ments, and under the leadership of Messrs. Yerby,
Edmunds, y enable, and others, marshalled their forces in
a solid phalanx. On the other hand the western dele-
gates were equally determined to carry their point, and
were led by the young and eloquent delegates for
Roanoke and Botetourt, Augusta, Montgomery, and
Kenawah, — Peyton, A. H. H. Stuart, W. B. Preston,
and George W. Summers.

To understand this question it should be remarked,

R

130 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

that the Virginia of 1838 extended from the Atlantia
to the Ohio, a length af 425 miles, and north and south
from Pennsylvania to North Carolina and Tennessee, a
distance of about 210 miles. Its area was 61,352
square miles, being considerably more than that of
England. With the exception of Pennsylvania^
Virginia was the only State which extended across the
great Appalachian chain. The State was traversed from
north to south by several other well-defined mountaia
ranges, among them the Blue-ridge and the North momv-
tain, which is an extension of the Kittatinny mountain of
Pennsylvania. These mountains are pierced by num^r^
ous rivers, some flowing east to the Atlantic and others
west, emptying into the Ohio and Gulf of Mexico.
The principal rivers which rise in the great valley
between the Blue-ridge and AUeghanies, and find
their way to the Atlantic, are the Potomac, the James,
and the Staunton; and those which rise east of the
Blue-ridge and run in the same general direction, are the
Rappahannock, which is navigable 110 miles above its
mouth in the Chesapeake bay to Fredericksburg — ^the
York river, formed by the Confluence of the Mattapony
and Pamunkey, each a hundred miles long, and ia
navigable about forty miles from its mouth — the Black*
water, Nottoway, and Meherrin, which, like the Staunton,
find their way to the ocean through North Carolina.
The principal rivers flowing west, and emptying
ultimately into the gulf of Mexico, are the Ohio, the
great Eenawha, which rises in the valley between the
Blue ridge and Alleghanies, the Monongehela, the

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 131

Gir^andot, the little Eenawha, and the Big-Sandy.
From thk brief description of the direction of the
waters, it is seen that the State rises from the Atlantic
to the mountains, and there slopes down .to the Ohio.
Divided into four natural parts, it was also formed into
four political divisions. The first of these was the
•ndMoater district, lying east of the lower falls of the
nvers, and consisting for the most part of a flat country
nowhere more than sixty feet above the sea. Further
w^; is the Piedmont district, extending as far as the
Blue-ridge. This is more elevated and diversified in
its surface than the former, as it is traversed by a range
of hills parallel to the Blue-ridge, and about 30 miles
firom it- The VaUej/ district extends from the Blue-
ridge to the most westernly ridge of the Alleghany
mountains; and is occupied by various chains of these
QiountainSi and the fertile vallies that lie among them.
The extreme west of the State is occupied by the Trans-
AOeghcmy district, which slopes westward and is
oocupied by various branches and ofi^sets of the
mountains. In a country of such extent, and with such
ph3rB]cal peculiarities and divisions, it is not surprising
that different and antagonistic local interests arose.
Nitore supplied with noble rivers that portion of the
State comprised in the Tide-water district, and lying
upon the Atlantic and the Chesapeak bay, which is
sometimes styled the American Mediterranean. By
these tie inhabitants enjoyed every facility for sending
to. the markets of the world the products of their lands.
The soil, too, of this district is light and sandy, and after

1 32 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

rain soon becomes firm and dry, hence little labour or
money is required to keep the roads in repair. The
people of eastern Virginia therefore asked nothing on
the score of improvements, nor did they wish to
contribute from the common treasury towards the
improvement of less favoured districts. In support of
this ungenerous and LQiberal policy they adduced a
variety of arguments, some of them not without
considerable plausibility, but all really imsound. The
western people, who lived above the falls of the rivers,
where the streams were too small for navigation, and
where the soil is clayey and the roads in winter
impassible, asked, as their means were unequal to the
expense, that the State should undertake to lock and
dam the principal rivers, cut canals where required, and
construct leading roads which were necessary for the
development of the country and for its defence.
They argued that the increase in population, the
augmentation in the wealth, the multiplication in the
subjects of taxation which would result from such a
system of improvement, would redound in the end to
the prosperity of the whole State, thus benefitting the
Tide-water population. Thus was the issue made up
by the two parties, and on this question delegates were
elected from all parts of the State.

In this particular House of Delegates the party of
the west was led, as previously mentioned, by (with
others) the subject of this biography; and c«i the 15th
and 16th days of February, 1839, he delivered the
following speech of great force and eloquence in the

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 183

General Assembly on behalf of a general scheme of
State improvement.

SUBSTANCE OF THE REMARKS

OF

COLONEL WILLIAM MADISON PEYTON,

(op BOTETOURT),

In support op the Report and Resolutions recom-
mending A Scheme op Internal Improvement;^

IN THE

House op Delegates op Virginia, February 15, 1838.

The Internal Improvement Report being called np.

Colonel Peyton remarked, That the late hour at which
the Rq)ort of the Committee on Roads and Internal
Navigation had been called np, together with the
protracted discussion which it had already excited,
made it proper he should inform the House tiiat he did
not expect to trespass long upon their patience. That
he would endeavour to avoid detail and unnecessary
digresrion, „ -mach „ poBsible. and oontoe htaS
strictly to the great leading principles which were
involved. He assured the House that he would not
wander into the regions of imagination, in quest of the
roses and garlands of fancy, to embeUish his sentiments.
He would neither stoop on the one side to cull a
flower, nor on the other to collect a gem ; but would
proceed directly to the development of his views as.
succinctly as the nature of the subject would allow.

* This speech was published in Richmond, in 1838, by Shepperd and
Oolins.

134 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

Colonel Peyton said he did not partidpate in the
Burprise of the friends of the Beport at the violeirl
opposition which it had encountered. He thought ib
was to have been expected, however strong might
have been the evidences in favour of its adoption. Ixt
a numerous body Uke this, representing a territory so
extensive, and embracing interests so varied, he said'
it was to be expected that local considerations would
influence the course of some gentlemen, while others^,
operated upon by an over-timid and over-cautioufi-
policy, would be found arrayed against it, solely on tie
ground of its novelty and apparent magnitude; and
some few, perhaps, might find an excuse for their
hostility in the extraordinary reason assigned by ihB
gentleman from Prince Edward (Mr. Venable) a few
days since : that the adoption of the proposed scheme
would defeat the improvement of the State. But, said
Colonel Peyton, notwithstanding the combination of
all these adverse impulses, I beHeve there is an en->
hghtened spirit awakened in the land, which cannot be
repressed or fettered, but which, bursting through all
the barriers of ignorance, is rapidly diflfusing its
regenerating influences and giving a healthy tone to
public opinion. The ball, said Colonel Peyton, is in
motion, receiving its impetus from the lofty sunmuts ^
of our mountains. He trusted it had already gathered
sufficient velocity and power to overcome and defy*
all opposition. He said that the difficulties which,
beset tne friends of improvement at the threshhold q£
their innovation upon the established policy, of the.
State; ought not to dishearten them — that it waa
not reasonable to expect so radical and important',
a change of State policy would be aquiesced*-
in without a severe struggle ; and that the history. .
of all our sister States, which have adopted aa,.
enlightened and liberal system of internal improvemeut^
exhibits a perfect identity in all the circumstancej^,.

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 135

•ttendmg its introduction. And here, said Colonel
Peyton, we find the same argnments relied upon by
genkleinen, which were urged upon the legislature of
Sew York, when it was proposed to construct the
Erie and Hudson Canal on State account. And
BOtwithstandiQg the obvious necessity and utility of
Hwt great work, and notwithstandiag it was recom-
mesided and advocated by one of her most distinguished
sons, by one upon whom nature had profusely scattered
<4ie rays of genius and the inspiration of intellect, by
the then reputed theorist, but now revered sage, De
Witt "Clinton. I repeat, said Colonel Peyton, that not-
withstanding it was brought forward under the auspices
ci^^^DJB gifted individual, and sustained with all his zeal,
and all his ability, and all his influence, it was with
the utmost difficulty pressed through the legislature.
And when its adoption was promulgated through the
country, it produced an excitement so violent and
uncompromising in its character, as to threaten with
pc^tical ostracism all those who had taken a prominent
pert in its support. In the commotion, said Colonel
V^ytcm, the dregs all floated to the surface. Whip
syllabub lawyers and artful demagogues sprung up
like mushrooms in every quarter of the State, and
called upon the " dear people " to hold fast their purse
strings. They represented the legislature, said Colonel
P^fton, as adopting some monstrous Briarean scheme,
wmch would stretch forth its hundred arms and plunge
its hundred hands iato the breeches pockets of the
people, and plunder them of the hard earnings of
their daily labour, to make, in the cant phrase of these
m09t special friends of the " dear people,^' " the rich
richer, and the poor poorer." The psuedo political
economists, too, said Colonel Peyton, of whom there is
always an over supply in every community, and
especially in every political association, fortified in
their own estimation by some absurd and incongruous

186 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

dogmas of a science, the true principles of whicli lay
greatly beyond the reach of their intellectual visions,
urged that the State, possessing no funds, having no
hoard, nor any certain or ascertained, or even
conjectural resources, other than those anticipated from
the projected works, had no right to construct a work
at the expense of the whole community, which was
partial in its benefits. That it was oppressing and
desolating one portion of the State to coidfer blessings
upon another. To these pseudo political economists,
there came, said Colonel Peyton, as auxiliaries in this
war against liberal legislation, the pseudo philan-
thropists, a class who, more anxious ior the welfso^
of the the " unborn millions'' who are to follow them,
than for the generation to which they themselves
belong, insisted that we had no right to transmit
these debts, incurred for public works, to posterity,
as it was imposing a burthen upon them in whioh
they had no voice or agency, and over which they
cordd not by possibility have exercised any control.
And I have no doubt, said Colonel Peyton, that diese
philanthropic worthies, in their learned dissertations
at the comers of the village streets, and at the cross
roads and grog-shops of the country, gravely argued
that it was a gross violation of the great fundamental
principles of our Government, that it was neither more
nor less than taxation without representation. Such,
he said, were a specimen, of the miserable batchy or,
said he, to borrow from high authority a mcwre
appropriate expression, the miserable rabble of objec-
tions which were urged against the enlightened policy
of the empire State. Such, said Colonel Peytcm, were
the obstacles that were thrown in the way of the
steady, conestoga, onward march of the miscalled
Bceotia of this confederacy, in a system which is every
day illustrating the energy and wisdom and patriotism
of its legislation by the solid wealth and substantial

Memoir of William Madison Peyton 137

blessings which it is confemng upon its citizens. And
such, I need not tell you, Mr. Speaker, after what you
have heard on this floor, are the cogent arguments, the
m^ty missiles with which we are assailed, and which
renders it necessary that the Mends of internal improve-
ment should put on their armour and invoke the
Protecting Egis of Minerva. Survey, said Colonel
Pttyton, ttie whole ground which has been occupied by
the opponents of our scheme, and analyze what
they have said, and you will find it all at last resolved
into some one of the objections which I have
enumerated, or into something which bears a strong
family likeness to them. And, said Colonel Peyton, I
most say, they are only diginified on the present
occasion, by their very respectable endorsement, and
the talents which they have enhsted in their support.

The talented representatives from Prince Edward
and Halifax predicated the greater portion of
their arguments upon the assumption, that the State
Was, from its poverty, unable to construct the improve-
m^ts recommended in the report. The financial
estimate presented by the pfentlemen from Augusta, a
few d./Bmce, in L ex/oBitioo of the viewfof the
c<mumttee, Colonel Peyton thought entirely conclusive
upon this point, and he had heard nothing as yet, in
the slightest degree calculated to weaken his confidence
in it. The objection to the calculation, in the estimation
of Colonel Peyton, was, that it yielded too much to
his opponents, and did greater iujustice to the financial
resources of the Commonwealth. But, said Colonel
Peyton, notwithstanding this estimate, which proves
beyond doubt the entire ability of the State to
accompUsh the improvements proposed without abstract-
ing one cent from the pockets of the community, we
are told by the inteUigent gentleman from Halifax,
that they will create a national debt, which will result
in national bankruptcy. This idea, monstrous,

s

138 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

illnsory, and unfounded as it is, in the face, too, of
the most irrefragable testimony of figures which e^tfii^
lie, is reiterated and echoed by the opponents of ^And
measure from every part of the hall, as though it l^^ii^
species of axiom. That the estimate is based on isi^
purely legitimate, and that its foundations are firtth^
fixed in truth, the abortive efforts of our opponc^tit
to impugn and destroy them, afford the hi^^
evidence. That all the antagonist items \i^ch ai^
entitled to be considered as oflEsets or charges upon til9^
internal improvement fund, are fairly and propl^rty
stated, is not denied ; but it is pretended that th^
estimate of the profits upon the works in process of
execution, and upon those contemplated, is extravagaSitv
Gentlemen, said Colonel Feyton. wiser and mote
experienced than oar engineers, who axe generaUy
presumed to be the best acquainted with these matteifs^
and wiser and more astute than that numerous and
intelligent class of the community who have vested their
money in many of these schemes, after a close scrutiny
into the chances of reimbursement, have come to the
conclusion, that they are all .dsionary speculations,
and doomed to disappoint and ruin those who engage
in them. It is true, said Colonel Peyton, as has been
said by the anti-improvement gentlemen, that consider^
able reliance is placed upon the anticipated profits from
the James Biver improvement. And this estimate
being conjectural, he knew of no better mode of
approximating the truth, than by consulting those who
have embarked their fortunes in it, and whose interests
have led them to examine it narrowly. The testin^my
of all these, he said, would more than sustain the
humble estimate. K, said Colonel Peyton, the mature^
wisdom of a Marshall in the east, and the cool, calculate
ing, practical good sense of a Breckenridge in the westy
and the combined intelligence of the most enlightened
portions of the State, after a long, and anxious, sanSt

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 139

tiummgh investigation of the ntility and productiveness
of this work, could cheerfully embark all their available
joeans in it, and appeal, in all the sincerity of a burning
patriotism to their fellow-citizens to unite in its con*
otniotion, I think we may safely rest with this assembly
^e very humble estimate which we have placed upon
ita productiveness, upon this authority, in opposition
to the round and unsustained assertions of the gentle-
' mm from Prince Edward and Halifax. Colonel Peyton
ilikid» that he should therefore claim with confidence
ib(tt the calculation of the profits from this work, which
%fA been used in the financial estimate, and which was
confessedly so far below the estimates of persons so
eminently qualified, should be received, until some
0tr(mger argument than the empty denunciations of an
^oemy, [or the bold assertions of inexperience were
^tSered.

--. Colonel Peyton said, that the only other conjectural
Morce^pf revenue relied upon, is the contemplated
ifaprovements, and these but for a very limited amount
$md for a short period. He said, that the gentleman
from Halifax, in combating this source of revenue,
instead of dissecting, and sifting, and exposing the
^daravagance of the very moderate and gi;arded
estimate twhich we presented, launched forth into a
denunciatory attack upon the report of the principal
engineer, in which the estimates were more than ten
times higher than we claimed ; and having in the
blmdness of his zeal imagined that he had utterly
jeDM>li8hed the engineer's report, he very gravely and
most logically concluded, that our estimate, by conse-
^nwoe, shared the same fate. He said, that feeling
disposed to admit a paralogism so palpable, he felt
authorized, by the failure of the gentleman, to object
specifically to the dividend claimed by the friends of
the report, in construing it into an admission of its
correctness. But this, he said, was unnecessary. To

140 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

those, said Colonel Peyton, who are familiar with tiie
trade and travel of that section of the State, which
will be accommodated by the South-western road, and
with the powerful auxiliaries which it will receive whcfn
extended to Knoxville, not only the extreme modera-
tion of our estimate will be manifest, but the much
derided and apparently extravagant calculation of our
chief engineer will be found, upon examination, to be
entirely within the bounds of probability. Fortunately,
said Colonel Peyton, we were not driven upon the
fanciful speculations of its ardent friends for the
maintenance of our opinions. In the year 1831, a
convention was held in the town of Abingdon, com-
posed of delegates from the city of Richmond, and all
the intermediate country to Ejioxville, in Tennessee,
who, after carefully collating all the facts necessary in
enabling them to determine whether the tonnage and
travel of this route would justify the expense of a
railroad, decided most confidently in its favour. From
the report of their proceedings it appeared that
even then the tonnage transported by waggons
amounted to 7,297 imports, and 60,352 exports, msMng
an aggregate of 67,649 tons ; calculating the imports
at 6 cents per mile, and the exports at 3 cents, it gav«
nearly five hundred thousand dollars. They then
deducted one-third from this amount to cover the error
in the calculation from some of the exports and a large
portion of the imports being distributed along the line,
instead of being carried the whole way through. Tins
left for imports 64,798 dols., for exports 267,963 dols.,
making an aggregate of 332,761 dols., which, taking
the cost of the railroad from New River to Knoxville at
3,108,000 dols., would produce a dividend of upwards
of 10 per cent on the cost of that part of the road from
New River to Knoxville, or nearly 7J per c^it. on
4,408,000 dols., the total cost of constructing a railroad
from Lynchbury to Knoxville. In this calcolatiea,

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 141,

the tolls accraing upon that portion of the line
bjMfween New iUver and Lynchburg, and which
would nnquesticmably be the most productive,
ara excluded. Nevertheless the convention had
BO hesitation in saying, upon the very meagre
information which they possessed, that this section
would yield at least 10 per cent, to the stockholders in
the then condition of the trade of the country. And
this, too, it will be observed, without relying upon the
profit to be derived from the transportation of passen-
gers, which of itself, I have no doubt, is justly
considered by our chief engineer as the most valuable
source of revenue. Colonel Peyton said, that in
addition to the facts elicited by this convention, there
was a most important one derived from the register
kept at Inglis's ferry, on New River, in the year 1836.
FixHU this, it appeared that between thirty-four and
thirty-five thousimd travellers crossed at that single
point during the year. These, said Colonel Peyton,
t(^ther with those who crossed at the numerous fords
and ferries above and below, would probably swell the
estimate to between 40 and 60,000. This travel
at the ordinary charge of six cents per mile,
would give an income of 576,000 dols., or between 18
and 20 per cent, on the whole cost of construction.
Th«s showing the ability of this improvement to
eustain itself by a moderate toll upon the travel, and
oonsequently, removing the necessity of heavy imports
vsfoa tfie agricultural and mineral products of the
country.

But, said Colonel Peyton, when you recollect that the
moment you construct this work, and thus remove the
mountain barriers which separate this country from
market, you at once awaken the industry and stimulate
tbe e2:^rgies of its inhabitants, and that you develop
ibe varied and inexhaustible mineral and agricultural
jssources of one of the fairest and most salubrious

142 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

portions of the State — a region where lead, salt,
gypsmn, coal, iron, and an exhuberant fertility of soil
have been lavished with almost prodigal profdsion. It
is impossible, said he, to conceive the width and depth
of the stream enriched from all these prolific sources,
which will pour its golden flood upon our commercial
marts, exciting their enterprize, and re-invigorating
their languishing commerce. Not only this, said Col.
Peyton, but when the work shall have been extended
to Knoxville, a short distance beyond our South- Western
border, it will constitute the focus of improvements,
radiating to the Atlantic on the one side, the Ohio on
the other, and the Gulf of Mexico on the third — em-
bracing within its influence two-thirds of the confederacy,
and drawing within its vortex, by the sure attraction of
its being the nearest, most natural, and direct route to
the east, the largest commerce ever enjoyed by a
railroad, and an amount of travel beyond the anticipa-
tions of the most sanguine and credulous. But, said
Colonel Peyton, I will not fatigue myself, or waste the
time of the House in proving the value and productive-
ness of a work against which not a single plausible
argument has been offered. The ingenious gentleman
from Halifax, himself finding that a closer scrutiny
into our estimate of the profits from the Jameif
lUver and Eenawha improvements and the South-
western road, was more likely to prejudice than
to promote his cause, seemed to yield the point, and
shaking the dust of the old Dominion from nis feet^-
he embarked upon the railroads and canals of the
great States of Pennsylvania and New York, in quest^
of facts to support his theory. There, said Colonel
Peyton, entrenching himself behind a rampart of
reports and imposing arithmetical calculations, he
seemed to defy and almost deride his opponents. Lei
us, said Colonel Peyton, examine him in his new'
position, and see whether it will not yield to the iirfirt

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 14t

a^sauli To say nothing at present, said Colonel
peyton, of the numerous errors of fact and inference in
wluch the gentleman involved himself at every step,
i&ere was one prominent and striking and radical
^eat in his whole argument, and that was, said Colonel
J^eyton, his neglect of the ameliorating influences of
Quese unprovements upon the comfort and happiness
and pecuniary circumstances of the inhabitants of the
States penetrated by them. He seemed, said Colonel
Peyton, to lose sight altogether of the immense enhance-
ments of individual property which resulted from them,
and the consequent increase of the stream of taxes
which would be annually pouring its golden treasures
i^th a continually increasing volume into the publio
coffers. Not only this, but he seemed to be blind — ^yes,
stone blind — ^to the incalculable addition to the aggregate
of national wealth from the development of the rich
mineral treasures locked up in inaccessible mountains,
snd which, without these improvements, were utterly
valueless. He seemed to forget, too, the extensive
Tnannfactories which would grow out of the working
of these mines and cluster around every waterfall in
their neighbourhood. He overlooked, too, the immense
pigmentation of agricultural products . which the
stimulus of a ready market would create* And still
more, said Colonel Peyton, he excluded from view the
increase of population resulting from the combination
of all these other blessings — an increase only
limited *by our mines of coal and iron, which
cure said to be boundless and inexhaustible. Great,
manifold, and important, said Colonel Peyton, as
are these, the legitimate offspring of a judicious
q^tem of internal improvement, embracing as they do
fl^ the important elements and essentials which
constitute a prosperous and happy people, under the
benign influence of free institutions, and which in
HQ^ opinion ought to be cherished as a blessing, even

144 Memoir of WiUiam Maddson Peyton.

if it was conpled with a system of direct taxation for
the reimbursement of the debt incurred in producing
it. Great, manifold and important, repeated Colonel
Peyton, as were all these beneficial results from an
improvement of the means of inter-communicatian,
the gentleman never once adverted to them, but
confined himself to a cold stock-jobbing calculation
of the dividends accruing from the various works
finished and contemplated. Is this, said Colonel
Peyton, the view of a Statesman ? Is it the voice of
patriotism ? Or is it the barking of a treasury watch-
dog, a Cerberus chained at the mouth of the vaults,
and with brute instinct denying access to all persons
indiscriminately, without respect to the character of
the claim or the applicant. Is it possible, said Colonel
Peyton, that a policy so narrow and so contracted, so
miserably parsimonious and so obviously suicidal, is
to be countenanced and sustained by the representatives
of a generous and magnanimous people. But said
Colonel Peyton, my feelings have hurried me into
a degression fi-om the point m my argument to which
I had arrived, and upon which I wish to bring the
attention of the house to bear for a few moments.

I was about to admit, for the sake of argument, and
for the purpose of exhibiting in a still stronger point
of view, the indefensible character of the position
assumed by the gentleman from Halifax, that all the
ameliorating influences of these improvements upon
society — ^the increase of population — the augmentation
of agricultural products — the development of mineral
treasures — the creation of manufactories and the
increase of the public revenue — ^that all these should be
discarded from consideration, and that we should view
it simply as a money-making, stock-jobbing scheme on
the part of the State. Even, said Colonel Peyton, in
this narrow and contracted and unstatesmanl^e point
of view, if the lessons of experience are suflered to shed

.Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 145

their broad and full light upon the question, there will
be no diflSculty in maintaining before this A ssembly
iJie policy of the system. 1 am willing, he said, to
narrow the ground on which we stand, for the present,
still more, by permitting its correctness to be tested
by the Pennsylvania system, which has been so
firequently referred to and so confidently relied upon
by the opponents of improvement, as affording the
strongest testimony in their favour. I am fully aware,
said the Colonel, that I place myself in the most
disadvantageous position in relinquishing the mass of
testimony which the triumphant success of the State
system in other parts of the Union affords, an4
submitting the question to a test, selected by our
enemies, and which wants the analogy which is
necessary to give weight to the deductions against us.
Those who are acquainted with the history of
internal improvements in the State of Pennsyl-
vania, know that it was commenced under every
disadvantage, at a time when the construction of
canals and railways were not well understood in
this country, and when, from the want of that skill,
and experience, and knowledge which she now
possesses, she expended at least one -fourth, or six
millions more, according to the estimates of her most
practical men, than would be necessary to do the same
work now. There is another circumstance, said Col.
Peyton, which weakens the parallel. An inspection of
the map will satisfy every one acquainted with the
geography of the United States, that in point of
natural advantages, she cannot compare with us. By
* position, she commands the commerce of no State but
her own, whilst Virginia, from the nature of the
Carolina coast, is the natural market of Carolina
products, and from her position, possesses advantages
' over Pennsylvania, in a competition for the Ohio trade,
^'and superadded to this, the rich products of East

146 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

Tennessee and North Alabama flow as certainly to her
ports as she provides an outlet for them. But, notwith-
standing all this, he hoped he would be able to satisfy
the House in a few words, that the system of Pennsyl-
vania, prompt, bold, expanded, and in one sense,
extravagant as it had been, so far from presenting n
picture to discourage and dishearten the friends of
improvement, offered every inducement and stimulus
to increased exertion. In looking into the Pennsylvania
system to ascertain whether the funds she has invested
in public works have been squandered or judiciously
expended, it certainly affords no evidence against them
to find, that upon an expenditure of nearly 25,000,000
dols., they received during the past year of paralysis
and commercial pressure, only 975,350,49 dols. The
general plan is not yet carried out, many important
links are unfinished, which, when completed, will swell
the tonnage immensely. The energy, and industry,
and enterprize of the community has scarcely had time
to get under way. The mineral and agricultural
resources are just developing themselves; so that the
present tolls, handsome as they are, scarcely * afford an
earnest of what they will be, when the system is
complete, and has had sufficient time to work out its
great results. Equally unsatisfactory is any argument
drawn from the statistics of detached works. There
are so many circumstances connected with them,
special and peculiar in their character, and of which
we are ignorant, that no general arrangement can be
drawn from them upon this point, entitled to the
slightest consideration. Instead, therefore, of suffering
ourselves to be carried away by the bold assertions of
gentlemen or specious deductions from particular improve-^
ments, and sections of improvements, of which we know^'
nothing, or the jaundiced calculations of the profits "oP
a system which is imperfect and unfinished, I wonI(f|
refer you to the testimony of the citizens of PennsyJP^

Memoir of WiUiam Madison Peyton. 147

yania themselves — ^to the report of the canal commis-
Siioners, who are entrusted with the control and
iflanagement of the public works, and who $re familiar
with the influences, favourable and unfavourable,
which operate upon them — to the message of the
governor, who exercises a supervisory care over the
whole State, and who derives his information from
the best sources. Do you find their opinions
of the value and productiveness of the public
works accordmg with those deduced by the gentlemen
from Prince Edward and Halifax, from their selected
statistics? Do you find them deploring the system
as one leading to national bankruptcy ? No
they are proud of it, and cherish it as a nerer-
failing source of the richest blessings; as the broad
basis of individual wealth and national grandeur; as
the key-stone which crowns their political edifice, giving
strength and durability and finish to the structure.
Colonel Peyton said, in the report of the canal com-
missioners for the year 1837, they say, "one aspect
of the operations of the year must, however, prove
cheering to every Pennsylvanian. While the revenue
derived from similar great State improvements, all
around us, has materially fallen short of last year, ours
has advanced in a ratio corresponding with that of
former years. If we can thus maintain our career in
the midst of such untoward circumstanceSy what mind
can estimate the eflfects that will be produced by
the return of a more healthy policy. If, in connexion
with this view of the subject, the competition of the
improvements now in progress, and which will effectu-
ally bring into use the immense mineral productions
of the Lykens valley, Shamokin, Mahamy, Wyoming,
and the bituminous coal and iron fields of the west
branch and Juniata, be also contemplated^ the result
ia incalculable. But little now passes on the canals of
tbe Susquehaona, its branches and the Juniata. When^

148 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

however, the improvements in process to complete the
original design of these works begtn to unfold their destined
utility^ the addition to the already increasing reventie
derived from t/iose sources^ will be immense. As evidence
of this, it is only necessarv to notice the rich return
which the mining operations in the Schuylkill coal
fields impart to the Schuylkill Navigation Companjr'g
works. This improvement is only 108 miles in length,
and has produced tolls the present season, amounting to
560,141,50 dols., up to the 13th of November.

In another part of the same report, after urging
the legislature to apply the whole resources of the
State to the completion of the system as rapidly as
possible, they remark " In relation to the ultimate
success 'and prosperity of the public works, the board
have expressed a decided opinion. The revenue
derived from public works is already beginning to
have a decided effect upon the fiscal operations of
the Government, and will hereafter be the main
reliance of the State. What amount of revenue will
be derived from the public works the present fiscal
year, it is difficult under existing circumstances, to
determine. But the board feel warranted in giving
the assurance, that even if the present pressure
continues, it cannot fall short of 1,200,000 dols. As
a proof that the above is not an over estimate, and
that the whole system when perfected will remunerate
the State for her outlay, and reward the patience
of her citizens, it may be etc. etc., (instancing the
most important improvements and the revenue derived
from them.) In the close of this review of the
general improvements, they say : " There w, therefore^
no doubt^ but that when the now rmproductim branches
are completed^ and sustain themselves^ as they assuredfy
willy the whole system will not only support itself but
pay a handsome revenue to the State J^

The governor, in his last message, says, « The

Memoir of WtUiam Madison Peyton 149-

2 stem of internal improvement has heretofore been
e chief draft upon the Treasury. It is now about
becoming its mam reliance.^' m m m m <* Xhe revenue
from the public works fell 324,649,51 dols. short,
diuring the past year, of the estimate of the canal
ccMZunissioners. Its actual amount was 975,350,46
dels. But all who are conversant with the matter, are
convinced that it would have 1,300,000 dols., if the
paralysis of last May had not fallen on the energies
of trade. The estimate of the board for the present
year, 1,400,000 dols, in which I concur, believing, also
that though it cannot fall materially short of that
sum, no matter how adverse the State's general business
may become, it may, and probably will, reach 1,500,000
dols., if the usual degree of prosperity be restored to
the country. The tolls of last month alone amounted
to 130,000 dols, of that sum." In another part of
his message, after a coup d^oeil at the different
im{»rovements, he concludes thus : " This view of the
subject not only enables us to calculate with certainty
or the increased earnings of the public works hereafter,
bat justifies all necessary expenditure for their
completion, even without taking into account their
other incalculable advantages to the State. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
Improvements thus increasing m productiveness under
every disadvantage, demand, because thev are worthy
of all the care of the legislature." Colonel Peyton,
aaid, I present these extracts as the testimony of the
Canal Commissioners and Governor of Pennsylvania, in
&vour of a scheme which has been represented by gentle-
men as a perfect Pandora's box, laden with evil, and
threatening the State with bankruptcy.

I consider it, Mr. Speaker, and every unprejudiced

mind must concur with me, as out-weighing all the

bold assertions and ingenious deductions of gentlemen

who are confessedly ignorant of the country and its

^^improvements, and as proving beyond all question

150 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

the policy of the system as a mere money-making
machine. It must strike every gehtkman, that ho
inference prejudical to the opinions advanced by these
Commissioners and the Governor, which are based upon
the statistics of any single improvement, or any
combination of improvements, ought to have any
influence upon our judgment. If, then it be
established, that looking only to the revenue from
the improvements, it is a judicious investment of
the public funds of Pennsylvania, the State wc
have selected as a test of its policy in Virginia,
there can no longer be any difficulty in our embarking
in the system, even if we had no loftier considera-
tions to subserve, than those of a mere stock-jobber.
This brings me to the consideration of the mode
in which the works shall be made, whether upon
the joint-stock or the State principle. And upon
the decision of this question in favour of the latter, we
believe, depends the cause of internal improvement, and
the future destiny of the State.

Colonel Peyton said, the most plausible and ingenious
argument which has been presented to the house in
favour of the two-fifth, and in opposition to the State
plan of improvement, was that of the gentleman from
Campbell, (Mr. Daniel,) This gentlemen in his zeal to
discover a spot on which to plant a lever to overturn the
State system, created an imaginary foundation of imprac-
ticable abstractions, and opened from thence, with no
small degree of confidence, and certainly with great skill,
a furious broadside upon that portion of the report which
recommended the construction of the South-western
road on State account. The argument of the gentle-
man was this — ^He set out with the extraordinary
assumption, that, upon principles of abstract justice, wq
have no right to take one dollar from the treasury for
the construction of public works, that the subscription .
of two fifths on the part of the State being an appropria-,^

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 151

tion of the pnblic funds to public works, was conse-
quently unjust; and, a fortiori^ inasmuch as the
whole is greater than a part it is a still greater
injustice lot the State to bear the whole expense.
The mere statement of this argument, divested
erf all the sophistry with which he had surrounded
it, ought to be sufficient to refute it. But, as
it had been the foundation of a long and able argument,
and had been most plausibly and ingeniously maintained,
he would examine it fully.

The poUtical maxim, said Colonel Peyton, upon
which the gentlemen has raised his superstructure, is
illusory, and, as appUed by him, utterly false. Upon
principles of abstract justice, the Government has no
jright to appropriate the public funds on the construc-
tion of public works ! Why, Mr. Speaker, upon
principles of abstract juctice you have no right to impose
any of those restraints upon the actions of men, or
exercise any of that control over their property, wWch,
in the finest Governments that have ever existed, have
exerted so salutary an influence and which has been
tmiversally conceded as indespensable to the existence
of society. We abandon the helpless, inefficient,
isolated and unsocial life of the wandering savage, that
we may, by union, concert, and harmony be better
protected in our personal rights and our rights of
property, and by united counsels, and united means
and energies, eflfect such measures as will promote the
public welfare. Mixed up with the abstractions under
consideration, and resulting in some degree from it, was
another sophism equally exceptionable, as applied. He
asserted, said Colonel Peyton, that beyond the protec-
tion of the country from foreign aggression, and the
preservation of the due administration of justice, the less
a l&ovemment interfered with the labour and industry,
the' pursuit and avocations of its citizens, the nearer it
approximated the fulfilment of its duties and obligations.

152 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

and that any step beyond these limits was in derogation
of certain abstract rights supposed by the gentleman to bB
be inherent and inalienable, or reserved by the community.
Suppose for a moment, said Col. Peyton, that the
gentleman's argument may be placed in the strongest
point of view, that the principles involved m his proposi-
tion are true — His argument admits, that it is the dut^
of the Government to protect and defend the country
from foreign invasion, and that it may use the pubnic
treasure for that purpose. Suppose then, that VirginSi,
instead of forming one of uus glorious union, were
isolated and independent, surrounded by warlike neigh-
hours, and subject to incursions upon the north, south,
and west, so sudden and desolating in their characte^
as to make the rapid transportation of troops and
munitions of war an important element of her defence.
Would not the Government, upon the gentleman's own
principles, have a right to construct roads in every
direction to promote the public welfare in this particular ?
And if, Mr. Speaker, the Government in such an
emergency would have the right to construct these
pubUc works, has she not a right, and is it not her duty
to provide before hand for the emergency, instead of
waiting till the distresses and disasters of war leave
her no alternative ? If the power belongs to the
Government in the extreme case supposed, why should
it not reside in the Government of Virginia under exist-
ing circumstances, when it would confessedly put hier
in better condition to withstand foreign invasion, as
well by the economy with which her troops and baggage
would be conveyed from point to point, as by the
promptness with which they could be brought to bear
where most needed. But, said Colonel Peyton, conclu-
sive as the argument is, even in this aspect, in &voiir
of a ^stem of internal improvement, we are not drii^en
to the necessity of resting it upon such hair-splitting
distinctions.

Memoir of WiUiam Madison Peyton. 158

Every Government, said Colonel Peyton, rests upon
iIb own principles, as ascertained by long usage, or its
vzitten charter ; and the principles of the social com-
pact, and the spirit of the constitution of Virginia,
jclearly and unequivocally recognize in its Gt)vemment
'the nght to do any thmg which, in its wisdom, will
jiromote the public welfare, provided it is not in contra-
vention of the charter adopted as a guide and limit to
its action. There is nothing in the constitution which
wohibits the legislature appropriating the public
rands to the construction of public works, or
in any other way they may deem promotive of the
public welfare. It follows, of course, that the legisla-
ture have the right to do it, and that, possessing the
power, there can exist under the social compact no
abstract right at variance with the constitutional right,
and the inference of the gentleman from Campbell, that
the legislature cannot exercise it without perpetrating
a wrong — ^an act of injustice — ^is wholly gratuitous,
and unsustained by any recognized, civil, or poUtical
principles, as, I trust, I have satis£a*ctorily shown. We
have thus established, said Col. Peyton, what he did
not suppose was ever doubted, before the ingenuity of
the gentleman from Campbell suggested it — ^the right
of the State to use her treasures for the construction of
. public works, or for the general welfare, in any way she
may deem expedient. I have previously shown, he
, said, the policy of a system of internal improvement,
and the ability of the State to carry out the scheme
proposed; and it only remains for me to ofifer some
remarks as to the manner in which it shall be done.

[The usual hour of adjournment having arrived, Col.
• .Peyton gave way, that a motion to that effect might be
laade.]

154 Memoir of WUUam Madison PeyUm.

Second Day.

House of Delegates of Virginia,

FebruaiJ/ 16th, 18S&

The Internal Improvement Eeport being called up^
and Colonel Peyton being entitled to the floor, he rose
and Baid : —

My argument not having been concluded on yester*
day, when the hour of adjournment arrived, it is
necessary that I should throw myself upon your
indulgence for a portion of to-day. I trust, Mr*
Speaker, that I satisfied the house on yesterday, that
no principle of abstract right does exist under the social
compact, which contravenes the constitution, and of
course that the act of our legislature appropriating the
pubUc revenues to the construction <rf public worics,
does not violate any right, or operate any injustice, and
of course that the ingenious syllogism of the gentleman
from Campbell fails to prove, that because npon the
State system there would be a larger appropriati(« of
the pubhc funds than under the joint-stock system, that
therefore it was more unjust and objectionable. Having
disposed of this branch of the gentleman's argument m
favour of the two-fifth, and against the State systmt^
it brought me to another on the same subject, in which
he abandoned in some measure his metaphysical abstract
tions, and treated the subject in a more practical point
of view. The acuteness of that gentleman's tmA,
enabled him to present a most imposing view
of what he considered inherent evils in the pion
of improvement on State account, and after msm^
taining himself most ably upon general reasomag^
and entering his formal protest against deductions in
favour of either system from isolated instances, or ttas^
any combination of cases, where all the circumstaneM^

Memoir of William Madison Peyton, 155

moral, political and physical, were not well understood^
he proceeded to adduce in support of the two-fifth place,
the Chesapeak and Ohio canal, the Baltimore and Ohio
Mlkoad, and several other joint-stock improvements ;
thereby forcibly illustrating, by the false conclusions to
which they led him, the truth of his promises.
I ^ee with the gentleman, that partial statistics
are worse than useless. It is true, that it is im-
possible to draw a comparison between works of other
States, made upon the joint stock and State principle,
without an intimate acquaintance with the topography
cf the countries through which they pass — the character
iof the works, whether they are temporary, requiring
expensive repairs at short intervals, or permament and
substantial ; their relative natural advantages — ^in a
y^oiAj all those influences, moral, political and physical,
wbi(^ affect them — and hence, I would depend upon no
anUotority short of it. As then Mr. Speaker, there is no
discordance in the views of the gentleman and myself,
us.. to the character of the testimony which should
influence the decision of this question, we have only to
l^pply the test. And at the threshold, I would ask
whether the gentleman from Campbell or any other
ttend of iiie Vership system/has offered us a
piartade of testimony in support of it, coming up to the
ptaAe which we have established ? It is doubtless fresh
isx tioB recollections of every gentleman within my voice,
that the gentleman from Campbell did not even pretend
if^ it» The truth is they have none, while
jtimodBXii testimony of the most satisfactory character
^4an be produced in favour of the State, and in
«oiobdemnation of the joint stock system. Look,' Mr.
%ieaker at the operati(m of the miserable, crippled and
JQUcffieient two and three fifths system, which has been
an GfersAion in our State for the last age 1 Behold its
^eiriQus results ! See the extensive Unes of railways
;w^ canals penetrating every quarter of the State, and

156 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

dispensing wealth, prosperity^ and happinees to Hi
citizens ! See yonr noble port at Norfolk crowded wi&
the canvas of every clime, and towns and cities spring
ing up as if by magic, in every quarter of the country i
Behold the Birmingham of America! Your own
capital, parsimoniously husbanding every drop ci her
almost boundless water power, and a^^lying it iA
machinery for manufacturing the cotton of Alabamik^
the wool of Ohio, and the minerals of Western Yirginial
See your treasury filled to repletion, and the great Siatibe
of Virginia advancing abreast of the State of Pennsyb
vania and New York, who have so unwisely and fatni^
tously adopted a system of internal improvement cm
State account ! !

In the eager anticipation of beholding all these
glorious results of the system so much lauded by the
gentleman from Campbell, we ask, where are they-f
where are they ? " and echo answers, where are they ?*!
No, Mr. SpeaJser, instead of this animating picture, wi
behold the lacerating efiects of this joint-stock syst^Bk
We behold a depressing, hag-ridden Commonweaiyi^
upon which this incubus has fixed itself so long as te
paralyze all her energies, and almost dry up the
fountains of hope. A system, said Col. Peyton, yMA
should be entitled a system of financial phlebotomy, as
it is merely used to deplete the body poUtic, and r^lierm
the treasury when it discovers any symptoms of
plethora. It is fitly described as a silanf^

insidious, thieving system, which plunders ^m
treasury, without promoting the public welfeure. Millkm
upcm millions of the public funds are wasted in the
companies, and many of them are so utterly unprodi»
tive, that it has been recommended to abandon thatt
that the State may save the expense of printing the
annual report of their condition ; and the whole of iham
taken together do not average one per cent, upont Urn
capital vested. Such, Mr. Speaker, is the true stataJolf

Menmr of WUliam Madtson Peyton. 157

Use testimany afforded by oxir experience in the jcunt-
jBtMk system. After having lived through an age the
dimshed policy of the State, it has not been able to
tecGT a sin^e monnment flattering to the pride, credit-
M^ to the enterprise, or in any respect worthy of the
flEOci^it fame of this renowned Commonwealth. The
friends of internal improvement having aqniesced during
tkoB hmg period in the hope that some of the promised
benefits would be realized, and finding every hope
Qlicifced, the mere precursor of ruinous disappointment,
ihe^ determined, if possible, to revolutionize the system.
And after the maturest reflection, and a patient and
wcnrate examination into the systems of tiiose States
which have been most successful, they have decided
iqwn, and recommended, the State system. In
dMng this, we take the broad ground, that no
State in this confederacy has ever carried on a
system of internal improvement successfully, except on
fiihate account. It is difficult to form a system in any
dhet way. For that cannot be called a system which
HbsfeodB upon the disconnected influences and conflict-
ing interests of an infinity of localities. It wants an
«i: pervading eye, that wUl embrace within its vision
file whole State, and a hand of judicious bounty, that
mSl administer to its wants and necessities as such,
impartially. Such, is the whole system in theory, and
mdi has been its operation in practice. In New York
ttasBT great State work was eligibly situated, as to
Attribute its blessings over every portion of the State,
waA the original and wonderful success of this improve-
ment, with which all are familiar, renders it unnecessary
te me to dwell on it. In the State of Pennsylvania —
tile Flanders of this controversy — ^we offer such testi-
iBOny in support of the system we recommend, as the
fwtieman firom Oampbell and myself have agreed upon
m» alone admissible. We offer the testimony of the
l&OTeinor of that Commonwealth, who, in his message

158 Memoir of WUlium Madison Peytom

of 1886, sajB, that when the works then in progrMCf
shall have been completed, stretching into every quartw
of her territory, and bearing her immense agricoltiuralj
mannfactoring, and mineral wealth to her own proud
metropolis,* and to every State in the Union, it is a low
estimate, he says, when these works are completed and
in fall operation^ that her clear annnal income, from this
source alone, will not fall short of three millions of
dollars, a sum sufficient to reimburse the whole debt
incurred, as it becomes one, to continue her improve*
ments to any extent, and to authorize the apphcation
of one million of dollars annually to the purposes of
education. And all this, he says, with moderation^
prudence, and caution, is not more than eight, an4
probably six years distant. We offer you the testimony
of the canal conmiissioners, which I read to the house
on yesterday, in which they state, that the revenue from
the canals and railways is regularly progressive, and
that the fund arising from them is becoming the main
reliance of the State. We offer you the acts of the
Legislature of the State, who are sustaioing audi
upholding this stupendous fabric by prompt, bold and
generous legislation : and by implication we offer you
the testimony of the people of the State — they who are
supposed to be the victuns of all the oppression and
grinding exaction which is inseparable from an
expanded system of improvement, and whose miseries
and distresses, under the system of taxation which it
is said will flow from our scheme, has awakened the
tender sympathies and sickly sensibiUties of gentlemen
on this floor.

All these, said Colonel Peyton, are persons, who I
am sure the gentleman from Campbell will admit are
£amiliar with the influences moral, political and physical^
which affect the system and who from having

, * Philadelphia.

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 159

pKviotisly tried a partnership system like ours, are
peculiarly qualified to judge of their respective
merits. In truth there is oae vital and dis-
tmgnishing feature in the joint-stock system, which
18 sufficient of itself, if there was none other to
condemn it. It administers to the cupidity of indi-
viduals, and encourages them in unreasonable exactions
upon the community. It fixes a tariff upon the
Agricultural and other products of the country, which
is often intermiuable and always onorous. Whereas
upon the state system, the legislature would have a
right to accomodate its tolls to circumstances, and when
the capital was reimbursed, might abolish them so far
as to reserve a tax merely sufficient to preserve the
works in repair, or retain a sufficiency to relieve the
whole community from taxation. Suppose, for
example the James river and Kenawha improve-
ment completed, and the tolls should equal the
estimates which have been made, viz ; eight hundred
thousand dollars; you then have the agricultural
interest contiguous to this improvement, saddled with
the principle part of this enormous tax, through all
time — irrevocably and irremediably — ^when, if it were
a State work, this immense burden might be removed,
when the cost of construction was returned, and thus
negatively distribute, through the community, in the
most salutary form, a sum which would operate as a
bounty to that interest which is the foundation
and support of all others. With this example
and an extract written from a letter by a
citizen from Pennsylrania, who has long been distin-
guished for his devotion to the cause of improvement,
lor his sound practical sense, and his intimate know-
ledge of the operations of the system in his own State
fot the last 30 years, I rest the discussion of the
relative advantages of the two systems. The extract
is in reply to a query submitted to him on this very

160 Memoir of WiiUom Madison Peyton.

point. He says, " An opinion prevailed in our State
At that time (between 1816 and 1826) that the best
mode for the Commonwealth to patronize public works,
was for the Government to subscribe stock in chartered
conq)anies. It was believed, that the vigilence of
private stock-holders over their own interests, would
be a sufficient guarantee for the faithful application of
the public funds; but experience proved that the
State, as a sleeping partner, was often shamelessly
swindled, and always had the worst of a bargain.
Hence, when what with us is technically called the
"Pennsylvania improvements," in contradistinction to
company works, were begun in 1826, our Statesmen had
become tired of partnersliip concerns, and they began a
system of canals and railroads, to be constructed alto-
gether by the funds of the State, to be entirely owned
by the State, and all the tolls to be collected from the
"works" to be paid into the State treasury."

Having shown in the previous part of my argu-
ment :

1st That the State has a right to appropriate tbe

public funds to the construction of public works.
2nd That the estimate of the resources of the Com-
monwealth are correct, and consequently that da^e
possesses the ability to accomplish the works pro-
posed in the report.
3rd That it is eminently the policy of the State to
engage in a system of internal improvements, if
viewed in reference to its ameliorating influenoes
upon society, and its augmentation of natioQAl
wealth and power.
4th That even as a money^making, stock-jobbing
scheme, it is a safe and profitable business on tlie
part of the State.
5th That the most effective mode of obtaining the
object is, by adopting the State principle* Jt
would seem now to devolve upon me to shoir,

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 161

that the improvements recommended in the report,

-' are pre-eminently entitled to the consideratioii

' of the legislature. Bat this branch of the stibje<^

has been so folly and so ably elucidated by

-^ those who have preceded me, and will doubtless

engage the attention of others who will follow '

me, and who will probably be better qualified

to do it justice, that I will save myself, and

relieve the house from a tedious discussion of it at

present.

Colonel Peyton said, before taking his seat he was

desirous of drawing the attention of the house, and

especially the friends of the James River and Eenawha

improvement, more fiilly to a subject which has been

idluded to in debate, and which has been the topic of

considerable conversation out of doors.

There is an impression with many friends of the
James Eiver and Eenawha improvement — whence
derived or how sustained, I am at a loss to conceive —
that the friends of the system proposed by the com-
mittee, are inimical to their work, and that the success
of this scheme will be the death of theirs. Surely, said
Col. Peyton, there is nothing in the report which coun-
tenances any such idea, nor has anything fallen from any
member of the committee on this floor, which justifies
any such infiuence. So far from it, the report of the
Committee expressly recognizes this improvement as one
:of primary importance— one in which the character of
'^e State is involved and to the successful completion
^ i^hich the fledth of the State is pledged. Nothing
was asked and nothing desired at present by that
isompany, and we could not do more than express the
:4dep interest we felt in its successful issue, and reiterate
the pledge of the State to advance its three-fifths,
^whenever the company might deem it necessary. Can
^it be believed that the chairman of the ''Com-
mittee of roads and internal navigation," residing

w

162 Memoir of William Madison Peyton^

in Goochland, on the very banks of the canal, Wonid
sit by and countenance a report which would be destmC'-
tive of an improvement in which his interests and
feeUngs are so perfectly identified ? Can it be supposed
that I, myself, representing a constituency, every
individual of whom are vitally interested in the prosecu-
tion of this work, and representing a county which is
perhaps to be more substantially benefitted by it, than
any other in the State, would for one moment have
given my approbation to any measure which threatened
its existence ? No, Mr. Speaker. It is an idle surmise^
generated by a morbid suspicion, and kept ahve by the
indiscreet and intemperate zeal of some of the finends
of that improvement. I certainly do not mean to repre-
hend the watchful vigilance of those to whom are
especially entrusted the guardianship of this great wc^k.
The unsullied purity and patriotism of the amiable
gentleman who is at the head of the company, and the
deservedly high standing of the directory, forbid my
harbouring for one moment an impression unfavourable
to the integrity of the motives which have influenced
them in their opposition to this scheme. What I mean
to say, is, that they have evinced more zeal than
discretion. They have run off with their false impres-
sions before they have taken the trouble to acquaint
themselves with the views of the committee, and have
enlisted a feeling of suspicion and hostiUty among a
portion of the James river and Kenawha representative^
which, if carried out, it requires no prophet to predict,
will effectually close the door of the treasury to both
schemes, at one and the same turning of the key. I
will then, once for all, at the request of many
members, make a concise statement of our views, by
way of disabusing the minds of those who are at all
disposed to bcv satisfied.

The friends of the report are the fast friends of the
James river and Kenawha improvement* They xn^iiA

. Memoir of WUliam Madisofi Peyton 168

tbe pledge offered in the report as a bona fide pledge of
tiie subscription indicated, and they are perfectly
willing to give to the friends a carte blanche after the
report has been adopted to incorporate in the bill based
upon the report, a section in such form as they may
deem best calculated to place the desired increase cf
the capital stock to five millions additional beyond all
casualty, and to secure in the strongest manner, the
subscription of three millions on the part of the State,
to be paid pari passu with the subscription on the
part of the stock-holders. With these fair and
liberal propositions I call upon the friends of the
James river and Kenawha improvement, to ground
their unnatural opposition, if they do not wish
to defeat that which they are attempting to preserve.
Separate yourselves from your ill-sorted and suicidal
alliance with the enemies of all improvement, who are
tising you to subserve their purposes, and who will
spurn you when you have lost your weight and
influence* by the alienation of your true friends. If
you give a selfish, contracted, and illiberal vote,
strangUng every other improvement in the State,
I ask with what face you will present yourselves
^t the next session of the legislature, or at the
session thereafter, asking their aid in the prosecu-
tion of your work ? Do you flatter yourselves that the
representatives from those portions of the Common-
wealth, fresh from the defeat they have sustained at
your hands, smarting under the injuries you have
mflicted upon them, and exasperated by your monop-
olizing selfishness, will grant you one dollar. My word
for it, if this bill fails by your votes, you will have
itegistered the last vote — certainly the last general vote
ilf the south-west, north-east and north-west in your
fiivour. I entreat you, therefore, by the deep iritearest
Tou feel in this scheme — by the deep stake the
tJommonwealth holds in it ; by all the glorious result*

164 Memoir of WUliam Madison Peyton.

which are expected to flow from it, to patuie and pond^ :
well before you give it the fatal stab. Stand fordi
boldly as the friends of a liberal system and you have
nothing to fear; but shrink back with distrust and
selfishness within your own sheUs, and you wiU
assuredly have coals of fire heaped upon your backs.
A few words more, and I leave the subject with the.,
house.

I hope, said Colonel Peyton, that a fair and candid
consideration of tte views which I have presented, w21 *
be somewhat instrumental in advancing a cause which
I have so much at heart, and which I conscientiously'
believe will contribute incalculably to the wealth, fame,
power, and prosperity of the State. The imaginative
powers are too feeble to conceive, much less to picture
forth the change which a complete svstem of intemiJ.
improvement would bring over the land. I will not •
attempt it. I hope, however, that the splendid results
of the experiments of our more enterprising neigh-
bours have had their influence upon the public mind,
and given the friends of internal improvement a.
preponderance in our councils. If so, I trust we shaH.^
improve the opportunity which it affords of fixing this,
session as the great epoch from which to date the*
prosperity of the Commonwealth ; an era which every
patriot and philanthropist will revert to with heartfelt
gratitude and the most triumphant feelings; as one
next only in importance to that glorious day which
stamped our freedom with the seal of the Declaration
of Independence, in the lasting and inestimable benefits
which have resulted from it to the good "Old
Dominion," the renowned magna mater virum; the
morning star of our political regeneration — the "pillar
of cloud by day and fire by night," during its long and
wearisome, and eventful progress; the Corinthian
capital which imparts grace, and beauty and finish to

v..

Memoir of WUliam Madison Peyton. 165

the magnificent temple which we have erected and
consecrated to the rights of man."

The able and animated debate of which the foregoing
was the concluding speech, was followed by a close
vote, upon the report of the committee on internal
unprovements, and to the lasting credit and prosperity
of Virginia, it was carried, thus becoming the law of
the land.

Amidst the onorous and distracting duties in which
he was involved, during this winter, it is pleasing to
stiate that he found time to show, by his correspondence,
that the dear ones sitting in the home circle far away,
were never long absent from his thoughts. Among the
numerous letters to various members of the family
about this time, were many characteristic ones,
addressed to the writer, then a lad at school, full of
g6od advice and affectionate expressions of kindness.*

* The author has endeavoured as previously said by oorrespondence
Wi& his family and friends in Virffinia to procure some of these letters^
hut such was the destruction, by nre and other causes during the dvil
war, of mansion houses, libraries, etc., that he has been unable to
prooore any which possess particular interest.

CHAPTER Vni.

In the month of June, 1840, my first visit was mudis
<to my brother on his Roanoke estate. The famiiy,
from Montgomery Hall, was about to proceed to
Islehamy on Jackson River, one of my fathers estateti
about seventy miles from Staunton in the County of
Bath, to pass the summer. They were in the habit qC
spending a portion of every summer there and ill
excursions to the baths which exist in this part oC
Virginia. Before leaving home my father sent me oa
my trip to Roanoke, accompanied by one of hia
favourite slaves, Ned Phipps. Mounted on a hi^d<-
some bay cob, I was followed, at a respectful distano^
by Old Ned carrying my clothing in a huge portnw^
teau attached en croupe. This remarkable African, m
good, kindly, garrulous old man, had attended i^
father during the war of 1812-15 as a body senaant
(of which he was not a little proud) and from }fm
experience, age, and faithful character, was order^ %q
follow me in a threefold capacity, as guide, protecM^
and valet. Though, as I have stated, the grim and

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 167

dignified Ned started on the journey in my rear we had
no sooner lost sight of the Hall, than the sociable
instincts of the venerable negro led him to spur up
and place himself by my side. I did not object to this,
being fond of his stories, some of which would have
done no discredit to Baron Munchausen. On account
of his wonderful tales he was slurringly called, by his
fellow servants, " Ned Fibs." Our familiar conversa-
tion was kept up somewhat in the style of the famous
Knight of La Manche and his squire Sancho Panza,
WB^ we approached a town or village, when, of his
own accord, Ned would quietly drop to the rear and
never resume his former position till we had lost sight of
tlie last house. The force of habit was strong in old
Ned, who had learned respect for superiors, as he
daid, ^ while in the army." Besides he was a stickler
Pair -thit prc^rieties of Ufe, and had I wished him to
^m^ by my side in public places he would have
MfoBed. He was tested on this point the first day of
©tiir journey, when near the village of Fairfield, where
f--4«dted to replenish my brandy flask and tobacco
po^h for the benefit of Ned, who was uncommonly
fifiWd cf both stimulants — neither of which I used.
^ To my request that he would keep by my side he
Mnewered firmly, almost peremptorily :
-***Nosir, I know my right place. Massa can tell
ytota Ned hasn't served in the army agin the Britishers
to no purpose. He knows well enough officers post,
ilAffiers duty, masters place and servants too." Valets

*■ ( -

1^ Memoir of WiUiam Mudison p£$ftdfL

have their point of honour as well te tli^ masters
and I made no further effort to interfere with Ned.

Our route carried us by the Backbridge^ m the county
0f the same name, one of the greatest natural curiosi-
ties of our country, and through a portipn of the
valley remarkable for its fertility, careful cultivation,
and attractive scenery. This was the first occasfi^ on
which I had seen this region about whieh mti^ ^iMb
been said and more written and Which is wbfAj^'W
every praise, I shall however make no attein^i'tt)
describe it tourist-like. It may be pardonable," ^W^-
ever to say that so beautiful is thisf section thitP^iWflfe
gazing upon it I felt — though all my days had t)cfe!h^§M5B
in the midst of lovely scenery — ^that it was aH-^Wft
fancy could conceive or poets picture : not oiiljPfteMBl-
ful, but a blending of all beauties — streams and^SHM,
fruit, foliage, crag, wood, water, tobacco-plantatioii^,^rft-
fields, meadows, mountains. It afforded me the g^rffc^
delight and I found " books in running brooks, s^ifmftfe
in stones and good in everything.'' Ned who had' (ffBSb
travelled on this road lightened the fatigues t)R^*^
journey by his gossip, giving the history of ;alrticit
every house and family which we passed. He' WV^
this kind of garrulity, as all negroes do, and wh(&i'5fi8t
indulging in it showed his appreciation of the'^wfe
scenery, by nodding placidly in his saddle. ' ' ^

During this visit of two months to Roanoke a fo]rtK?r
ToioWledge of my brother's character was gained. ^

^ • :-i:5oa

.. :_-t:t3i9a

€4

? - -

Memoir of William Madison PeyUm. 169

He was bumble, kind, forgiviiig, meek,
Easy to be entreated, gracioiis, mild ;
And, witb all patience and affection, taugbt,
Bebnked, persuaded, solaced, comisell'd, wam'd.
In. fervent style and manner. All
Saw,in bis face contentment, in bis life
Tbe patb to glory and perpetual joy.'*

The good relations which existed between himself
^bA lunily, and the happmess which it diffused through
the home circle, was also apparent. Never was any
thing more admirable than the manner in which he
oc^ducted himself towards his wife, children, and
dmoiestics. There was perfect tolerance of each other's
mistakes, lenity shown to failings, meek submission to
usuries, always a soft answer to turn away wrath. All
Hub he inculcated to those about him* by word and
action. He used to say to his children, by way
of enforcing his views, ^' If you lay a stick of wood on
^tbe andirons, and apply fire to it, it will go out ; put on
another stick, and it will bum ; add a half-dozen and
yon will have a conflagration. There are other fires
inobject to the same condition. If one member of
4^ family gets into a passion and is let alone, he will
cool down, and possibly be ashamed and repent. But
^oppose temper to temper ; pile on the fuel ; draw in the
otiher members of the group, and let one harsh answer
be followed by another, and there will soon be a blaze,
which will enwrap them all in its lurid splendours."
In this philosophic and Christian spirit he applied a
sedative to those ebullitions of passion which ruffle the
serenity of households, and infiised such sweetness in

X

170 Memoif of William Madi$on PeytofkK

his cup of domestic enjoyment, that I coold htA excladtti
in the language of Cowper,

** Domestic happiness, thou only bliss
Of Paradise, thou hast survived the fall T*

r

His conduct to his negro slaves was equally adifidiv

able. * His only wish wais to rendto them hi^)^^.

Nothing which had reference to their comfort ksA

improYement was overlooked in Ms plans for thetti*

To each couple a hut was assigned, to which WM

iattached a little garden, in which the slaves cultivated

ibbacco, maize, potatoes, and where they raised plgB

«nd poultry. Those who were inclined to make mom^

this way were allowed to go every Saturday aftefnodi

io Big-Lick or Salem to dispose of their produce mi.

spend the money as they pleased. ' In ; all this he tat

followed the example of our venerable father, wllo

treated the slaves upon his several estates in this way;

and lived the life of a patriarch instead of a ' tyraol;

Throughout the whole South, during those prospermia

^days anterior to the civil war, every planter may 1»e

said to have been either a tyrant or a patriafoh^

according to the virtues or vices of his character. Ba&

^y father and brother belonged to the latter clOM.

The reader will not be surprised to learn, then, that fiUl

measure pressed down and running over seemed' tffe

sum of his happiness. ^

' Among the visitors who met at my brothers tills

summer, was our father, who crossed the. mountains

:from Lewisburg, where he was attending the Cosiit M

]\fmoif, of WUlium Madison Petfton^\ Jf 1

iA|q>6al0» fmd my maternal micle, Colonel Lewis, who wmi
xm his way from South Carolina to the Sweet Springs.^
ArriTing Jn^ Boanoke, at the same time, my nncle
estopped a we'el^ to enjoy the blandishments of society
at Elmwood, and to recruit from the fatigues of his
^kftig journey overland. Colonel Lewis was a man of
;^(^ain religiou^ and political crochets, and the friendly
j^flcussions which occurred between him and my father
.ilforded me no small pleasure. A brief account of
jsome of these as a sequel to this chapter will not be
juunteresting, as shewing the kind of life and discourse
cwlttch sometimes prevailed in my brother's house. In
:j?ej}gion Colonel Lewis was a Boman CathoUc, and i^
^politics a disciple of Calhoun, and was of course consi-
adtired by our father as a muddle-headed abstractionist,
^m^ose ideas of eternal salvation were heretical, and
':itflios^ the(»ies of government could not be reduced to
iimcticfe wiaiout national rain. With affectionate
;*6licitude, therefore, for the reputation of Uncle William,
^Sftther than because he fancied his soul endangered by
^m adherence to the Pope or the country by the blatant
.lumsense of South Carolina empiricism, he used every
fftirgament which suggested itself to his mind to win my
simcle from his errors. Discussions thus arose, and
f^ese sometimes became so warm on part of my uncle,
ddlttit their friends feared their polemics would some day
irasult in a feud. Not so, however. My lather's modei^a-
^tioD was equal to his vigour, and he mollified my uncle,

^2^^^pr ^ridged pedi|;ree of ^ Lewis family see appendix C. .

}72 Memoir of WUliam Madison PtyMA^

aiid soothed his discomfitures, for he was no niflot&ifisi'
my father in argument, by this style of reasonmg,^ wfa|rii
I was so often a witness that I am enabled to ghieotfif
substance of it — ^parts of it almost word for ivoji^.atE^
fell from his lips. : .j^ £i3o5

" There is no necessity William," he would say^ri}^
difference of opinion creating ho^ility« li mBotBUi
admitted by all that there is great Tariety in the \Msa^
habits, and opinions oi mankind, and it is neoMSSiydtD
harmony that it should be so. That part^ ^tHisA
tends to general harmony is more than poetically iljcii^
for, if all men were to set their minds upon liviog iP-ito
same climate, or under the same goyerament i :wisM
tdl the people of a country had an unconqueraMe ^Mirt
to live in the same town ; if all the inhabitaatib^ofs*
town were to haTO a good opinion of only one phj9iAl%
or of only one preacher, or lawyer, or meo^ifiid^ 'tif
could only relish one article of food, or fanc^ P^lf t Ap
same dress ; or if, all men were to fall m love wijtlli 4P
same woman, or all the women with the saaEoe »iMl>
what would be the consequence ? Why, from a.f^^g
of seeming agreement, universal discord would f?^9^^
Even the value of truth is best appreciated bj^ot^
opposition it meets with, and falsehood and error^rr^p
detected by the discriminating powers of opposite? s^ijn^
tions and feelings. That there should not be unifong^
of opinion upon many important subjects, such as ^^^
theory of government, etc., must be the eism^^
heaven. For myself I claim freedom of opinion Wji^
inherent right, provided it does not distosb th^-i^^il*

Mem&ir of Wxttiam Madison Peyton. ITi

UMiAxaieat of society. I fear your nnllificatiim vie^ir,
M/r.deMSt William, go this l^ogth. Howev^, let me
fiiceod^ m) man has a right to be offended at my
lq[mi(»r, or hold me in contempt for entertaining it, if it
does him no injury; and, what I claim for myself, common
fAI&cei' requires that I should allow to others ; and
lUd dm ^well consider, that this disparity of disposition
jniBfcbe the designation of an overruling Intelligence,
<#e^isarefy should not suffer it to be the cause of
tfwKi^ of animosity to our fellow-beings, though their
ffiilicill or religious opinions should be the opposite to
Qlttr^4trvfb-Hitill less such old friends and connections as
^uiwlv^es. For, conthiued my father, unless we had
4Mi8i'Stll]jeeted to the same involuntary impressions and
4^ftalions that other persons have been, which id
^§i^asffi impossible, we can be no judges of the merits
itt jtefii^its of their opinions, or how they have outraged
^tk And reason, even admittmg that they are in error.
^ il^ should be contended that truth and reason arid
iiWHufable, and when two differ upon a fundamental
aioft there must be a deviation from reason and truth
«fff^[fe ^ ilie parties, I would admit it to be so if the
^^eftion were susceptible of mathematical demonstra-
^fiftn; This is rarely the case. Were I to meet a man
*"^HS$'^ i&ould contend, that two and two do not make
^lyS', or that the amoont of degrees in the three angles
^■tt triangle are not equal to the amount of degrees in
^d'rightangles, I must justly charge him with folly or
^HHStA Msehood ; but, in whatever does not admit of
'd^lftnBtration, our convictions are our feding^ ; mSi

|7# Memoir ef WiUiam Mddis&n PeyUnL\

irar feelinjga depend more upon involnntaty impreteuWi
fbm we^are often willing to allow. Certainly troth and
Teason are the most likely to prevail with coltiTaiod
minds, for truth and reason are the most likely tk
jmake the right impression, bat we are too aft
to overvalue our own kind of knowledge, whiUf
we underrate that of others. In pomi of
real utility, the knowledge of the man who n
skilled in the breeding and feeding of cattle is moni
valuable to society than is the knowledge of him wli#
As skilled in mathematics, yet the latter will look down
upon the former, when perhaps the only advantage he
has over him is the being able to convey his knowledge
in more correct and perspicuous language ; and, unle«(
we possessed all kind of knowledge in an equal degiof^
we are liable to be imposed upon in some things, either
by thinking too little upon them, or too much, to tiie
.exclusion of other branches of knowledge, the possesi-
sion of which, though seemingly foreign to the sufajeii^
may be necessary to its clear elucidation; for it is bj
the possession of general knowledge only, that we eaa
fdaim a superior title to correctness in every particulio^
-A, may be able tp solve a difficult problem in mathe-
matics: B, cannot do this, but B can make a plow
;upon true mechanical principles, which A cannot; If
Xj can do both, C must be superior to A or B ; but, ail
mankind are in the situation of A or B — as possessibg
-only partial knowledge : we should all, theref<»re» -bfi
indulgent to each other's deficiencies. Still, My

1

Memoir of WilUam Madison Peyton.

in

Klipegndr in general knowledge ancl learning may
be il^ dnpe of a weak prejudice, withoaf justi-^
Efing an impeachment of either. ^^I have a brother«in-
lAw/' he would look askant at my uncle when getting off
&is kind of fillip, ^^ of whose cleyemess and general
fioiOirledge I have a very high opinion, yet in politioft
Ive are quite opposites: we indeed worship different
idols, and the only superiority I can pretend to claim
«nrer him is, that I can hear for him to adore his idol
miwmi in . my- presence and yet keep my temper-Hi
ifompliment he cannot always repay/'
f ^^Fudge !" exclaimed my uncle, jumping to his feet, and
ji?41king hastily to aod fro across the room — ^^I may
flrarm with my sulject, but as for being offended with
yaco it is out of the question. I'll never so far forget
myself."

f **Gome, come, be seated," my father would rejoin, giv»
ipghim a friendly shake of the hand, >4et me proceed : oi
idoorse you will not think I wish to depreciate i^e value
cf truth and reason; I only. wish to urge, that the
oeendng want of them in others may be deceptions^
^aad should not be the cause of contempt, acrimony/^
or ridicule. All are enamoured even with the shadow
)of truth; and should see the substance^ if in their power ;
ibut, placed in a variety of lights and shades, some can
Ittily. see the^ shadow, and mistake it for the substance/f
Pbiia their fraternal discussions proceeded. imd termiit-
jtfied in the discomfiture of my uncle, (who though a
tsfevQt tnan^ an eloquent talker, full of confidence, and

•. _ .w

s

176 Memoir of WUltam Madison Peifton.

abundaiice of zeal, was no sach logician as my father)^
and left not the slightest pain rankling in his bosom.

Colonel Lewis had been educated by my matenuA
grand&ther. Major John Lewis, of the Sweet Springs^'
as a Presbyterian or Puritan — no man living cotdd^
have been more averse to the doctrines of the Bonnsk
Church than Mi^or Lewis, and to this he trained Us.
son. Zealous in every cause he espoused, ColoodL
Lewis conceived the idea of converting the Pope to
his reUgiou8 views, and was making Feparatioos ta
visit Rome for this purpose, when he met a beautifiil
and intelligent maiden lady, in New Orleans — a tenat.
cious Pa|)ist, who converted him. She soon became him
wife, and he became one of the most devoted Roma&r
Catholics who ever bent the knee at the shrine of ft
Saint. Not long after this, he commenced distributing
tracts and exhorting people to return to the bosom of
the mother church. A room in his house, ^^ Lynn-side,''
Monroe county, Virginia, was converted into a chapd.
for private worship, and was ornamented wkk
sarcerdotal trinkets, relicts^ etc., and the graceful qpiEe
of a Catholic Church soon shot above the trees of hit
park-like grounds. Aided by an L*ish family by the
name of White, and Leonora Stack, a sister of Mrs.
White, and all Papists ; Colonel and Mrs. Lewis
succeeded in impressing the minds of many of &e
people in the neighbourhood of the Sweet SpringSy
mostly among the poorer aud more ignorant classes
and on Sundays and Saints Days, in this hitherto
thoroughly Presbyterian community, quite a respectabls

ihB^fir.of WiUiam Madison PifftofU VPl

q^^gh^tion : hath for mimben and appearance
assemUsdvto Tforship. The service, too, was conducted
ititfaixjaar JEQ^ieh jo£ the splendour and magnificence of
^h^ineiiuj cocdd be im^rted into it. The interior of
tiifarcku^scir is handsome, the accomodations convenient,
giliiiiiilrtQikBd oi^an sent forth its solenm tones and
iwiitfislH rchanted. Two Holy Fathers took np their
ifaridmiie, at ^^Lynnrside," and by their sanctified
Htumpra and ptons exhortaticttis, seconded by the
offabiiky and condescaiding ihanners of Colonel and
HdkiLewisiL and the pleasing deportment c^ the Sisters,
all the charity freely held out to the needy^
-s decided impression on this Puritanistic
fltHHiqf^oId. Notwithstanding Colonel Lewis' sudden
«i3otofkal xdiange in religious faith, no one ever doubted
tpuitiffaerity, but there were not a few to combat his
^wvoanl sneer at his convert zeal. In the family
2^jD&^iarticularly there were frequent discussions upon
Jd^gibu9 tenets and principles. From having despised
dkhr inyths, my uncle soon became a believer in
innqRl^, hdly legends, etc., and I remember many
yeirk> after this an animated conversation between
hfiiisetf and my fitther on the subject.
.rMytimde argued wi£h much ingenuity— for he was
anskver man notwithstanding his crotchets — ^that a
bcKeli i];i hofy legends was an obligation imposed upon
^l^fihffttians, and upon the great danger of entertainxng^
tibasMasi doubt of their authenticity. My father said
ifltffi^iyt that he would as soon consider himself under
afafaMfgattott to bdierve the tales of Baron Munchausen^

Y

178 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

Mankind, he said, in all ages had been crednlons an^
had been imposed upon not only in tales and romanced
but even in histories. St. Gregory condemned Livy^fc
history to be burnt on account of its many falsehoods,
on the plea that belief in such things was contrary to
the faith of your own church, William. And I say ft
without intending to be impolite, but merely to express
a conviction of my mind, that no set of men are more
to be reproached for filling history with puerilities and
pious fictions than the Boman Catholics. In the
middle ages they were a community whose minds were
filled with idle fancies, and they endeavoured to . stuff
the minds of other sects with the same vain imagina-
tions. In his work entitled, " Kevolutions in Spain, ^
Father d'Orleans invents, in one action which occurred
between the Spaniards and the Turks, as many miracles
as were related by all the Boman historians put
together. The rapid multiplicity of miracles he averred
to be interventions by the Diety in favour of the
Christians."

"I may further add" — though not a pedant, my fattier
was a profound scholar, and when engaged in the
discussion of a subject generally exhausted it — " Vossins^
in his ' De Historicis Latinis,' audaciously assures his
readers, continued my father, that the walls rf
Agouleme, in the reign of Clovis, suddenly fell to tiiie
ground by virtue of a small vial ! With more mendacity,
Maimbourg, in his history of Lutheranism and
Calvinism, says, that, in 1547, the sun was stopped
in his course, in order that the Boman Catholics, under

Memoir of William Madison Peyton 179

the Emperor Charles Y. might have time to entirely
defeat the Protestants, under the Duke of Saxony,
^d Sardoval, Bishop of Fampelnna, Historiographer
Boyal to Philip m., confirms this statement, adding
that, during the battle, the sun was the colour of blood,
imd was so seen over the whole of Spain and France,
Italy, and Germany. And, in order that his readers
should not doubt his assertion, he says, ^ I saw the
nuracle with my own eyes.' That was enough from a
Bishop — and the people of Spain believe his statement
to this day. The Monkish writers, who have transmitted
to us the histories of the Crusades, have inserted into
them a multitude of miracles, which are so contrary to
common sense, that it is useless to seek to show their
falsehood.

. No sensible person in the present generation can
J>elieye that battalions of angels, clothed all in white,
fdeecended from heaven to assist men. True, these
men were Christians, they had good intentions in
originating the Holy War ; nevertheless, in prosecuting
that war, they acted with such fearful cruelty and
jremorseless vengeance as to be perpetrators of atrocious
crimes. Such men, even in the days of miracles,
would surely not have been assisted by the interposition
bf heaven? But the people who lived in those days
«»day beUeved every invention that had its foundation
in piety. They also believed such folly as tales of
enchanters and deeds of sorcerers quite as much as
vdigious prodigies and miracles. It was the taste of
idie age ; and in compliance with it, authors who wrote

180 Memoir of WUliam Madison Peyton.

the lives of the then illustrious resorted to the Bt^
which romance writers alone now adopt. For a great
man to fight against ordinary men was too insignificaDt
an achievement. He must have an enchanter for his
adversary ; then his surpassing valour and virtue were
sure in the end to attract the attention of some sage
magician, who protected him against his oppcment.
Thus was the attention of the reader kept alive by
wonder at the acts of the rival enchanters, and interest
taken in the fate of an unconquerable and undaunted
hero, iQcessantly fighting against his evil fortune^
Hence arose such incredible stories as those of Rinaldo
and Armida.

And, my dear William, a great light in your choroh,
Ajobardus, Bishop of Lyons, composed in the 9ih
century, a treatise, with the view of combating and
destroying all those absurd whimsies. ^^Such great
folly'' he exclaims, "has now seized the poor wodd,
that christians believe absurdities, which heathoBS
before them would never have believed/' '

Great, indeed, were the absurdities believed in the 9di
century ; but there are quite as great extravagances in
belief in this, the 19th century — ^so monstrous, that -oae
knows not how to refute them seriously ; so irrational, that
one cannot help being amazed at the creduUty of mankinO,
and coming to the conclusion that anybody having- a
design to deceive the world can easily find perscxxs
ready to be duped ; for we have only to open our eyes
to see that minds are always to be found fitted, to
receive and believe any folly, be it ever so ridiculovB.

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 181

jlCtf k the falacious things people have faith in ; true,

• these people are the victims of prejudice, and are

conunon sense. Countless numbers believe in
sorcery, witchcraft, vampyrism, clairvoyance, electro-
bidiofin^. astrology, fortune tellinff— heaven knows what
i«Zi He^keo, ^ piple .^, u.to «>e
years of maturity the puny intelligences of that period
cf their lives when, enclosed in a nursery, they believed
as a fact every incident related in a fairy tale, c^ a
giant or hobgoblin story.

Now, William, I cannot flatter myself that I shall

convince you of any errors, which in my opinion, you

have been guilty of in this respect. That is no reason

however, why I should not attempt to make you

> entertain a disbelief of all foolish impossibilities. For

• example, there is the falacious science of astrology — it
. has been the game of a few designers in all ages, for

sordid interest, to have duped others and been duped
themselves. In ancient times they were, in Alexandria,
compelled to pay a certain tax, which was called the
^^ Fool's tax," because it was raised on the gain that
these imposters made from the foolish credulity of
those who believed in their powers of soothsaying.
Well may believers in this science be called " fools,"
when they do not seem to consider that if the principles
of judiciary astrology were correct, and its rules
certain, the hands of the Almighty would be tied, and
ours would be tied also. All our actions, aU our most
Moret thoughts, all our slightest movements would be

182 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

engraven in the heavens m ineffaceable characters,
and liberty of conduct would be entirely taken away
from us. We should be necessitated to evil as to good,
since we should do absolutely what was written in the
conjectured register of the stars, otherwise there would
be falsehood in the book, and uncertainty in the science
of the astrologer. How we should laugh at'a man who
thought of settling a serious matter of business by a
throw of the dice. Yet the decision of astrology i$
just^ as uncertain. Our fate depends upon places,
persons, times, circumstances, our own will; not upon
the fantastical conjunctions imagined by charlatans.

Suppose two men are born on our planet, at the same
hour and on the same spot. One becomes a hewer of
wood and a drawer of water, and the other an Emperor,
or a commander-in-chief of an army. Ask an astrq^
loger the cause of this difference. In all probility Im
reply will be — "It was so willed by Jupiter."

Pray, what is this Jupiter? Why, it is a planet, a
body without cognizance, that acts only by its influence*
How comes it, then, that Jupiter's influence acts at tb*
same moment and in the same climate in so different a
manner? How can that influence differ in its power?
How can it take place at all ? How can it penetrate
the vast extent of space ? An atom — the most minuta
molecule of matter would stop it, or turn it from its
course, or diminish its power. Are the stars always
exercising an influence, or do they exercise it only
on certain occasions? If they exercise an influenoe
only periodically, when the particles which, it i^

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 188

<Jrtatended, are detached from them, are coming to our
«^ere, an astrologer must know the precise time of
tbeir arrival, in order to decide rightly upon their effect.
If, on the other hand, the influences are perpetual,
with what wonderful speed they must rush through the
vast extent of space ! How marvellous, too, must be
the alliance they form with those vivacious passions
whence originate the principle actions of our lives!
For if the stars regulate all our feelings and all our
proceedings, their influences must work with the same
»pidity as our wills, since it is by them that our will is
determined.

Here is a young man who takes it into his head to
have nothing more to do with a young lady he loves,
because she bestows a tender glance on a rival. What

«

a number of influences must be at work, and how
quickly too ! As quick as the glance the lady shoots
from her eyes, as swift as the thought of the lover who
takes offence, for it is these influences which determine
the lady to tenderness and the young man to jealousy.
Is this too mean a matter to consider? Oh, no!
Astrologers maintain that the most insignificant things
are ruled by the stars. The quarrels and reconcilations
of lovers are quite in this way, nay they make their
best market out of them: they have no such faithful
followers as lovers. Who is so anxious to consult the
astrologer as a young man in love ? and as to the fair
sex — we all know how much more inquisitive they are
tfcan ourselves. No, no! the makers of horoscopes
have no such constant customers as lovers. Astrologers

184 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

and lovers 1 What a union ! Both how deceitful ! If tlrt?
fair would be advised, I should counsel them to guard
themselves more against the predictions of astrologers
than the insinuating attentions of gay and gallant
young men.

What has been said of planets may be said of comets;
For a long time it was believed, even by the wise and
grealj, that the appearance of a comet indicated evil.
Evils will certainly happen after the coming of a comet;
why, yes, just as they will happen after the rising and '
setting of the sun ; for it is in the ordinary course of '
things that there should always be great calamities in
some part or other of the world. The influence of a
comet is no greater than that of a man putting his head
out of a window to look at people passing along the
Street. His looks have no influence on the pe(^le
passing, a^nd they would all pass the same, whether he
put his head out of the window or not. In the same
manner a comet has no influence over events, and every
thing would have happened as it did, whether it
appeared or not.

People in the past generations were believers in
these influences. That superstition has now gone out
and is suppUed by a variety of new kinds of impostures,
but there is no necessity of endeavouring carefully to
refute them !"

After this manner my father sought to persuade his
worthy brother-in-law of his illogical, chimerical views.
Vain was the effort. My uncle never recanted, but
died a firm believer in the religious tenets, principles,

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 185

sjstA faith he imbibed from the gifted lady who became
h|p wife. Though miconyinced by my father, he mast
h%ye derived no small amomit of information from his
canyersations ; it could not have been otherwise,
for his common discourse abounded in learning, wit,
and knowledge. I shall always regret my inability,
c0Ofiistently with the scope of this memoir, to do ampler
justice to the virtues of one who filled so considerable a
place in Virginia with honour and credit, and thus, while
eventing a memorial to his memory dictated by filial
aSeciion, to hold out an example of good qualities for
ib^ imitation of others. Survivors owe this much of a
d^bt to departed worth; and if ordinary friendship
iqaposes this duty upon us, how much more binding is
tbe obligation when the friend and survivor is a son.

' f

CHAPTER IX.

Among the interesting questions at this time dividing
the political parties in America, was that of the proptt
distribution of the money arising from the sales of the
public lands.

When, in 1783, the treaty was signed by Gre«t
Britain, recognizing the independence of the American
colonies, and the United States were admitted into tbe
family of nations, the Confederacy owned no public
lands whatever. It is true that lying within its borders
was a large tract of unoccupied territory, amounting, in
the aggregate, to about 226,000,000 acres; but this
land belonged to the individual States, not to tiie
Federal Government. ' The English charters had given
to several of the colonies the coast of the Atlantic as
their eastern boundary, and had defined, though loosdlf ,
their northern and southern limits ; westward, howefver,
their territorial rights stretched across the continent to
the Pacific. The French possessions, on the otber
hand, extended from the St. Lawrence to the Gulf of
Mexico ; their eastern boundary was not very Aessdy

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 187

defined, but the line drawn not only ignored the claims

of the English colonists to the western territory, but

even infringed upon the limits of some of the colonies

themselves. In support of their pretensions, the

French erected forts and block-houses, at intervals,

from the Great Lakes through the western part of

Pennsylvania, to the Ohio ; then along the banks of that

stream to its junction with the Mississippi ; whence

their chain of military posts followed the course of the

latter river to its mouth. The English colonists found

^hj^nselves, by these proceedings of the French, hemmed

ia, and, in defiance of what they considered their just

jrights, prevented all expansion westward. A conflict

between the two races was, under these circumstances,

sooner or later inevitable. A collision, in fact, took

j^iaee so early as 1753, on the banks of the Ohio,

Jbietween some English settlers and the garrison of one

'M ibe forts already referred to. Both parties to the

' ^pKffrel hastened to lay the story of their injuries before

.i^eir respective governments. The consequence was a

dang and sanguinary war between England and France,

rm which half Europe became involved.

: In the New World, Braddock's defeat temporarily

-delayed, but could not avert, the final catastrophe.

The superior numbers and indomitable resolution of

tbe Anglo-Saxon in the end prevailed; Canada was

^otiquered ; and the forts on the Ohio were necessarily

: iJbfmdoned. France, it is true, still retained Louisiana,

*. wUch comprehended not simply the present area of the

\ Sfaite bearing that name, but a vast tract of territory.

188 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

extending fromi the Golf to the 49'' of north latitodo ;
and from the Mississippi, on the east, to the Meidoiui
frontier, on the west. But, by the time the people of tiHe
English colonies had become a nation, the French power,
in America, had been so thoroughly broken, that no
farther opposition to the expansion of the Oonfederacrjr
was to be apprehended from it.

The conflicting claims of the various States to the
Western territory, derived, as already stated, from their
old colonial charters, threatened indeed to lead to
serious legal difficulties, if not to an actual coUisioii,
between the inhabitants of some sections of the Confede-
racy : for the boundaries of several of the colonies had
been so carelessly defined, that they actually in seme
places overlapped each other ; and the difficulty was of
such a nature as, apparently, to offer almost insuperaMe
obstacles to a solution which should be equally
satisfactory to all parties. The question was, neTter-
theless, amicably settled; and in a manner highly
creditable to the good sense of the inhabitants oi ihe
several States interested. Instead of wrangling with
each other as to the justice of their respective claims -to
the unsettled territory, they all, without exception, in
the course of a few years, embraced a proposition that
they should cede their rights in the land lying beyond
their borders to the Federal Government. Tfane
cessions embraced the entire area now occupied by Ohio,
Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin. These
various gifts placed the Confederacy in possession t>f
over 200,000,000 acres of land. In 1808, Louimaha

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 189

, was purchased from France ; and this acquisition, alone
added no less than 1,000,000 square miles of territory
to the Union. In 1819, Florida was ceded by Spain to
-the United States making the total aggregate of lands,
acquired by the Federal Government, smce the revolu-
' tion to that date at a thousand million acres. At this
time the sales of public lands produced 3,000,000 dols.
-a year, and continued to increase until, in 1836, they
rose to 21,000,000 dols.

The general government was administered at this
period with enlightened economy. A low tariff yielded
HQore than was necessary to meet the annual charges
upon the treasury for the civil, diplomatic, naval, and
military services. No taxes were levied, no debt
existed, and it became an interesting question how to
distribute the surplus in the treasury, augmented by
the sum of 21,000,000 dols., arising from the land sales.
One party, led by Hon. Thomas H. Bayly, advocated
a reduction in the tariff, and the application of the land
to supply the deficiency thus created in the ordinary
expenses of the Confederacy. The opposite party
wished the tariff left as it was, as no one felt the
indirect tax thus imposed and the land distribution
among the separate States, according to their population
etc., with a view to its being spent in State improve-
ments, such as the erection and support of schools,
eoUeges, and the opening of roads, canals, etc., etc.
To this latter party belonged Colonel Peyton, who in
rq^ly to a speech of Hon. Mr. Bayly delivered the
ffoUowing rejoinder in the House of Delegates, of
Virginia, on the 29th of January, 1839,

190 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

House of Delegates of Virginia^

January 29th, 1839.
Public Lands.

The Fourth Besolution being nnder consideration, in
the following words :

Resolved, That not only the experience of the past,
but a wise forecast requires the speedy adoption of somtf
equitable plan provid^g for the distribution among the
States, in just proportions, of the proceeds of the saled
of the pubUc lands ; and this General Assembly doth
therefore earnestly urge upon Congress the immediate
adoption of such measures as will be best calculated to
obtain this desirable object.

General Bayly moved to amend by striking out all
after the word resolved, and inserting **that Congress
ought to adopt some equitable plan, providing for the
distribution among the States, in just proportions, of the
nett proceeds of the public lands, or so much thereof as
may not be necessary, taken in conjunction >vith the
customs as regulated by the Acts of Congress of the
2nd of March, 1883, and other sources of revenue, io
defray the expenditures of the government, economically
administered."

After the Fourth resolution insert Fifth. B^solved,
^Hhat the adjustment of the tariff, contained in the Act of
Congress of the 2nd of March, 1838, commonly called
the Compromise Act, ought to be held sacred and
inviolate."

Colonel Peyton said, that in throwing himself upon
the indulgence of the House at this time, he was
unprovided with the artificial machinery of a set speech,
which was the best guarantee he could offer that he
would tresspass upon their patience but a few
moments. Indeed he felt that it was the duty of ovei^
gentleman to be as concise and succinct in the expression
of his views upon the resolutions as was consistent wHk

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 191

perspicuity, that we may lose as little time as possible
in coming to a decision and laying that decision before
Congress. It was one of those measures which, to
make it effective, it must be prompt. If, we dally and
^spute about abstractions much longer, another census
will overtake us, which will disclose a numerical power
in the Western and South-western States, which
ecHnbined with the alliances which they may contract
with Presidential aspirants, will enable them to substitute
successfully votes for arguments (volunta pro ratione)
iDid by a species of legalized spoilation deprive us, first
f)l our domain, and then, as a natural and inevitable
consequence, of our population.

He continued, and said, he should forbear at present
from presenting his views of the iniquity of the several
graduation bills which had been discussed in Congress,
Qt of the very modest proposition of some of the States
to divest us, in toto, of our interest in a common fund
for which they are principally indebted to our generosity
luad patriotism, nor would he, at present, attempt to
picture forth the desolating influences of either policy
upon the Old States, but confine himself in the few
observations which he should submit, to an examination
of the arguments submitted by the gentleman (Gener^
Bayly) who had just taken his seat.

That gentleman opposes an unconditional and un-
'qualified distribution of the proceeds of the pubUc lands
among the several States, on two grounds — first,
because it violates one of the provisions of the Con-
stitution of the United States — and secondly, because
it has a tendency to revive the Tariff — ^both of which
difficulties he proposes to obviate by confining the
distribution to periods when there is an unappropriated
balance in the treasury, beyond the wants of the
Government, economically administered. In the truth
mod justness of these sentiments, the gentleman from
v&kOeomac has certainly succeeded in convincing himself

192 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

most thoroughly ; and hence his assertion that those
are not only blind, but wilfiilly blind, who do not
concur with him. It is possible that my mental vision
may not be as acute as that of the gentleman from
Accomac. It is possible I may unconsciously labour
tmder some visual obstruction which exposics me to
optical delusions, but I do assure the gentleman, that
whatever be my defects in this particular, I am, to say
the worst, fortunately not wilfully blind.

Perhaps it may be a delusion, but I am certainly
impressed with the belief, that I have a clear perception
of the fallacy of the gentl^nan's argument as well a&
the impoUcy of the plan he proposes.

In the first place, let us scrutinize his constitutional
argument. He contends that inasmuch as the several
States had ceded their western territory to the Colonial
Government, as a common fund to pay the debts
growing out of our revolutionary struggle, and to defray
the charge and. expenditure of the several States, thai
the convention of 1787, which framed our constitution^
must necessarily have had these lands in contemplation,
when they framed that clause which gives Congress the
power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and
excises, to pay the debts and provide for the commcm
defence and general welfare of the country. That,
looking to this almost boundless domain as a source ck
revenue, they framed this clause expressly in reference
to it, and that any attempt to divert the funds arising
from this source, so as to require all the expenses of the
Government to be borne by taxes, direct or indirect,'
would be in violation of the constitution. Thi3
construction, Mr. Speaker, has at least the recommenda-
tion of novelty. I am sure there is not a gentleman
within the sound of my voice, who ever dreamed of it
before — ^nor can I believe it will find a response in the
mind of a single member.

Can it be beUeved for a moment that an Assembly

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 198

•
exposed of [such men as prepared our constitution,
oould have committed a political blunder so palpable as
te plant one of the main pillars of the Government upon
& unsubstantial and evanescent foundation? Can it be
BeKeved that a body, composed of the first civilians of
tt»e age — men whose reputations for forecast and wisdom
fiifeme brighter with the lapse of time — ^would, in framing
ftte constitution of^a great nation, have committed a
blunder so puerile and absurd as to have made the
€k)vemment depend for its support upon lands which
iste every day diminishing in quantity, and which must
woner or later be entirely exhausted? Ages and
centuries are but as days and weeks in the histories of
telions, and it would be an indeUble imputation upon the
ibiatesmen composing the convention of 1787, to
establish the construction contended for by the gentle-
fiian from Accomac. It would make them perpetuate
the incredible absurdity of providing a fund for the
ittpport of the Government, which would be constantly
dfecreasing after a certain period, and which must
ifltimately be exhausted — constructing a chart of
€k)vemment for a great nation, which it was hoped
^^mld marutain its principles and its integral existence
dependent upon temporary and transient resources.
Bat, to make this question still plainer, cast your eyes
^^oi^otively to that period when all these lands shall
4iave been wrested from us by the plundering rapacity
5iif the West — or, to the somewhat remoter period, when
^we rfiall be divested of them by the ordinary operation
4t the present land system. Then this Pactolus, which
^Eiow pours its golden floods into the coffers of the
^iijon, will be dried up and exhausted ; and the Govem-
tt^t, if the construction of the gentlemen obtains, left
44e8titute of any mode of defraying its current expenses.
:^!^s, Mr. Speaker, does appear to me to be a complete
redtictio ad ahsurdum^ and of course estabUshes its own
^<&llacy. The plain, obvious, common sense and

AA

194 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

universally acquiesced in construction of the dadfld
which gives to Congress the right to lay and coUeofc
taxes, etc., etc.; to pay the debts, and provide for \\x^
conunon defence, etc., is, that the General Govemm^jfc
is to judge of the exigency, and then exercise it#
discretion in raising the means to' meet it by taxes^^
direct or indirect. I am free to admit, Mr. Speaker,
that the ardour and zeal which the gentleman haft
displayed in the support of a proposition so untenable
has convinced me that he was sincere and honest in hia.
assurance to the House, that his views on this subject
were hastily concocted. Eeflection, with a gentleman^
of his intelligence, would unquestionably have exposed
its defects. The next branch of the g^itlemau's
argument, though more plausible, is equally fallacious*
He argues that in consequence of the increased and
increasing necessities of the General Government, and
the diminution of revenue, growing out of the Compro-
mise Act of 1833, that an unconstitutional distribution of
the proceeds of the pubUc lands, would leave the
Government unprovided with sufficient means to meet
its wants and drive them to an increase of duties and a
violation of the compromise. And, hence the propriety
of his amendment, which, recognizing the constitur
tionaUty of distribution, restricts it to periods when
there shall be a surplus beyond the economical wants of
the Administration, and which further protests against
any violation of the Compromise. At the first blush,
the gentleman's argument would seem to be just ana
legitimate, but a little reflection will satisfy you, Mr.
Speaker, that it will not stand the test of a rigid
scrutiny.

Establish the gentleman's principle that there shall
only be a distribution of the surplus beyond the economi-
cal wants of the Government ; that the revenue derived
from the sales of the public lands, must primarily be
exhausted in the discharge of the pubUc liabilities

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 195

before the Government can legitimately resort to
tfDother source, and what would he the condition of
tilings? Does not the gentleman from Accomac see
Ae constitutional as well as financial difficulties which
would grow out of it ? With heavy receipts from the
saies of the public domain, such as we have witnessed
fdr the last three or four years, there would be a sum
sufficient under an economical administration of the
Gk)vernment, to defray all its expenses, without touch-
ing one cent of the revenue, derived from imposts
imder the Compromise Act. This would produce a
redtmdancy in the Treasury by the continual influx
from the Customs, which according to the gentleman's
own principles, would be a violation of the spirit and
meaning of the Compromise, and an unconstitutional
exaction, as it would not be necessary to meet the
burdens upon the revenue. But these, Mr. Speaker,
are theoretical evils, such as often play the part of
ghosts in Virginia, haunting the imagination and
disturbing the sickly sensibilities of our ^^uncorighteous^^^
straight-laced politicians. They are rather possible
than probable evils. But there are others of a grave
and important character resulting necessarily and
inevitably from the policy of the gentleman from
Accomac. The truth is, however distant and widely
separated may be the sources of our revenue, whether
derived from the tariff, or lands, or excises, all the
various streams are tributaries to a common reservoir,
where they all mingle together for a common purpose,
and lose the distinguishing features of their origin.
The question is never raised whether an appropriation
shall be made out of monies derived from any particular
sources. The draft is on the Treasury, and the money
taken from the commingled contents of the common
reservoir. In this state of things is it not as plain as
noon-day, that there would be a constant effort to
raise the imposts, that the general fund might be

196 Memoir of WUliam Madison Peyton.

augmented, and a surplus created for distribirtkxk;
The northern and western States, which are principaUjt
interested in the maintenance of the tariff, united wit&'
tlose States whose distributable share would compen^
sate them for the burdens of the tariff, would scatter
to the winds all the parchment and moral obligatioiij
of the Compromise Act, and compel an increase of
duties. Could a finer field be presented for such
combinations than the States of our Confederacy?
Are they not peculiarly liable to temptation ? Engaged
as most of them are, in devising and carrying oat
comprehensive schemes of general education, and in
projecting and executing magnificent schemes of
internal improvement, both of which require the
command of enormous sums of money, I ask, woold
they not yield to the seductive blandishments of their
tariff friends, and imite in a scheme which promised
to relieve their necessities and replenish their coffers ?
Add to this the intrigues of political gamblers for the
Presidential chair, who would most assuredly trade
largely upon this very avaUable and efficient capital,
and none can doubt the corrupting influence of the
measure, and its direct and inevitable tendency to
produce the very evils deprecated by the gentlenuaai
from Accomac, and sought to be guarded against in his
amendment. But the gentleman finds* the corrective
to all this, in that part of his resolution which
sanctified the Compromise Act. Does it afford the
remedy ? By that Act, Mr. Speaker, the duties are to
be reduced to twenty per cent ad valorem in 1842«
Now if this was an imperative and unyielding stipnla^
tion that there should be no articles other than those
at present embraced in the tariff, subject to the duty
of 1842, and that twenty per cent ad valorem would bi
the duty through all time and under all circumstances,
then the gentleman's argument, that our policy
endangered the Compromise, would have some pkufifr*

Memoir of William Madison Peyton 197

Ijiiiky. But such is not the fact. In the year 1842,
tiie duties, according to the scale agreed upon, will be
twentj^ per cent. After which time it was agreed,
diat it should expand or contract according to the^
necessities of the Government economically administered.
If the Government, according to this Utopian standard,
required a revenue which this twenty per cent fell
short of producing, then they were authorized by the
Gompr<Hnise Act to raise the duties to the point
required by the expenditures. Hence, it is perfectly
apparent, if you require an absolute distribution, and
the necessities of the country should demand, what I
think very improbable, larger means than is aflfbrded
by the Customs, under the reduced tariff of 1842, the
duties may be augmented so far as to meet the
exigency, without violating the letter or spirit of the
Com{»romise.

As a general, and indeed almost universal rule, prudent
individuals are economical according to the means they
have at their disposal. As with individuals, so with
Grovemments. The annals of private life and the pages
of history alike attest its truth as a general proposition.
Our own Government, whose spirit and genius is at war
with extravagance and corruption, and which should
have constituted the exception, if any were exempt,
presents in its history the most exact conformity to the
maxim. In the infancy of our institutions, when we
were stinted in our resources, we prided ourselves upon
our Republican simplicity, and the moral grandeur of a
great nation disdaining the ostentatious trappings of
Governmental grandeur, but as we advanced in popula-
tion and wealth, the spartan broth yielded to the plum
Jading ; splendour was substituted for simplicity, until
m the administration of the second Adams, our
Governmental expenditures had reached the enormous
sum of 13,000,000 dols. A sum so far beyond anything
we had conceived necessary for its support, that he was

198 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

expelled almost with one voice from the Presidential
chair. So deep and pervading was the dissatisfactioa^
of the people, with these wasteful expenditures of the
public treasure, that each successive Administration ha^?
made reform and retrenchment the watch words c^,
party. And yet, Mr. Speaker, notwithstanding we,
have gone forth to the battle with "economy"
emblazoned upon our standard, the immense revenues
pouring mto our coffers from indemnities, public lands,
and the customs, have exercised a counteracting
influence, and our march in extravagance has been,
almost pari passu with our augmented income. In
1836 the expenditures had reached the almost incredible
sum of 40,000,00 dols. Thus showing the tendency of
our government to spend according to its means, and
the visionary absurdity of the restraint imposed by the
terms economical expenditure.

Pour the wealtn of the Indies into our Treasury,
and my word for it, the political doctors whom chance
or fortune may have placed at the head of our affairs,
will soon discover some happy depletive remedy for
this oppressive plethora. National roads, fortifications,
exploring expeditions, and the almost endless et ceteras^
which are the natural fruit of ample means, become by
a "log rolling" combination of the members of Congress,
necessary and proper in their estimation, and professedly
consistent with a judicious economy. Hence if the
amendment of the gentleman- (General Bayly) should
prevail, reason and experience teaching us that the
expenses of the Government will keep pace with its
income and the terms of the Compromise, according to
the construction of the gentleman, actually exhibiting
a surplus, we cannot by possibility have the distribu-
tion which he recommends in the first part of the
resolution, except in the way I have argued. The
resolutions coupled with the gentleman's amendment
is either a stimulant to evil, or it is a reality. It will

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 199

^her drive us into fraudulent contributions for raising
tiie duties, that we may have a surplus to distribute,
or, according to the gentleman's own shewing, it wiU
be utterly inoperative and ineffectual for any object we
may have connected with the public lands. In both of
which aspects I am utterly opposed to it.

I forbear, Mr. Speaker, launching into a more
e^nded field of discussioA, for the reason assigned
when I first rose. Already I have extended my
remarks further then I contemplated, and I hope the
House will find an apology for it in the magnitude and
importance of the subject, and the novelty of the
positions assumed by the gentleman who preceded me.

CHAPTER X.

Fob some years previously to 1849 the question of
popular education and Free schools had excited much
interest in Virginia. One of the most earnest friends
of a general system of education was Colcmel PeytoQi
who made his views known in conversation, by
communications to the newspapers and speeches at
public meetings in Roanoke, and at a State Gonvention
in Richmond. He left th& important affairs of his Coal
mining and river improvement projects in Boone county*
at an inclement season and travelled nearly 400 miks
over the wretched roads of Virginia, in a ricketty stage
coach, in order to attend this Convention, in which the
writer was also a delegate from the county of Augusta^
Such was the deep and enthusiastic interest he took in
this vital subject. His private affairs were but as drat
in the balance, when they were in conflict with thow ke
owed to society.

From a lively recollection of his conversations and
speeches at this period, the author is able to give tbe

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 201

following brief synopsis of his views on this interesting
qnestion.

He maintained that popular ignorance was ohe of the
greatest corses that could afflict a people, and was
altogether inconsistent with the theory and practice of
Bepublican Goyemment. Quoting the language of
Hosea, **my people are destroyed for lack of know-
ledge," he asserted that the ignorance which prevailed
among the ancient Jewish people was the principal
cause of their nnhappiness, betraying them into crimes,
and consequent miseries. It was this ignorance, this
fatal lack of knowledge, which caused them to reject
JesQS Christ and led to their destruction. He then
considered the mental darknesi which prevailed among
tiba ancient heathen nations, and traced to it all their
wretehedness. In their depravity they departed from
the original ways of Providence, and set up false deities
to be worshipped. AU true moraUty and reUgion were
dcslroyed amongst them, and the mass of mankind sank
into darkness and woe. In his opinion, the only way to
pteserve the moral world was by a diffusion of true
knowledge, by which men would be able to see what
ivas WKmg. From a consideration of the malignant
cfiaots of ignorance among the people of the ancient
jTodd, Jews and Gentiles, he passed in review the
.ignorance prevailing in subsequent ages, and finally
mma down to what was called the Augustan period of
EngUsh literature, when Addison, Pope, Swift and other
^mitaars flcmrished, as well as philosophers, statesmen
-ttbd heroes. Even at this period he said the mass of

BB

202 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.'

English people were steeped in ignorance, and were
considered by the educated as mere mental barbarians.
An author never thought of his works being read by
the debased multitude; they were composed for the
educated few, who were recognised as a select com-
munity; and it was one of the most remarkable
features of the times, that the cultivated part of the
British nation regarded the mental and moral condition
of the rest with the strangest indifference. To such an
extent did ignorance prevail among the lower orders hx
England, that it might almost be called heathen at the
time when Whitfield and Wesley began to excite the
attention of the multitude to that subject. He then
passed in review its eff^ts upon the character of the
EngUsh nation, and said that the gratification of their
senses was then their chief good. It led to a disposition
to cruelty, which was displayed and confirmed by thehr
practices, such as prize fighting, cruelty to horses
and the brutal way of slaughtering animals. And
what was true of them would prove true of other
people — ^fallen nature is the same everywhere. Educa-
tion had done much, since the period to which he
referred, to enlighten and educate the British people, and
he trusted that Americans would not be insensible to
their example. He said it was dishonourable to a
country that the people should be allowed to remain in
this condition, a monstrous thing in a Bepublic which
was supposed to be governed by the people — ^they, at
least, ought to be able to see that it was necessary to*
educate their children, unto whom they proposed in time

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 208

to pass the Goyemment and the destinies of the
country. He then considered in all its bearings the
olijection made to popular education by a certain class of
thinkers — ^those who maintained that it would render
the common people unfit for their station and discon-
tented with it, and showed the absurdity of this
proposition, and illustrated the advantage, to a wise and
upright Government, of having intelligent citizens. He
asserted that no pure religion could co-exist with this
popular ignorance — ^that the want of mental discipline
caused an inaptitude to receive reUgious information, and
exemplified its truth by many striking examples.

From all these views on the subject of the disadvan-
tages of ignorance and the e^ils and miseries it had
entidled on mankind in the past, he went on to a
practical examination of the subject of free Schools in
Virginia, and maintained, That it was the interest of
eveiry member of the nation that every other member
should be educated. Those who declared that a tax
for this purpose was a hardship on those who had no
children, forgot that a greater hardship would fall to
their share if they did not educate the youth of the
land, namely^ that of keeping up jails, penitentiaries,
guards, criminal judges, and the like. If education
spread abroad, morality would also spread, and these
concomitants of crime would not be needed. The
money thus expended among an ignorant and vicious
population would, in an enlightened community, go to
construct roads, railways, bridges, canals, and other
Qseiid works.

204 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

Many men believed that education and morality had no
connection with one another, but he held the oppoflifce
opinion. If it were false that education improves the
morals, why does any father desire to educate his soils
and daughters ? If his educated children were the
better for it, would not aU be improved by it ? If it
were not a good thing, why are school-houses, ooUegm,
universities rising every where over the land ? But it
was true that education improved, refined, and elevated
the morals of a people, and where we found a college,
there was a church, whence a divine morality was
diffused. But, he said, education meant moral as well
as intellectual development, and, in any system which
might be adopted, he would advocate the study of the
Holy Scriptures in the schools. After dilating on these
points, and declaring that after a boy was taught 4o
read and write he was subjected to new and powerfiil
moral influences, he proceeded to enter upon a more
practical branch of the subject, namely, the greater
security it gave us.

Under our system of government, he said, the pe<^e
ruled. We may, in time, come to rejoice or lament that
this is so. Suflfrage is extending, the Govemmemt
becoming more democratic, property has less influence,
and numbers more and more weight. What is ow
duty? To prepare for the change by a system of
universal instruction. Then universal suffrage mi^t
be][a^blessing. There was no folly an ignorant mass,
armed with universal suffrage, might not perpetrate.
People in this condition are easily imposed on. Dema-

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 205

gogaes would take advantage of them, lead them
artraj to their own and the public detriment. France,
he said, had been afflicted by such demagogues or
fiuoatiGS, who asserted that all property should be held
in common, and such pretended friends of the people
had inflicted the deadUest wounds upon the prosperity
and happiness of that great nation. A similar class in
the north were making an effort to do the like in America.
Only the unthinking could be deluded by their sophistry.
Suppose it were in their power to vote themselves a
lum to-day, might not the same power vote it away
to-morrow ? The only permanent basis of prosperity,
comfort, and happiness Tor any people, is in the
knowledge possessed by each one of his duties as well
as his rights, and the perfect security of both person
and property. In matters of government as in personal
ccmcem, justice and right are always wisdom; that
is, nothing is truly advantageous, which is not truly
just.

The fathers of our Government had asserted these
principles. Jefferson said, ** I prepared three bills for
the revisal, proposing three distinct grades of education,
reaching all classes : 1st, Elementary schools for all
children generally, rich and poor. 2nd, Colleges for a
middle degree of instruction, calculated for the common
purposes of life. 3rd, A higher grade for teaching the
soiences generally, and in their loftiest degree." '* One

•

provision of the elementary school bill was that the
expenses of these schools should be borne by the
inhabitants of the county, in proportion to their general

206 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

tax rates/' I considered four of these biDs (the school
bill was one) as forming a system whereby a foundation
would be laid for a Government truly republican. The
people, by the bill for a general education, would be
qualified to understand their rights, to maintain them^
and to exercise with intelligence, their parts in self-
government, and all this would be eflfected without the
violation of a single natural [right of any one individual
citizen.

Education was, in his opinion, essential to the social
and intellectual well-being of the people, and should
command the inmiediate attention of the Legislature.
Otherwise the extension of the suffrage would prove a
worthless, nay a dangerous gift. Intelligence is the
condition of freedom ; and unless the enfranchised
millions are rendered, by education, capable of exercising
their right of votmg with sense and judgment, the people
would become the dupes, the victims of unprincipled
demagogues.

He went on to declare that general education
developes new sources of wealth and utility, else why
has it grown into a maxim that " knowledge is power."
The truth is, the more you multiply knowledge, the
more you increase the aggregate power of a community.
What vast sums had been added to the annual produc-
tion of manufacturing countries by the spinning-jenny,
the power-loom, the steam-engine, the railroad, and tha
numberless labour-saving machines of recent yeais.
All this resulted from educated labour. The reason
why the useful arts advanced so slowly for centuries^

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 207

was because the labour of the world was performed by
ignorant men.

Further, he expressed the opinion that general
education increased the value of property. There were
several elements which entered into the value of
property, especially of land, besides its productiveness,
such as the virtue and quietness of the neighbouring
community, its character for progressive improvement,
etc., which makes it desirable as a residence. Many
examples were adduced from the more prosperous of the
northern and eastern States, first, to establish this
proposition, and, after further remarks, to prove that
general education diffused among all classes will be
fbimd to make the labour of the country more useful,
and of course more valuable. He proceeded to say that
universal education could only be brought about by
general contribution; and that this might be effected by a
broad system having due regard to the respective needs
of various reUgious bodies.

There were four modes of educating a people. 1.
Every parent should be left to provide instruction for his
own children. 2. The Government may aid the more
indigent alone. 3. The Government may give partial
assistance to all. 4. The Government may provide, at
the common expense, for the complete elementary
instruction of all classes, saving the requirements of
reUgious Uberty without discrimination. He examined
an these systems in detail, and declared his opinion in
fstvour of the fourth. At this point he went into an
estimate of its cost, imd showed that it would be light.

208 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

Besides, he said, the free schools would not only be
cheaper than others, but would be better. The teachers
would be more highly trained, better paid, there would be
a judicious classification of pupils, suitable apparatus
such as black boards, globes, maps, prints, models, etc.,
to aid the teacher to explain and the scholar to under-
stand. These schools, too, would be under a vigilant
supervision, which would encourage the teachers and
stimulate the pupils. He concluded his remarks by
suggesting a plan of the proposed system, which it is
not necessary to give.

Most readers will be ready to. concede, I imagine, that
the man who held such enlightened views with regard to
education was fully worthy of his age, if not in
advance of it.

CHAPTER XI.

Few readers, save those who are intimately acquainted
with the practical working of popular elections in
America, will be prepared for some of the details of
this chapter. At the next election the young and
gallant delegate for* Roanoke and Botetourt was
opposed by the radical party, which put in nomination
an illiterate person by the name of Prichard. Colonel
Peyton did not wish to come forward at this time. He
he had already seen more than enough of political life,
with its noisy ambition and its mean passions ; a life so
poor and base was unsuited to him. Of this he
frankly informed his friends. These, however, urged
him to serve another term with such pertinacity, upon
the ground that he owed it to the country, that his
disinclination was overcome. It was in a patriotic
spirit alone that he yielded to their importunities — the
spirit of Brutus which is thus expressed in the play of
Julius CsBsar,

Wliat is it you would impart to me f
If it be ought towards the general good,

CO

210 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

Set honour in one eye and death i' the other.
And I will look on both indifferently :
For, let the gods so speed me, as I love
The name of honour more than I fear death.

It was not upon the cards, however, that this
irreproachable gentleman — this modem Chevalier Bayard
sans peur et sans repvche — should be allowed to walk
over the com-se. During his absence from home in
the discharge of his public duties, the metropolitan and
provincial leaders of the party of Martin Van Buren,
called in the parlance erf the day the Looofoco or ultra*
democratic party, had been in incubation, and hatched »
plot. The manner in which this formidable plot waa
concocted, who beside Thomas Ritchie and Bowyer
Miller were its chiefs, what class beyond demagogues
took part in it, at what precise time and upon what
signals it was to break out, need not be recounted.
For our purpose it is sufficient to premise, that fearing
the influence exerted against their party in the
Assembly by Colonel Peyton, and the greater power he
was destined to wield, if he continued in public life, it
was determined by the Ma^^ in Richmond, acting in
concert with the local ringleaders, to bring, if possible,
his political career to an end. The party organ in
Richmond, the Enquirer newspaper, edited by Thomas
Ritchie, struck the first note, and the provincials lost
no time in taking up the tune and raising the hue and
cry in Roanoke. Ritchie was a veteran at this sort of
thing. He had long enjoyed pre-eminence as the most
wily of Southern editors^ had so unremittingly and

Memoir of William Madison Peyton 211

successfoly pulled the wires and directed the machinery
of Virginia Locofocoism that he was a pronounced Seer
enjoying the soubriquet of " Father Ritchie." When
he took snuff every Locofoco in the State was supposed
to sneeze. This paternal bell-wether figured in the
Richmond conclaves of the party and pointed out the
road to success, and rarely was he mistaken as to the
direction. In many respects he was an admirable
guide and leader. He united in a remarkable manner
the fortiter in re with the suaviter in modo. When he
wished ^ to carry a point he manoeuvred with con-
summate skill. In his first essays he was as mild as
Iwt years phoney, spoke in dulcet strains. If his policy
failed, thi^s tune was quickly changed. He now
uttered tl{ie harsh and authoritative language of a
master, trie^d what virtue there was in stones. Success
generally a^ttended his strategy. If not, sad was the
fete of hi ,3 victim. If an honest and independant
opponent vclosed his ears to his soft whispers, he was
mercilessl)^^ put upon and hunted down. If an
inexperien jced member of his party ventured to think
for hims^if, there was no greater crime at head-quarters,
he soon learned what it was to run the gauntlet. He
was Teamed by the Enquirer that an open enemy is
better than a false friend, had a lecture upon a Judas,
kiss, an essay upon sealing one's[infamy, all the changes
indeed, were rung upon his perfidy, his presumption,
and rebellion. The whippers in-baited him in the
legislative halls, denounced him in the streets, dogged
at his hotel — ^in a word, persecuted the miserable

212 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

wretch until, broken down in health and spirits, the
contumacious bungler was only too glad to secure peace
by an unconditional surrender, by a quiet return to his
duty and allegiance. From such a contest with
Father Ritchie the inexperienced member alwa}^
retired a wiser and a sadder man. Indeed, he was
generally wise enough to appear to relish his
humble pie. He certainly always afterwards voted
for his party, right or wrong, through thick and thin.
When he had sufficiently expiated his offence the
Enquirer gave him a cheerful pat upon the back, and,
thus kept in countenance with his constituents the
inexperienced member stood a chance of re-election,
of becoming an experienced member.

Father Bitchie's watchful eye took in the entire State;
he seemed universal in his knowledge^of provincial
affairs ; his spirit pervaded, permeated, overspread our
home politics far and wide. Whenever he Baw a new
star in the poUtical firmament, a promising mai) rising up
in the opposition his minions were set to work — first to
win him over to the Locofoco party, if successful all was
well — ^if not war was declared. Hostilities having thus
commenced, nothing was neglected to make the war
short, sharp, and decisive. Father Eitchie silenced the
consciences of some of his tools, he had some under-
strappers not altogether devoid of moral sense, by the
assurance that all is fair in politics as in love and war.
With the prescience of an old leader, he saw danger to
ultra democracy in the rise of Col. Peyton. CJould liie
young man be won over ? Were his convictions strong ?:

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 21S

these were the questions to be settled. Flattery was
first tried, the Enquirer declaring that the delegate for
Eoanoke was without a rival among the young men of
Virginia, that he was the worthy son of a noble sire,
that he was a ripe scholar and trained statesman, had
been brought up at the feet of GamaUel, was on the
highway to honour and fame, that but a single danger
beset his path, namely FederaUsm, of this rock he must
beware, from such feticism turn away. Let him, said
the Enquirer^ advocate, Uberal principles, in other words
turn Locofoco, then every honour and reward, was his
which a grateful and admiring people could confer, etc.,
etc. It was of no avail. Father Bitchie then tried ridicule
and abuse, talked of the overweening vanity of young
men, the idle dreams of youth, and so-forth. Col.
Peyton was proof against both ; all the insinuating
arts of the veteran, all his and his minions' violence
could not shake the resolution, or corrupt the integrity
of William Peyton; he was absolutely proof against
every threat, as against all oily flattery, and taught the
venerable Bitchie that there was at least one exception
to the maxim with politicians, ** that every man has his
price." The Enquirer then turned to its old course of
personally complimenting Col. Peyton, in order the more
successfully to disguise the party movements and
privately and industriously set on the beagles of
Boanoke. It advised the whippers-in of the peril which
threatened, and of the importance of defeating the
Colonel. These orders had no sooner been issued than
i3i6 pursuit commenced. The principal director and

214 Memoir of WiUiam Madison Peyton.

driver on the occasion of these proceedings was Bowyer
Miller^ a young attorney, a candidate for practice in
Fincastle. Miller was ambitious and slippery, not
without a certain cleverness, and an adept][at political
intrigues. He was also an aspirant for office, a candi*-
date for anything that **paid." Previous to Colonel
Peyton's removal to the county, this provincial Machiavd
had been considered by some, certainly considered
himself, the most rising man in the district. When
Colonel Peyton appeared. Miller and his cUque sank
into obscurity as stars disappear from the sky at
sunrise. Nor was Father Bitchie ever able to do more
for him as a reward for his services than to procure him
a seat in the legislature, where he was a nobody and a
nothing; absolutely without employment, unless Father
Bitchie should wish some one's heels tripped up. In
this case Miller was his right man, and in such feats he
always found Bowyer equal to the occasion.

Were it consistent with the plan of this memoir, I
Qould relate many curious episodes in the legislative
career of Mr. Bitchie's henchman as recounted by the
late George Mayse^ of Bath County, who served with
Colonel Peyton and Mr. Miller in the House of Delegate,
and with the latter in the Constitutional Convention of
1850. Mr. Mayse was a thoroughly honest and
conscientious man, a true patriot and warm friend of
Colonel Peyton. He therefore felt and expressed no
small disgust at the course of the Enquirer and Bowyer
Miller towards his friend. According to Mr. Mayse,
however, neither Father Bitchie nor Mr. Miller ever

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 21$

played at any but a double gamey or set their sails to catch
any but a side wind.

Alive to the Colonel's personal popularity, these village
politicians and pot-house demagogues resorted to every
trick to compass their ends. They represented to the
masses of their party that it was necessay to vote " early
and often ** against Peyton, however friendly their
personal relations might be ; that it would not be a
vote against him individually, but against his Federal
heresies, which they declared tended to monarchy. A
vote, said they, against him is a shot in favour of con-
stitutional principles — ^the basis alike of our model
Bepublican Government and of the Locofoco party.
In their heat they pronounced the ** citadel of hberty"
in danger, and they cried aloud beseeching all patriots
to hasten to its defence. To the ignorant they pro-
tested that it was not a question of likes or dislikes, but
altogether one between Uberty and despotism. This
worked well among the foreign element. Nothing else
eould draw this class from the Colonel's support, for
many of these poor strangers remembered him as a
benefactor when they came hungry and almost naked
from abroad. It influenced the more ignorant natives
also, and not another issue could, for he was the idol of
the poor, by whom he was regarded as a brother and
protector. Nor was it, said they, a question of voting
for the wisest and best man. Oh, no ! Were this the issue
they too would vote for Peyton. In no sense, said these
harpies, is it a matter of voting for men, but altogether
mie of voting for measures. ^^ Measures not men," said

216 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

they, is our motto and onrs are the only measures on
which onr Government can be administered without

the destruction of all civil, religious and political liberty.
In private they represented Colonel Peyton as an
aristocrat, whose birth, education, and training allied
him to the patrician element in society • and the kingly
principle in government, that, if elected, he and his party
would labour to assimilate our institutions to those of
Great Britain. If successfol in this direction, the people^
the dear people, would lose all which had been gained by
the Revolution of 1776, and sink once more into the
condition of serfs — Old world serfs. The fastnesses of the
forests, the hollows of the mountains, the cellars and
attics of the grog-shops were penetrated, ransacked,
every bush beaten, every hole and comer reconnoitred
to bring to the poll voters against him. Thus, ignorant,
unsuspecting people, who had hved years in obscurity,
and many of whom had never so much as heard his name
were produced as plumpers against him. While the
Locofoco's were thus employed, his friends were lulled
by over confidence into a false security. They scorned
and ridiculed the opposition as contemptible — ^too despic-
able to be noticed ; they contented themselves, denounc-
ing it and its authors as demagogues engaged in dirty
work which was disgraceful to the country. A meeting,
however, was called of the Coloners supporters, of the
whole people indeed, at Salem, the county-town. This
was attended by the county gentlemen en masse as well
as by all classes. Colonel Peyton drove over, attended
by his principal supporters and addressed the people in

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 217

i^ q)eech of snch ability and eloquence that, if never
Wore, now all opposition was supposed to be silenced.
Mr. Prichard'declined speaking, saying, "iT^ was no orator^
Jte l^mt when he told the people that he were a Locofoco
krdight out^ and would vote through thick and thin for his
JMw^y, whether right or wrong j they knew who their man was
emd where to find him." Mingled laughter, hisses, and
drunken cheers greeted this enunciation of a purpose to
**go it blind" as it was termed in the slang of the day,
and respectable people dispersed to their homes, leaving
the town to a considerable extent in the hands of an
intoxicated rabble shouting for Pritchard and liberty.
Gentlemen returned home satisfied that Colonel Peyton's
election was certain beyond an accident, and a series of
dinners took place in the county as a welcome to him
on his return. These were kept up till the day of
election. Meanwhile the Locofocos worked like beavers
in the dark; frightened the timid by stories of returning
despotism, bribed some by money and others by
promises, and engaged many of those known to be
certain voters for Peyton in business undertakings
which were very profitable, but which these varlets took
care should call them from the county on election day.
Those who had conscientious scruples at the prospect of
being absent were quieted by being told that the Colonel
did not require their votes — ^that he would be elected
l)y-a tremendous majority. Many were thus gained
over to their side through poUtical cowardice, and others
who were paid either by money or promises. Thus by
one artifice or another, they succeeded on the day of

DD

218 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

election in rolling up a majority for Mr. Prichard <^
seven votes. Colonel Peyton's friends were equally
astonished and indignant at the result. They declared
that it arose from unparalleled bribery and oorruptitm^
and they earnestly urged him to contest the election*
He steadily declined all such importunities, barkened
not to their counsel, declaring that be bad consented to
be a candidate, not to gratify any personal wishes, but
solely to please his friend — ^his own tastes were for
retirement. At their instance he had come forward;
the scrutineers of the polls had declared his opponent
elected, and with this verdict he should not attempt to
interfere. Nor did he again refer to the election nor to
the perfidious scheme by which he had been defeated.
The pure and proud mind can never confide its wrongs
to another, only its triumphs and its happiness.

It may be safely said, however, that he was ineffably
disgusted with the excitement, intrigues, and comiptioii
of our politics. Brief as was his public career, he had
doubtless been long enough in the arena to be convinced
that he who aspires to be the head of a party wiH find
it more difficult to please his friends than to perplex his
foes. That he must often act from false reasons which
are weak, because he does not avow the true reasons
which are strong. ' That it will be his lot to be fwrced
on some occasions to give his consideration to the
wealthy or the influential, although they may be in
the wrong, and to withhold it from the energetic bi*
necessitous, although they may be in the right. That
there are moments when we must appear to sympathize.

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 219

not only with the fears of the brave, but also the follies
cf the wise. That he must often see some appearances
tiiat do not exist, to be blind to some that do. To be
above others, he must condescend at times to be
beneath himself, as the loftiest trees have the deepest
roots. And without the keenest circumspection he will
become conscious that his very rise will be his ruin.
For a masked battery is more destructive than one that
10 in sight, and he will have more to dread from the
secret envy of his own adherents than from the open
hate of his adversaries. This envy will ever beset
him, but, if determined to proceed in his career, he must
not appear to suspect it. It will narrowly watch him,
but he must not seem to perceive it. Even when he is
anticipating all its effects, he must give no note of
preparation, and in defending himself against it, he
must conceal both his sword and his shield. Let him
pursue success as his truest friend, and apply to con-^
fidence as his ablest counsellor. Subtract from a little
great man all that he owes to opportunity and all that
he owes to chance, all that he has gained by the
wisdom of his friends and by the folly of his enemies,
und our Brobdignag will often become a Lilliputian.
I think it is Voltaire who observes, that it was very
fort^^ate for Cromwell that lie appeared upon the
stage at the precise moment when the people were tired
^ kings, and as unfortunate for his son, Richard, that
he had to make good his pretentions, at a moment when
the people were equally tired of protectors.'

Having, as previously remarked, no taste for public

220 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

life under the conditions surrounding it in those days,
no ambition to contest the palm with tricksters and
demagogues and the " little great men " sent from the
counties generally, through the influence of cross-road
publicans and local demagogues, he returned to hit
estate with a firm determination, in accordance with the
advice of Cato to his son, to pass the residue of his life
in the real post of honour, the private station. His
defeat, therefore, gave him the opportunity which he
coveted. It may be added as a part of his history in
this connection, that he was on many occasions, solicited
to become a candidate for sundry offices. The
principal men of that section of the State united in an
efibrt to induce him to become a candidate for Congress.
He declined all importunities, refused to give up the
comforts of his home again. He only is a great man,
says Steele, who can neglect the applause of the multi-
tude, and enjoy himself independent of its favour.
Most truly may it be said of this excellent man, that
with him the rewards of virtue exceeded those of
ambition. He sought to do good rather than be con-
spicuous. Notwithstanding this determination, to
which he steadily adhered, he was brought forward by
his friends in the Legislature, with whom the election
rested, for the office of Grovemor of Virginia, and
again for that of Senator in Congress. He would
doubtless have been chosen for one or both of these
positions, notwithstanding the intrigues of Fath»
Ritchie, Bowyer, Miller, and others of the like feather,
but for his persistent determinati<xi to refuse all sach

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 221

distinctions and his eloquent advocacy of the claims
g£ others to the very situations for which he himself
was proposed.

The reader will doubtless agree with the author, that
those upon whom honours are conferred are not always
the most deserving, and that Colonel Peyton had little
occasion to regret defeat. Wicked Hamon was
promoted by Ahasuerus and all the king's servants that
were in the king's gate, bowed to and reverenced him.
Absalom, the rebellious son of David, stole the hearts
of the men of Israel. Herod, arrayed in royal apparel,
made a speech to the people, and they gave a shout,
saying, " it is the voice of a God, and not of a man."
But what was the end of these men ? Hamon was
hanged on the gibbet prepared for Mordecai ; Absalom
was slain by the darts of Joab, and Herod was eaten
by worms, and died miserably. Mighty conquerors and
their armies have covered themselves with glory.
Ignorace has deified, and superstition worshipped them
as gods ; but had they met what they deserved, their
names would have been handed down to posterity with
infamy and disgrace. The fact is, the world does hot
always bestow honour upon real worth ; hence the best
of men seldom enjoy its smiles, or do so only for a time.

About this period the Governor of Virginia appointed
him State proxy, to represent the interest of the
Commonwealth in the meetings of the stock-holders of
the James River and Kenawha Canal Company, a work
by which it was sought to connect the waters of the
Chesapeake and Ohio, and which originated, with

222 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

Washington himself. This great work was abready
completed from Bichmond to Lynchbnrg, a distance of
between one and two hundred miles, receiving tolls to
the extent of 800,000,00 dols. per annum. With his
usual energy and fidelity to trusts imposed on him,
he devoted himself, without pay, for years, to the
judicious management of this company, attending all
its meetiQgs and writing all the annual reports of the
board. The present (1873) secretary of that company,
William Preston Munford, once said to the writer, that he
did not know what the company would do without him^
he was the life and soul of the whole undertaking.

Previous to the election of 1844, he was invited to
prepare a preamble and resolutions embodying the
principles of the Whig party, and in favour of the
election of Henry Clay to the Presidency, to be
submitted to a public meeting of the Whigs of Koahoke.
This led to the following paper from his pen, setting
forth the main principles of the party, and giving, in
vigorous language, his opinion of the great Kentuckian
Statesman. The preamble and resolutions were
unanimously adopted. Mr. Clay subsequently became
the candidate of the party, but was defeated. He had
been too long identfied with the history of his country —
was too good and great a man to answer the purpo^M^
his party as a candidate.

The following is the first and an imperfect draught of
Colonel Peyton's resolutions. It was found among
some calcined rubbish, after the burning of his mansioa
in 1870.

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 228

WHIG MEETING IN BOANOEE.

The Whigs of Boanoke being assembled for the
purpose of party organization, and especially with a
view to forming themselves into a " Clay Club," deem
the occasion suitable for announcing the leading prin«
oiples on which they intend to conduct the coming
Presidential contest.

Acting, as they trust, in harmony with the great
body of the party throughout the union, they are anxious
to secure the moral weight which is the just reward
of elevated principles and ingenuous conduct. They
wish to avoid all surreptitious measures of assault or
defence, to come into battle openly and boldly, with
their principles emblazoned upon every fold of their
standards, thus inviting the scrutiny and defying the
power of their opponents. A victory gained by fraud
and deception would be valueless in their estimation,
since it would destroy the public confidence in their
integrity as a party, and jeopardize the popularity of the
principles which they profess, and upon the ultimate
ascendancy of which they conscientiously believe the
stabiUty and efficiency of our institutions depend*
They anxiously desire a just exposition of the political
creed of the opposite party, and a fair and honourable
issue upon their conflicting principles. They are
confident of success if they are thus met before the
nation in a spirit of candour and fair dealing. They
believe if they can prevail with their opponents to define
(heir party faith clearly and unequivocally, and to stand

224 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

by it sincerely and honestly in every qnaxter of the
Union without respect to the pjlitical prejudices of any
locaUty, that there is sufficient patriotism, intelligence
and enlightened self-interest among the people to insure
their success. To warn the people from the rocks and
quicksands of unrestrained and Ucentious democracy to
the safe haven of well-regulated Republicanism. When
the honest masses understand the spirit of Locofocoism
abroad in the land, generating the most destructive
moral and poUtical principles, despoiling States of their
credit, and thus weakening the obligations of common
honesty between individuals ; when they see one of the
two parties of the country, identifing itself to a consider-
able extent with these lawless repudiators and
unscrupulous "bond breakers," who, in the spirit of
wild reform and mad innovation, trample under foot
every precedent which time, experience, wisdom and
patriotism have established ; neither respecting the judg-
ment of a Washington, nor the opinion of the pure
and spotless patriots who assisted him in modelling our
institutions and giving us a hope of enduring national
existence and national glory, they believe that the sober
and reflectmg portion of the people will tremble for
perpetuity of our Government, and will rally to
its defence undfer the banner of our party whose name
is the synonyme of constitutional Uberty.

Not wishing in this hasty address to elaborate the
views of the Whig party, but simply to announce the
cardinal features of our political faith, leaving comment
for future occasions, we declare,

Memoir of WUliam Madison Peyton 225

I. That we are in favour of a national bank, being
firmly convinced that all the industrial interests of
the country, whether agricultural, commercial or
manufacturiag, depend for much of their prosperity
upon a circulating medium of equal value in every
part of our country, and in sufficient abundance to
meet the necessities and convenience of trade.

n. We are in favour of a tariff, which while it
a£fords a revenue sufficient to meet the wants of the
Government economically administered, shall be
80 adjusted as to foster and cherish our infant manu-
fiEictures, and at the same time awaken a design for
reciprocity in foreign nations by the imposition
of counteracting duties upon the productions of
Buch of these as impose heavy burdens upon our
principal exports, such as cotton and tobacco.

in. We are in favour of an equitable distribution of
the proceeds arising from the sales of the public
LANDS among the several States, believing that the
public domain is the rightful property of the
States; as such we consider the authority exercised
over these lands by the General Government as
purely fiduciary, and that the terms of the trust
precludes all the graduation schemes, and schemes
of partial cession, which have been advocated at
different times by the respective branches of the
Deniocratic party. Relying upon the customs or
impot dues as an abundant source of revenue for
the support of the Government economically admin-
istered, wo wish to divert from the National

ES

226 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

Treasniy this nnnecessary and redundant tribntaiy^
and pour its rich blessings into the more legitimate
State channels, where it will diffuse countless
benefits in restoring their shattered credit, in pro-
viding the means of general education, and in
opening up new and enlargmg old markets for the
husbandman and manufacturer, by unproving the
means of intercommunication and developing the
resources of our interior country.

IV. We are in favour of the one tebm principle — ^we
think experience has shewn in these degenerate
days of the Bepublic, that lust of office is apt to
swallow up all sentiments of public virtue, and that
where the President is re-eligible his first term is
often engrossed by disgraceful intrigues to secure
a re-election, by the disgusting scenes of official
profligacy, and by the shameless prostitution of
offices of the highest responsibility to the unhal-
lowed purposes of party. We think that destroy-
ing all hope of re-election would, by withdrawing
the temptation, increase the chances of an
independent and honourable administration of the
General Government, a consummation most
devoutly to be wished.

V. We are in favour of a thorough reform in the tone
and spirit of the Government and its officers, to
bring back the Washingtonian standard of official
qualification, and to infuse into the Government
that enlarged, liberal, and patriotic spirit which
regulated the policy of that illustrious man, the

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 227

lustre of whos^ virtues defies the virulence of party,
and who, standing up before posterity in the full
proportions of his matchless wisdom and purity,
challenges the world for an equal. Instead of
bestowing offices, instituted for the public benefit,
on unscrupulous Demagogues, as a reward of their

• sordid services, we would have them conferred on
men of elevated principles and unquestionable
quaUfications — ^men who never forget that, *'they
have a country to serve while they have a party to
obey."

VI. Finally, we are in favour of Henbt Clay as our
next President. In announcing our preference for
this distinguished patriof and statesman, we feel a
just pride in presenting to the consideration of our
feUow citizens one whose virtues and services give
him the highest claim to the first office in the gift
of his countrymen. Imbued with a spirit at once
bold, generous, acute, comprehensive in its grasp
and brilliant in its conceptions, yet capable of the
severest investigation and minutest detail ; ennobled
by a patriotism which diflEuses itself over his whole
country, rising in every exigency above all mere
party considerations and sinking in the cause of his
country all the conflicting prejudices and feelings of

or her welfEkre. Enriched with an experience long,
active, conspicuous in its trials, embracing one of
the most eventful periods of our history and
identifying him with all the great and important

228 Memoir of William. Madison Peyton,

measnres which mark the era of his brilliant career!
regulated by a judgment, subtle, profound,
matured, and harmonizing with the principles of the
Whig party ; and finally, as a capital to crown this
noble Corinthian column, sustained by a fidelity
and fearlessness which can be relied on to enforce
the principles we profess, we confidently reccnnmend
him to the American people for the first office
within their gift, and as a worthy successor to the
"Father of his country."

It is obvious from these resolutions that he had large
and accurate information on political affairs; that he
knew what was necessaty to make a people great,
prosperous, and respected. With what earnestness he
denounces those miserable profligates who have brought
American credit into disrepute, and made the name a
reproach on many a Bourse by their "bond breaking,"
repudiating doctrines. To a man however in bis
station it would have been a real reproach to have
remained ignorant of the history, laws, and constitution
of his country — ^to have had no certain, well ascertained
policy for her wise Government.

In the political affairs of this election, he took some
part, making eloquent speeches in favour of Mr.
Clay's election at Salem, Fincastle, Danville,

*

Lynchbury, Kichmond and other places, but he
avoided those warm and angry debates, which are
calculated only to inflame the passions and alienate
parties. He endeavoured by cool and deliberate

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 229

cUsquisitions on politics to enlighten the minds of the
people and lead them to a right judgment. He had
too often seen the effects of ignorance, in leading the
multitude astray in national affairs, not to exert himself
to scatter its clouds. Under its influence, the best
measures of public policy had often been condemned,
and the worst obtamed popular applause; the wisest
and purest of our Statesmen had been ostracised, and a
shallow and noisy race of demagogues foisted into office
and loaded with honours. He laboured, therefore,
earnestly to spread true knowledge abroad and dispel
the mists of ignorance which overspread a portion of the
people.

There are some men who appear great only while
the splendour of rank, or the bustle of station dazzles
the eyes of the spectators ; others become magnified as
they recede from the public view, and are seen like stars
in the distant sky. Of this latter description was
William Madison Peyton, a man . with too much of the
weakness of humanity to have altogether escaped
censure ; but whose memory is clear of any considerable
stain.

Most interesting was it to see him in the retirement
which now followed. Here he communed with his own
'heart, studied the Holy Scriptures, contemplated the
works of creation, and formed plans of great usefulness.
His mind was free to enter upon all these important
subjects and it cannot be doubted that he calmly con-
sidered what he would do for his own kinsfolk, friends,
and acquaintances, and also even for his enemies.

280 Memoir of WiUiam Madison Peyton.

To a public-spirited man like himself, it is equally
beyond doubt that he considered how he might best
serve his country and the world. And none of us are
without the power of doing something for others if bo
disposed. If we have wisdom, we can contrive for
them ; if wealth, we can supply their wants ; if power,
we can protect and advance them ; and if piety and
goodness predominate in ourhearte, we cai^ a^d do,
strive to lead them to God. Relatives claim our first
care and attention. Are they poor, afflicted, despised,
ignorant, .or wicked? We should think how we may
improve their circumstances, restore their health,
redeem their character, inform their minds, or
amend woes. Friends next claim our attention.
Can we make them happier, more useful, or respectable ?
Next our acquaintances. They may not have served
us; but that consideration should not prevent our
benevolent plans to serve them — even our enemies,
should share our good will. They have used us ^te-
fully ; let us try to do them good. The attempt will
prove a blessing to us, and it may be also a blessing to
them. In this spirit his retirement was spent, nor did
he forget that his comitry had claims upon him. He
thought how he might best serve its interests and
promote its happiness — how eloquently the foregosi^
resolutions denounce repudiation and all bond breakemi*
He sought out plans of public utility, and exercised JbtlB
influence to carry them into effect. In other words^
without ostentation, noise, or boasting he endeavoured U>
do all the good he could. During his retreat he appliedr

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 231

Idmself to literary and scientific pursuits with as much
earnest devotion as if his livelihood depended upon his
success. He doubtless realized the force of the
femark of Hamlet,

Wliat is a man,
If his chief good, and market of his time,
Be but to sleep and feed ? a beast — ^no more.
Sure he that made us with such large discourse
Looking before and after, gave us not
That capability and God-Hke reason
To rest in us unused.

During his scientific studies and investigations he dis-
covered that cannel coal, which had not previously been
found in America, always existed in England in the
region of bituminous coal. From this and other cur-
cumstances he argued that search would lead to its
discovery in the bituminous coal fields of America. K
so, it would be a most important discovery. Accordingly
in the summer of 1845, he proceeded, in company
with a few practical miners whom he hired for the pur-
pose, to the coal beds of the Eenawha. The party
q[>ent some time in explorations and researches on the
waters tributary to the Great Eenawha in the county of
Boone, and the correctness of his judgment was shown,
aoid his labours rewarded, by the discovery of probably
the most extensive cannel coal field in the United
States. His first discovery was at a point on the coal
rii^^r, about thirty miles from its junction with the Great
Kena^riia. At sundry spots on the river between this
pomt «ad the * Eenawha he came upon other vems of

232 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

this mineral, varying from two to six feet in height and
thickness. After these valnable findings of hidden
wealth, he purchased 30,000 acres of this land and pro-
ceeded to develop the mineral resources of that regloo,
with which important work he was occupied down to the
period of the civil was in 1861. At the spot of Mb
original discovery a town war laid out and in his honour
called Peytonaf which is now a flourishing place of
business.

He also ascertained in his numerous experiments
with this coal that it possessed a variety of useful and
valuable properties. Among other things, that candles
might be made from it, surpassing those of wax in
hardness and beauty. Also that the tar products of
this and the bituminous coal, decomposed by the oil
of vitrol, yielded, among other valuable substances, one
now called paraffine, resembling, when bleached and
purified, wax or spermaceti ; and that it burnt with a
clear white flame, free from smoke. Since then this
substance has become widely known the world over,
and is largely used by all candle-making companies,
though at first this and other results which he
announced seemed more like the dream of a visicmary,
than the sober reasonings of a modem utilitarian
philosopher. The magic of chemistry as applied by
other distinguished American and Eur(,)ean savans
soon established the correctness of his theories. It is
probable that he himself did not forsee the value of
the conclusions he arrived at, which were certaiily
pregnant with important results. But it was impossible

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 233

. tiiftt a xuan of his knowledge could direct his attention
»tD such subjects without benefit arising therefrom.

During the period he was engaged in his mining
, operations he spent a hundred thousand dollars of his
private . means on the improvement of the coal river,
seeking to make the stream navigable for steamers of
considerable tonnage and thus to avoid trans-shipment
of cargoes from the barges which left Peytona, on their
arrival in the Kenawha, He had not succeeded to the
extent of his wishes when the civil war put a stop to
his operations. A New York company on the joint
stock or limited liability principle, which had been
organized in Wall Street under his auspices, continued
• through the war to work the mines upon a minor scale,
and, as far as the disorganized condition of the labour
and business affairs of the country would admit, to
carry on the work for improving the navigation of the
river.

The perserving energy with which he prosecuted his
labours on the Coal River for many years, was the
subject of general remark. The great improvement
which took place in this remote part of the country
in the manners and customs of the earlier inhabitants,
in the roads and other means of communication, in the
development of industry, and the enhancement in the
value of property, the legitimate results of his opera-
tions, caused him to be considered as a public benefactor,
and his name to be everywhere revered by the warm-
hearted and affectionate mountaineers.

The fame he acquired by these operations, the

FF

234 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

success which attended his practical pursuits recalls
Sallust's remark upon Cato, that the less he coveted
glory, the more he acquired it.

Several joint-stock companies were organized in New
York under his auspices for working the Peytona mines,
which are, in 1873, in successful operation. During
one of his business visits to New York, in 1861, he
addressed the letter embodied in the next chapter to
his old friend Mr. Rives, on the subject of the deplor-
able political situation and the impending crisis*

h..

CHAPTER Xn.

In the Antumn of 1860, the United States Presidential
election occnred, an event ordinary enough in itself, bnt
which became the cause, or at least the occasion, of one
of the greatest political revolations which have ever
changed the fortunes of a nation. A revolution it was
which overwhelmed the South with disasters, greater
fjEur than those which conquests bring about, but which
in the slow progress of events has been succeeded by a
gradual bettering of the condition of the subdued people,
and also by the elevation of a servile race to a position
of political equality with their former masters. Placed
after centuries of servitude in this new position, for
which they had had no preparation, it remains yet to be
proved that the African race is endowed by nature with
any great mental vigor or aptitude for intellectual labour
and improvement, such as is requisite for those who
are invested with the rights of freemen and the
responsibility of self government.

The fear so long entertained by patriots that at some
inauspicious moment a storm would arise in the South,

236 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

where the public mind was greatly excited by Northern
hostility to the extension of slavery, and end by
steeping the country in bl6od and ruin, appeared, in the
antumn of I860, about to be realized. The secession so
long and repeatedly threatened by South Carolina, but
which she had never seriously contemplated carrying
out, seemed at last imminent. The incredulity with
which those threats had been received by union men
north and south ; the ridicule lavished upon the so
called ** Chivalry men," who were accused of indulging
in the frothy eflFdsions of demagogues — ^in low tricks and
bluster to keep up their credit and consequence, operat-
ing with their real grievances, had goaded the Carolinians
to desperation. The people of the Pelmetto State who
had been so long upbraided for fickleness and perfidy^
seemed at last ready for action, and a considerable
portion of the South was prepared to follow their lead.
The atmosphere was laden with electricity, the political
sky overcast with clouds — ^the storm ready to burst
upon the land. The, immediate occasion of this
breaking out of the public fury was the election of Mr.
Lincoln to the Presidency. It does not belong to my
plan to enter into the causes and consequences of this
event. They are mentioned only in so far as they relate
to, and bear upon, the subject of this sketch. Mr«
Lincoln was chosen on 6th of November 1860, the vote
standing thus,

For Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois, 189, all northern
votes.

For John C. Breckenridge, of Kentucky, 72 southern
votes.

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 287

^or John Bell, of Tennessee, 39, divided.

Pot Stephen A Douglas, of Illinois, 12, divided.

The whole number of electors appointed to vote for
President for the United States was then 303, o£ which
a majority is 152. Mr. Lincoln was, therefore,
declared elected, and on the 8th of the following
February left his home in the West, for Washington. This
event increased the southern excitement ; anxiety and
alarm thickened the gloom which hung over and
paralysed trade, commerce and manufactures north and
south. The well known political views of South
Carolina filled the country with apprehensions. In
1830, that State attempted to nullify the laws of
Congress, to remain in the Union and yet act indepen-
dently of its authority, and a conflict between the State
and Federal troops was averted only by the firmness of
President Jackson and the moderation of General
Winfield Scott. Again in 1850, at the period when the
admission of California was under discussion, it was
proposed in the Legislature of South Carolina that a
*' Southern Congress" should be convoked to initiate
measures for the defence of the South. A crisis was
averted, however, by the adoption of what was termed
the " Compromise Bill " principally through the influence
of Henry Clay, but, though South Carolina acquiesced,
she was annoyed, discontented, irritated. AJl the angry
feelings which prompted this course in 1850 were
intensified by the result of the Presidential election of
1860. Accordingly, the Legislature called a State
convention to take such steps as might be deemed

2S6 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

necessary to meet the crisis before the inauguraticni of
the new President. This convention assembled at
Columbia on the 17th of December, 1861, and after an
exciting debate passed a formal Ordinance of Secession
from the Union, in these words,

** Wkj the people of the State of South Carolina, in Con*
vention assembled, do declare and ordain, and it is
hereby declared and ordained, that the Ordinance
adopted by us in Convention on the 23rd day of May^
1788, whereby the Constitution of the United Stdka
was ratified, and also, all Acts and parts of Acts of the
General Assembly of the State ratifying amendmenU
of the said Constitution, are hereby repealed, and the
Union now subsisting between South Carolina and the
other States under the name of * the United States of
America,' is hereby dissolved.*'

The fatal plunge was thus taken, and how to avert
the untold calamity it portended was the first object
with all true patriots, especially of Virginians, whose
State, in the event of hostilities, was to becoine " the
Flanders of the war." It was natural that the OlA
Dominion should watch, with greater solicitude than
any of her sister States, the progress of events in the
South. Virginia contributed more largely than any of
the original thirteen colonies to the formation of the^
Federal Union, in fact it was mainly her work, and her
people were by a large majority still warmly attached
to it and its traditions, yet, from identity of interest on
the slave question, she felt the warmest S3anpathy with

Memmr of William Madison Peyton. 239

the States of the South. All eyes were, therefore, now
turned to the Old Dominion. Upon her coUrse in great
measure depended that of the so-called border States
of Maryland, Kentucky, and Missouri. It rested
with Virginia and these States to say whether war
ahould or should not take place. Had these border
^^ates, with an aggregate population of 4,621,879
united in upholding the Union of their forefathers, the
CSotton States, left in a hopeless minority, must have
lefosed to enter upon the ruinous path taken by
South Carolina. In this event the sober second thought
of the gallant, but excitable, population of the Palmetto
State would probably, a little later, have led to the repeal
of the Ordinance of Secession. Harmony would thus
have been restored. K the border States had presented
an unbroken front to the North, the civil war would
have been averted, or if not, the North, had she
entered upon the task of coercion, must have been driven
from the field defeated, and overthrown. In the
border States, however, other counsels prevailed.
Notwithstanding the earnest efforts of the influential
Union party in each, it was found impossible to band
the people together in support of a common cause.
There was a fatal division of sentiment, and, while halting
between two opinions, Maryland was overrun by Federal
troops, and was thus hopelessly lost to the South, though
many of her sons found their way into the Southern
army, and served with credit through the war.*

* Thai (General Lee himself belieyedthat Maryland would have
joined the Southern Confederacy, but for her occupation by Federal

240 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

Sentnckj and Missouri fell away in the same manner.
Virginia herself was divided into two hostile camps. TISb
leaders of the secession party were Henry A. Wise, Johii
Letcher, J. M. Masson, James Barbour, B. M. !?•
Hunter, William Eitchie, 0. Jennings Wise, T. S,
Bowcock, James Lyons, J. M. Daniels, Roger A. Rychr
and others of less note. On the other hand, the leaders
of the Conservative party were W. C. Bives, Bohert B.
Scott, Labal A. Early, W. B. Preston, Colonel W. M.
Peyton, J. H. Gilmer, Alexander H. H. Stuart, John B,
Baldwin, W. T. Willey, I. S. Carlile, John Lewis, S.
Mc. D. Moore, I. M. Bolts, C. H. Lewis, Jos^h Segar,
Alexander Rives, J. J. Jackson, Peachy Gratton, and

forces, is apparent from the foUowing Proclamation issued by lum
when he marched the army of northern Virginia into the State in 1862: —

Head Qva/rters, Army of Northern Virginia^

near Fredericktowny September Bth, 1S62.

To THE Peoplb op Mabyland,

It is right that you should know the purpose that has brought
the anny under my command within the Hmits of your State, «o lar^as
that purpose concerns yourselves.

The people of the Confederate States have long watched with the
deepest sympaldiy the wrongs and outrages that have been inflicted
upon the citiisens of a Commonwealth allied to the States of the South
by the strongest social, political, and commercial ties, and reduced 'to
the condition of a conquered province.

Under the pretence of supporting the Constitution, but in violation
of its most valuable provisions, your citizens have been arrested and
imprisoned, upon no diarge, and contrary to aU the forms of law,

A faithful and manly protest against this outrage, made by a vener-
able and illustrious Marylander, to whom in his better days no citizen
appealed for right in vain, was treated with scorn and contempt.

The Government of your chief city has been usurped by armed
strangers ; your Legislature has been dissolved by the imlawful arrest
,o£ its members; freedom of the press and of speech has been suppressed;

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 241

otiieiB less fiEuniliar to the pnblic. Virginia thns torn by
fiM^on was soon in arms against herself. Vain were
the efforts of the Government at Richmond to maintain
ite authority in the north-western counties after the
defeat of the confederate army under General Bobert S.
€tamett> and the unsuccessfdl campaigns in the Eenawha
valley of Generals H. A. Wise and J. B. Floyd. The
aorth-westem counties and those on the Kenawha
organized a new State under a provisional Government
(June 11th 1861,) which was admitted into the Federal
Union on the 81 st of the following December.

In order to avert, if possible, a civil war among
VirginianS) such as that which soon raged among
£entuckians> Missourians, and Tennesseans, Colonel

words liave been declared ofiPences by an arbitrary decree of the Federal
exeontiTe ; and citizens ordered to be tried by military commissions
for what they may dare to speak.

BelieTing that the people of Maryland possess a spirit too lofty to
submit to such a Gbyemment, the people of the South have long wished
to aid you in throwing ofiP this foreign yoke, to enable you again to
enjoy the inalienable rights of freemen, and restore the independence
and sovereignty of your State.

In obedience to this wish, our army has come among you, and is
prepared to assist you with the power of its arms in regaining the
rights of which you have been so unjustly despoiled.

This, citizens of Maryland, is our mission so far as you are concerned.
No restraint upon your free will is intended — no intimidation will be
allowed, within the limits of this army at least.' Marylanders shall
once more enj oy their ancient freedom of thought and speech. We know
no enemies among you, and will protect all of you in every opinion.

It is for you to decide your destiny freely and without constraint*
This army will respect your choice, whatever it may be ; and while the
sonthemj people will rejoice to welcome you to your natural
position among them, they will only welcome you when you come of
your own free will.

R. E. Lee, General Commanding.
QQ

842 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

Peyton addressed the letter which closes this chapter^
and dated the 8th of January, 1861, to. Mr. Rives^
who gave it to the public through the daily piq>er8
and in pamphlet form. It was widely circulated
as a poLtical tract, and was everywhere read with
deep interest, but the wise and moderate counsels
it inculcated were unavailing. In the frenzied
condition of the public mind his letter was but as
a whisper in the ear of death, like the pilot's
speaking trumpet, the sound of which is drowned
by the bowlings of the tempest.

On 7th of January, 1861, the Legislature of
Virginia assembled in Richmond. Governor Letcher
in his message stated that '^ all see, know, and feel
that the danger is imminent, that all true patriots
are exerting themselves to save the country from
impending perils." He proposed that a conventicm
of all the states should meet, and said ^^ it is monstrous
to see a government like ours destroyed merely
because men cannot agree about a domestic institu*
tion. It becomes Virginia to be mindful of her
own interests. A disruption is inevitable, and ff
two new confederations are to be formed, we must
have the best guarantees before we can attach Virginia
to either of them." He charged the state of afl^urs
upon the Northern States and said upon them would rest
the responsibility of disunion, if it occurred. He further
declared that any attempt of Federal troops to pass
through Virginia for the purpose of coercing a southern

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 243

State would be considered as an act of invasion, whidb
would be repelled. He concluded by saying "Let New
fingknd and Western New York be sloughed off and
tify themselyes with Canada/'

In the House of Delegates a committee was appointed
atid instructed to bring in a bill for assembling a State
convention, and anti-coercion resolutions were pa^ed.
In these the House declared that any attempt to coerce
a State would be resisted by Virginia. The Staie Con-
vention met in Richmond, February 13th, and after a
warm discussion on the 17th of April, passed an ordin-
imce of secession, similar to that adopted by South
Otfolina. Thus the last hope of amicable adjustment
perished, and all men, north and south, prepared for
9ra^^ for that desolating war which soon followed and
continued with unparalleled fury, down to the surrender
of Qaieral Lee and the Confederate army on the 9th of
April, 1865, at Appomatox Bridge.

The beguming of strife, says Solomon, is as the
letting out of water, so continuous and persistent is the
flow, so like to a mighty torrent, which overspreads and
carries all before it, and so fraught with consequences
as difficult to forecast as to avert.

The history of the war, which Colonel Peyton sought
to prevent by his judicious and repeated appeals to the
reason and feelings of the people of both north and
south, illustrates in a remarkable manner the wise-man's
saying. By that fratricidal strife more than half a con-
tinent was filled with mourning, and the wail of victims ;

244 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

whole States, each greater in territorial extent than most
European kingdoms, were laid waste, private propeily
to an enormous amount was destroyed both by land and
sea, passions, as terrific as ever raged in the human
breast, welled up to the surface and spread like a.
volcanic eruption over the surface of society; huma^
tariauB thirsted for human blood, the sacred office of the
Christian mioistry was prostituted to a wild and
unreasoning fanaticism, and debt and taxation increased
with portentous rapidity. But the most depressing
feature of the struggle was the enormous expenditure
of human life. Official reports show that upwards of a
million of men perished on the field of battle, in the
hospitals, and at their homes &om wounds, or diseases
contracted by exposure. And all of this was the result
of a war, which however it might end, could cause no
feelings of satisfaction or triumph to either party

When, however, war became inevitable, he embraced
the Southern cause, and sacrificed his all to make it
successful. Among his friends and fellow Virginians
who entertained similar opinions and were drawn against
their better judgment into the struggle, was G-eneral
Bobert E. Lee, who, in a letter addressed to his sister,
dated ** Arlington, Virginia, April 20th, 1861. said :

'^The whole South is in a state of revolution, into
which Virginia, after a long struggle, has been drawn,
and, though I recognize no necessity for this state of
things, and would have forebome and pleaded to the Bnd
for redress of grievances, real or supposed, yet in my
own person I had to meet the question, whether I should

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 245

tal^ part against my native State. With all my devo-
tion to the Union, and the feeling of loyalty and duty
of im American citizen, I have not been able to make
up my mind to raise my hand against my relatives, my
diildren, my home. ♦ ♦ I know you will blame me, but
yoa must think as kindly of me as you can, and believe
tiiat I have endeavoured to do what I thought right. " ♦
What Lee*s struggle of mind must have been at the
time may be seen from the following passage in a letter
sent by Mrs. Lee, December 1861, to a Union friend.
She says " my husband has wept tears of blood over
tliis terrible war, but he must, as a man of honour and
a Virginian, share the destiny of his State, which has
EK^emnly pronounced for independence. "

LETTER FROM
COLOKEL WILLIAM MADISON PEYTON,

TO

HONOURABLE WILLIAM C. RIVES,

ON THE PRESENT CRISIS.

InTBODUCTOBY NOTE BY THE EdITOB OF THE " NeW YoBK

ExPBESs" (Newspapeb), in which Colonel Peyton's
letteb obiginally appeabep, to the second pamphlet

"The spirited discussion which follows, upon the
exciting questions of the country, has been most widely

* See p. 37 '* Sonthcm G^erals, who they are, and what they have
done. '» N. Y, 1873.

246 Memoir of William Madison Peyton*

circulated, and read as an eloquent expression Q£jd»
feelings and hopes of a large — of nmch the laaBgedl
portion-of the American peq)le. It is timely, eariBBt
and unanswerable. The first issue of cc^es faa*im^
been entirely exhausted, the author, at the requert hS
many friends, in various parts of tibe country/ lias
permitted a second edition to be brought out, to wlack
some additional notes are appended. Could the vimw^
he has expressed in his letter to Mr« Rives ha^
received their appropriate valuation and influence, tUnt
country would still continue its course of unexamfdei
prosperity and happiness."

The EnrroB.

i. A.

New Yorkf January Sth^ 186J^
" My dear Sir,

" We are in the midst of a revolutiim, bk}odi
less as yet, but no one feels assured that the rising bun
will run its diurnal course before the pillars of oue
constitution will be covered with the blood of iM
citizens. An unholy crusade has been preached^ iod
factious political combinations have been formed in the
North, which are destructive of all fraternal feeliagB
between the two sections, and utterly at war within
fair and equal administration of the Government* -it
deep and wide-spread dissatisfaction has thus been
excited in the South, which has grown stronger «bd
stronger, fiercer and fiercer, until at last it has cul-
minated in one of the States loosing herself from ^e

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. • 247

LgB of the constitution, and committing her
fculiny to the perilous waves of Secesedon and Bevolu-
toL. Other States are verging to the same path, and
tiieir leaders, almost with one voiee, advocate the policy
cif pnoipitation and separate State action.

'< < To precipitate the cotton States into revolution/ is
ft remark which traces its paternity to Mr. Yancy, the
great leader of the disunion movement, and, whatever
of wisdom or folly attaches to it, is his by indisputable
tLHe. It is certainly all the rage at present. You see
it in relief on every newspaper, side by side with the
* irrepressible conflict, ' and you hear it repeated by
every flippant declaimer, whether on the stump or in the
grog-shop, until, in spite of its objectionable character,
it has become the Shibboleth of the South, and is
cherished as a master-stroke of statesmanlike policy.

What better evidence can w^* have of the insane state
eif tlie public mind, than that the people should rally
imder a sentiment so monstrous and indefensible. For
a people to ^precipitate themselves into revolution,' is
Uke a maddened horse, who seizes the bit in his mouthy
hak rushes headlong over a precipice. Percipitancy
neter acknowledges the reins of reason, and hasty and
iiD]Mil8ive action is always the sure harbinger of
lepentance and remorse. A great question, involving
the fate of a Government and the happiness of millions^
dMMild certainly be approached carefully, considered
cidmly, determined cautiously, and with a full
iqppreeiation of the weighty issues and responsibilities
mvolved.

248 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

*' It is true, we have been grievously wronged by
the unwarrantable and hostile interference with oar
domestic institutions by the fanatical portion of the
North, and it is right that we should manifest our
purpose of vindicating our rights, under the constituticHL
Common sense and common prudence would say, thati
as disunion is a terrible alternative^ a gulf of evils, which
no man can fathom, we should first exhaust all constitu-
tional means of redress, before we involve ourselves
in universal destruction, by pulling down the pillars oi
our temple.

** The late elections, which resulted in favour of ihe
Black Bepublican party, not because of their positivte
strength, but as the consequence of our divisions, has
demonstrated that we have a great many warm and
devoted friends in the North upon whom we can rely in
any emergency. Recent developments have shown,
too, that their ranks are rapidly gaining accessions from
the moderate and conservative portion of the Bepublican
party and justifies the opinion that the day is near at
hand when they will be the dominant party, and
exercise a controling infiuence. The issue which they
have made, and upon which they stand, is the same
which vitalizes the contest between the North and the
South. When the reaction, which is now in such rapid
progress, places their constitutional party in tbe
ascendant, a conservative policy will be inauguratedi
and the rights of the South will be recognized,
and placed on a firm basis. They will concede all
the guarantees we require and unite with us in

Memoir of WUliam Madison Peyton. 249

tnaintaining the constitution, and the laws made
in porsuance of its provisions, in the true
spirit of the instrument. Can it be otherwise with a
party, which acknowledge such leaders as O'Concw,
Dickinson, Hunt, Seymour, and Tillmore, and such
wgans as those bold defenders of our rights, the
Herald^ Express^ Journal of Commerce and Day-Book ? ♦
If this is a just picture of the condition of
things around and before us, what madness is
it to destroy the fairest fabric of Grovemment that
God, in his providence, has ever vouchsafed to man!
What plausible apology can be offered for such fatuity ?
In the Gulf States, I am aware, they have schooled
themselves into the preposterous opinion that the Union
is a galling yoke upon their necks, of which they
should rid themselves, and that when freed from its
restraints and impositions, they will advance in wealth,
population, power and greatness, with a rapidity unpar-
alleled in the history of the world. Without stopping
to dissect this vainglorious and shallow opinion, or to
point out the thousand impediments to the fruition
of their golden visions, I would enquire if there is any
respectable portion of the border Slave States of
Virginia, Kentucky, Maryland, etc., who do not believe
that all their dearest interests would be imperilled, and
all the brightest hopes and most cherished memories
Uighted, by the dissolution of the Union. All who know

• To this list may be added the Daily News, the Freeman^ s Journal,
Stoats Zeitnug, and numerous other weekly papers, all of whom have
manifested a liberal and catholic spirit in this crisis of the country.

HH

250 Memoir of Witliam Madison Peyton.

those States must admit that their response wotiM
be one of loyalty and devotion to the Union. They have
too mnch sagacity and good sense, too mnch prudence
and virtue and patriotism to be deluded by such hait
brained nonsense. They have too much gratitude for
the noble sacrifices of our Revolutionary fathers ; tiie^
venerate too sincerely the immortal charter they be*
queathed us, and they appreciate too highly tbd
manifold blessings they have enjoyed under its auspices,
to raise their parricidal hands for its destruction, until
its provisions have been perverted into an insupportable
tyranny, and all reasonable efforts to reform abuses
have proved abortive.

^^History has been strikingly said to be 'Philosophy
teaching by example,' and I would ask if there is any
more settled and indubitable axiom drawn from the
political throes and convulsions of the world, than thai
a people should never overturn one Gh)vemment until
they see their way to a better? Any G-ovemmeni
is better than anarchy. If there are evils in the system,
they should be probed and healed. If there satt
grievances^ they should strive to have them redressed^
If there are deficiencies, they should labour to have
them supplied.* If there is tyranny,, it should be curbed
after the manner of the patriotic barons of our Father-
land at Bunnymede ; but never unnecessarily plunge the
country into all the horrors of anarchy and civil war, with
desolated hearths, decimated families, and the prostration
of all interests, social, commercial, agricultural and
religious.

" The probabilities are, that the States of our confede-

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 251

taoy will never dissolve peaceably, and that whenever
ihey do separate, they will tear apart violently. The
4ie9 which bind us together, are not of a character to
be lightly and easily broken. Our common origin, our
eotnmon language and institutions — with one excep-
tion — our common struggle in the Revolutionary contest,
the joint inheritance of the glory which sheds itself
over our past history, the pride universally felt in the
growth and greatness of our country, and the cherished
anticipation that the day is not distant when the United
States will take precedence of all the nations of the
earth — these constitute ties, which can only be severed
as Alexander severed the gordian knot. It will never
be done until the people are maddened by a sense o£
deep injury and driven headlong by feelings so
exasperated as to be reckless of consequences. The
cause of irritation, unless promptly arrested, wiU
increase, and the spirit of resentment, retaliatil and
revenge will intensify with each new complaint, until
at last violence will break the bonds of union, and
Uood will flow in just such profusion as the respective
sections may deem sufficient to wash out the wrongs
they have suffered. All constituted authority being
broken down, all reverence for the past and respect for
die present being swept away, revolution springs up
jMi an indigenous plant, and seizing the charter of our
liberties, rends it to pieces, and overturning tte
Government, inaugurates a reign of anarchy, bloodshed
and civil war. Such is the goal to which we are
travelling ; such is the abyss to which we are hastening.

262 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

Indeed, we have reached the brink, and another
Btep is destruction — another step and we precipitate
ourselves into a gulf, the fathomless depths of which no
eye is keen enough to discern.

**Now, it is undeniably true, that the Northern States
are justly responsible for opening up those fountains of
bitterness which flood the land with their poisonous
waters. Fanatics, inspired by a demoniacal &enzy, oo«
operating with heartless demagogues and corrupt party
organization, have succeeded, by a fortuitious concur*
rence of circumstances, in gaining a political ascendency
in the North, and, profiting by a want of concert among
the friends of the Constitution, have elected the
candidate of their party to the Presidency.

** Upon the temporary and transient event (Lincoln's
election) the South are thrown into the most violent
state of excitement, and, in their indignation, swear
that they will not submit to their defeat, but that they
will dissolve all connection with a people who have
manifested by this election a deliberate purpose to
bring them into subjection, and inaugurate a policy
which will undermine slavery. The objection is
certainly well taken and the cause of discontent well
founded, but the remedy proposed partakes a great deal
more of passion than thought, more of violen(!e than
reason, faiore of chivalrous impulse than of statesman-
like prudence and wisdom.

** The President was elected by a little over one-third
of the votes polled, by a meagre pluraUty — ^and will
come into power with his constitutional advisers in tbe

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 268

senate against him, so that he will be utterly powerless
aad unable to advance a single step in the admmistration
of the Gk)vemment, except at the will and pleasure of
the defeated party. The rights of .the South, whatever
may be the disposition of the executive, are, for the
present, perfectly protected. They occupy the vantage
ground, and risk nothing in deUberate action. In this
condition of things, she should have improved her
advantage by constraining the action and policy of the
eaiecutive.

" The occasion, too, would be most opportune to
demand of the North a full and distmct recognition of
the rights of the South, the abrogation of all unfriendly
laws, and the final adjustment of all causes of
complaint and difference. This course, taken with
determined firmness, would have secured unanimity and
concert of action throughout the South, and would have
conunanded the hearty approbation and coK)peration of
the noble body of patriotic citizens, who stood by us
with unflinching courage in the late contest, and who
polled more votes in our favour than the South gave
themselves. Is it not reasonable to suppose that this
policy would have been successful. If otherwise, then,
when we had exhausted all constitutional means of
redress, and time and circumstances h^d rendered more
certain the fixed purpose of the Republican party to
degrade and enslave us, to strip us of our just rights
and maintain the control of the Government upon a
sectional basis, the South would be prepared, upon
such corroboration, with unbroken front, and with the

254 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

approbation of the civilized world, to demand Hm
recognition of all their rights under the constitution, YriHk
such tdtimatum as their wisdom might suggest.

"Whether that alternative should be war in the Unicoi
or out of it, it would be sustained with unanimity md
alacrity by the whole South, backed in all probability by
the great middle States, and New York, the gre$i^
national, conservative city of the Union.

"If there is any force or truth in this hypothesis, does
it leave a single loophole to hang a doubt that a yme
comprehension of the interests of the South reqoirai
them to pursue the course indicated? Some would
condemn it as a Fabian policy, but such was the policy
of Washington, and such will ever be the policy of those
who think before they act, who ponder well on coa^
sequences before they provoke them, and who sound the
depths of the ocean over which they are to sail, befcHTO
they commit themselves to its waters.

" Souih Carolina, shutting her eyes to all prudential
considerations, has adopted and avowed the opposite
poUcy. Without consultation with her sister States*
without co-operation, and almost without countenasM
from more than a minority of the Slave States, in
disregard and contempt of the appeals and wishes i^
of those exposed and most aggrieved by north^ro
inteference, she has thrown herself, with headlong
impetuosity, into a labyrinth of inextricable difficujy^
sundering and trampling under foot the golden a)iaH)
which bound together our glorious Union, and comply
eating the unhappy controversy which agitates the

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 256

ihe oonntry, bo as to fill every patriot's heart with, the
ittmost apprehensions for the issue. She makes no appeal
to her erring and offending sisters. She gives no time
or opportunity for reformation. She leaps with one
bcnmd to a rash resolve, and with equal haste to action.
I^e spurns the advice of those who have a common
interest with her, and flouts, through her organ, with
most offensive presumption, the gallant old Common-
wealth of Virginia, whose chivalry and patriotism, whose
justice and prudence, whose steady valour and -con-
mmmate wisdom, have been always illustrated by her
6ons, before whose historic renown Carolina always has
and ever must ' pale her ineffectual fires.' [See Note A."]
" By this course Carolina weakens the cause of the
So<ath. She creates division among those who should
be and who would be united under a wise conduct of
tiieir difficulties. She drives off our allies in the
North, and, of course, strengthens the power we have
to contend with. In fine, she attains nothing, and mars
everything. She cures no evil; she redresses no
grievance ; she vindicates no right ; she rights no wrong ;
hut on the contrary, aggravates all her troubles, and
complicates her difficulties, so as to defy their solution
by the wisest heads. Folly, madness, and a reckless
disregard of consequences, rule her counsels, and there
fe no telling what damage she may not do to herself
and others in her unbridled fury. She may be likened
in her dismemberment to a planet, which, by some
disturbance of the forces that keep each orb in its
proper sphere, is driven through space, impelled alone

256 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

in its eccentric movemenis by its internal fires, ana
endangering in its path the whole heavenly system)
To be the tail to such a comet would be the hardest of
fates. It would imply on the part of Virginia a want
of self respect, a lack of proper pride, a painful degen-^
eracy, and a demoralization, which ill comports with
her past history.

** Without wasting more words in the discussion of the
past, or criticising what is irrevocable, let us probe thd
issues as they exist, and lay them open to the core, that
we may be the better enabled to apply such remedies a*
are necessary for the restoration of our afflicted
Government. Virginia, whose interests are* our especid
object of consideration, and whose policy, by parity of
reason, should be the policy of all the other border
slaveholding States, is the oldest of them all, as she
is also the most populous, and of greater territory.

"She stands in the centre of the confederacy, and
represents in her staples the interests alike of the planter
and the grain-grower, and not inconsiderably those of
the grazier and manufacturer. She furnished tlfe
matchless hero who was a * pillar of cloud by day ami
of fire by hight,' in our struggle for freedom; she
furnished the orator whose inspired eloquence thrilled
the colonies with patriotic feeling; she furnished the
genius which penned the Declaration of Independence ;

she furnished the civilian who was the chief architect
of our constitution. Out of our loins sprang Kentucky,
and her generosity gave to the Union the great Western
States, extending from her border to the Mississipjii.

Memoir of WUliam Madison Peyton. 257

«

In all Ihe patriotic movements which initiated the revo*
lution, in all the measures which marked its progress^
in all tl^e features which were stamped on our Charter of
Uxuon, and in the administration of the Q-overnment,
ehe has exerted an influence beyond any other State.
To love the Union, therefore, is with her most natural
and almost inevitable.

"Under the constitution, Virginia has been prosperous,
contented, and happy, her children have grown up
with the idea that it Was as sacred as the ark of the
covenant, and that under its shadow we reposed in
peace and security, and in the enjoyment of all rights
and privileges consistent with the largest liberty.
All were taught to revere it as the precious legacy of
patriotism and wisdom, and to cling with filial devotion
to the Union as the great palladium of their liberties.
In the meantime, however, a cloud, which for a while
was just visible above the northern horizon, scarcely
exciting observation, has increased in size until it has
spread itself like a pall over the political heavens, and
awakened a feeling of distrust, anxiety, and appre*
hension for the safety of our institutions. A &natical
abolitionism, which feeds upon its own ravings and
grows by what it feeds on, has adopted the pseudo-
philosophy of the Jacobins, and by connecting themselves
with corrupt party and political organizations, have
acquired a political ascendency in so many of the non-
slave-holding States, as to enable them, by the assistance
of our divisions, to elevate their candidate to the

presidency.

II

•p

268 Memoir of William Madison Peyton,

^* This is certainly a condition of things well calculated
to arouse the fears of the South, and prompt them to
active efforts to avert the evil, and ward off
threatened danger. All agree that the evil is seriottd
and imminent, and that the measures for our protection
should be taken without delay. Postponement, now
that the attention of the whole nation is aroused to itd
consideration, would weaken our position, and we must
face the tide of fanaticism, and arrest its further
progress. In doing this it is the policy of all, and most
obviously that of Virginia, and all others than the Gulf
States, so to accomplish the desired result, as to leave
our glorious Union intact, and its stars and stripes still
floatmg over us as a united people.

^' A great many plans have been suggested in and out
of Congress, many of which would, doubtless, be
acceptable to the great body of the nation, but ncme of
which will satisfy the extremists. In the desire io
please all, we offend all ; and while the time of Congress
is wasted in first one and then another abortive scheme,
the disease is making fearful headway, and the never-to«
be-recalled oj^ortunity for healthful measures passes by.
The face of the political heavens changes with every
circuit of the sun, and measures which would have been
efficacious on one day, have no virtue on the next.
The constitutional means which, if exercised in season,
would probably have been equal to the emergency, are
of more questionable potency since the strategic
movements at Charleston, and the impotent labors of
the Senate and Congressional committees^ have bic^ii^^

Memoir of WiHiam Madison Peyton. 259

the Goyemment and the Carolinians into such a position
that force must almost necessarily be employed. Should
then all constitutional means be rejected as inadequate,
let the middle States and the border Slave States unite
logger on some just and equitable basis which secures
the slave-holding States all the guarantees required for
the rendition of slaves, for the right of transit without
molestation throughout the Union, and for equal
privileges in the territories.

" The great central Union, embracing the heart and
strength of the nation, its wealth, its population and its
capital, would, by the happy working of the old constitu-
tiau under new influences, by its rapid growth in aU
that constitutes national greatness, by it^ dignified and
impoortant position among the powers of the earth, by
the contentment, the happiness and the prosperty of its
law-and-order-loving and law-abidmg citizens, be the
admiration, as it Juld be the model LemmJnt of the
world* Those States who in a moment of exacerba-
tion, either from wrongs inflicted or passions and
prejtidices aroused, had withdrawn themselves from the
confederacy, would soon have their follies cured by
bitter experience; and feeling and comprehending the
disadvantages of their position, they would easily seek
annexation with us, and gladly embrace the basis fixed
by us. Moreover, this consolidation of all the great
central States, will serve to keep apart the beUigerent
extremes of New England and the Cotton States, and
will furthermore effectually protect the middle States
from the evils of anarchy and civil war. Nor need they

260 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

fear any serious contests with the States on ^tuir
northern or southern borders, as their overwhehmn^
superiority would shield them effectually. :

^^ Virginia, in her exposed position as a border Staie^
suffers severely, and complains bitterly of the wroBgB
inflicted upon her ; but she cannot .see how a seporatim
from the Union will redress her grievances, increase her
security, or fortify her rights. She cannot compr^eiid
how the abrogation of all compacts for the pres^nratioB
of our institutions^ the breaking down of all judicial
tribunals established for their protection, and the
sundering of all the ties of patriotism, which must.ib
some extent, stretch forth the arms of sympathy and
justice to aid us, will add to our repose, quiet oat
apprehensions, or rid us of the vexatious annoyancea
the irritating controversies, or the flagrant abduction of
our slaves, which now exist. On the contrary, she takes
warning from the impunity and protection extended by
Canada to our fugitives, and &irly concludes thai
separation would strengthen the aboUtion infiuenoe and
power, and magnify and aggravate all the troubles whidi
now disturb her as a member of the Confederacy.

" The dogma of peaceable constitutional secession^
as claimed by the South, is a solecism, subversive of ail
just authority, and revolutionary of necessity. It d^iira
to the Government the power of protecting and i)or-
petuating itself, and converts what was intended to be at
perfect union, to endure ^forever/ into a rope of sand^
to be separated by every ^ disturbing cause. It impairs^
the political dignity and utterly destroys the fmanqiat'

f
f
t

t

I

/

/

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 261

credit of the Government, weakening the force of all
^kresty stipulations and making it extremely difficult, if
not impossible, for loans to be negotiated to meet the
ax^eneies of the nation. Indeed, every fair and legiti-
mate argument, abstractly considered, is conclusive
mgamst this doctrine.

<< But the history of the formation of our Government
idieds its full light upon it, there is no room left for
argument, there is no obscurity in which ingenuity may
grope for. specious excuses without having its nakedness
exposed. Without dwelling upon the fact, that the old
Confederation was a bond of ' perpetual union,' and that
omr present constitution was intended to form a more
^perfect union,' the correspondence between the represen-
tatives of New York and Virginia is conclusive of the
question. Mr. Hamilton suggests that New York will
eome into the Union, with the reservation that she shall
have the privilege of leaving it, if it should not woi^ to
hsat satisfaction ; to which Mr. Madison replies emphati-
cally that this mode of adopting the Constitution has
been mooted, and it was decided that it would invalidate
the ratification, and that none could be received who
did not accept the Constitution absolutely, unqualifiedly,
and forefoer. This is certainly clear and explicit, and
leaves nothing further to be said. Secession, then, is
revolution, and Carolina, upon the theory of our Govern-
ment, is in a State of revolt and rebellion — so will be
1^ those^ States who follow in her footsteps. The right
of coercion in the Government follows as a corollary.
But it does not follow, by any means, that it will be

\

262 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

wise or jndicions to exercise this right. Fran the
peculiar structure of our GoTemment, the issue is nol
exactly analogous to a rebellious province, as our BtatM,
in the formation of our Union, reserved a larger Afu»
of sovereignty, and preserved more completely the
forms and appliances of an independent people tiian ift
found in the provinces of any other Government
Hence, when they secede or revolt, they present
themselves with the dignity of a regular Govemmenti
which of itself gives power and respectability, ami
necessitates a great modification of the means to be
employed to reduce them or win them back to tbdr
Constitutional obligations. [See Note J5.]

"In the existing revolution, where one State openly
defies the authority of the Constitution, and where a
great many other States, from identity of interest, com*
munity of feeling, and the strongest sympathy, are
ready, with the sound of the first Federal gun, to draw
their swords and risk their lives and fortunes with
Carolina. However much they may condemn h» joer
cipitancy, it would be madness to provoke a
controversy which would only drench each secticxi with
blood, without bringing back the dissatisfied Stid^es.
On the contrary while smoking cities and desolated
fields would mark the devastating progress of the
armies, a deep rcbted and vindictive hostility would
spring up from these bloody enactments, that would
render a restoration of fraternal relations impossible.

"It is better, therefore, now that this dissatiB&ctiQii
has grown to such magnitude, that the States w)a<^

Memoir of William Madison Peyton 268

iasve resolved on separation should be allowed to go in
l^eaeei and that all unnecessary causes of irritation
fdioold be avoided. This will leave the distracting
questions which divide us, and which have produced
this calamitous State of things^ to be settled by the
States which remain. Should they be satis&ctonly
fl^usted, then the Government will move on as hereto-
fore, winning for itself at every step, the applause and
admiration of the world. The States^ which in a
moment of excitement, had left us, finding all the
obnoxious weeds in our system pulled up, and having
their feelings of irritation mollified by time and our
forbearing policy, would in all probability, resume their
position in our glorious galaxy of States. This, in my
judgment, is the best solution of our difficulties, and
liie only mode of which I can conceive, to avert civil
war and the dismemberment of our Union, with its
flood of untold calamities.

*^Por the present, the public mind in the border Slave
States is unfortunately captivated with the idea that a
solution of all our troubles is to be found in the scheme
of a general "break up" and "reconstruction" of the
Union. But, with uplifted hands and an overflowing
hearty I would warn my countrymen against this fatal
delusion. We have all been taught from children to
loc^ upon the Union as too sacred to be profaned by the
hoopiety that would pluck a single star from its firma-
menty or displace a single stone in the structure.
Would you break down this reverence for our political
temple?

^ .

264 Memoir of WUUam Madison Peyton.

'^When, with ratiiless vandalism, you haye pnttel
down this honoured monument of the wisdom nA.
virtues of your fathers^ under whose shelter you h»v#
grown with unparalleled thrift in strength, intelligenoe^
in wealth and power, in commerce, agriculture, manur
factures, and science, until you are recognized as ond of
the greatest powers of the earth, do you flatter yourself
that those who break this crystal goblet can mmd
it without marring its beauty ? Do you think that the
madness which undermines and demolishes the templd
will be a safe reliance for its reconstruction ? A cool
judgment can only yield a negative response. ^
instinctive sense of the blessings flowing from our
Union, which, with patriotic people, rises to a religious
sentiment, gives it a charmed power, which exercises ^
most salutary influence upon their character an4
conduct. The respect, affection and reverence, whieb
strike their roots in the heart of the people, and which
entwine themselves around the pillars of a Ck)venimaat
which has afforded them perfect security in the pursuit
of happiness, which has opened wide the portald of
human progress, by unmuzzling the press, untrammelling
the conscience, and by making every citizen an active
agent in the double character of sovereign and sulg^K^
in its administration, thrown around it bulwarks for its
defence and support, whose adamantine ramparts can
never be scaled, until demoralization has sapped iha
foundations of public and private virtue.

" In overturning this Government, then, with ike
hope of constructing from the scattered elements a

Mmmr of William Madison Peyton. 266

fetter, do you not incur a fearful hazard? Is it
^Mcmftble to expect, in these days of degeneracy and
fUbf axoess, a fi*ame oS Goremment more just, more
IMmral, more wise, better moulded to suit the diversified
kttdMBts, to balance the conflicting views, and harmonize
&e disturbing elements of the different States and
tttfkms sections, than that created by those intellectual
litans who achieved our liberties, and who gave us
tids Constitution, as the cap-sheaf of their patriotic

labcmrs?

^ " History lights up the past to little purpose, and
0S^ri^ice enforces its lessons uselessly, if the people
IM^ be led to entertain any such fallacious hopes.
Tear down this crowning work of heroes, chastened by
* seven years^ struggle of patriots, animated and
lavpir^d by a just and holy cause, of men who with
bomidless devotion, consecrated their all to accomplish
4hd gtelit work, and jrou will find it a labour of Sisyphus
to return to the summit from which you have fallen.
ITou will find that the age affords no anchor of hope
and salvation to supply the place of the immortal father
and founder of our Government.

"These conservative views are pressed the more
^earnestly from a conviction that the great body of the
^^Ople desire to preserve and perpetuate the Union, if
It' can be done without a degrading sacrifice of their
Qi^btt aild hotiour, and that a patient, forbearing, deter -
lAhied policy on the part of the South, resolutely
' iteiiting on the full recognition of their rights under
^Iw Oonstittt^cmy as set forth in the resolutions of Mr.

EE

266 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

Crittenden, will be conceded and corroborated, by an
amendment to the Constitution, making their recogni-
tion perpetual. Any plan, which will stay, aggression,
and give the 'sober second thought' of the people time
to disabuse there minds, soothe their excited feeliqgs,
and calmly weigh the mighty consequences involved in
their action, must have a happy tendency in adjusting
all our difficulties. It is, of course, the obvious duty of
every well-wisher to the perpetuity of the Union, to
discountenance every measure which leads to collision*
Let all pour oil upon the angry waves, and the ship of
State may yet reach a safe anchorage.

*' Twenty odd years since, you unfurled the banner of
Conservatism, and I stood by your side in its defence ;
we have never hauled down that flag. It is the standard
borne by the juste milieu of every nation when evoking
order from anarchy. It represents truth, justice, mode-
ration and courage ; and if the nation should rally under
its folds, it will be regenerated, fraternity will be restored,
and the Constitution vindicated.

^'I am, with sentiments of esteem,

" Yours truly,

**W. M. Peyton."

Note A. — Ten years since, (in 1851,) Soutli
Carolina, under one of her periodical excitements, was
threatening secession, one of the most trusted and dis-
tinguished of her sons, the Hon. W. W. Boyce,
addressed a protest against secession to the people of
his State, in which was introduced the foUowiiig

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 267

temark: *' South Carolina cannot become a nation;
God makes nations, not man ; yon cannot extemporize
a nation ont of South Carolina. It is simply impossible ;
we have not the resources. We could exist by toler-
ance — and what that tolerance would be, when we
consider the present hostile spirit of the age to the
institution of slavery, of which we would be looked
upon as the peculiar exponent, all may readily imagine.
I trust we never may look upon the painfal and
humiliating spectacle.
** From the weakness of our National Government, a
feeling of insecurity would arise, and capital would take
the alarm and leave us. But it may be said, let capital
go. To this I reply that capital is the life-blood of a
modem community, and in losing it, you lose the vitality
of the State. Secession, separate Nationality, with all
its burdens, is no remedy. It is no redress for the past,
nor security for the future. It is only a magnificent
sacrifice of the present, without in any wise gaining in
the future. We are told, however, that it is resistance,
and we must not submit to the late action of Congress.
Now I would like to know which one of these measures
we resist by secession ? It is not the prohibition of
slave-marts in the district of Columbia. It is not the
purchase of Texas territory. It is certainly not the
admission of California. Which aggression, then, do
we resist by secession ? These are all the recent
aggressions which we resist now by secession. Seces-
sion, gallant as may be the spirit which prompts it, is
only a new form of submission.

2$S Memoir of William Ma^Usm Fejftm^

For the various reasons I have stated, I object^ in
6tro^g terms as I can, to the secession of Sooth
Carohna. Such is the intensity of my convioti(m upon
the subject, that, if secession should take plac6-**af
which I have no idea, for I cannot believe in thd
existence of such a stupendous madness — ^I shall wsmAm
the institution of slavery as doomed, and that the Ghreat
God in our blindness has made us the instrument of its
destruction."

Note B. — The advocates of secession claim that it is
a reserved right, in the exercise of which a State maj
secede peaceably and constitutiopally, without let or
hindrance. It leads to a confusion oi ideas to oonfouud
it with revolution. Revolution is a revolt, with a view-
to overtmming the Government, by those who are its
legitimate subjects, and who, from dissatisfaction, hava
combined to rid themselves of its yoke. Secession, as
claimed, is an inherent and reserved State right — a
simple, natural, peaceful dissolution of a compact or
co-partnership, which is binding only so long as it n>ay,
in the judgment or caprice of the parties, be promotive
of their interests.

That this right cannot co-exist with our nationality,
is obvious. A nation is a body politic, presenting a
consolidated front to the world, and so firmly knit
together as to be able to preserve its integrity against
any transient want of coherence in any of its parts.

It is not a mere union of independent nations bound ^
by a treaty, but a solid, compact, national Gov^nss^nt,

Mmoir of William Madison Peyton. 360

iritfa all the great essential attributes of savexeigntf,
xeaehing and sheltering the hxuublest citizen in the
nmotoet comer of its territory, Ita national unity is
ioanifeated in its legislative, jndicial, and ezecntiTe
fiinctionB — recogmsed eveiywhere as supreme witiun
its Efphere — and in ite flag, which is nnfbrled upon the
tamparts of every fort mthin its territorial limits, and
which floats at the mast-head of every ship which leaves
its' ports. The world deals with us as a nation
possessed of political unity. It is not competent for
them to comprehend all the intricate workings of our
internal and complex machinery. They only look to
the externals, and, recognizing us u a nation possessed
d the usual attributes of nationality, they hold us to all
tiie reqionsibilities of such a relation.

Mr. Madison, who is the highest authority in regard
to the Gonstitntion, as he was the chief architect of it,
nys that our G-overmnent is, in some of its aspects,
oraiBolidated, and in others confederated. He says it
was not formed by the Crovermnent of the component
States as the Federal Government, for which it was
Bobstitated; nor was it formed by a n^jority of the
people of the United States as a single community, in
the manner of a consoUdated Government. It was
formed by the State — that is, by the people in each of
the States, acting in their highest sovereign capacity,
and formed, consequently, by the same authority whicl>
formed the State Constitutions. Being thus derive
from the same source as the Constitutions of the State
it has within each State the same authority as tl

270 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

constitntion of the State, and is as much a constitution^
in the strict sense of the tenn, within its prescribed
sphere, as the costitntion of the States are within their
respective spheres ; but with this essential and obvious
difference, that being a compact among the States in
their highest sovereign capacity, and constituting the
people thereof one people, for certain purposes, it
cannot be altered or annulled at the will of the States
individually, as the constitution of the State may at its
individual will. If this be sound reasoning, it is clear
that we are a nation, and, within the limits of the
constitution, one people. The constitution prescribes
boundaries to our internal administration, but to the
world we present a national face, by which alone we are
known and recognized, whether it be in public loans, or
treaty stipulations, in declaring war or concluding a
peace.

During our late war with Great Britain, the New
England States, under the pressure of the Embargo
laws, which paralyzed all the leading interests of that
portion of our country, became so dissatisfied with the
burdens of the national policy, that she sent Delegates
to the Hartford Convention, to consult as to the mode
and manner of redress, and some of its members
advanced the theory that they had a right to " Secede
from the Union?'' The mere intimation of such a
purpose fired the whole nation with indignation, and
the stigma of having been a member of the convention
could never be effaced, but, like the mark of Cain,
followed all its members through life. The Richmond

Memoir of WUliam Madison Peyton. 271

Enquirer^ then under the able management of Mr.
Ritchie, and commanding the confidence of the
Democracy in the highest degree, commented upon
the proposed movement in the following forcible
terms : —

"No man, no association of one State, or set of
States, has a right to withdraw from the Union, on its own

•

account. The same power which knit us together, can
unknit us; the same formality which formed the limits
of the Union is necessary to dissolve it. The majority
of the States which form the Union, must consult as to the
withdrawal of any one branch of it. Until that consent
has been obtained, any attempt to dissolve the Union,
or distract the efficiency of its constitutional law, is
treason — treason to all intents and purposes"

The incougruity and absurdity of this doctrine is,
perhaps, made more manifest by its practical workings ;
e. g. Louisiana was purchased from the French at a cost
of 16,000,000 dols., and a dangerous stretch of
Constitutional power. But the assumption of power
was overlooked, and the debt cheerfully paid, to secure
to the United States, and especially to the vast country
growing up on the Mississippi and its tributaries,
the navigation of the Mississippi and the command " of
its outlet to the Gulf. Now the doctrine of secession
would sustain Louisiana, a mere infinitesimal portion
of this great region, in seceding, and thus defeating the
whole object of the purchase. Florida was purchased
at a cost of 10,000,000 dols., and the Indians removed
at a further cost of 40,000,000 dols. or 50,000,000 dols.

272 Memoir of William Madison Peyton$

and now that she is able to stand on her feiet, she would
unceremoniously, under the doctrine of secession, walk
out of the Unicm, without returning a. dollar of what
she has cost. Cuba we have proposed to purchase at a
cost of 120,000,000 dols., because we view it as the
key to the Gulf, into which is poured the vast trac^e
flofited down the Mississippi. Yet, under this dootriaa,
It would be admissible for Cub» to secede from the
Union at her pleasure, and sell herself, if she pleased, to
some other power. These instances constitute a sort of
reductio ad absnrdum of the whole doctrine. It id
impossible that any people of half the sagacity of ours,
would ever consent to make such extravagant
purchases, imless they felt assured they were
securing a hold on them, which could not be wrested
against their will.

William M. Peytoh.

trhe spirit, in which the war, that Colonel Peyton so
earnestly sought to avert, was waged, when it did occur,
by at least a portion of the North against the South, may
be conveniently referred to at this point and may be T
gathered from the address of Colonel Bahlgren to th6
officers and men composing his command in Yirgmia*
Colonel Dahlgren was killed before reaching Richmond,
and his troops dispersed. In his pocket the foUowiiig
orders were found :— -

Memoir of William Madison Peyton 278

^■Head Quarters, Third Division^ Cavalry Corps.

** Officers and Men,

^^ You have been selected from brigades
tmd regimehts as a picked command to attempt a
desperate undertaking — an undertaking, which, if sue-
cessfal, wiU write your names on the hearts of your
countrymen in letters that can never be erased, and
which will cause the prayers of your fellow-soldiers,
now confined in loathsome prisons, to foUow you and
yours wherever you may go. We hope to release the
prisoners from Belle Isle first, and having seen them
^&irly started, we will cross the James River into
Richmond, destroy the bridges after us, and exhorting
-the released prisoners to destroy and bum the hateful
city, will not allow the rebel leader, Davis, and his
traitorous crew to escape. The prisoners must
render great assistance, as you cannot leave your
ranks too far, or become too much scattered, or you
will be lost. Do not allow any personal gain to lead you
off, which would only bring you to an.ignommiou8 death
at the hands of citizens. Keep well together and obey
orders strictly, and all will be well ; but on no account
scatter too far, for in union there is strength. With
strict obedience to orders, and fearlessness in their
execution, you will be sure to succeed. We will join
the main force on the other side of the city, or perhaps
• meet them inside. ^ Many of you may fall, but if there
V ifir any man here not willing to sacrifice his life in such a
great and glorious undertaking, or who does not feel

LL

274 Memoir of WUUam Madison Pegton.

capable of meeting the enemy in snch a desperate fight
as will follow, let him step ont, and he may go hence iQ
the arms of his sweetheart, and read of the braves wh^
swept through the city c^ Bichmond. We want no m«n
who cannot feel sure of success in such a holy cbx^{
We will have a desperate fight ; but stand up to it
when it does come, and all wiU.be well. Ask the
blessing of the Almighty^ and do not fear the enemy •

U. Dahlgbek, Colonel Commanding^

The following Special Orders were written on %
similar sheet of paper, and on detached slips, the whole
disclosing the diabolical plans of the leaders ci the
expedition : —

"Special Orders and Instructions.

" Guides and pioneers, with oakum, turpentine, and
torpedoes, signal ofiicer, quartermasters, commissaries,
scouts and pickets, and men in rebel uniforms — these
will remain on the north bank, and move down with
the force on the south bank, not get ahead of them,
and if the communication can be kept up without giving
an alarm it must be done; but ever3i;hing depends
upon a surprise, and no one must be allowed to pass
ahead of the column. Information must be gathered
in regard to the crossings of the river, so that should
we be repulsed on the south side, we will know where
to recross at the nearest point.

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 275

•
'< An mills must be burnt and the canals destroyed,

tod abo everything which can be used by the rebela

ttmst be destroyed, including the boats on the riyer.

Should a ferry boat be seized which can be worked,

have it moved down. Keep the force on the south side

posted of any important movement of the enemy, and

hi case of danger some of the scouts must swim the

river and bring us informatioif . As we approach the

cilgr, the party must take great care that they do not

get ahead of the other party on the south side, and

must conceal themselveis and watch our movements.

We will try and secure the bridge of the city, one mile

from Belle Isle, and release the prisoners at the same

time. If we do not succeed they must then dash down,^

and we will try to carry the bridge by storm, When

necessary the men must be filed through the woods

and along the river bank. The bridge once secured

and the prisoners loose and over the river, the bridges

will be burnt and the city destroyed.

"The men must be kept together and well in hand,
and once in the city, it must he destroyed, and Jeff Davis
and his Cabinet killed. Pioneers will go along with com-
bustible materials,

"Everything on the canal and elsewhere of service to
the rebels must be destroyed.

"As General Custer may follow me, be careful npt to
give a false alarm. The signal officer must be pre-
pared to communicate at night by rockets, and in other
things pertaining to his department. The quarter-
masters and commissaries must be on the look out for

276 Memoir of William Madison Peyton,

their departments, and see that there are no delays on
their account. The engineer officer will follow, and
survey the road as we pass over it, etc. The pioneers
must be prepared to construct a bridge or to destroy oae.
They must have plenty of oakum and turpentine
for burning, which will be soaked and rolled into balls
and be given to the men to burn when we get into the
city. Torpedoes will oflly be used by the pioneers, for
burning the main bridges, etc. They must be prepared
to destroy the raiboads.

^^ Men will branch off to the right with a few pioneers
and destroy the bridges and railroads south of Richmond,
and then join us at the city. They must be wett
prepared with torpedoes, etc.

** The line of Falling Creek is probably the best to
march along, or as they approach the city, Good's Greek,
BO that no reinforcements can come upon any cars.

** No one must be allowed to pass ahead for fear of
communicating news.

** Bejoin the command with all haste, and if cut off,
eross the river above Bichmond, and rejoin us. Men
will stop at Bellona Arsenal and totally destroy it and
everything else but hospitals ; then follow on and lejotn
the command at Bichmond with all haste, and, if cat
off, cross the river and rejoin us. As General Custer
may follow m6, be careful not to give a false alarm/'

CHAPTER Xm.

Afteb the secession of Virginia, (25th of April, 1861)^
Colonel Peyton, who had up to this time been detained •
by business in New York city, prepared to return to the
South. The Federal authorities, however, were
instructed to watch his movements and to arrest him if
he attempted to leave the place. A friend of his
informed him of the receipt in New York of orders to
this effect from Washington. He heard the news, not
without surprise, for up to this time he had taken no
part in the revolution except to prevent it if possible,
or if not, and it should come, to mitigate its severities.
On enquiring of the Federal Marshal for the district of
New York, as to the truth of the rumour, and, if true,
the grounds upon which the Government based its action
he had confirmation of its truth. He was consequently
undar surveillance, but was allowed to go at large. The
Federal officer in New York was considerate enough to
say that President Lincoln knew that he, Colonel Peyton,
had committed no act of hostiUty to the Government,
but was convinced that he would, if in the South again,

3^8 Mmoir of William Madison Peyton.

«xert his influence on behalf of the Confederate ^ief^r,
with which Virginia had formed an alUance. Fearing
tluBy the Plresident had determined to prevent his rettcm.
** If the Government was wrong in this belief *' continued
the Marshal^ '^ and Colonel Peyton would give his parole
that he would not engage in the war against the Federal
Government, or in any way, by word or action give aid
and comfort to the South, he was instructed to take no
further account of his movements/' Colonel Peyton
declined these terms and went immediately to live at the
house of his old friend and fellow-countryman, Dr. J.
Marion Sims, who had been for some years a resident
of the city. Under his hospitable roof he remained
some months, subjected to the annoyance of constant
overlooking, but in no other way was he molested.

During this period he addressed the folloWing, his
second letter, to Mr. William C. Bives, which was
published in the New York papers, and afterwards in
pamphlet form.

The Editor of the New York Journal^ introduced it
with the following remarks : —

<<When Virginia was considering the position that
Commonwealth should assume in the existing dislocation
of American affairs, and when the Convention of that
State was about to assemble for the purpose, Colcmel
William M. Peyton, then resident temporarily in New
York, addressed a letter to his old fidend, William C.
Bives, with whom he had so long and so honourably
co-operated in Virginian politics. Colonel Peyton was so
Y^dely known for the broad, statesmanlike, cast of his

Memoir^ WiUiam MadUm Ptylon. 279

iggfA and the unsullied generosity of his hearty and
fitpod 00 eminently a representative of the Virginia
.i^i. .m.dd«d k <^<d<m with the g».t S^^
^HT earliest national era, that his letter attracted
nnnsaal attention. It was reproduced, again and again,
i^ the journals of different places, and also in pamphlet
form. It presented the most solid arguments why
Virginia should not link her fortunes, distinctively, with
ibose of the cotton States, in their contemplated
iQVolution,

'^ Events have hurried on. The second letter, here
pv^sented as a sequel to the former, is indicative and
empathic, as showing how these events have forced the
most wisely Conservative elements of the border States,
and statesmen elsewhere, to recognize that the interests
c^ political liberty, and of the sovereignty of freemen
over th^ own forms of Government, require from
Virginia and her sister States the repudiation of the
perverted authority claimed by the Black Bepublican
hOTdes of the North, in the abused name of Federal
power.

'^ Friends of the American Union, as it was, and who

desire, not party triumph, but the common goody have

solicited Colonel Peyton to furnish a copy of this second

letter for publication.''

EniTOB.

280 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

COLONEL WILLIAM MADISON PEYTON'S

SECOND

LETTEB TO HON. WM. 0. MVES.

'' New York, May 15th, 1861.

** To THE Hon. Wm. C. Rives, ViBaiNiA.

" My dear Sir,

^* Since the publication of my letter addressed
to yon on the 8th of last January, the nation has been
subjected to a Ceesarean operation, which has brought
forth a revolution of giant proportions and defiant power.
Surmises, conjectures, and vaticinations have given
way to facts, and what was speculation then, is history
now. The nation is filled with amazement at the
portentous magnitude of tj^e events by which it is
environed. One by one, it has seen the pillars of their
magnificent temple removed from its Southern side, until
the structure has lost its balance and threatens to h,ll
and crush in its ruins all who remain.

" These events have swept Southern men, who were
distinguished as Union men, into a new position, from
which they overlook the field of revolution. From
this stand point, they find the picture changed in all
its features, with entirely new lights and shadows,
and opening up to them a plain and immistakable path
of duty, along which they think the instincts of
patriotism conducts them unfailingly.

" As you are aware, the course adopted by Virginia
was not in accordance with my judgment. I believed

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 281

that a Government, which recognized so dangerous a
solecism as the right of secession, thereby admitting
its want of power to enforce the laws, made in
conformity with the charter of its being and authority,
was so entirely emasculated of all the qualities which
gite force, vigour, and durability, as to be unworthy
of support or respect from intelligent freemen. I
thought it bad policy to countenance the heresy, by any,
even equivocal action, lest in the future ^ it might
return to plague the inventors;* or prove to be as
the homely old English adage expresses it, ^ a chicken
that would return to roost.'

" I think Virginia should have acted more wisely,
more for her own honour and glory, and more for
the ultimate good of all, if with her prestige as the
great head of the Slave States, she had planted her foot
upon the opening lid of this Pandora's box, and taken
a position of armed neutrality. Surpassing the other
Southern States in her resources, in population, extent
of territory, in wealth,* and in her slave interest;
commanding, in a remarkable degree, the esteem and
confidence of her sister States, North and South;
exposed by her border position to serious evils,
whether in or out of the Union; and being assured
that her assumption of the position suggested, would
be sustained by all the border Slave States, including
Tennessee and North Carolina, it seemed to me that
she would have consulted her own interests and those
of the nation, if she had consolidated this great
central power into an armed neutraUty.

MM

282 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

^^ She could then have dictated her own terms to tiba
North and to the South ; faith, justice, honour, would
thus have been vindicated, and the glorious inheritance
from our revolutionary fathers would have been rescued
from the ruthless tramp of civil war and the wild confa-r.
sion and scorching desolation of unbridled anarchy.

'' But Virginia, in convention and at the polls, has
decided differently, and that, with all her patriotic sons,
ends the discussion of this, as well as all other questions
upon which her citizens were divided before she resolved
on revolution. [See Note AJ]

'^ She strikes now for the independence of the Slave
States, and, trampling under foot the olive branch she has
borne so long and so patiently, and under so muck
discouragement, she boldly defies the Government, at
Washington. That she takes this extreme step under
circumstances of great aggravation, none can deny, as
a short analytic review of recent events will make
manifest : —

** First. — Mr. Lincoln was nominated for and elected to
the Presidency, mainly, if not solely, on the ground of
his hostility to slave institutions, having advocated
openly the opinion, that the nation could not exist
* hoi/ slave and half free/

^^ Second. — He called to the first post in the cabinet the
author of the ^irrepressible conflict' dogma, and the
acknowledged founder of the Black Republican party.

" Third. — He has filled all the important and
unimportant posts of the Government, foreign and
domestic, with those Ultra Republicans, who are

Menunr of WUliant Madison Peyton. 288

uncomprising in their warfare, and who have rendered
themselves particularly obnoxious to the South.

Fourth. — He announced, in his inaugural, that the
decisions of the Federal Judiciary had no binding force
on the executive, and thus struck from the arm of the
South the only shield of her rights which remained.

Fifth. — ^When efforts were made by patriotic, Union-
loving members of Congress to heal our divisions and
prevent the disruption of our Union, the especial friends
of the administration, the radical republicans, per-
sistently resisted all compromises^ notwithstanding it
was known that the adoption, in good faith^ of the
Crittenden resolutions would satisfy the South, with
the exception perhaps of South Carolina, and this, too,
in the face of the strongest evidence that the North
would also acquiesce, if the people were allowed to
express their sentiments.

Sixth. — When Virginia, in an anxious and ardent
desire to harmonize our troubles and preserve the
Union, proposed a peace Congress, to be composed of
Delegates from all the States, the radical republicans,
instead of co-operating with Virginia in an honest and
sincere effort to compose and settle our quarrel, spared
no opportunity of belittling and underating, and fore-
stalling the patriotic purposes of Virginia and her
sister border States. The moral effect of the action
of the convention was thus destroyed and the hopes of
its friends utterly disappointed.

Seventh. — When the Virginia convention was in
session, composed, as it was, of an overwhelming

284 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

majority of Union men, and having just voted, two tei
one, against the doctrine of secession, the President, in
disregard, if not in contempt of their efforts to devise
some healing measures, issued his proclamaticm, calling
for 76,000 men to suppress the insurrection.

''When this proclamation was officially annotmeed^
the Union men were confounded, and Virginia concluded
that the administration had adopted the ultima ra$id^
because it was at heart opposed to a peaceful solution
of difficulties upon any of the bases suggested, and that
they were determined to coerce the South into submis^
sion to their construction of the constitution, as set forth
in the Chicago platform. That this was a rational and
just inference, all fair minds, in reviewing this synop^,
must admit; if so, however impolitic the course of
Virginia may be deemed, its righteousness cannot be
questioned.

** To be subjected to the rule of a Government whiek
tramples the constitution under its feet at every step ; a
Government inaugurated by a power avowedly and
deadly hostile to our institutions; administered bj
agents, at home and abroad, whose relations to the
South have made their selection a burning insult ; lapre**
senting a party so overwhelmingly dominant in the
North, that all the conservation which survives, is in
chains too strong to be sundered ; ( certainly not, in time
to save the Constitution from the ruthless invasion of
lawless power;) is a poUtical degradation, galling to tiie
neck of freemen, and impossible to be borne.

** The Constitution of 1787, around which clusters so

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 286

Hlany fond memories, and the love of which is so deeply
fixed in the hearts of Virginians, came to as a monu-
ment of patriotism and wisdom, with three great
branches of Gbvemment co-ordinate, but independent.
One enacting laws in conformity with its provisionSy
{inother executing them, and the third a^*udging the
fact of the legal and constitutional exercise of these
^iosctions by the other two. It goes from us a regulator
with its balance wheel destroyed; a ship, which has
parted with its sheet anchor in a storm; a charter,
peirerted from an segis of protection to an instrument of
muschief and tyranny, in which the binding force of the
Jiidiciary is ignored, and the emblematic sword, which
justice wields in defence of right, is wrested from her
hands by the combined power of the Executive and
Legislature, and plunged directly through the vitals of
the Constitution. It came to us a Government of
diecks and balances, in which the vicious tendencies
of democratic license, as well as those of aristocratic
pretention, were curbed by wholesome restraints. It
goes from us, a purely popular Government, in which
the Constitution is ignored, and the will of a party, as
expressed through the President, is substituted. It
eame to us a benign Gt>vemment, under whose wings
were sheltered impartially, the whole brood of States.
It goes from us an unnatural parent, who refuses shelter
and protection to that portion of the brood whose
generosity has kept th^m poor, while it has enriched
those by whom they are now excluded. It came to us a
legacy of self-sacrificing patriotism, stamped with the

286 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

approbation of the immortal father and founder of our
liberties. It goes from us with its features so distorted
by rude efforts to change their expression as to be
nnrecognizable by its friends, and stamped with the
footprints of Lincoln and abolitionism, which have
pressed with fearful force on its very vitals. It came
to us baptized in the blood of the Revolution, endeared
to us by a thousand sacred associations, and our fealty
was heartfelt and without reservation. It goes from us
besmeared, begrimed, and defiled by immersion ip the
dirty pools of Abolitionism, so that with this stain and
odour upon it, none can touch or handle it without
pollution.

"Against a Government thus perverted Virginia rebds^
and it is the duty of her sons to give strength and force
to her position by every means in their power. Her
position will be a trying one, and will require all her
force, moral, intellectual, and physical, to sustain her.
He has read history to poor advantage, and labours
under a lamentable ignorance of the work which will
be carried out by this revolution, both North and
South, who expects it to be a holiday frolic or a
transient spasm, which one or two manly efforts will
enable them to overcome. Nothing short of a total up
heaval of society need be looked for; a social and
political earthquake, which will involve in one common
ruin all the industrial pursuits of life.

Virginia has generously strapped the burden upon her
own shoulders, and should comprehend clearly the
difficulties of the route over which she has to travel, if

Memoir of WiUiam Madison Peyton. 287

she hopes to sustain herself without faltering and to get
through her journey safely. She will be the Flanders of
the contest. Her proximity to Washington ; her border
position ; the revolt that will inevitably occur in the
western portion of the State ; her resources in money,
men, and provisions, all conspire to make Yirgioia the
chief seat of war. She will be obliged to make soldiers
of all her citizens capable of bearing arms, and thus
convert the State into one vast camp. The armies that
will be assembled within her limits from the Confederate
States and those of the invaders, will be quartered upon
her to a great extent. The stratagetic movements of
these great armies, with their battles, will destroy, to a
great extent, her public improvements. Desolation will
follow in their train. The country will be blackened
with fire and smoke. Want, misery, and destitution
will rule the hour. Here, as elsewhere, the stem laws
of necessity will injfringe upon many of our cherised
political sentiments. The freedom of speech will be
stifled ; the press will be muzzled ; the habeas corpm
will be suspended; private property will be appro-
priated arbitrarily, and all will find an apology and
justification in the old Boman dictum, ^^ Inter arma leges
silent.''

''But in the midst of all this gloom and wretchedness, if
Virginia is true to her ancient fame, her star will be in
the ascendant, and her escutcheon, with its glorious
motto, (Sic Semper TyrannisJ will rise with renewed
lustre from a baptism of suffering and glory. She will

288 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

be purged of corrnpt politicians and will enter upon her^
new career wiser and better for experience.

Very truly yours,

W. M. Peyton.

Note A. — The great commoner of Kentucky, Henry
Clay, and many other of our most distingmshed
Statesmen, held, that in a contest between the States
and the general Government, allegiance was due to the
latter. Now, whilst there is great plausibility in this
view, abstractly considered, it is obviously one of those
logical deductions which could never have any practical
force in Grovemment, When a republic of our Union
unfiirls the standard of revolution, as in the present
instance, she presents herself before the world, not Uke
a fragmentary district in a state of insurrection, without
the machinery and features of consolidated action and
rational responsibility, but with all the appliances and
foms of a regular Government, to whSe authority
her citizens have always bowed in matters of separate
State interest. Her power and her influence are a unit,
within her limits and her means of enforcing her
policy complete. ' Individual resistance would be
ineflFectual and inoperative. Those refusing obedience,
would necessarily fall under the sword of the law,
or be compelled to abandon their property and their
homes, and to assume a position of hostile antagonism
to their friends — perhaps their families and the soil
of their nativity, containing the green graves of their
fathers. To expect this of any people is preposterous.

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 289

and those who expect any frame of Government for
the Union of these States, to awaken a sentiment of
veneration deep enough and strong enough to under-
mine and destroy these feelings in the heart of a
Virginian, will find all their calculations, in the moment
of trial, like the fabled apples of the Dead Sea, turned
to dust and ashes.

** "Whatever may have been the opinions of her sons
as to the wisdom of her policy, now that she has
plunged into this sea of revolution, they will rally to
her standard from all quarters, and whatever of energy,
or talent, or fortune they may have, will be offered up
freely for the support and defence of their blessed old
mother.

^'W. M, Peyton.''

KN

■1

CHAPTER XIV.

From May till the latter part of the month of July,
Colonel Peyton was under surveillance, the eyes of
Argus, in New York. During this time he considered of
dilBFerent plans for effecting his escape. One attempt
to cross the Atlantic to Europe, and thence return
through Mexico and Texas, was frustrated, and he
abandoned the idea of making another effort to reach
home by this circuitous and uncertain route. While
under the hospitable roof of his Mend Dr. Sims, the
long wished for opportunity occured. This was during
the excitement and exultation of the Northen people,
and consequent relaxation of vigilance, growing out of
the Federal victory at Carrick's Ford, July 15. It must
be remembered that in this North-western section of
Virginia, there was great dissatisfaction with the action
of the Government at Kichmond, a strong feeling of
attachment to the Federal Union, and it became a
matter of no small importance to both parties, how its
aid and adherence might be secured. The people are
brave and sturdy, fond of war and the chase, and their

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 291

power would be immensely felt on whichever side
exerted. The Confederate authorities, therefore,
despatched a force to this region, in April and May,
under command of Colonel G. H. Porterfield. This
young and gallant, but inexperienced oommander,
occupied the town of Grafton, on' the 26th of May, and
soon allowed himself to be out-witted, out-manoeuvred,
and defeated by General McClellan. On the 29th a
large Federal force crossed the Ohio under orders from
General McClellan, and Colonel Porterfield without
giviQg battle, retired 24 miles to Phillipi where his
command was strengthened, and where he ill-advisedly
determined to make a stand. Having once adopted the
plan of retreat, he should have continued it until he was
in a place of security. On the 2nd of June, the Con-
federates were surprised in their new quarters by an
attack on their position led by Colonels Kelly and Dumont,
who had marched 24 miles during the night, through
rain and mud. At 4 o'clock on the morning of the 2nd,
notwithstanding the rain, their artillery opened a
destructive fire on the Confederate camp. Colonel
Porterfield, unable in the confusion resulting from the
surprise to rally his forces, ordered a second retreat to
Laurel Hill, on the western slope of the Alleghanies.
It was effected, but not in a well ordered manner. On
the 7th of July, General McClellan, with 10,000 men,
flushed with their successes, advanced on this position
which was not assaulted, but there was skirmishing
between the respective forces on the 7th, 8th, and 9th.
The Confederate rear was now at Bich mountain, which

292 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

was held by Col Pegram, whose force consisted of 3000
men. Various movements now occured, the result elf
which was that the Confederate commander, seeing himself
greatly outnumbered, commenced a third retreat, and on
reaching Carrick's ford on the Cheat river, determined to
make a stand. In this position, however, he was
out-flanked and compelled again to retire. At another
turn in the river, about a quarter of a mile below, the
Confederates again attempted to stand. Grenersd
Gamett, who had assumed command a few days
before, while endeavouring to rally his men, was shot dead*
The Confederate rout was now completed, and only
2000 men of the Southern army escaped. Colonel
Pegram hearing of Gamett's defeat and death, surren-
dered his force at Beverly in these words : —

Beverly, My 12, 1861.

To THE Commanding Oi^ficer of Northern Forces,

Beverly, Virginia.
Sir,

I write to state to you that I have, in con-
sequence of the jaded and reduced condition of my
command, most of them having been without food for
two days, concluded, with the concurrence of a majority
of my captains and field-officers, to surrender my com-
mand to you to-morrow as prisoners of war. I have
only to add, I trust they will only receive at your hands
such treatment as has been invariably shown to the
Northern prisoners by the South.

I am, your obedient servant,

John Pegram,
Lieut.'Col. P.A.C.S. Commanding.

Memoir of WtUiam Madison Peyton 2!

These great and imexpected snccesseB of the Federal
-troops, which rendered it almost a certainty that at least
one-third of the State of Virginia, with a population
approximating half a million, would adhere to the
Union, naturally created the wildest rapture in the
Northern and Weetem States.

Colonel Peyton availed himself of the Northern
Batumalia to leave New York, and the following day
arrived on British territory, near Montreal, without
having met with any annoyance, having travelled
entire way amidst honfires, fireworks, sky-rockets,
other evidences of rejoicing. The whole North set
intoxicated with gladness. From Canada he procec
notwithstanding his feeble health and an attack of
gout, to Toledo, in Ohio, and then southwards thri
that State and Indiana, and after numerous de
arising &om his weak condition, and the passa;
troops and mTudtions to the seat of war, arrive
Kentuc^. While journeying through Ohio and Ind
the utmost circumspection became necessary to s
recognition. The Virginian accent is markedly difTt
from that of the Northern people, particularly thoE
New England, who have 'settled in large numbers in
part of the Federal Union. A Southern gentleman
therefore scarcely utter a word north of Mason's
Dixon's line, or the Ohio river, without his natiom
if I may so express myself, being known. He used
greatest discretion, however, cultivated silence, no d
remembering how Peter was discovered to be a Grali
" Svrely thou also art one of them : for thy speech hetr^
ihet."

294 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

As he approached the theatre of active operations,
his movements were more difficult, but in Kentucky he
was among fnends and sympathizers. By these he
was concealed, and on favourable opportunities passed
on, from place to place, until he reached the mountains
of East Tennessee.

Tennessee was, at this period, in the midst of a
domestic revolution or civil war among her own
children. Immediately after the proclamation pf the
President, of the 16th of April, 1861, calling out 75,000
men, the excitement in this state was intense. The
Governor Jsham G. Harris, immediately called an
extra session of the legislature to meet on the 25th
of that month. His Excellency at the same time
refused to comply with the President's requisition and
said in his answer to Hon. Simon Cameron, Secretary
of War: "Tennessee will not furnish a man for
purposes of coercion, but 50,000, if necessary, for the
defence of our rights and those of our Southern
brethren." At the same time an address written by
Hon. Balie Peyton, was issued to the people, signed
by the most eminent citizens of the State, namely
Ex-Governor Neil, S. Brown, Russell Houston,
the Hons. E. H. Ewing, Cave Johnson, John Bell,
H. J. Meigs, S. D. Morgan, John S. Brien, Andrew
Ewing, John H. Callender, and Colonel the
Honorable Balie Pejrton, in which they said :

" We unqualifiedly disapprove of secession, both as a
constitutional right and as a remedy for existing evils, we
equally condemn the policy of the Administration in

Memok of William Madison Peyton. 295

reference to the seceded States. But while we, without
qualification, condemn the poKcy of coercion as cal-
culated to dissolve the Union for ever, and to dissolve
it in the blood of our fellow-citizens, and regard it as
sufficent to justify the State in refusing her aid to the
Government in its attempt to suppress the revolution
in the seceded States, we do not think it her duty,
considering her position in the Union, and in view of
the great question of the peace of our distracted country,
to take sides against the Government. Tennessee has
wrcMiged no State or citizen of the Union. She has
violated the rights of no State, North or South. She
has been loyal to all, when loyalty was due. She haa
not brought on this war by any act of her's. She has
tried every means in her power to prevent it. She now
stands ready to do anything within her reach to stop it.
And she ought, as we think, to decline joining either
party; for in so doing they would at once terminate
her grand mission of peace-maker between the States
and the general Government. Nay, mwe the almost
inevitable result would be the transfer of the war
within her own borders, the defeat of all hopes of
reconciliation and the deluging of the State with the
Uood of her own people."

Affairs in Tennessee were in hopeless confusion — the
war commenced in the State at an early period and was
waged with the bitterest animosity. Two of Tennessee's
favourite sons had been recently killed at the battle of
Mill Spring, near her eastern frontier, July 19th, namely
General Zollicoffer, commanding the Confederate forces

296 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

and his Chief of Staff, Captain Balie Pe3rton, jun., one
of the most promising young men of his State, who, after
a European education, commenced the practice of law
at Nashville a few months previously to the opening of
hostilities. Immediately after the President's proclama-
tion he prepared for resistance. He had favoured
secession, thus differing in opinion with his distmguished
father, and volunteered at the first prospect of war for
service in the army and was appointed Chief of Staff
to the unfortunate Zollicoffer. He fell fighting in this^
his first action, for the independence of this country.
The loss of these two gallant soldiers, and by the hands
of Southerners too, for they were said to have been
shot by Union men enlisted in the 4th Kentucky
regiment, Colonel Pry, contributed in no small degree
to fan the flames of hatred created by the war.*

Colonel Peyton, therefore, found the greatest
difficulty in passing through the Federal and Con-
federate lines, and was delayed several weeks until the
movements of the opposing force, the Confederates
under General Williams since the death of Zollicoffer
and the Federal under General Thomas, opened the

* The author has been personally informed by Dayid Bowea» a
in the 2nd Minesota regiment, Colonel Van Oleve, who was engaged
in the battle of Mill Springs that Captain Peyton killed, with his own
hands, two Federal soldiers before he received his mortal wogond*
From his (Peyton's) body was taken the sword voted by the State of
Louisiana to his father, Colonel Balio Peyton, for his gallant serviced
in the Mexican War of 1845-1847. This sword, bearing upon the Uada
an inscription ordered by the State of Louisiana, is preserved among
the Federal trophies of the war in the capital of the State of
Mineeota.

Memoir of WilHam Madison Peyton. 297

way for him. He finally succeeded in reaching lis
home in Virginia. During the war, his health was so
dsLattered that he could render no personal assistance
in the field. But he devoted his fortune to the cause,
and, Demosthenes Uke, employed his time in writing
ntmt stirring appeals to the people. The sufferings
^f his wife and family, too, were at times great, result-
i»g from the demands on the people for suppUes for the
support of the Confederate forces, and the wanton
destruction caused by the marauding parties sent out
by the Federal Army. In 1863 he and his family
Uved almost entirely upon the syrup of the sorgham
eane and hominy made from bruised maize.

He was much affected in mind and heart by the
progress of the war in which his kindred and friends
were daily falling, and in which the people of the
Gojofederacy were sacrificing all they possessed. A war,
which it was soon clear to him, would end disastrously
lor the present generation of Southerners. It is
thought that the cruel anxiety thus caused led to his
premature death. Many of his early friends brought
up in the same political school with himself, the
companions of his youth, now that the South was
subjugated, turned to and followed the triumphant
North. This grieved him to the soul. To see his old
friends wheeling into line for the North, as soon as the
South was overcome, well nigh broke his heart. They
leave the South, he said, because her fortunes have
fled from her, and he quoted the affecting, but truthful
lines of old Sir Henry Lee, when deserted by his faith-

00

298 Memoir of WiUiam Madison Peyton.

fill mastiff. ^^ There is a feeling in nature, affectiflf
even the interest, as it is called, of dumb amt£{a)^
which teaches them to fly from misfortune. The very
deer will butt to death a sick or wounded buck firrai
.the herd; hurt a dog, and the whole kennel will fUloil
him and worry him ; fishes devour their own kind wliefl
wounded with a spear ; cut a rook's wing, or break itt
leg and the others will peck it to death."

The civil war had much divided famiU«i, and ia
various ways, and, after it was over, the murder of
President Lincoln and the indiscreet manner in whisoth
his successor's friendship was shown, increased instead
of diminished the rage of political hatred. The dd ties
of kindred and friendship did not regain their fonbet
influence, and the course of some of Colonel Peyton's
friends and connections made a re-union of spirit and
sentiment impossible. No one felt this state ^ tiungs^
80 fatal to the kindly social relations which formeriy
exi^ in Virginia, Lore keenly th«> he.

After the war of 1865, he continued to reside on his
Virginian estate, engaged in repairing the damage
inflicted by the enemy, and deriving solace in his old
age, from the society of such friends as survived, and of
his books. He had Uttle idea that the South would
recover, in this day and generation, from the e£fi9cts'iol
the contest. When the war began, he was a man of
large estate. At its close, when so many followexs of
the successful side were enriched that it gave rise, to a^
new term by which they were designated, — the
** Shoddy Aristocracy," — ^he was so much impoverished

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 299

that his descendants have since been obliged to sell all
0{ his estates.

Truly riches take to themselves wings. The still
considerable means left him at the termination of
hostilities were largely drawn on by his charities^
Thousands were in a more reduced condition than
himBelf^ and to all he extended aid — ^was nobody's enemy
but his own. His want of economy in money matters
was constitutional. It is not surprising, therefore, after
having kept ^' open house " for so many years, and
assisted every one who applied to him in need, that he
jshould leave the world oppressed with debt.

In a letter to the author, dated in Virginia, March 9,
1867, he says in regard to the political situation,

^^The Beconstruction Bill, embracing the radical
poHcy, has passed both Houses of Congress, been
vetoed by the President, * and then passed over his
head by a two thirds vote, so that it is now the law, and
the Southern States placed under a provisional Govem-
msnif in which martial law will prevail, and a General
and his minions will ride over us ' booted and spurred.'
The next and last step which fulfills our destiny, ia
eonfiseation, a bill for which is in the course of incuba-
tion and wUl be hatched in a few days. So you see,
my brother, to what a foolish and most preposterous
war has brought our once flourishing and happy country.
There is no future for the present generation. All is
dadk, dismal, hopeless. Having sown in folly, we are

* Andrew Johnson.

800 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

reaping in bitterness, we have been victimized by shallow
and designing politicians, who acquired an influence
oyer the public sentiment through the madness of party
altogether disproportioned to their ability or their
(patriotism. We have turned away from the steady and
full-orbed light of Washington, to follow the igftus fatal
of the poisonous pools of party, and yery naturally find
ourselves swamped and destroyed."

''I enclose you an elaborate letter from Governor
Brown, of Georgia, which is very fuU, on the great
question of reconstruction, and will give you all the
information attainable. It gives a clear view of our
miserable predicament and affords a striking example
of the pitiable condition, to which even our leading men
are reduced, when they are perpared to give us such
advice. Governor Orr, of South Carolina, concurs in
the main with these views and our Governor, of course.
But I do not agree with them. I prefer a course of
sullen, defiant obstinacy. I will never assist in forging
the manacles which are to fetter me.''

\

CHAPTEB XV.

Qois desidero sit pudor aut modus
Tain can oapitis P Hor. od. 24. Li.T.i.

On the afternoon of the 29th of January, 1868, a
Virginian family residing on their estate in the valley
between the Blue Ridge and Alleghanies, Montgomery
county, were assembled in the drawing room, and
gathered round the wood fire which sent forth iocund
fp.rkl« ^ ch«rM «y. of heat. Al thia «rly period
of the new year, when even in our Southern climate
" winter lingers in the lap of spring," the warm breath
of the gentle season has not yet melted the snow that
whitens the mountain peak and shrouds the early flower.
The family group seemed anxious, restless. If they
had met for their usual afternoon tea and conversaticm,
something interfered with its smooth flow.

At a centre table sat an elderly gentleman turning
the leaves of a book, facing his wife, about whom still
lingered the traces of early beauty. She played with
rather than pUed her work. Several boys and girls
made up the party. These afternoon reunions, when

802 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

the children were freed from the nursery and scbool^
room^ were usually sweet moments, in whioh ^
parents were wont to enjoy their domestic happfaiess;
while consulting upon plans for the education and
prospects of their offspring. From time to time, a fine
boy, whose eyes bespoke a sound mind and whose rosy
cheeks were graced with the sweet smile of innocence,
ran to a window and looked down the long avenue of
trees which lined the road leading to the mansion. It
was evident that something was expected to approach
by that smooth lawn road.

*' What o'clock is it?" suddenly asked Mr, Eskridge,
looking up from his book. '^ Half-past five,'' responded
his wife.

^^I must go out, some accident has befallen thetti,"
said he, ^Hhe carriage should have returned by tiiree/'
and rising, he proceeded to draw on a fur overcoat.

"For heaven's sake do not expose yourself to such
weather," exclaimed the wife, " with a cold and asthnto,
it may cause your death, consider that our ftncy
heightLstheiirofdange;."

At this moment Mr. Eskridge cast his eyes throtigh
the window and saw in the distance his large family
coach, a most undemocratic vehicle, approaching. All
care and anxiety was at once banished. The f^ars
which had oppressed them were groundless. In a fdw
minutes, when the vehicle arrived at the front door, the
family was there to receive the expected guests. The
first person who descended with difficulty from the
carriage was a tall^ handsome old man, much bent

'N

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 303

•

Wth 3^ars, with snowy hair and beard ; then followed
\m wife and grandchildren. Their friends rushed
forwurd to embrace them, m(»*e after the fashion c^
kn^rs than m^e friends. After their hurried, but
wnirm embraces, they were conducted to the cheerful
parlour, as the luggage was placed in the hall.
While divesting themselves of their outer garments, the
cause of their detention, which was simply a change of
time in running the trains, was explained.

The venerable gentleman, who had arrived on a visit
to his brother-in-law, Alexander P. Eskridge, was
Colonel William M. Peyton. He was returning home
from Abingdon, where he had gone to be with his son-
in-law, Hon. Walter Preston, who was dangerously ill,
and who died a few days after Colonel Peyton's
arrival. Availing himself of the opportunity of passing
near the estate of his friend and brother-in-law, Mr.
Eskridge, who had years before married Juliet Taylor,
sister of Mrs. Peyton, he had left the railway at the
nearest station, where Mr. E.'s carriage, by previous
arrangement waited to bring the party to his
mansion.

Colonel Peyton was now in his sixty-third year, but
from long sickness and much domestic trouble, (since
the opening of the war he had lost, by death, a promis-
ing son, three daughters, and two sons-in-law), he
appeared wasted, wan, and feeble, bore about him the
signs of exhaustion which indicate premature decay.
Though he was apparently without disease, it was
evident to those who looked on him, that his strength^

804 Memoir of WiUiam Madison Peyton.

m

was daily decreasing ; that he was now but a ruin of
hnmanity and spirit, a nobler ruin than ever painter
depicted on canvas, or stone, or brick; the^wreck
of a man prematorely old, not stricken by greai
sorrow, not bowed by great toil, but fretted and
mined away by daily, hourly excitements wMch
ceaselessly do their gnome-like work. He seemed more
than seventy, such was the silvery whiteness of his hair
and beard, the latter unshorn and descending in silken
masses to his waist. His eye, however, retained its
peculiar brightness, and beamed with a gentle light
difficult to be described, a smile played upon his lips, and
he spoke even now with a cheerftdness, during which the
lines of sadness almost disappeared from a fSsice, which in
repose bore sad evidences of the ravages of illness and
oare.

« Though old he stdU retain'd
'His manly sense and energy of mind.*'

Two days had passed since the arrival of the guests —
days ddnng which they had talked over the past and
the present. Living a long distance from each other,
with no direct railway connectmg their homes, these
friendly visits were few and far between, and of course
were more appreciated when they occurred. On the
afternoon of the third day, while Mr. Eskridge was
dressing for dinner, a servant ran to his room,
exclaiming out of breath that Colonel Peyton,

had been seized with a fainting fit. Mr. Eskridge
hastened to the assistance of his unfortunate

Memoir of WUliam Madison Peyton. 806

friend, whom he found prostrate upon a sofa, to
all i^pearance dead. His eyes were closed, his face
flushed and swollen, the blood vessels about the neck
imd temples turgid. Understanding at once the serious
nature of the attack, which he thought was apoplexy, a
form of disease common to the Peyton family, and which
had before threatened him, he despatched a servant
across the country in quest of the nearest surgeon, while
raising the sufferer's head and unloosening his neck-
cloth. Then applying a ligature to each of his legs,
to retard the motion of the blood from the lower
extremities, he placed him in an easy position and
awaited impatiently the surgeon's arrival.

At the end of two hours the doctor arrived, and
found him suffering from an attack of sanguine
apoplexy accompanied with paralysis of one entire side
of the body. From the severe nature of the attack
the surgeon said there was little hope of his re-
covery.

Mrs. Peyton, who stood by dumb with the weight of
grief for a husband, who was her honour, an^ comfort,
and never until that hour had been a sorrow to her,
hearing this opinion, fell in speechless agony into a
chair. She soon, however, recovered her selfpossession,
and though torn by dreadful apprehensions, watched,
with unremitting care, at his sick bed. Prom day to day
her grief visibly increased, one tear after another
coursed down her cheeks as she stood for hours by the
sinking sufferer. They were those bitter tears which
steal singly from our eyes, to let us taste the bitterness

pp

306 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

of every solitary drop that trickles down our cheeks, not
those salutary tears by which a kind Providence
unburdens the heart and animates us with strength to
bear new griefs. In a few days death released the
sufferer, and the spirit of as true, as pure, as loving, and
as brave a man as ever lived winged its way to the
regions of the blessed : a soul who never indulged a
passion unfit for the place he is gone to.

Where are now thy plans of justice, of truth,
of honour? Of what use are the volumes thou
hast collected, the arguments thou hast invented,
the examples thou hast followed? Poor were
the expectations of the .studious, the modest, and
the good, if the reward of their labours were only
to be expected from man. No, my friend, thy
intended pleadings, thy intended good offices to thy
friends, thy intended services to thy country are
already performed, as to thy concern in them, in His
sight before whom the past, the present and future
appear at one view. While others with thy talents were
tormented with ambition, with vain glory, with envy,
with emulation, how well didst thou turn thy mind to
its own improvement in things out of the power of
fortune ; in probity, in integrity, in the practice and
study of justice : how silent thy passage, how private
thy journey, how glorious thy end. Many have I
known more famous, some more shrewd, not one so
innocent.

From a letter written to the author by one of his
brothers-in-law, Colonel John B. Baldwin, dated in

^

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 307

Virginia, February 16, 1868, the following further
particulars of this melancholy event are given : —

"We have received to-day a telegram announcing
the death of your brother William, which occured this
morning at the residence of his brother-in-law, Alexander
P. Eskridge, in Montgomery county. Colonel Pejrton
had been with his wife in Abingdon, on a visit to his
daughter, Mrs. Preston, whose husband died recently,
as you have probably learned, and was on his return
home, when stopping for a short visit at Mr. Eskridge's,
he was attacked by paralysis, on Monday, 27th of
January. The attack was so violent as to deprive him
of the use of one side, and to render his speech wholly
unintelligible for more than a week. After that time,
he so far recovered consciousness and voice, as to be
able to communicate with his family, all of whom were
with him — but at no time from his first seizure was there
the least hope of his recovery, or even of his living for
more than a very few days. His death, following so
soon after that of Mr. Preston, has, as you will under-
stand, overwhelmed his family with a complication of
sorrow, such as rarely fells upon one household. The
condition of Susan's health and the pressure of my
business engagements rendered it impossible for her to be
with her brother in his illness — and I have never seen
Susan more distressed and grieved than by the fact
that she was so prevented."

^^The death of the Colonel, as yon may suppose,
gives us all great distress, for we appreciated him as a

808 Memoir of William Madison Peyton.

most noble and affectionate, as well as a high-toood
and honourable gentlemen/'

A week after his death his remains were consigned to
the earth, after the manner of the country, in the
private cemetery of his brother-in-law, but, as Joseph's
bones were carried into Canaan after they had been
embalmed 400 years, so his are destined to be removed,
in time, to the family vault in Augusta, or at Stoney
Hill.

Colonel Peyton's intellectual attainments would have
entitled him to hold a high place in literature and
science, for both of which he had so keen a relish, but
Providence, in granting him an independent fortune,
released him from that stem necessity for mental
exertion by which so many of the greatest scholars have
been formed. He had none of the training of the great
master whose name is Adversity. Accordingly he
devoted his attention while living, solely to those
subjects which immediately interested him, and seemed
to be of service to his kind, without any aspirations
after posthumous fame. In his immediate sphere he
sought quietly and unostentatiously to do good rather
than by striking deeds to attract the attention of man-
kind, and win the fickle applause of the crowd. In this
simple, unpretending way, departing, he has left behind

'* Footprints on the sands of time.*'

The memoirs of such a man contain little to excite,
and less to startle, but inasmuch as the example of a
good man is of more value than the written precept,

Memoir of William Madison Peyton. 309

may the writer not hope that he has conferred some
benefit upon the publicy in not permitting one of so pure
a hfe, so exalted a character, and so enlightened a mind
to descend to the grave without some record to do
honour tp his memory ? A man whom he looked up to
with no inferior veneration, not so much for his great
learning and intellectual ability, as for his rare com-
bination of unswerving justice tempered by the most
gracious kindliness, of perfect unselfishness, animated
by the most enlarged love of mankind. Of all the
memories in our spiritual valhalla, that of William
Madison Pejrton stands pre-eminent for those qualities
which have commanded our respect and inspired our
personal attachment. Who that has had the privilege
of not only observing the public course of our modem
Aristides, but of sharing in the amenities of his private
life, could wish anything better for himself, than that
the spirit of hisdeparted friend should be his own constant
and life-long guide; so that whenever its close may
arrive, he also may be deemed worthy of the eulogy so
appropriately bestowed on him from the grand old
words,

** The just shall be held in eyerlastmgremembranoe."

^

.*

APPENDIX A.

ABRIDGED GENEALOGY, OR PEDIGREE,

OP THE

ANCIENT NOBLE FAMILY OF PEYTON.

The Peytons are, says Camden and other antiquarians
and historians, descended from WiUiam de Malet,
(de Graville) one of the great barons who accompanied
William I. to the conquest of England. Malet rendered
conspicuous service at the battle of Hastings, 14th of
October, A.D., 1066, where he belonged to the cavalry,
and was mace-bearer to Duke William. He afterwards
distinguished himself in the subjugation of North
Britain, and was reported slain with 3000 of his followers,
at the seige of York. This, however, is doubtful*
Thierry, in his History of the Norman Conquest, Book
iv., says, that the Danes spared the life of Malet, his

/

312 Pedigree of the Peyton Family.

wife and family, and bore them away in their
fleet.* Malet was Sheriff of Yorkshire, 3rd year of
William I. and obtained many grants of Lordships and
Manors from the Crown, as a recompense for his military
services, as is recorded in Doomsday Booky which was
completed, A.D., 1080. Among the estates he acquired
thus were Sibton and Peyton Halls in Co. Suffolk.

The first of the family on record, who assumed the
name of Peyton, according to the usage of the times,
from Peyton in Stoke, Neyland, Co. of Suffolk, was,

REGINALD DE PEYTON,

I

second son of Walter, Lord of Sibton, younger brother

of Malet, Sheriff of Yorkshire. This Reginald held the

Lordships of Peyton Hall, in Ramshold and Boxford,

in Suffolk, of Hugh de Bigod, who w^s sewer to Roger

Bigod, Earl of Norfolk, and gave lands to the Monks of

Thetford, to pray for the soul of Roger de Bigod. He

had two sons — ^WUliam, who held certain lands in

Boxford, of the fee of. the Abbey of St. Edmundsbury,

as appears by charter of his nephew John, and,

JOHN DE PEYTON,

to whom King Stephen and his Cousin German, William
de Cassineto, Lord of Horsford, granted all his lands in
Peyton, to hold, as his ancestors before held the same.
This John had four sons, viz.,

• See also " Saxon Chronicles," edited by Qibson, p. 174,, and
" Orderic Vital," p. 512.

Peddgree of the Peyton Family. 818

I, John (Sir), the elder.

IL Robert de Pettok, Lord of Ufford in Suffolk, and

who assumed the surname of Ufford therefrom, and

of whom presently,
in, Peter, Lord of Peyton Hall, who held lands in

Bomshot and Peyton in the time of King John.
lY. John, the younger, who sold to John, the eldest,

all the lands which he had in Boxford, of the fee

of St. Edmundsbury and Stoke Neyland, which

their father John de Peyton, and WiUiam, their

uncle formerly possessed.

ROBERT DE PEYTON,

second son of the foregoing John de Peyton, assumed
the surname of Ufford from that Lordship and Jbecame
Robert de Ufford, his son.

Sir Robert Peyton de Ufford was summoned to parlia-
ment as a baron by writ, dated 13th Januaiy, 1308, the
2nd of Edward II., and was created Earl of Suffolk,
16th March, 1337.

He was Lord Justice of Ireland in the reign of
Henry IH., and again in the reign of Edward I. He
married Mary, widow of William de Lay, and dying
in the 26th of the latter King, was succeeded by his
son,

Sir Robert de Ufford, Knt., who was summoned to
Parliament as a Baron from the 13th January, 1308, to
19th December, 1311. His Lordship was in the
expedition made into Scotland, in the 84th Edwnrd I.
He married Cecily, one of the daughters and co-heirs

QQ

814 Pedigree of the Peyton Family.

of Sir Robert de Valoines, Knt., Lord of Walsham,
and had issue,

Robert, his successor.

Ralph, Justice of Ireland, in the reign of Edward DI.
Edmund, (Sir), who assuming the surname of
Walsham, fron> his mother's Lordship became Sir
Edmund Walsham^ and from him lineally de-
scended —
John James Garbett Walsham, of Knill
Court, in the County of Hereford, who
was created a baronet on the 15th Septem-
ber, 1831. He died in 1816, and was
succeeded by his eldest son,

ROBERT PEYTON DE UFFORD,

second baron, summoned to Parliament from 27th Jan,y
1332, to 14th Jan., 1337. This nobleman was in the wars
of Gascony in the reign of Edward H., and he obtained,
in the begining of Edward HL's reign in requital of his
eminent services, a grant for life of the town and
castle of Orford, in the county erf Suffolk, and soon
after further consideraWe territorial possessicms, also by
grant from the Crown, in consideration of the personal
danger he had incurred in arresting, by the King's
command, Mortimer, and some of his adherents, in the
Castle of Nottingham:. In the 11th year of the same
reign, his lordship was solenmly advanced in the Parlia-
ment then held, to the dignity of ;^arl of Suffolk.
Whereupon he was associated with William de Bohun,
Earl of Northampton, and John Darcy, Steward of the

^

Pedigree of the Peyton Family. 815

fs household^ to treat with David Brees, of Scotland,
touching a league of peace and amity. And the same
year going beyond sea on the King's service, had
an assignation of £300 out of the Exchequer,
towards his expenses in that employment, which
was in the wars of France ; for it appears that
he then accompanied the Earl of Derby, being with him
at the battle of Oagart. After which time he was
seldom out of some distinguished action. In the 12th
Edward III., being in the expedition made into Flanders,
he was the next year one of the Marshals when King
Edward beseiged Cambray : and his Lordship, within a
few years subsequently was actively engaged in the
wars of Brittany. In the 17fh of this reign, the Earl of
Suflfolk was deputed to the Court of Rome, there to
treat in the presence of his Holiness, touching an
amicable peace and accord between the English monarch
and Philip de Yalois, and he marched the same year with
Henry of Lancaster, Earl of Derby, to the relief of
Loughmaban Castle, then beseiged by the Scots. Soon
after this, he was made Lord High Admiral of England,
and commanded in person the King's whole fleet
northward. For several years subsequently his

Lordship was with King Edward in France, and he was
one of the persons presented by that monarch with
harness and other accoutrements for the tournament at
Canterbury in the 22nd year of his reign. Seven years
afterwards we find the Earl again in France, with the
Black Prince ; and at the celebrated Battle of Poictiers^
so hardly fought and so gloriously won. In the following

Bl6 Pedigree of the Peyton Family*

year, his Lordship achieved the high^ militftry renown
by his skill as a leader, and his personal courage at Hib
head of his troops. He was subsequently elected »
Enight of the Garter. His Lordship married Margaret,
daughter of Sir John Norwich, and had issue,

BoBEBT, summoned to Parliament 25th of February,
1342, died in the life time of his father.

William, his successor.

Cecilib, married to William, Lord Willoughby
d'Eresby.

Cathebine, married to Bobert, Lord Scales.

Mabgabet, married to William, Lord Ferrers of Groby .

The Earl's last testament bears date in 1368, and he
died in the following year. Amongst other bequests, be
leaves to his son, William, ** the sword, wherewith the
King begu*t him. when he created him Earl ; as also his
bed, with the eagle entire, and his summer vestment,
powdered with leopards.'' His Lordship was succeeded
by his only surviving son,

William de Ufford^ second Earl of Suffolk, who was
summoned to parliament as a baron, in the lifetime of
his father, on the 4th Dec, 1364, and 20th January,
1366. This nobleman was in the French wars at the
close of Edward III.'s reign, and in the beginning of
that of Richard II. In the 50th of Edward he was
constituted Admiral of the King's whole fleet north-
ward. At the breaking out of Jack Straw's insurrec-
tion, 4th Richard H., his Lordship understanding that
the common people contemplated forcing him into their
ranks, and thus to represent him as one of their l^uiers.

Pedigree of the Peyton Family. 817

hsstOy arose from supper, and pursuing an
unfrequented route, reached the King at St. Alban's
with a wallet over his shoulder, under the assumed
character of servant to Sir. Roger de Bois; but
afterwards, being chosen by the Con^nons in Parliament
assembled, to represent to the Lords certain matters of
importance to the public welfiEu:^, the Earl, while
ascending the steps of their Lordship's house, suddenly
fell down dead, to the amazement and sorrow of all
persons, rich and poor, on the 15th February, 1382.
His Lordship married first, Joane, daughter of Edward
de Montacute, and grand-daughter, maternally, of
Thomas, of Brothelrton, Earl of Norfolk, and secondly,
Isabel, daughter of Thomas de Beauchamp, Earl of
Warwick, and widow of John le Strange, of Blackmere^
but having no issue, the Earldom of Suffolk became
extinct^ while the original Barony of Ufford fell into
abeyance^ between his sisters and heirs, [refer to
children of Robert, first Earl,] as it still continues
amongst their representatives.

Ufford — Baron Ufford.
(By writ of summons, dated 3rd April, 1360, 34
Edward III.)

RALPH PEYTON DE UFFORD,

brother of Robert, first Earl of Suffolk, having served
in the wars of France and Flanders in the martial reign
of Edward IH., obtained large grants of land from that
monarch, in the counties of Berks and Dorset. Subse-
quently (20th Edward III.) being justice of Ireland, we

818 Pedigree of the Peyton Family.

are told, ^* he landed in that reahn, with a great nitmb^
of men-at-arms and archers." This distiogiushed
person married, first, Maud, widow of William, Earl of
Ulster, and sister of Henry Plantagenet, Earl of Lancas-
ter, by whom he had an only daughter,

Mand, who married, Thomas de Yere, son of John de
Vere, Earl of Oxford.
He married secondly. Eve, daughter and heiress of John
de Clavering, and widow of Thomas de Audeley, by
whom he had issue,
John, of whom presently.

Edmund, (Sir), who inherited the estates of the family,
upon the decease of his brother. Sir Edmund
married Sybil, daughter of Sir Bobert Pierpont,
and had issue.

KoBERT, (Sir), who married Eleanor, daughter of
Sir Thomas Felton, Ent., and left issue, three
daughters his co-heirs, viz,

Ella, married to Bobert Bowes,
Stbil, a nun at Barking.
Joan, married to WiUiam Bowes, brother
of Bichard, and left one daughter and
heiress,
Elizabeth, married to Sir Thomas, son of
William, Lord Dacres,
Balph de U£ford died in 1346, and was succeeded by
his eldest son.

John de Ufford, who was summoned to parliament as
Baron Ufford on the 3rd of April, 1360, but dying the
following year, issueless, the dignity became extinct,

^1

Pedigree of the Peyton JFamUy. Sid

while his estates passed to his brother, Sir Edmond
Ufford, Knt.

Sir John de Peyton to whom King Stephen granted
all his lands, in Peyton, dying, was saceeded by his
eldest son,

Sir John de Peyton^ who was Lord of Peyton Hall, in
Boxford, also possessed lands in Stoke Neyland, in
Suffolk. He flourished under Henry HI. as appears by
a Catalogue of lights in that reign, His wife was
Matilda de Bueris, sister and heir of Symond de NotellOr
By her he had three sons and one daughter, viz.,

John (his heir),

William,

Jambs,

Agnes.

His eldest son Sr John de Peyton, Knt., served
in the Parliament held at Westminister, 29th Edward I.,
as one of the Knts. of the shire for Suffolk, He was
thrice married, and dying was succeeded by his son,

Sir Robert de Peyton^ who in many of his evidences is
styled Chavalier and Monsieur. He had two wives,
first the lady Christiana de Apleton, widow of William de
Apleton, and heir to lands in Hanall and Boxford, wha
died the 10th of Edward H. circa A.D. 1284, leaving no
children, and was buried at Stoke Neyland, with great
pomp, the funeral expenses being^ thus set down : fifty
quarters of wheat £4 10s., one hogshead of wine
£63 4s., four muttons 5 shillings each, eight bac(Mi hogs
24 shillings, ten calves, etc. His second wife was Joan
de Marney, of the noble family of the Mameys, of
Layer Marney, in Essex, by whom there was issucy

820 Pedigree of the Peyton Family.

Sir John De Peyton, (his heir),

WiLLUM, from whom there was a release to his &ther

BoBEBT, dated 13th Edward III.,

John, junior, to whom William Castela)nie, John de

Rickell, and otbers, granted the Manor of Beedles^

Waldingfield, 5 Edward III.
The eldest son Sir John de Peyton married Margaret,

daughter and co-heir of Sir John Gernon, Ejit., of
Lees, in Essex, Lord of Wicken, in Cambridgeshire,
and of Barkwell, in the County of Derby, and in her
right possessed the manor of Wicken, as in the 17th of
Bichard II. he, jointly with her, held part of the manor
of Esthorpe, by the service of one Knt's. fee. He died
in Richard's reign, his wife in 2nd Henry V. Their son
and heir,

Sir John de Peyton^ wedded Joan daughter and heir of
Sir Hammond Sutton, of Wicksho, in the Co. of Suffolk,
and thus that Estate came into the Peyton family. By
her he had

John (his heir),

Thomas,

BoBEBT,

Mabgebt, who married Thomas Daubeny, Esq., of
Sherrington, in Norfolk. He died 6th Henry IV.,
and was succeeded by his son.
Sir John de Peyton^ then in minority. He married
Grace, daughter of John Burgoyne, of Drayton, in
the Co. of Cambridge, and had issue,
John (his heir),
Thomas,

^T

Pedigree of the Peyton Family. ' 321

Anne married to Jeffry Lockton,

He died in the flower of his age, 6th Oct., 4 Henry
IV. and was succeeded by his eldest son,

Sir John de Peyton^ who died a minor,' 29 Oct., 11th
Henry VI., and was succeeded by his brother,

Svr Thomas de Peyton^ then 17 years of age, and
seized of the manor of Esthorpe. His mother, Grace, dying
the six of May, he was found heir to the manor of
Messing, which was held of the Crown, as of the honour
of Keynes, by the service of one Knight fee, also of the
Manor of Binchall, and the Castle. Upon the feast of
All Saints, 18th Henry VI., his age was proved at
Cambridge, viz. 22 years, at which time it was sworn
by John Welford, that he was bom and baptised at
Dry-Drayton, in that County, A.D. 1418, many
agreeing in the verdict, among whom Robert Chapman
alleged, that the day on which he was bom, being the
feast of St. Valentine, there was a great storm, one
knew it by the great wind ; another broke his leg by a
faU from his horse; another for that 'his wife was
buried ; another, for then his lease was burnt : another
for then his daughter Margaret was burnt; another
fell from a tree and broke his arm; as the several
jurors deposed upon their oaths. This Thomas was
Sheriff of Cambridge and Huntingdon, 2 1st and Slst
of Henry VI., and about the 1 7th of Edward IV. ; he
began to rebuild the Church at Isleham, agreeing then
with John Waltham, alias Sudbury, freemason for the
same ; in the chancel of which church he lies
interred, having a monument erected there to his

RR

322 Pedigree of the Peyton Family.

memory. He married first, Margaret, daughter and
coheir of Sir John Bernard, Knt., of Isleham ; by that
lady he acquired the Estate of Isleham, and had
issue,

Thomas, who married Joan, daughter of Sir JameB
Calthorpe, of Norfolk, and thus acquired the manor
of Calthorpe, with other lands in that county. He
died before his father, leaving

BoBEBT (Sir), heir to his grandfather.

John.

Edwabd.

Elizabeth, married to Edward Langley, of

Knowlton, in Kent.
Jane, married to John Langley, of Lowleworthi

in Cambridgeshire.
Anne, married to John Asheby, of Harefield,

in Middlesex,
Dobothy.
His widow, Joan, married William Mauleverer.
Mabgabet«
Gbace.
He married secondly, Margaret, daughter and co-heir
of Sir Hugh Francis, of Giffords, in the Couniy of
Suffolk, widow of Thomas Ghimish, of Kenton, in
the same shire, and by her had two other sons, namely :
Sib Chbistopheb, who had great posessions in Wick*
hambrook and Bury. In the 12th of Henry of
Vin. he was sheriff of the Counties of Cambridge
and Huntingdon. He married a daughter of
Leonard Hide, of Hide Hall, in Hertfordshire,

\1

Pediffree of the Peyton Family. 328

but died in the 15th of Henry VII. without
issue.
Francis, of St. Edmondsbury, heir, was also of
Coggeshall, in Essex. He married Elizabeth,
daughter of Eeginald Brook, of Aspallston Hall,
in SuflFolk, and had two sons, Edmund, the
younger, who was Customer of Calais, left no
issue. The elder son, Christopher of St. Edmonds-
bury, married Jane daughter of Thomas Mildmay,
and had issue.
Thomas Peyton died 30th of July, 1484, and was
succeeded by his grandson.

Sir Robert Peyton^ of Isleham, who was Sheriflf of the
Counties of Cambridge and Huntingdon, in the 14th
Henry VII. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Sir
Bobert Clere, of Ormesby, in Norfolk, and had issue,
Bobert, (Sir), his heir.

John, (Sir), married Dorothy, daughter of Sir John
Tyndall, Knt., of Hockwold, in Kent, and from him
descended a distinguished line of the family, namely,
the Peyton's of Knowlton and Doddington. One of whom
was Sir Samuel Peyton, Knt. of Knowlton, and another
Sir John Peyton, who was Lieutenant of the Tower of
of London, and Govenor of the Island of Jersey, from
1603 to 1628, having been succeeded in that office by
his son. Sir John Peyton, who held the post till 1633,
Sir John died in 1630, aged 105 years according to an
inscription on the monument of his Grand-daughter
Mrs. Lowe, in Christ Church, Oxford.*

824 Pedigree of the Peyton Family.

Inscription prom Tomb, Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford.

Neere this place

Lyes buryed the body of Mrs. Alice Love,

Wife to Edward Love of Salisbury, in the County of Wilts, Gent,

Master of the Choristers, and Organist of this Church,
By whom she had 9 children, 7 Boys and 2 Girls, 5 whereof l)re

buryed by her, ye other 4 survive.
She dyed in childbed of her 7th son, the 17th of March, 1678, ye

42 year of her age, and 1 8th since her marriage ;
She was ye daughter of Sir John Peyton ye younger, of Doddington,
in ye Isle of Ely, and County of Cambridge, and Knight, being ye
first made by King James, at Edenburgh, after his being pro-
claimed by him King of England.
Her Grandfather, Sir John Peyton, was Knighted by Queen
Elizabeth, for his service in ye field, in Ireland, and made her
Treasurer in that Kingdom ; after that Lieutenant of ye Tower,
by ye space of 30 years ; then Governor of Jersey above 30 years
more, and dyed ye 105th year of his age, ye 4th of

November, 1630.
Her Grandfather by her mother was Sir John Peyton, of Isleham,

in ye countye of Cambridge, Baronett.

This Sir John was a man of strong mind and elegant
manners, of extensive knowledge, and upright character,
and governed Jersey wisely and temperately . "He was,"
to nse the words of an old writer " educated after the
politest manner of the age he lived in, by serving in
the wars of Flanders, under the most able and
experienced soldiers and politicians of that time/'

Amidst the sunshine of a court, and the affluence of a
large fortune, his conduct was so regular and temperate
that his life was prolonged to the age of ninety-nine
years, in so much health and vigour, that he rode on

>1

Pedigree of the Peyton Family. 825

horseback, hunting, three days before his death/' *
It is not necessary to our purpose to follow further
this line of the family, which became extinct in
the male line in 1683, on the death of Sir Thomas
Peyton, who was a member of the first Parliament,
after the Restoration, and who enjoyed a Government
grant of £2,000 per annum. It is, however,,
in 1873, represented by Major-General Sir Thomas
Peyton, Baronet, who succeeded his nephew. Captain
Sir Algernon Peyton, Bart., on his -death without
issue in 1872. This baronetcy was revived in 1776, in
favour of Henry Dashwood, who was, in the ma-
ternal line, a descendant of Sir Thomas Peyton, and
also married his female representative, by whom he
acquired large estates,

Margaret, married to Francis Jenney, of Knotshall,
in Suffolk.

Elizabeth, married to Sir WiUiam Wigston, Knt. of
Wolston, in Warwickshire.

He died in the 9th of Henry YIII. and was succeeded
by his elder son.

Sir Robert Peyton^ knt., who was Sheriff of the
counties of Cambridge and Huntingdon in 17th and
27th Henry VIII., and accompanied that King to the
seige of Balleyne. He was again Sheriff in the 1st of
Queen Mary. He married Frances, daughter and heir
of Frances Hassylden, of Little Chesterford, in
Essex, and of Steeple Marden, in Cambridgeshire, and

* See Le Quesne
to the Island, also

t's and Falle's History of Jersey, and Payne's Ghiide
Hepworth Dixon^s '* Her Majesty's Tower."

326 Pedigree of the Peyton Family.

in her right acquired these estates with other lands in
the county of Rutland. By this lady (who founded the
famous hospital at Isleham) had six sons and two
daughters, viz.,

I. Sir Robert Peyton (his heir),

II. William,

III. Richard, of Little Chesterfield, in Essex,
married Mary daughter of Leonard Hyde, of
Hyde Hall in Herefordshire. She outlived him
and married secondly Sir John Carey, Lord
Hunsdon.

IV. Christopher,

V. Edward,

VI. John,

1. Catherine, who married M. Williams
of Oxford.

2. Elizabeth, who married Thomas Wrenne,
of Hint on in the Isle of Ely.

Sir Robert died 1st August, 1550, and was succeeded
by his son Sir Robert Peyton^ who was M. P. for
Cambridge in the 4th and 5th of Queen Mary, and
Sheriff of the united counties of Cambridge and
Huntingdon, in the 9th of Elizabeth. He received the
honor of Knighthood from James I. at Royston in
November 1608. He married Elizabeth, a daughter of
Lord Chancellor Rich, and aunt of Robert Earl of
Warwick and had issue,

RoBEBT, who died unmarried,

I. John, (his heir),

II* RiCHABD, who died without issue.

Pedigree of the Peyton Family. 327

III. Maby, who married first Robert Balam, of
Walsoken, in Norfolk, and second Sir Richard Cox,
of Braham, in the Isle of Ely.

IV. Frances, who married John Hagar, of
Bourne Castle, in Cambridgeshire.

V. WiNTBEDE, married first, M. Osborne, Barrister-
at-law, second M. Herefleet, of Kent, and third
John Hombye, of Linconshire.

, He was succeeded by his eldest surviving son,

Sir John Peyton^ of Isleham, in the County of
Cambridge, who received the honour of Knighthood
from King James I. He was Sheriff of Cambridge
and Huntingdon, in the 25th of Elizabeth^ when he
was Km*ghted for the Shire of the latter, as he was again
in the first of James I. The next year he was again
Sheriff. In the 9th year of the same reign he was
created a Baronet^ viz. on the 22nd of May^ 1611, on the
institution of the order. Sir John married Alice,
daughter of Sir Edward Osborne, Lord Mayor of
Lcmdon in 1585, and the founder of the family the Duke
of Leeds ; and by his said wife Alice had issue,
I. Edward, (Sir) his heir,
n. John, died without issue,

III. Robert, a distinguished scholar and Fellow of
Queen's College, Oxford,

IV. Roger, who emigrated to America and was lost
sight 0^

V. William, of Wablingworth, married Tabithe
daughter of Henry Payne, Esq., of Walthamstow
and left two sons, John and William,

828 Pedigree of the Peyton Family.

YI. Thomas, slain at Bonrge, in Holland, wbije

gallantly leading his forces into aotion.
VII. Anne, married to Sir Bobert Bacon, Bart^ of

Biborough, in Norfolk, third son of Sir Nichdas

Bacon, Bart., of Badgrave.
Vni. Alice, married to Sir John, son and heir of Sir

John Peyton, of Doddington.

IX. Elizabeth, married to Sir Anthony Irby, Ent. of
Boston in Lincolnshire, who was created Loud
Boston.

X. Mabt, married to Sir Boger Meers, Ent. of
Hoghton, in Lincolnshire.

XI. Fbances, died nnmarried.

XII. Susan, died unmarried.

He died about the year 1617, and was succeeded by
eldest son,

Sir Edward PeytoUy who was Knighted at White-
hall, 4th February, 1610, and during the life-time of his
father was denominated ^^ of Great Bradley, in Suffolk."
He served in Parliament from 18th of James I. to the
drd of Charles the I. as one of the Knights of the Shire
for the County of Cambridge, and was Custos Botulorum
there, of which office he was deprived by the influence
of the Duke of Buckingham, ** whereat he was so much
disgusted, that he first drew his pen against tha Court,
and writ several pamphlets with great acrimony against
Charles I. and the royalists." He subsequently sided
with the Presbyterians in the great rebellion, and so
impoverished hunself in the cause, that he was obliged
to sell Isleham, and, drawing his son into joining him.

Pedigree of the Peyton Family. 329

sold the whole estate, with the reserve only of annuities
during both their lives.

ffir Walter Scott, in his introduction to the secret
history of the reign of James the I. by Sir Edward
Peyton, as reprinted in 1811 by Ballantyne of Edinburgh,
in his '^ Historical Memoirs of the Beign of Elizabeth
and James," by Francis Osborne says, Sir Edward's
property was plundered by both parties ; for he complains
in the following treatise,* that at Broadchock, in
Wiltshire, four hundred pounds worth of his household
stuff was seized by the Royalist garrison of Langford,
which was never restored to him, although the place
was afterwards taken by Cromwell. In short, as he
could not, it would seem, serve his party very effectually,
his attachment, as usually happens in such cases, did
not save him from neglect and injury. At the close of
the civil war, in which so many of the success-
ful side had made their fortune. Sir Edward Peyton
was so much impoverished, that he was obliged to sell
Isleham, the ancient patrimony of his family. His
eldest son, afterwards Sir John Peyton, was induced
to join in the sale, reserving annuities for his father's
life and his own. And thus this ancient family was
totally ruined."

Sir Edward Peyton was of grave and serious character,
strong religious convictions, and having long lived near
Cromwell, in Cambridgeshire, imbibed many of his
political opinions. They were personal friends, and Sir
Edward very naturally exerted his influence in favour

* " The Diyine catastrophe of The KjBgly family of the house of Stuarts."

as

880 Pedigree of the Peyton Family.

of the Commonwealth. It was his enthncdarai in this
cause alone, which led to his financial xmxiy and the
removal of one of his grandsons to Virginia. For ha
was as far as possible removed in character from, ih0
roystering, gambling, hard-drinking gentlemen of thf
Dundreary type who flourished in the reigns of Ifaiy
and Elizabeth, men like the famous Earl of Caxlisle,
who in the early part of the era of the Stuarts, spent
in a jovial life above £400,000, and left not a house nor
an acre of land to be remembered by. A gentleman
who at a later period was followed by another of infa-
mous memory, Bochester, one of whose fits of intoxica-
tion is said, with brief interruptions, to have lasted five
years. Sir Edward was the reverse of these gentlemen
blackguards and gentlemen exquisites, was a regular,
sincere, and straightforward man, an honest country
gentleman — ^not blas^, rou^, epuiss^, or ennuy^ of life,
and never thought of advancing his own interests.
Thus it is that while others waxed rich on public strife,
he grew poor. It may not be uninteresting to mention
that at the time he was made a Baronet, among other
requisites required for this dignity, the recipient
must have a clear income above all debts of £1,095,
a year, and be able to claim descent from a grandfather
who had borne arms and been under fire.

Sir Edward married first, Matilda, daughter of
Robert Livesay, of Tooting, in Surrey, by whom he had,

John, (his heir),

Edward, in holy orders, who had three sons, Edward,
Robert and Henry,

Robert, and one daughter^

Pedigree of the Peyton Family. 881

Amxt, married to Henry Lawrence, of St. Ives, in
Huntingdonshire, and of St. Margaret's in the county
<£ Hertford. He' married secondly, Jane, daughter of
Sir James Calth(^, knt. of Crockthorpe, in Norfolk
(widow of Sir Henry Thomelthorpe, Knt.) and by that
hidy had one son,

Thomas, who married Elizabeth, daughter of Sir

William Yelverton, of Rougham, in Norfolk, and

dying in 1683, left four sons, William, of Dublin

married Frances, daughter and co-heir of Sir

Herbert Lunsford, Knt. by whom he had no male

issue. He died in 1686.

KoBBBT, of Isleham, Matthews Co., Virginia.*

"This young man,"8ays B. Blundell, F.S.A. •^a grand-

of ^ Edward Peyton, like Ned Poins, a younger

brother and a proper fellow of his hands, disdaining the

Kfe of a mere idle hanger-on to elder relatives scantily

able to support themselves, resolved to try what his

* There is a tradition in the family in Virginia to the effect that
shortly after his arrival in the Colony, when some distance up the
river (James) on a shooting excnrsion, the waters of Virginia abound-
ing in game and wild fowl, .Bobert Peyton and his companion were
taken prisoners by a party of Indians, and conveyed to their head-
quarters in the interior. The Bed-skins reduced tiiem to a kind of
davery. Peyton's companion was carried off by fever within a few
weeks. Solitary and alone in their hands, the young Englishman
revolved plans of escape and finally accomplished his wishes. He
appeared pleased with Indian life, exerted himself in war, the chase
and in fishing, and entered with such spirit into their games that he
won their confidence and friendship. The savage King adopted
him into the tribe, then as a son, then advanced him to be a chief and
finally indicated to his natural sons that they must give way to him as .
his, the Eing*s successor. His life was now far from unpleasant,
though he had to be constantly on g^ard to prevent being assas-
sinated by the King's sons, who were to lose their inheritance through

332 Pedigree of the Peyton Family.

long pedigree, backed by a bold heart and a ^J^ur
intellect, could do in America, towards renovatiis^ his
fortunes, and shortly after the Restoration emigrated
to Virginia, circa 1665, where the young adventurer,
inspired by that affectionate recollection of his ufttiye
land which is one of the most prominent and praise*
worthy traits in the character of our American cousins,
gave his new domain, in Matthews county, the
appellation of Ideham^ born by the ancestral residence in
his island home. Here his descendants flourished
becoming opulent landholders, magistrates, and
members of the Colonial Parliament."

Robert, who married in Virginia left among other
issue,

Benjamin John Edward, who married and left oae
son,

Henry, bom 1700, who married Miss Langley,
daughter of Roger Langley and left one son,

his presence. He was proTided with a wife, in the person of the
daughter of a chief living in the south-west, and in close amity with
his own tribe. A consolidation of the two tribes was thus thought
feasible in the future.

His escape from captivity was thus effected. During the winter, an
expedition, under the King, advanced against the Whites. When the
Bed-skins, after a long march through the forest, arrived in front of
the Colonial settlements, Peyton availed himself of an opportunity
when scouting to rejoin his countrymen. "From, his knowledge and
position nothing would have been easier than to betray the whole
savage force and deliver it up to the Whites. This he declined doing.
On the contrary, when he was safe he sent an Indian boy to the
savages with a warning to them to be off. The Indian King did not
remain to receive a second intimation that he was on dangerous
ground, but, like a wise man, returned the same night to a place of
security.

Pedigi^ee of the Peyton Family. 833

John, of Stafford Co., Virginia, bom 1725, who
married Elizabeth a daughter of John Rouse, and
left issue,

John Rousb and Valentine, M.D.

John Bouse Peyton married Anne, daughter of Howson
Howe, and left issue,

I. John Howe, (of Montgomery Hall) bom April
27th, 1778, his successor, and of whom presently,

II. Bebnard Peyton, a Captain in the U. S. Army,
. and afterwards Adjutant General of Virginia and

President of the Board of Visitors of the Virginia
Military Institute at Lezlngton, He married
Amanda daughter of General Moses Green of
Faquier, and left issue,

1* Thomas, a Captain of Artillery in the
Confederate Army, who married Catherine,
daughter of the Right Rev. John Johns, Bishop
of Virginia, and has issue.

2. Green, a Colonel in the Confederate Army,
and, since the war, a professor in the University
of Virginia. He married Champe, daughter
of Dr. Charles Carter of Albemarle, and has
issue.

3. Bernard, who married Estelle, daughter of
Dr. Tricon, of California, and has issue.

4. Thomas, jun., a Major in the Confederate
Army, who married a daughter of the Hon.
Dabney Carr, late American Minister Plenipo-
tentiary to Turkey, and a grand daughter of

384 Pedigree of the Peyton Family.

Thomas Jeffersoo, 3rd President of the IT. S.
and has issue.
6. Susan, who married Major General W. B.

Hagner, U. S. Army, and has no issue.
6. Akakda, married J, C. Washington, and has
no issue.
III. Gabnett, who married Agatha daughter of W. S.
Madison, and left issue,' but only one of his children
married and had issue, viz., William, who married
a daughter of William Munford, and has issue.
rV. Rouse or Bouze, who married, first, Ann Gallagher,
and left issue : 1st Bernard, and 2nd Ann, who
married Bronson Murray, of New York, and has
issue. He married secondly, Eliza daughter of Col.
J. ,B. Murray and left issue — one son, Hamilton,
and three daughters, all married and with issue.

V. LuCT, married General Green, of Hopkinsville,
Kentucky, and left issue.

VI. Ann Frances, who married Robert Green, but
left no issue.

John Howe^ of Montgomery Hall, married 1st Susan,

daughter of William S. Madison, and by her left issue

one son Colonel William M. Pe3i;on the subject of the

foregoing memoir, who married Elizabeth A. E. Taylor
and left issue,

1 Elizabeth, who died in her 16th year unmar-
ried.

2 John Howe, died in infancy.

3 Susan, who married Joseph H. White, and

Pedigree of the PeyUm Family. 835

then Col. Washington, and died without issue

living by either husband.
4 William Allan, died of typhoid fever in his

14th year.
6 Garnett, married Walter Preston, and has

issue, one son Pej^on, and a daughter

SaDy.

6 Sally Preston, married Thomas C. Bead, and
left issue, one daughter, who married Dr.
William Berkeley, a descendant of Sir Wm.
Berkeley, Colonial Governor of Virginia.

7 Juliet, died in her 17th year unmarried.

8 Bebnabdine, married in 1872, Lewellyn, of
Albemarle County, Virginia.

John H. Peyton, married secondly, Ann Montgomery,
daughter of Major John Lewis, of the Sweet Springs,
and left issue, at his death, which occurred at Montgomery
Hall, 3rd of April, 1847.

I. John LewiSf bom 15th of September, 1824, who
married Henrietta E. C. daughter of Colonel John
C. Washington, of County Lenoir, North-Carolina,
a relative in the 4th Canonical degree to the illus-
trious Washington, and has issue, one son,

Lawrence Washington Howe, bom in Guernsey,
Channel Islands, 27th of January, 1872.

II. Yblverton Howe, bom 8th of January 1888,
and is in 1878, unmarried.

in. Susan Madison, married Col. J. B. Baldwin, a

son of Judge B. Gr. Baldwin, and has no issue.
TV. Ann Montgomery, died unmarried.

836 Pediffree of the Peyton Family.

Y. Mabt Preston married R. A. Gray, and has issue

two sons, 1 Peyton, and 2 Baldwin, and daughters,
VI. LucT married J. N. Hendren, and has issue one

son Samuel and daughters,
Vn. Elizabeth married Wm. Boys Telfair, of Ohio,

and has issue two sons 1 William and 2nd Baldwm

and daughters,

VIII. Mabgabet, married G. M. Cochrane, jun., and
has issue, one son, George, and daughters.

IX. YiBGiNiA, married Col. J. F. Kent, and has issue
one son Joseph,

X. CoBNELiA, married Dr. Thomas, and has issue two
sons, 1 Peyton, 2 Baldwin,

The Peyton arms, as in the visitation of Suffolk,
Harl., A.D., 1560, are : quarterings,

1. sable, a cross, engrailed, or^ for Peyton ; 2. Gemon ;
,8. Colville ; 4. Sutton ; 5. Hassingbome ; 6. Langley ;
7. Atleze; 8. Atbridge; 9. Langley; 10. Francis;
11. Lucy ; 12. Chamberlaine.

Crest — a Grifl&n, Sejant, or^

Motto — Patior, Potior : — I labour y I secure.

ISLEHAM HALL,

THE PRIOBY AND CHURCH,

CO. CAMBRmGE, ENGLAND.

EZTRAOT PROM A MS ACCOUNT OF A YlSIT TO ISLEHAM^

IN 1870, BT THE Author of the FOREOoiNa Memoir.

• • • •

The forenoon of the next day, the strangers, whom
the readers will recognize as onrselves, were occnpied
examining Ely Cathedral, one of the most ornate and
beautifal in England. The same afternoon we set forth
ui a gig for Isleham, across a region, commonly
styled the "Pen Cdmitiy," though terra cotta drainage
has long since turned the swamp into the driest of dry
land. This district is flat, monotonous and uninteres-
ting. There is httle in it to arouse and enlighten the
imagination, or to inspire artistic genius. In our cloud-
compelling chariot, we actually scoured the Cambridge-
shire plains, though the dust was suflfocating and
the heat tropical, for our steed belonged to a
class known to London cab proprietors as a retired
racer, an animal no longer fit for the Olympic
games of Epsom, but who before a gig rather flies than
runs, and, I may add, generally leaves a visible wrack

TT

888 Visit to hlehcm.

behind, unlike oar perishable hopes and affections. Not
so, however, in our case, we proceeded safely, passing
through two or three villages, whose tumble down
houses, or I should rather say in cockney stylB, itSiooe
ruined gates and walls told eloquent stcmes of tliai^
antiquity. Their present desolation fonned a meHwoAiDif
contrast to the cheerful cultivation around them.
There was a soothing stillness in the scene presented
by the champaign country which we certainly: hdw
saw under the happiest circumstances of season add
weather. Passing through a flat, and so £ur m
picturesque beauty is concerned, a comparatn^
barren region, there was yet much to amuse the eyt^
and make an agreeable variety. The woods and fieMi
were in their mid-summer bloom, and the mellow Ught
of evening heightened the richness of their hues, and
gave an exquisite effect to the light and shade which £ail
upon the landscape. The air was scented with blosaonik
by trees then in flower, which here and there Imol
the road-sides. Rural scenes of almost eveiy kind ate
deUghtful to the mmd, gratifying tha senses
producing an inexhaustible fond of innocent
and I contemplated these wide plains, with thesr
luxuriant com crops bending under the breeze, ^i%
ardent delight. My experience, indeed, satiifies me
that there are few spots so barren as not to :«Sexd
picturesque scenes,

'* BelieTe the mnse.
She does not know that inauspicious spot
Where beauty is thus niggard of her store, ^

Vuit to Ishham. 839

';^ . BeSiere the nmae, through this terrestrial watts

^ . . The seeds of grace are sown, profusely sown.

Even where we least may hoi>e.'*

f About sonset we saw the graoefdl spire of Isleham
€9mrcli nsiiig like a dream from earth to heaven, and
tito hamlet shining at the extremity of the open country,

ISLEHAM PMORY.

Boon we amved, and, traversing the grassgrown streets
of. the ancient village, stood in front of, not the
^wnefable edifice itself, but of an old Prioiy — ^the old
^rioiy as it is called, or so much of it as remains. This
supnaateiy was built circa A.D. 1300. Patched up with
iniak and mortar, this interesting relic of the olden
time is now used as a bam, pig-sty, and stable. Such
are tha base uses to which it has come. Notwithstand-
ing its cracked and battered condition, the sight of it more
tium repaid my trouble, and its situation gave rise to
taany suggestive thoughts. The jolly monks of old
omre not deficient in taste, and selected sites for their
smestaiies with both wit and wisdom. At present there
4SbBgB are neither winding paths, trees, ivy, nor water to
^throw a chann around the Priory, it is left dila-
pidated and naked> staring and stared at by the
irreverant world. It once had all these adjuncts, and
might have them again. In its present wretched
condition it excites only ideas of solitude, neglect, and
desolation. It is worthy, however, of a word of
description. In 1791, it was first converted into use as
a bam, and has since been called the Priory bam. It

340 Visit to Isleham.

consiBts of a nave and chancel, with a circular end joid
eight buttresses, two small south and one small nxirth
window, in length about 95 and in breadth 20 feet, and
the south door has been enlarged since it was made a
bam. The walls are built herring-bone Cushion. At
the west end are two heavy buttresses, between- them
a small window and two round ones above. Whether
it fell into decay and the lord would not get it
converted into parochial use, when granted with its
house by Henry YI. to Pembroke College, does not at
present appear.

ISLEHAM CHURCH.

After a close examination we passed on to the village
church, which was commenced by Sir Thomas Peyton,
and the building finished by his son and executor. Sir
Christopher Pej^on, A.D. 1480. It is one of the most
beautiful buildings of the kind in England, in a style far
superior to what could be looked for in so mean, though
extensive and populous, a village. The edifice is in
excellent preservation, though the exterior walls are
green with the accumulated damp of centuries. A
servant was despatched for the verger, who is likewise
janitor, who soon made his appearance, bringing the
keys, and introduced us into the interior of the church.
It consists of a nave, with two isles and two transepts
and a choir. The nave rests on five pointed arches, on
each side supported by slender clustered columns.
Under the clerestory windows ranges a fascia of
dentals and one of flowers. In the intervals between

Visit to Ideham. 841

the mrbhes are three quatrefoils, the lowermost contain^
ing shields with the same arms on both sides :

Peytoa impaling a lion rampart

Feytaa quartering a lion rampart

Peyton smgle

Peyton impaling a saltire engrailed, a chief

Erm. Hyde.

The roof is of wood ; and between the principals are

whole length statues of angels holding shields with the

instruments of the passion. On the wooden cornice is

this inscription cut in relief on both sides :

Pray for the good prosperity of

Christopher Peyton and Elizabeth his wife,

and for the soul of

Thomas Peyton, Equyer, and Margaret his wife, father and

mother of the said Christopher Peyton,

and for the soul of

All the ancestors of the said Christopher Peyton which did make

this rofe ♦ in the fere of our Lord, mccxvi. being the

I year of King Henry III>

Note. — The wiU of Christopher Peyton, of Isleham,
dated the eve of the nativite of the blessed virgin, A.I>.
1505, and proved 8th of July, 1507. Provides ^Hhat he is
to be buried within the Church of Isleham, in such place
as shall seem to Elizabeth my wife most convenyent.
Further to the high altar of the said churchy for my
tithes negligently paid or forgot, 20s. To my
neveu Sr Robert Peyton, Knt., A quarters of barley,
and V quarters of whete. My wife Elizabeth to find
an honeste prieste to sing for me an hole year. To

* From this date it appears that the church was btiilt in A.D., 1216»
unless this ooruice was transferred to the new from an old^ edifice.

842 Viiit to Isleham.

my broder ffirancis Peyton XX shepe^ and to his wyfe
a cowoy and Y combes of malte, and to Xpher his son
X sheepe. To John Peyton, my godson, 40s. To
Edward Peyton, my neven, 26s. 8d." " The residue of
all my goodes I bequeath to Elizabeth my wife, my said
wife to have for the terme of her life, all my lands,
tenements, meddowes, pastures, etc., in Isleham afore-
said, and within the bounds of Fordham.'' He appoints
" Elizabeth my wife " Executrix.]

Passing by the tombs of many others, Ve amved t^
front of the manor pew. On Spandrils of archwork on
this are the arms of Sir Christopher Peyton, and the
saltire and chief erm. Hyde, his wife,' held by angels ;
St. Michael and the Dragon, etc., etc.

In the south transept, on a plain low altar tomb
is an alabaster figure of a knight in armour, in culrled
hair, with a garland or corolla. Under his head «
pointed helmet, with a fillet of flewrs de lis, a piked beard,
gauntlets, studded neck-band, and strap from his chin
to the shoulder straps; round shoulder and elbow
pieces ; of his sword and dagger the hilts only remain-
ing ; a lion looking up at his feet, which are under s
nich. Inscription gone, but one of the Peyton's

An altar-tomb of freestone has a slab of speckled
marble, from the middle of which has been torn a jUain
cross. Under an arch in the wall at the feet ci a
headless man and woman, three boys and three girls,
with a label from the mouth of the first of each to h
crucifix, and under them this inscription on a brass
plate:

Vmt to lileham. 348

Otjr charity pray for the soules of
Sir Robert Peyton, Knight,

4

Which departed to God the viii day of March, the yere of our

Lord, MDViu.
Also for the soul of
Dame Elizabeth Peyton, his wife.
Which departed to God the yere of our Lord, md***

[Note. — The will of Sir Robert Peyton, Ent.of Isleham,
proved the 20th of April, A.D*, 1518, ordered, '' That
he should be buried in Isleham Church — To the high
altar of the foreseyde churche, 208. To the reparation of
Wyken Churche, 20s., to the intent that they shall pray
for the soule of my brother John Peyton. My gowne
of cr3rmsyn yelvett to be made a cope and vestment, the
oope for the p'she churche of Wyken, and the vestment
for the p'she churche of Boxforth, in the countie of
Suffolk, upon eche of them being a escocheon of my
armes and my wife's armes. I will that a remembrance
be- Uttde upon a escocheon of my father's arms, and sett
upon the wall of the churche of . St. Giles, Cripullgate^
in London. Bobert, my eldest sonne, to have left unto
him ffyve hundred shepe of those at Wyken. Item, I
will that my flockes of shepe at Isleham, Shippenham^
«nd Bartcm beside Mildenhall, with all the profitts and
increase of them, goe to the p'forminff this my wjrll. I
will that John, my second sonne, shall have to hun my
manor in Bamham, St. Marteyn, in Suffolk, called
Calthorppys. I will that Dame Elizabeth my wife
have two partes of my household stuffe. I will that
Robert Pe}i;on, my eldest sonne, have my chaine of
golde. Unto ffrances Pe3i;on, wife to my saide sonne
-Robert, a chain of golde. Item, that Edward, my
thirde sonne, be provided for by myn executors. To
Elizabeth, my daughter, CCC merkes. To Edward
Peyton, my brother, XX merks. To Dorothie Peyton,

344 Vuit to Isleham.

my sister X merkes. To ffrancis Peyton, my mide, my
bikke gowne furred wth blake. To Xpfer Peyton,
Sonne to my said micle ffrancis Peyton, X shepe. To
kepe the annirersary of Thomas reyton and Jane his
wife, father and mother mito me. Ex'ors, Dame
Elizabeth Peyton, my wife, and William Butte, of
Cambridge. Supervisor, John Lorde Abbott of St.
Edmunos Bury, and my welbeloved fader-in-law Sr
Robert Clere, Knt."

N.B. The residue of lands, etc., in Isleham, Barn-
ham, Wyken, and the manors of Seyham Hall, Water
Hall, and Badleys, in Suffolk, are left to the eldest son,
Bobert, with aversions to second son John and third
son Edward."]

The date has never been filled up, the plate remaining
smooth. Over this a fine park, and under the east
window, a rich fascia of vine leaves and grapes, and oak
foliage above, over the space formerly occupied by the
altar.

South of this is a blue slab, with the arms of Peyton
impaling a cross flory with a mullet in the centre ; and
another shield gone :

On a plate in the middle, this inscription :

Pray for the soul of

Sir Robert Peyton, Knight,

which married Frances, the daughter and heir of Francis Hassylden,

Esquire, deceased, which Sir Robert deceased the istday of

August, A.D. M ♦ ♦ ♦ whose sone God pardoned.

Another slab south of this has the brass figure of a
knight and lady. He is in armour, bareheaded, cropt
hair, helmet under head crested with a bear's head,

Visit to Isleham. 846

pointed elbow pieces, strait long guard, short dagger,
muzzled bear at feet, looking up. This is the tomb cA
Sir John Bernard. On a plate at the head is this
inscription,

Hie Jacet Johes Bernard mites,

qui obiit XXIIII die mens marcii A.D.*ni MCCCCLI,

£t D*ma Elena Swynton uxis p'dei Johes Bernard milit filie et

heredis Johis Mallore milit de com.
Moh'mt qu obiit XIII die Me'ss Octobris Ad. D'no MCCCCXL.
£t d'na Elizabeth Takevyle> secu'de axis pd'ei Johes Bernard
milit qe obiit X die me'ss Julii Ad. D'ni MCCCCLXIV q'r ajabus

p'piciet de.

On another large slab are the brass figures of
a man in plated armour, ruff, gauntlets, cropt
hair, and divided beard, his head on a helmet; at
his feet a griffin feiant ; his lady reclines on a cushion
in a coif and ruff, necklace of four rows of pearls, gown
boddice, and petticoat : nothing at her feet.

Peyton quartering the cross fleury, a mullet in the
centre : impales per chevron 3 lions rampart in a circle
countercharged, quartering.

1. S. a cross ingrailed 0. Peyton

2. A. three piles wavy G. Gemon^

3. Quarterly, 0. and G. a bend vair^ A. and AZ.

«

SackviUe^

4. Barry of 80. and G. a lion passant guardant in
chief 0.

5. 0. a fess G.

6. 0. a chevron G. on a chief G. 3 estoiles 0.

7. A. fess G. or S. in chief 3 roundels

w .

346 Visit to Isleham.

8. Az. a lion rampart S.
, 9. G. in a bordure ingrailed A. fishes naiant 0.

10. Az. a demi lion rampart G.

11. A. a cross V.

12. A. a cross fleure G.

Impaling, quarterly, 1. 4. quarterly G. and Erm. a
cross 0. Osborne^

2. A. two barrs and a canton G. on the latter cross
A. Broughton.

3. A. a chevron V. between 3 annulats G.

On the fascia : on a fess between 3 stars 3 roundala,
Balam, impaling, the cross impailed and the cross fleury.
On the fascia in Roman capitals, gold, on a black
ground,

Years of sixty-seven did pass in governing,

Both just and wise he was,

By ancient stock, but more by merit.

His body the earth, his soul Heaven inherit.

The cross ingrailed and cross fleury impaling,
quarterly, Erm. and Az. a cross 0. Osborne.^

Quarterly 1, 4. Barry of 6 Erm. and G. Hussey.

A man in a coat and furred gown and hose; his
right hand on his breast, his left hanging down holds a
book ; his lady wears a coif and hood, standing cape,
pinkt sleeves, and short ruffles, her apron has strings
and is laced. Over her, the Peyton arms, with these
quarterlugs.

1. Peyton.

2. Three piles wavy. Gemon.

Visit to Isleham. d47

8. Acheviron in three estoiles.

4. A bear rampant mnzzled. Bernard.

6. A cross fleory.

6. Three battle axes.

7. A lion rampant and a label of three.

8. A lion rampant.

In the centre of all a mullet.
The qnarterings also impale the saltire engrailed and
chief Erm. Hyde, which last coat is. single in a lozenge.
Below is the first coat of 8 quarters single, and
impaling the saltire and chief; and between them this
inscription :

" Here under lyeth a worthy Squire that Richard Peyton hight,
And honest gentleman, and third son to Robert Peyton Knight,
In Gre/s inn, student of the law, where he a reader was ;
He feared God, and loved his word, in truth his life did pass ;
In practising of Justice lo ! was his whole delight ;
He never wronged any one to whom he might do right.
Whom he esteemed an honest friend, who he might stand instead
He never left to do him good with words, with purse and deed.
Fourteen years space he married was, unto a beautiful wife,
By parent named Mary Hyde, they lived devoid of strife.
The earth him bear twice twenty years, and virtuously he livedo
A virtuous life he did embrace, and virtuously he died

Anno Domino 1574
The thirtieth day of April, year seventy and four
A thousand, five hundred, being put to that more."

At the South end of this transept are two heavy
monuments with canopies on four pillars. On the
2. 3. 4. a chevron between three roses G. seeded 0.
impaling the crosses quarterly.

348 Visit to Isleham

Quarterly Erm, etc. the cross 0. with a creacen:^ (rf
difference, Osborne^ impaling the quartered crosses

1. Peyton.

2. The piles wavy.
8. 0. a fess G.

4. The chevron and stars in chief.

5.

6.

7. The battle axes.

8. G, a lion rampant 0. with a crest S. under a label
of 30.

9. G. a lion rampant.

On the tomb at the head of this lies a Enight in
armour, in his hair, piked beard and ruff: und^ his
legs a heavy shield ; at his feet a griffin 0. his lady in
ruff, coif, gown plaited, under her feet seems a fox or
wolf headless. Above the following arms, quarterly.

1. Peyton.

2. A. 3. piles G,

3. Quarterly 0. and G. a bend nebula A. and kz.

4. 0. a lion chief over barry of G. and 0. or 2
cottises.

5. 0. a lion rampant G.

6. A. a lion rampant S.

7. Bendy of 12. A. and G.

8. 0. a bend G.

9. 0. a chevron G. on a chief G. three stars.

10. A fess, in chief 3 ogresses.

11. A. a bear rampant S. Bernard.

12. S. 3 battle axes ^rect. A.

Visit to Isleham . 349

13. Gironne A. and G.

14. Quarterly A. and S. a bend of chain work S.

15. A. in a bordure engrailed G. three £sh naiant A.

16. A. demi-lion rampant G.

1 7. A. on a bend G. three spread eagles 0.

18. A. a cross fleuri S.

19. G. a lion rampant 0.

20. A. on a fess indented G. or S. 3 bezants.

21. A lion rampant G.

Crest : a griffin sejant, 0.
Nee vi nee metu
On the fascia the crosses quarterly single^ and impal-
ing, quarterly,
1-4. Osborne.

2. Broughton.

3. A chevron between 3 roundels.

The last quarterings single.

One of these monuments is by the impalment that of
Kobert Peyton, who married the daughter of Lord
Chancellor Bich, and was with his wife buried here and
the other that of Sir John Peyton, Enight and Baronet,
son of Sir Edward Peyton, Bart., author of " Secret
History of James I." and last of the family who
resided here and uncle to Bobert Peyton, who emigrated
to Virginia. This Sir John married Alice, dau^ter of
Sir Edward Osborne, Knight, Lord Mayor of London
and afterwards Duke of Leeds.

Under a br9.ss cross on steps between two hands
elevated, is this inscription.

850 Visit to Isleham.

Pray for the soul of

Elizabeth Peyton,

Which deceased the IV. day of November,

the yer of our Lord MDXVI.

on whose soule Jhu have mercy.

Under this a saltire engrailed, a chief Ermine; for •
Elizabeth Hyde, wife of Sir Christopher, patron of QiB
ohnrch.

A large slab had a brass plate and two shields, these
are worn too indistinct to be deciphered.

Under the South window is the stone figure of a
Enight in armour, his helmet flattened at top, a Ikm
at his feet, and against the west wall of this transept,
headless, figures of a man and woman, and between
them three children, praying to the Deity over the latter*
Under all a plate thus inscribed,

" God have mercy on the soul of

Sir Christopher Peyton, and Elizabeth his wife,

Christopher deceased, the XXVII day of June,

in the year of our Lord, mcccccvii, (1507.)

This commemorates the patron of the church before
mentioned. The brackets of the roof of this transept,
have angels holding shields of arms of Peyton single and
impaling Hyde : which last coat is also single.

In the north wall of the north aisle is a broken
crossed legged figure in stone in armour, in a round
helmet ; a fine lion at his feet, and over him an
elliptical within a pointed arch, or very short round pillars
sided by purfled finials. This is evidently the figure, of one

Visit to IsleJuim. S51

of the Peytons who accomponied Godfrey de Bouillon
to the seige of Jerusalem and engaged in the rout of
the Saracens at the battle of Ascalon A. D. 1099.

In the chancel, on the North side of the communion
table, are, on an altar-tomb with a gray slab, under a
treble canopy with black shields in the spandrils, the
brass figures of Sir Thomas Peyton, Knight, and his
two wives, Margaret daughter and co-heiress of Sir
Hugh Francis of Giflford, in the parish of Wickhambrook,
Suffolk. Sir Thomas was sheriff for Cambridge and
Huntingdon shires, 21 and 31 Henry V. and died July
SO, 1484. He is in plated armour, with a standing
cape and gorget, bareheaded, hair cropt, and has a
§wordy a cross and a dagger. Both the ladies have the
gauze head dress of this century ; but no wires appear ;
one has on the cushion of her head, dress something like
arms, several chevronels, and a scroll impaling barry of
6 or 8 ; a rich necklace, furred cape and ruffles to gown ;
the other has the same head dress and necklace, but no
fur to her rich embroidered gown; on her cushion is
inscribed "Lorfy" and " Thy mercy J^ The hands of
both are held up and spread open, not in the usual
attitude of prayer. The inscription is,

Date pro animabus
Thomas Peyton armigeri et Margeret et Margaret iixores ejus

dui quidam Thomas,

obiit XXX die mensis Julie,

Anno Domini Millimo cccclxxxiiii quom animabus p'piciit

de ane.

862 Visit to Isleham.

Arms on the spandril of the arch above a Gross
ingrailed in the dexter comer a mnllet of five pomts
Peyton : single and impaling a bear rampant. Bernard*
On the comer of the cornice Peyton impaling a aaltire,
Francis.

All throngh this sacred edifice are thickly strewn the
loemorials which claim the passing tribute of a sigh,
all teaching the silent lesson that man is but m(»rtal, aod
impressing on the mind the vanity of hnman hopes, —
that in sober tmth, the path of glory leads bat to the
grave.

Solemnly and sadly quitting the dim cloisters, on the
marble pavements of which the sunlight, coming through
the stained windows, cast patches of gold and purple, I
softly, murmered, as I passed out of the consecrated
edifice.

The knights are dast,

And their good swords rust,

Their souls are with the Saints I trust.

From the church we proceeded through the village,
passing the Priory again, and crossing a com field,
entered the grounds of the Hall.

The land on which the church, but not the hall,
stands, as will be seen by reference to Doomsday book,
was granted to the Peytons, in 1068, by William the
Conqueror, who was wont to grant lands to his
favourites, in the language of an ancient bard,

From heaven to yerthe,

From yerth to hel,

For thee and thine there to dweU.

^

Visit to Isleham. 353

Soon we passed the lonely moated grange and stood
before the hoary and venerable seat. The first view of
the onc3 gay and festive Hall is imposing, though it looks
like a habitation forsaken of men and yet not resumed by
nature. It is a large, antique Inansion, a vast pile, lone,
desolate and partly in ruins. The ravages of time are
strongly marked on everjrthing about it. The old turrets
at the comers are gone, as also the ample portico in the
centre. Many of the windows are broken and dismantled.
There is a ruinous gate-way here and a crumbling arch
there. While viewing what may be called the ruins of
this once grand old mansion I could not help thinking
of the remark of Lord Macaulay, who, when speaking of
the county gentlemen of the seventeenth century, said,
that they troubled themselves little about decorating
their abodes, and, if they attempted decoration, seldom
produced anything but deformity. A remark even more
true of those who precede the 17th century.

One portion of the brick and stone skeleton is
occupied by a farmer's family, another is used as a
malting-house, and a third as a barn, while other
parts have been turned into stalls and stables. Ruined
walls stretch away in different directions — here propped
up and repaired — there broken and prostrate. As we
advanced to the building, a troop of frightened sheep
crowded beneath one of the gateways where I could
not help thinking perhaps the doughty Knights of
old had often stood in shining armour and looked upon
the extensive walls now crumbling into ruins. Long

WW

354 Vmt to Isleham.

I paused and gazed upon the home of my forefeithers
with a species of awe which enforced silence.

» » » » »

The wide domain has dwindled to forty-six acres sur-
rounding the debris, I may say, for it is scarcely m<M*e, of
the Hall. Age and the decrepitude of age is furrowed
in deep lines upon every stcme and timber. The walls
are hoary with time, the trunks of the trees are white
with age, and these old monarchs of the forest appear
to be in a feeble and dying condition— the ivy on the
wdb h>« gro™ it. gro^I, and i. do^Iy ^ if
death, the very dust under foot is pale and silvery, as
if the rains of centuries had washed out of it all semr

blance of fertility."

» » » ♦ »

APPENDIX R

MEMORANDA OF
THE PRESTON FAMILY,

BY

Orlando Brown, of Frankfort, Kentucky,

JOHN PRESTON,

First of the family who came to America, was bom in
Ireland, in the city of Londonderry. His father and
three uncles were Englishmen, who served under King
William, and aided in defence of that city when besieged
by the Roman Catholics, commanded by King James,
in 1689. He was a Protestant of the Presbyterian
denomination, a man of strong mind and correct
principles. He married Elizabeth Patton, a sister of
CoL James Patton, of Donnegal, and removed with
him from. Ireland to the State of Virginia, in the year
1740. Col. Patton had for some years commanded a
merchant ship, and was a man of property, enterprise

356 Memoranda of the Preston Family.

and inflaence. He obtained an order of council from
the Governor of Virginia, under which he apiH-opriated
to himself and associates, 120,000 acres of the best
lands lying above the Blue Ridge, in that State,
several valuable tracts of which fell to the share of his
descendants. He was killed by the Indians at Smiths
field, in the year 1753. He left two daughters, one of
whom married Capt. William Thompson, the other
married Col. John Buchanan, and from the latter
descended John Floyd, late member of Congress and
Governor of the State of Virginia, James D. Breckinridge
of Louisville, late member of Congress from Kentucky,
and William P. Anderson late Colonel in the United
States army. John Preston, on the passage from
Ireland, lost part of his property in a storm, but being
an associate, he obtained, under the order of council
aforesaid, a valuable tract of uncultivated land, called
Robinson's^ which descended to his scai, and until lately
remained in the family.

John Preston's first residence in Vu-ginia, was at
Spring Hill, in Augusta county, but about the year
1 743, he purchased, and with his family settled upon a
tract of land adjoining Staunton, on the north side of
that town (now occupied by Gen. Baldwin), where he
died shortly after, and was buried at the Tinkling
Spring Meeting-house, leaving a widow and fiva
children. Mrs. Preston, who possessed much strength
of mind and energy of character, continued to reside
upon the plantation they had purchased, imtil her
children were all educated and married, when she

Memoranda of the Preston Family. 357

removed to Greenfield, the seat of her son, Col. William
Preston, where in 1776 she died, aged 76 years.

The Children of John and Elizabeth Preston^ were :

I. Letitia Preston, who was bom in Ireland, in
1728. She married Col. Robert Breckinridge, a farmer
in Bottetpurt county, Virginia. After his death, she
removed to Kentucky, and died in the year 1798, aged
70 years. Her family consisted of four sons and one
daughter.

1st. William Breckinridge, now living, a farmer near
Lexington, Kentucky, who married Miss Gilham. His
family consists of two sons and a daughter. His son,
John B. Breckinridge, is a merchant in Staunton, Va.,
and has been twice married. Meredith Breckinridge
died unmarried.

2d. John Breckinridge (dead) married Mary Cabell,
and removed to Kentucky, in the year 1792. He was a
laywer of eminent standing, was a Senator in Congress,
and, shortly before his death, was appointed Attorney
General for the United States, under Mr. Jefferson's
administration, and died in 1806. His family consisted
of five sons and two daughters. 1st Joseph Cabell
Breckinridge (dead)y who married Miss Smith, a
daughter of Dr. Smith, President of Princetown College
and left one son, John C. Breckinridge,* a lawyer in
Iowa, and four daughters: 1st. Frances Ann, who
married the Rev. J. C. Young, President of Danville

• Now, 1864, Gen. Jolin C. Breckmridge, fomerly Vice President.

358 Memoranda of the Preston Family.

College, and left the following children, viz : Marjr,
Caroline, Josephine, Jane EUzabeth, and Frances
Breckinridge. 2d. Caroline L., married the Rev. Joseph
J. Bullock of Frankfort, and has three children, viz :
Waller, Mary, and Cabell, all minors. 3d. Mary Cabell,
married Dr. Thomas P. Satterwhite of Lexington, and
left two children, viz : Mary and Thomas. 4th. Letitia,
unmarried. Joseph Cabell Breckinridge was a member
of the Kentucky Bar, Speaker of the House of Repre-
sentatives, and Secretary of States when he died in
1823. 3d. John Breckinridge (deadj^ well known as a
Presbyterian Minister, and a professor in the Theological
Seminary at Princeton. He married Miss Miller,
daughter of Dr. Miller, of Princeton, and left
one son and three daughters, as yet minors. 8d.
Robert J. Breckinridge, a lawyer, and for several
years member of the Kentucky Legislature, now Pastor
of the 2d. Presbyterian Church in Baltimore. He
married Miss Preston, daughter of General Francis
Preston, of Virginia. His family consists of four
daughters and two sons, viz : Mary, Sally, Maria, So-
phonishba, Robert and William, minors. 4th. Wm. L.
Breckinridge, Pastor of the 1st Presbyterian Church in
Louisville, who married Miss Prevost, daughter of
Judge Prevost of Louisiana, and has seven children, viz :
John Barton, Robert James, Marcus Prevost, William
Lewis, Frances Prevost, Mary Hopkins, and Stanhope
Prevost, all minors. 5th James Breckinridge, died be-
fore he was grown. 6th Letitia Breckenridge, (dead)
who first married Alfred Grayson, by whom she had one

Memoranda of the Preston Family. 359

soil; John B. Grayson, an officer in the United States
Army, and then married Gen. Peter B. Porter, of New
York, by whom she left a son, Peter B. Porter, and a
daughter, Elizabeth Porter, minors. 7th. Mary Ann
Breckinridge, (dead) who married David Castleman, a
iiEuiner of Fayette county.

3d. James Breckinridge of Virginia, (dead) a
member of the bar> a general of militia and member of
congress. He married Miss Selden, and left four sons

and four daughters, viz : Carey married Miss ;

James died unmarried; Robert married Miss Meredith
of Kentucky, and left a daughter recently married, and
(me son a minor ; John Breckinridge, unmarried ; Letitia,
married Col. Robert Gamble of Florida, her eldest
daughter married Mr. Shepherd, a planter of Florida,
and her eldest son, John Gamble, married Miss Watts
of Virginia; Elizabeth Breckinridge married Gen.
Edward Watts of Virginia, a lawyer, and speaker of
the Virginia Senate, who has two sons, James and
William, both lawyers, and six daughters ; Mary (dead),
married Mr. Gamble of Florida ; Ann married James P.
Holcomb, a member of the Virginia bar; Elizabeth
married Thomas L. Preston of Abingdon; and the
others as yet minors. Marian Breckinridge, died
unmarried; and Matilda married Harry Bowyer of
Fincastle.

4th. Elizabeth Breckinridge (dead\ married Samuel
Meredith of Fayette county, Ky., and left three
daughters. 1st. Letitia, who married William S.
DaUam^ and has three daughters, viz : Frances married

360 Memoranda of the Preston Family.

Professor Peter, of the medical School of Transylvank
University — ^Letitia, unmarried — and Elizabeth recently
married. 2d. Elizabeth married James Coleman, and
has several sons and daughters, the eldest of the latter
recently married. 3d. Jane unmarried. 4th. Mary
married her cousin, Robert Breckinridge of Virgmia,
and left a daughter, recently married to Mr. Burch, and
a son a minor.

5th. Preston Breckinridge married Miss Trigg of
Kentucky, and left three sons, Robert, William and
Stephen — and three daughters, Marian, Elizabeth and
Gabriella, who married Mr. Tarlton, Mr. Dickey, and
Mr. Shotwell.

II. Maboabet Pbeston, second daughter of John
and Elizabeth Preston, was bom in Ireland, about
1780. She possessed a strong cultivated mind, and
much energy of character. Ste married the Rev. Jdin
Brown, a graduate of Princeton College, long and
extensively known in Virginia and Kentucky as a
Presbyterian minister of piety and talents. They both
died in Kentucky — she in the year 1802, aged 73
years — and he in 1803, aged 75 years. Their children
who lived to maturity were :

1st. Elizabeth (dead)^ who married the Rev. Thomas
B. Craighead of Tennessee, a distinguished Minister of
the Presbyterian denomination, and left seven children,
viz : John B., Jane, David, Alexander, William, James
B., and Thomas David and Thomas are members of the
Tennessee bar. John B. and David are married, and
have children. The names of John B. Craighead's

Memoranda of the Preston Family. 861

f^Mdren are Joseph and Thomas. The names of David
Craighead's children are Elizabeth, James, Mary,
Joanna, and Thomas, all minors.

2d. John Brown,* now the oldest member of the
Preston eonnexion. He was a student at Prmceton
College, when that institution was broken up by the
British. He afterwards completed his studies at
William and Mary College, and for several years
practised law with success. He was a member of the
Virgmia legislature from the District of Kentucky^ and
was, by the legislature of that state, appointed a
r^resentative to the old congress in 1787, and also in
1788. In 1789 and 1791, he was elected by the people
of Eentucbjr a representative to the first and second
congress under the present constitution. After Kentucky
became a state, he was three times elected a senator, in
congress, and continued a member of the senate until
1805. He married Margretta Mason of New- York,
daughter of the Bev. John Mason, and sister of
the Bev. John M. Mason, both distinguished ministers
of the gospel. By this marriage he had five children,
four sons and one daughter, three of whom died when
children. Mason and Orlando are now Uving. 1st.
Mason Brown is a judge of the circuit court of Kentucky,
and has been twice married — first to Judith Ann
Bledsoe, daughter of the Hon. Jesse Bledsoe ; by her
he had one son, Benjamin Gratz Brown, a minor now

* The Hon. John Brown died at Frankfort, Ky., on the 29th of
Angiut, 1857, aged 80 years.

XX

862 Memoranda of the Preston Family.

living — afterwards to Mary Yoder, daughter of Capt.
Jacob Yoder of Spencer county, Ky. They have three
children, viz: John, Margaret and Mary, all minors.
2d. Orlando Brown was educated as a lawyer, and for
some years edited the • Kentucky Commonwealth. He
married Mary W. Brown, daughter of Dr. Preston
Brown. They had five children, four sons and a
daughter, three of whom are living, viz: Euphemia,
Mason and Orlando, all minors.

3d. William Brown, was educated at Princeton —
studied medicine, and commenced the practice in South
Carolina, with fair prospects of success, but died
shortly afterwards, unmarried.

4th. Mary Brown ( dead ), who married Dr. Al*
exander Humphreys, an eminent physician o£
Staunton, and after his death removed to Kentucky
with her fanuly, consisting of seven children. 1st.
John B. Humphreys {dead\ married Miss Kenner of
Louisiana, and resided in that State. His widow and
six children, who are all minors, still reside in that
state. 2d. Margaret Humphreys married Charles
Sproule, and left four children, Mary Ann, Margaret
Joseph and John ( dead ) — Margaret married James S.
Clark, merchant of New Orleans, and has two children,
minors. 3d. James Humphreys married Miss Harry,
of Ohio, and left one daughter. Elizabeth Humphreys,
unmarried. 4th. David C. Humphreys, a farmer in
Woodford county, Ky., married Miss Scott, daughter of
Dr. Joseph Scott of Lexington, and has four children,
viz : Joseph, Samuel, Mary, and Lucy, minors. 5th.

L

Memoranda of the Preston Family. 868

Elizabeth Humphreys married Robert S. Todd of
Lexington, for many years clerk of the house of rep-
resentatives of Kentucky, and now a member, and has
five children, viz: Margaret, Samuel, David, Martha,
and Emily, all minors. 6th. Samuel Humphreys, died
unmarried. 7th. Dr. Alexander Humphreys, married
Miss Perrit of Louisiana, and lives in that state, having
four children, viz: Elizabeth, Elodie, Amelia, and
Eulalia, all minors.

6th. James Brown, a distinguished lawyer, and first
secretary of state in Kentucky. He was for many years
a member of the United States senate from Louisiana,
and for six years American minister to the court of
France. He married Ann Hart, daughter of Col.
Thomas Hart, and sister of Mrs. H. Clay, of Ashland,
and died at Philadelphia, leaving no family.

6th. Samuel Brown {dead)^ an eminent physician,
and professor in the Medical school of Transylvania.
He married Miss Percy of Alabama, and left one son,
James P. Brown, a lawyer and planter in Mississippi,
who married Miss Campbell, daughter of George W.
Campbell of Nashville — and one daughter, Susan
Brown, who married Charles J. IngersoU, Jr., of
Philadelphia.

7th. Dr. Preston Brown (dead)^ of Woodford county,
Ky. He married Elizabeth Watts of Va., and left one
son, viz. : John P. W. Brown, who married Miss Nichol
of Nashville, and is a member of the Tennessee bar,
and has three children, viz. : Eleanor, Elizabeth W.,
and Preston W., all minors ; and four daughters, viz. r

364 Memoranda of the Preston FamUtf.

1st. Louisa, who married Judge Bucks of Mississippi,
who has six children, viz. : Elizabeth, Preston, Maria
Louisa, Henrietta, Marian, and Lewis Taylor, all
minors. 2d. Henrietta, who married Judge Beese oC
Tennessee, and has a daughter Louisa. 3d. Mary
{dead)j who married Orlando Brown of Frankfort. 4ih.
Elizabeth who married Bobert W. Scott of Franklin
county, £y., and has five children, viz. : Preston, Joel,
John, Mary, and Bebecca, all minors.

lU. William Pbbston, only son of John and
Elizabeth Preston, was bom in L*eland, and was ei^t
years old when he came to America. He was a man of
strong active mind, and much energy of character — wai
a member <^ the Virginia house of burgesses, surveyor
and county lieutenant of Fincastle or Montgomery
county, and a decided active and efficient Whig during
the Bevolutionary war. He married Miss Susanna
Smith of Hanover county, Virginia, daughter of Franeia
Smith and Elizabeth Waddy, and died at Smithfield,
in June 1783, aged 63 years, leaving eleven children,
viz : Elizabeth, John, Francis, Sarah, William, Susanna,
James, Patton, Mary, Letitia, Thomas, Lewis, and
Margaret.

1st. Elizabeth Prestcm, married William S. Madison*
who died during the Revolutionary war, and left two
daughters, Susan Smith Madison and Agatha Strother
Madison. Susan married John Howe Peyton of
Staunton, a distinguished lawyer and member of the
Virginia senate, and left one son, William M. Peyton, a
member of the Virgmia legislature, who married

^

Mmmatida of th Preston Family. 865

Taylor, daughter of Judge Allen Taylor of Bottetourt,
and has the following children, viz : Elizabeth, Susan,
Sally, Agatha, Garnett, and William, all minors.
Agatha married Garnett Peyton, brother of John H.
Peyton, and has four sons, Benjamin Howard Peyton,
John R. Peyton, who married Miss White, James M.
Peyton, William P. Peyton, and Ann Peyton.

2d. John Preston, eldest son of Col. Wm. Preston of
Smithfield, was a member of the Virginia senate,
general of militia, surveyor of Montgomery county,
and for many years treasurer of Virginia. He first
married Miss Radford, and then Mrs. Mayo, and left
three sons and three daughters. 1st. William R.
Preston of Missouri, married Miss Cabell, and has a
Iwge family of children minors. 2d. John B. Preston
of Barren coimty, Ky., was many years a member^of
the Kentucky legislature. He married Miss Murrell,
and died on a visit to Texas, leaving several children,
minors. 3d. Edward C. Preston, married Miss Hawkins,
and died in Louisiana, leaving one son, a minor. 4th.
Eliza Preston married Charles Johnson, a lawyer, and
member of congress from Virginia.* She left one son,
Preston Johnston of the United states army, and one
daughter Elvira Johnston, unmarried. 5th. Susan R.
Preston married her cousin William Radford, and has
two daughters, minors. 6th. Sarah R. Preston,
married Henry Bowyer, and has three sons and two
daughters, minors. Mrs. Radford and Mrs. Bowyer

* General Joe JolmBton of the Confederate Aimy of the Cumberland
(1864), is of this stock.

866 Memoranda of the Preston Family.

both reside at Greenfield, the former residence <rf their
father and grandfather.

3d. Francis Preston, second son of Col. Wm. Preston,
of Smithfield, was member of the Virginia Senate,
General of Militia, and member of Congress. He
married Miss Campbell, only child of General
William Campbell, and left ten children, four sons
and six daughters, viz : William Campbell Preston, a
distinguished lawyer and Senator in Congress from
South Carolina, married first Miss Coulter of that State,
and after her death. Miss Davis of that State. His
only child is Sally Campbell Preston, unmarried. 2d.
Eliza, who married Gen. Edward Carrington of Halifax,
Virginia. Her children are minors. 8d. Susan married
her cousin, James M'Dowell, and has nine children.
4th. Sarah married her cousin John B. Floyd, and has
no children. 6th. Sophonisba married the Bev. Robert J.
Breckinridge, and has six children, Mary, Sally, Robert,-
Maria, WiUiam, and Sophonisba. 6th. Maria (dead)j mar-
ried John M. Preston of Abingdon, formerly of EentucJ^,^
and has two sons, minors. 7th. Charles Preston married
Miss Beall, and has left no children. 8th. John S.
Preston married Miss Hampton, daughter of Gen. Wade
Hampton of South Carolina, and has five children,
minors. 9th. Thomas L. Preston married Miss Watts
of Virginia, 10th. Margaret married Wade Hampton,.
Jr., grandson of Gen. Wade Hampton, and has one son,
a minor.

4th. Sarah Preston, second daughter of Col. Wm.
Preston, of Smithfield, married Col. James M'Dowell of

Memoranda of the Preston Family, 367

Rockbridge, Va., an officer in the late war with Great
Britain. She left two daughters and one son, viz : 1st.
Susan married William Taylor, a lawyer, and member of
the Virginia senate. She has four sons, Dr. James
Taylor, Robert Taylor, a lawyer, Benton Taylor,
William Taylor, and one daughter Susan, unmarried.
2d. Eliza married Col. Thomas Hart Benton, a lawyer,
and Senator in congress from Missouri. She has four
daughters, Eliza, Jesse, Ann, Sarah, and Susan, and pne
son, Randolph Benton. Jesse Ann Benton is recently
married to Lieutenant Fremont of the United States
Army. 8d. James M'Dowell, member of the Virginia
legislature, married Miss Preston, daughter of Gen.
Francis Preston, and has nine children, viz : Sally who
is recently married to Francis Thomas, Governor of
Maryland; Mary, Frances, Sophonisba, Susan, Canty,
Ehzabeth, James, and Thomas.

5th. William Preston, third son of Col. Wm. Preston,
of Smithfield, late of Louisville, was for five years a
captain in Gen. Wayne's army. He married Miss
Hancock, of Virginia, and left five daughters and one
son, viz : 1st. Henrietta (dead)^ married Albert S.
Johnson of the United States army, recently a General
of Texas, and left one son, William , and one daughter,
Henrietta, minors. 2d. Maria married John Pope of
Louisville, and has no children. 8d. Caroline (dead)^
married Col. Abram Woolley of the United States army,
and left one son, William P. Wooley, a minor. 4th.
Josephine (dead)y married Capt. Jason Rogers of the
United States army, and left five children, viz : William,

368 Memoranda of the Preston Family.

Susan, Albert S., Maria, and Jason, minors. 5tii.
William Preston married Miss Wickliffe, daugliter
of Bobert Wickliffe, and has one daughter, Mary Owen
Preston, a minor. 6th. Susan, married Howard
Christy of St. Louis. •

6th. Susanna Preston, third daughter of Colonel Wm.
Preston of Smithfield, married Nathaniel Hart of Wood*
ford county, Ey., and left five daughters and two sons,
viz. : 1st. Sarah Simpson Hart married Col. George G.
Thompson of Mercer, often a member of the Kentucky
legislature and twice speaker of the lower house. She
has three daughters, Susan, Virginia (dead)^ and Letitia,
unmarried. 2d. Letitia P. Hart married Ar&ur H.
Wallace of Livingston county, Ey., and has two sobs
and two daughters, Susan, WiUiam, Sarah, and Thomas,
minors. 3d. Louisiana B. Hart married Tobias Gibson,
a planter of Louisiana, now of Lexington, Ey . She has
one daughter, Sarah, and six sons, Bandal, William,
Hart, Claudius, Tobias, and M'Einley, minors. 4&.
Mary Howard Hart married William Yoorhies, a mem-
ber of the Louisiana legislature, now of Woodford
county, Ey., and has three sons, George, Charles, and
William, minors. 6th. Nathaniel Hart — and 6th.
William P. Hart, both unmarried. 7th. Virginia Hart
married Alfred Shelby, youngest son of Gov. Shelby,
and has two sons, and one daughter, Isaac, Alfred, and
Susan, minors.

7th. James Patton Preston, fourth son of Colonel
Wm. Preston of Smithfield, was a member of the
Virginia senate, a Colonel in the United States Army,

Memoranda of the Preston Family. 869

and Governor of Virginia. He married Miss Taylor of
Nosfolk, and has three sons and one daughter, viz. : 1st.
Wm. Ballard Preston, a lawyer and member of the
Virginia senate, who married Miss Bedd, of Virginia,
and has one son, Waller Bedd Preston. 2d. Bobert
Taylor Preston married Miss Hart of South Carolina,
and has three children, Virginia, Hart, and James P.,
minors. 8d. James Francis Preston is a lawyer and
unmamed. 4th. Jane Grace Preston, unmarried.

8th. Mary Preston, fourth daughter of Colonel Wm.
Preston of Smithfield, married John Lewis of the Sweet
Springs, and left six daughters and three sons, viz : 1st.
Susan nuirried Henry Massie of Virginia, and left three
daughters and two sons, viz: Sarah married Mr.
Stanley of North Carolina; Mary married John
Hampden Pleasants, editor of the Bichmond Whig;
Eugenia married Samuel Gatewood; Henry Massie
married Miss Smith, and Thomas, unmarried. 2d.
Mary Lewis married James WoodviUe, a lawyer, of
Fincastle, and left one son, Lewis Woodville, unmarried.
3d. William Lewis married, first Miss Stewart of
South Carolina, then Miss Thompson of South Carolina,
and then his cousin, Miss Floyd of Virginia. He has
often been a member of the South Carolina legislature,
and has four daughters, one of whom is married. 4th.'
Ann Lewis married John Howe Peyton of Staunton, and
has nine children, viz. : Susan, married to Mr. Baldwin
of Staunton, John Lewis, Ann, Mary, Lucy, Jdiargaret,
Yelverton, Howe, and Virginia. 6th. Sarah Lewis
married John Lewis of Eenawha. 6th. Margaret Lrnu

YY

370 Memoranda of the Preston Family.

Lewis married Mr. Cochran of Charlottsville, and has
five sons and one daughter^ minors. 7th. Dr. Benjamin
Lewis married Mrs. Smith of Soath Carolina, and has
three children minors. 8th. Thomas P. Lewis, mimar->
ried. 9th. Polydora married Mr. Goss, a fiEum^ of
Albemarle, and has one child, a minor.

9th. Letitia Preston, fifth daughter of Col. Wm.
Preston of Smithfield, married John Floyd of Kentucky,
who removed to Virginia ; was many years member of
Congress, and then Governor of the State. She
has four sons and three daughters, viz. : 1st. John B.
Floyd, a lawyer, married Miss Preston, daughter of
Gen. Francis Preston, and has no children. 2d. William
P. Floyd, is a practising physician, and unmarried. 8d.
Benjamin Rush Floyd, a lawyer, married Miss Mathews
of Virginia, and has one child, a minor. 4th. George
R. C. Floyd, unmarried. 6th. Letitia P. married
William Lewis of South Carolina, and has two
daughters, minors. 6th. Lavalette, unmarried. 7th.
Nicketti, married Mr. Johnston, a lawyer of Virginia.

10th. Thomas Lewis Preston, fifth son of Colonel
Wm. Preston of Smithfield, was a lawyer and member
of the Virginia legislature. He married Miss Randolph,
daughter of Edmund Randolph of Virginia, and left one
feon and one daughter, viz. : John Thomas Lewis
Preston, Professor in the Virginia Military Institute,
married Miss Caruthers, and has two sons and two
daughters, minors. Elizabeth married WiUiam A.
Cocke of Cumberland county, Virginia, and has three
sons, minors.

^

Memoranda of the Preston Family. 371

11th. Margaret Preston, sixth daughter of Colonel
Wm, Preston of Smithfield, married Colonel John
Preston of Walnut Grove, Virginia, son of Eobert
Preston, a distant relative, has nine sons and five
daughters, viz. : 1st. Susan (dead)j married Mr. Ray of
Tennessee, and left two daughters and a son, minors.
2d. Bobert, a physician, married Miss Marshall of
Philadelphia, and has two daughters, minors. 3d.
Margaret, married James White of Abingdon, and has
eight children minors. 4th. Alfred, married
Miss Willey of Tennessee, and has no children.
5th. Ellen, married Mr. Sheffy of Virginia, and has two
cjbildren, minors. 6th. John, a lawyer, of Arkansas,
unmarried. 7th. Thomas, a lawyer of St. Louis — 8th.
Walter, a lawyer, both unmarried. 9th and 10th. Jane
and Elizabeth, unmarried — ^and Francis, James, Joseph,
and Heniy, minors.

IV. Ann Preston, third daughter of John and
Elizabeth Preston, born in Ireland, was a woman of
excellent understanding and unaffected piety. She
married Francis Smith of Virginia, and removed to
Kentucky, where she died in 1813, aged 74 years. Her
family consisted of two sons and four daughters, viz :

Ist. Elizabeth, married James Blair, a lawyer, and
Attorney General for Kentucky. She left two sons and
two daughters, viz. : 1st. Francis P. Blair, the distin-
guished editor of the Globe, who married Miss Gist,
daughter of Gen. Nathaniel Gist, and has three sons
and one daughter, viz. : Montgomery, a lawyer of
Missouri. — Francis, James, and Elizabeth. 2d. William

872 Memoranda of the Preston Family.

Blair, a Captain in the United States army, manied
Miss Cragg, and left <xie son^ Patrick S^ minor. 3cL
Susanna Blair married Abram Ward, then John
Honnicut, then Job Stevenscm. She has cxie son,
Abram Ward, minor. 4th Eliza Jane Blair, manried
N. A. Spears, and has several children.

2d. John Smith, member of the Kentucky legislature
married Miss Hart, daughter of Capt. Nathaniel Hart,
one of the Pioneers of Kentucky, and has two soos and
five daughters, viz.: 1st. "V^^lliam P. Smith mairied
Miss Grayson, and has one daughter, a minor. 2d.
Isaac S. Smith, married his cousin, a daughter of
Biehard Hart of Henderson, Ey., and has one child, a
minor. Mucretia, Susan {dead)j Sally, Ann, and Letitia
unmarried.

8d. Susanna Smith, married William Trigg, of
Frankfort, son of Col. Stephen Trigg, who was killed at
the Blue Licks, 1782, and has no children.

4th. Jane Smith, married Gteorge Madison, an
officer In the late war, and Governor of Kentucl^. She
left three sons and two daughters, all df whom died
young and unmarried except Myra, who married
Andrew Alexander, and has the following children,
viz. : Agatha Apoline, Myra, George, and Andrew, all
minors.

6th. William P. Smith, was a captain in the United
States army, and died unmarried.

6th. Agatha Smith married Dr. Lewis Marshall of
Woodford, and has six sons and one daughter, viz. :
Ist. Thomas F. Marshall, lawyer and member of

N

Memoranda of the Preston Family. 878

Congress. 2d. William L. Marshall, lawyer of Balti-
more, married Miss Lee of Virgima, and has one child,
a minor. 8d. Charles Marshall (dead). 4th. Dr.
Alexander Marshall married Miss M'Dowell, and has
several children, minors. 6th John Campbell Marshall —
6th. Agatha — and 7th. Edward Marshall, unmarried.

V. Maby Preston, fourth daughter of Jdhn and
Elizabeth Preston, was a woman of superior under-
standing and highly cultivated taste. She married
John Howard of Virginia. Mid removed to Kentucky,
where she died in 1814, having been bom in America,
and being 74 years of age. She had one son, 1st.
Benj. Howard, a member of Congress from Kentucky,
and Governor of the Territory of Missouri, when he
died in 1814. He married Miss Mason, daughter of
Gen. S. T. Mason of Virginia, but left no children.

2d. Elizabeth Howard married Edward Payne of
Fayette county, and left six sons, viz : Edward Daniel
M'Carty, Benjamin, Thomas Jefferson, John B., and
James B. Payne, all of whom married except
Bei^amin, who died young.

8d. Mary Howard married Alexander Parker of
Lexington, and has one son, Richard B. Parker,^ who
married Miss Rice — and one daughter Mary, who
married Thomas T. Crittenden. Secretary of State,
and Circuit Judge of Kentucky, who has one daughter,
Mary Crittenden, who married in Texas — and four sons,
Alexander P., Thomas, Benjamin, and Robert, the
first married.

4th. Sarah Howard died unmarried.

874 Memoranda of the Preston Family.

6th. Margaret Howard married Robert WickliflFe, an
eminent lawyer, and member of the Kentucky legisla-
ture. She left three daughters, viz : Sally Wickliffe,
who married Aaron K. Woolley, member of the
Kentucky legislature, Circuit Court Judge, and
Professor in the Law School of Transylvania. She has
six children, minors. 2d. Mary Wickliffe, unmarried.
3d. Margaret married William Preston • of Louis-
ville, and has one daughter, minor. 4th. Charles, 5th.
John, and 6th. Benjamin, died unmarried. 7th. Robert
Wickliffe, lawyer and member of the Kentucky
legislature.

* 'n^Uiam Preston, now Oeneral in the Confederate Ana;.

[The foregoing "Memoranda" was first printed for
private distribution in the year 1842, and, being in re-
quest by a few collectors, twenty-five copies were
re-printed in Albany, N.Y., 1864.]

"s^

APPENDIX C.

ABRIDGED PEDIGREE

OP 'THE

LEWIS FAMILY.

The Lewis family are descended from a French-
Protestant family (Lewis de Dole), which took refuge
in Scotland from the persecutions that followed the
assassination of Henry IV. of France. Lewis was a
gentleman of fortune, and married Margaret Lynn, the
daughter of the Laird of Lock-Lynn, who was descended
from a chieftain of a once powerful Highland Clan. He
left by his marriage, issue, namely :

I. Thomas^ who was for many years a member of
the House of Burgesses of Virginia and of the Federal
convention of 1787. He married and left four sons. 1.
John, 2. Samuel, 3. James, 4. Thomas, all of whom
married and left issue.

i

376 Abridged Pedigree of the Lewis Family^

II. Andrew, a General in the American revolutionary
army, and the first field officer ever nominated by
Washington. He is the hero of the battle of Point-
Pleasant, and was at Braddock's defeat in 1755. Gen.
Lewis married and left issue. The State c£ Virginia
has erected a Statue of him^ in the public grounds,
Richmond, Virginia.

in, Charles, a Colonel in the colonial service c£ Vir-
ginia, killed 10th October, 1774, at the battle of Pdnt-
Pleasant. Lewis County, Virginia, is named in his
honour. He married and left issue,

1. John Lewis, who married and left issue, viz.,

General Samuel Lewis, of Lewiston, Rocking-
ham Co., who married and left issue, 1. Hon.
John Lewis, United States senator for Virginia,
in 1878, who married Serena, a daughter of
Hon. Mr. Sheffey, and has issue. 2. His
Excellency Charles H. Lewis, Minister President
at the Court of Portugal, in 1878, from United
States. He married a daughter of Hon. John
Taylor Lomax, and has issue, one daughter, who
is married.
IV. William, a Colonel in the Colonial forces of
Virguxia, and present at the defeat of General Braddock,
in 1755. He married Ann Montgomery of Wihnington,
Delaware, a kinswoman of General Richard Montgomery,
and left issue, a large family. His son and successor
was,

1. M(yor John Lewis y of the Sweet Springs, who mar-
ried Maty, a daughter of Col. William Preston of
Smithfield, Virginia, and left issue, .

Abridged Pedigree of ihe^ Lewis Family. 377

I. CoIomI William Lyim Lewie^ who married 1st,
MisB Stnart of S. 0. and by her left issue,
1st Dr. James Stuart Lewis, and two daughters^
CoL Lewis married 2nd., Letitia, daughter of
His Sxoellency, Governor John Floyd of Va.,
and loft issue, 1st. William Lynn, married Miss
Dooley, of Richmond, 2nd. John Floyd, mimied
Misgu-.— of Kentucl^, 8rd, Charles and two
daughters^ Ist. Susan married Mr. Fredericks of
South Carolina, and has issue. 2nd. Letitia married
Mr. Cockes, of Virginia, and has issue, n

II. Major Thomas Preston Lewis^ unmarried.

HI* Dr. John B. Lewis married Mrs. Smith, of South
Calrolina, and left issue, 1st. Dr. John Lewis, of
Albemarle, County Virginia. 2. William, 3.
Montgomery killed in the Confederate army. 4.
Ann . married Mr. White, of Texas, and has issue,
6. Eugenia, unmarried.

IV. Mary married James L. Woodville, of Fincastle,
and left one son, Dr. James L. Woodville, of
Monroe, County Virginia, who married Mary, a
daughter of Cary Breckintidge of Botetourt, and
has issue.

V. Sudan married Capt. Henry Massie of Alleghany
Co» and left issue, 1. Henry, who married Miss
Smith, and has issue. 2. Dr. Thomas^ who married
the Undow of his cousin Waller Massie, of Ohio,
and left at his death in 1864, two children. 8 Sarah
nunrried Bev. F. Stanley, M. A. and died without
issuci 4 Mearf married John Hampden Pleasants

zz

378 Abridged Pedigree of the Lewis Family.

and left two children, 1. James married and has
issue. 2. Ann Eliza, who married Bazil Gordon of
Fredericksburg Virginia, and has issue. 5. Eugenia,
married Samuel Gatewood, and left isssue.
VI. Ann Montgomery Lewis, who married John
Howe Peyton, and left issue at her death in 1850.

1. John Lewis^ who married Henrietta E. C,
daughter of Col. J. 0. Washington of Lenoir
County, North Carolina, has issue, one son, bom
27th January 1872, in the island of Guernsey,
Great Britain, namely Lawrence Washington
Howe Peyton.

2. Yelverton Howe unmarried.

3. Susan Madison married Colonel John B. Baldwin
of Augusta County, Virginia, a son of Judge
Briscoe G. Baldwin.

4. Ann Montgomery died uniharried.

5. Mary^ married Robert A. Gray of Rockingham
County Virginia, and has issue

6. Elizabeth married William B. Telfair of Ohio
and has issue.

7. Lucy, married Judge Jno. M. Hendren of Vir-
ginia and has issue.

8. Margaret Lynn^ married George M. Cochran,
junior of Staunton, Virginia, and has issue two
sons, 1. Peyton, 2. Baldwin.

9. Virginia married Col. Jos. P. Kent, of Wythe,
County Virginia, and has issue, one son.

10. Cornelia, married Dr. Thomas, and has issue,
two sons, 1, Peyton, 2, Baldwin.

Abridged Pedigree of the Lewis Pamily. 379

Vn. Margaret Lynn Lewis^ married John Cochran, of
Alb^Diare, and has issue, 1 Judge John Lewis Cochran,
who married the widow of Dr. Thomas E. Massie, and has
issue. 2 James, who married an heiress, Miss Brooks,
of Smith's-foUy, Augusta county, and has issue. 3 Dr.
Henry. 4 Howe Peyton, who married a daughter of
General Edward Carrington, and has issue. 6 William
Lynn, 6 Mary Preston, who married John M. Preston
and has issue and 7 George Moffatte.

Vin. Eugenia LeuriSf who married Dr. John Goss, and
left issue. A tolerably full history of the Lewis family,
will be found in *' Howe's History of Virginia," under
head of Augusta County.

APPENDIX D.

EXTRACT PROM THE

WASHINGTON PEDIGKEE,

furnished to the authob by

John Washington, brother of the Hon. William

H. Washington, Member of Congress for the

Nbwbebn, (Nobth Carolina) District.

I. Sir William Washington^ Knight of Packingham,
county of Leicester, married Anne Yilliers, half-sister
of the Duke of Buckingham, and left two sons, both of
whom settled in the colony of Virginia,

1 .• John, who married Ann Pope, and left issue one
son, namely,

Lawrence of Bridge's Creek, Westmoreland County,
Virginia, who married Mildred, daughter of
Colonel Agustine Warner, and dying in 1697,
left issue, three sons, namely: 1. John and 3
Lawrence, both of whom married, and left issue,

Pedigree of the Washington Family. 381

but of ^them it is unnecessary to speak, and
secondly,
2. Augustine, who married Mary Ball, of Alex-
andria, Virginia, and by her left issue, one son,
the illustrious Washington, founder of the United
States, and called the "Father of his Country."
II. Lawrence, who married and left a son John, who
settled in Pittsford, North Carolina, whose eldest son
John, of Newbem, N. C, married Eliza, daughter of
John Cobb, of Lenoir County, and left issue^

1. John Cobb, of Vernon, near Kinston, Lenoir Co.,
N. C, a member of the North Carolina State
Constitutional Convention, of the Secession Conven-
tion in 1861., etc., and J. P., who married Mary
Ann Edmunds,- daughter, of the late Southey Bond,
of Raliegh, one of the descendants of the May-
flower Colony of " Pilgrim Fathers," and has issue,
two daughters :

1. Mary Ann Edmunds, who married Major Wm.
Augustus Blount, and has issue: 1 Jdbn
Washington, 2 Wm. Augustus, 3 Eliza, 4 Annie,
5 Mary, 6 Olivia. .

2. Henrietta Eliza Clark, who married John Lewis
Peyton^ of Shirley, Augusta Co., Virginia, and
has issue one son, viz: Lawrence Washington
Howe^ bom in the Anglo-norman isle of Guernsey
January 27th, 1872.

Augustus^ M. D. of the University of Paris, who
married Anna, a daughter of William Livingston,
of the State of New York, and left issue a large
family.

382 Pedigree of the Washington Family.

III. George^ who married first Cathende, a daughter
of Dr. F. Dennison. of South Carolina, and has issue,
1. George Lawrence, who married in Cuba, and resides
there in 1873. 2. Catherine, who married Henry Bond^
of Morgantown, N. C. He married 2nd Louisa, a
daughter of General Hernandez, of Cuba, (a grandson
of Philiphe Hernandez, author, etc.;) and has issue, 1.
Louisa, 2. Augustus, 3. Eliza, 4. John. 3. Annetta. He
married thirdly Elizabeth, daughter and co-heiress of
the late J. B. Sterens, of Newark, New Jersey, and has
issue 1. George, 2. John.

IV. Miza^ married 1st. Franklin Grist of North
Carolina, and left issue, two children, 1. Franklin un-
married. 2. Eliza, who married Dr. James Hughes, of
Newbem, North Carolina. After the death of Mr. Grist,
his widow married Dr. R. Enox, and has issue, 1.
Augustus Washington, 2. Elizabeth.

V. -4nw, who married James Heritage Bryan, and
left issue, 1. James Augustus, who married Miss
Sheppard, of North Carolina, daughter and co-heiress
of Judge Donald, of that State, 2. Washington, unmarried
3. Laura.

VI. Svsan^ who married the Hon. William A.
Graham, twice Governor of North Carolina, long a
United States Senator for that State, and Secretary of
State for the Navy department in the Cabinet of President
Fillmore. Governor Graham was the Whig Candidate
in 1852, for the Vice-Presidency of the United States,
General Winfield Scott being the Candidate for
President. They have issue, 1. Joseph, (a North

L.

Pedigree of the Washington Family. 383

Carolina Senator) who married ^ and has issue, 2.

John Washington, also a member of the Senate of North
Carolina, who married a daughter of Paul Cameron,
of Hillsboro, and has issue, 3. George W. 4. William A;
5. Augustus, 6. Susan.

VII. Mary^ married Joseph Graham of Canton,
Arkansas, and has issue..

His second son left issue, from whom are sprung
Hon. William H. Washington, of Newbem, and
Bichard Washington, of Goldsboro, all of whom
married and have families.

1

INDEX.

Absalom, 221.

Adams, John Quincey, 197.

Advice on Marriage, 81.

Advice to a son, 11, 21. Cato's,
218.

Address to the people of Virginia
on Senatorial Election, 100.

Advice to Children, 169.

African Nurse, anecdote of, 52.

An African Valet, 166.

Anderson, J. T., 119.

A family group — ^interesting one
—300.

Affectionate disposition, evidence
of his, 165.

African race, mental inferiority
of, 235.

A good master, 170.

Addison, Jos., 201.

Ahasuerus, 221.

Ajobardus — Bishop of Lyons —
his wise views, 180.

Alexandria, The ** fool's tax '' in,
180.

Alexander the Great, 251.

Alexander, Archibald, 168.

„ James and Josebh A.,
16.

Aid-de-Camp to Governor of Vir-
ginia appomtment to, 98.

America, official delinquencies in,
166.

Ambition, his want of, 55.

Amusing trial of a horse-thief,
61.

Anderson, Joseph B., 86.

Anecdote of a gallant boy, 11, 12.
, , „ General Andrew Jack-
son, 63.

Apoplexy — a form of disease com-
mon to the Pe^ons, 305.

Alleghany, Virgmia, the district
beyond, 131.

Ameliorating effect of public
work on i£e population, 144.

American government, one of

economy, 197.
Anarchy worse than the worst

Government, 250.
Argument of Wm. M. Peyton in

behalf of pubHc works, 133—165
Armed neutrality recommended

to Virginia in 1861, 281.
Aristocracy, the Shoddy, 298.

Astrologers, foolish belief in,

181.
Aspirations, the folly of political,

218, 219.

Baldwin Briscoe, G., 6, 92. His

character, 95.
Baldwin J. B., 240, 306.
Bayly Thos. H., 189. 190.
Bamett, David, 119.
Berlin decrees of Napoleon, 4.
Barbour, James and Philip, 6,

240.
Benton, Thos. H., 124.
Bayard, The modem, 210.
Beauty and booty, 37.
Berrian, John M., 16.
Beautiful Virginian scenery, 168.
Blair F. P., 3.
Boys, DrWm., 22.
Boyden, Rev. E., 44.
Boys, Mrs. Wm. 75.
Boone county, 231.
Beaumont, IVancis, (Colleague of

Fletcher ), 51.
Boy, a gallant, 11, 12,
Biogra^y, motive for writing, 2.
Brown, Mrs. Fanny Peyton, 74.
Brown, Orlando, 3.

,, John, 2.

Neil, S— 294.
Braddock — his defeat, 187.
British people, early ignorance of,

202
Beale, Chas., 86.
Bowyer, Harry, 86.

386

Index.

Botts, John, minor, 86. 240.

Bowcock Thomas, 240.

Burrell, Chas., 86.

BeU, John, 237, 294.

Boyce, W. W., 266. His views
against Secession, 267.

Border States, their interest im-
perilled by secession, 249.

Brown, Governor, of Georgia, 300.

Blackberry wine, anecdote of, 24

Breckenrid^, Eobert, J., 2, 16,
„ ACajor John C, 2, 16.
Gary, 86.

Blackburn, General Sam., 6.
„ Mrs Anna, 84.

Bryan, John Bandolph, 17.

Bryan House, 74.

Brutus, 206.

Brobdignags, 219.

Burning Clients' bonds, 57. 58.

Buddha, 23

Brokenborough, J. W., 92.

Bruce, J. E.. 86.

Cato, Valerius, 24.

,, advice to his son, 234.
Campbell, governor of Virgima,

86, 98, 99.
Castlemen, T. T., Rev., 73.
Canada Conquered by the English,

187.
Carlile, John 8., 240.
Cannel coal discovered in Vir-
ginia, 231.
Calhoun, J. C, 171.
Catholic Church in Monrose, 176.
Clay, Henry, ^Miig Candidate, in

1844, for Presidency, 225, 228.
Claiborne, Stirling, 7.
Clients, their bonds burnt 57.
Clarke, General, 98.
Clarendon, Earl of, 88.
Chesapeake bay— the American

mediterranean, 131.
Celsus, his advice for preserving

health, 21.
Clinton de Witt, 135.
Chaucer, Geoffrey — founder of

English poetry, 30.
Oicero, 24.

Christ rebukes a proud mother, 9.
Coulter Judge, 6.
Combat with Van Bibber, 20.

Courtesy of England, 44.
Coercion — a Government right,

261.
Coal mining in Virginia, 233.
Cowper, William, 170.
Carrick's ford, battle of, 290.
Compromise, Bill of, 1850, 237.
Comets, appearance of — onoe

supposed to indicate evils, 184.
Conrad, Robt. Y., 92.
Course of a patriot in the public

ooimcils, 99.
Confidence inspired by a good

man, 99.
Correspondence, the attention of

a gentleman to friendly, 165.
Constantinople, fall of, 87.
Conservative party of Virginiar

116, 117.
Crittenden J. J., 266.
Crichton, James, 23.
Cromwell, Oliver, 218.
Crusaders — their superstitionSy

179.
Crutchfield, Oscar M., 95, 119.
Gushing, M., 74.

Dahlgren, Col., his diabolical
plans, 273—276.

Davis, Jos. W., 119.
„ D. C, 7, 86.

Daniel, Judge Wm., 95, 150, 152.

David, King, 221.

Daniel, John M., 240.

Deprecations of Civil war, a pa-
triot's, 248.

Debt due to the dead by 'sur-
vivors, reflections on, 185.

Death of Balie Peyton, [junior,
296.

Diogenes — ^his opinion of the best
wine, 24.

Digressions in writing — their
value to a book, 35.

Dibden, Thos. FrognaJl, 50.

Dickerson, Daniel S., 249.

Divisions amon Virginian families
by the civil war, 298.

Dinner table, the manners of a
gentleman of the *^ old school "
at, 87.

Duty, a conscientious man's idea
of, 59-6a.

Index.

387

Domestic lile in Boanoke, 169.
D' Orleans, Father— his fictions

inventions 178.
Dupes always ready found by

Charlatans, 180.
Douglas, Stephen A., 237.

Eastern Empire, fall of, 87.

Early, Gen. J. A., 240.

Edmundson. J. P., 86.

Edmunds, J. R., 129.

Education, popular, advocated,
200, 204.

English literature, Angustan
period of, 20 L

England, cause of her war vdth
U. S. in 1812, 3, 4.

Enquirer, The Richmond, 210.

Eskridge, Alexr. P., 86, 302, 304,
307. ,

Elmwood, Roanoke, 89, 90.

Executive power, Danger of an
extension of, 109, 111.

Executive patronage, 124.

Eulogy on Henry Clay, 227.

Ewing, E. H., 294.

Evil supposed to follow appear-
ance of a comet, 184.

Escape of Col. Peyton from New
York, 190.

Experienced member of the Leg-
islature, 212.

Extremist, prevented a settle-
ment between North and South
in 1861, 258.

Express (Newspaper) Editor's
introduction to Col. Peyton's
letter, 245.
,, „ second letter, 278.

Fabian policy, 254.

Falkland, Lord, his life near
Oxford, 88.

Failure to secure success in life
is mainly due to want of ambi-
tion, 55.

Festive Scene at the "Bryan
house," 76, 79.

Federalism, a Locofoco's borrow
of, 213.

Fitzpatrick, Mrs Lovie, 31, 33.

Fillmore, President, 249.

Fire, destruction of family papers
by, 90 (note).

Florida, life there, 52.

„ how acquired by United

States, 189, 271.
Floyd, John B., 86, 241.
Florence and the Medici, 87.
Floumoy, Thos., W., 86.
Fools tax in Alexandria, 180.
Fontaine Ed., 116.
Fraternal aflfection, 45, 46.
Friendship, an old author's idea

of, 60.
Free-schools, in Va., views m

favour of, 200, 210,
Fultz, D., 70.
Gaston, William, 16.
Gamaliel— President of the San-
hedrim, under Tiberius, 213.
Gall, Francis Jos. 65.
Gamett, General R. S., 241.
Gentlemen— the Virginian of the

old school, 41.
Gilmer, T. W., 86.

„ J. H., 240.
General Knowledge, value of,

174.
Goggin, Wm., L. 86.
Good Moses, C., 110.
Griffeth, Dr., 86.
Greenbrier river, named by John

Lewis, 30.
Gray, Col. A. S., 87.
Gt)vemment, the three basis on

which all rests, 153.
Gratton, Peachy, 240.
Greece, flight of wise men from

87.
Gulf States, their political follies,

249.

Hay, George, 6,
Habits, a boy's good, 61.
Halcombe, J. P., 86.
Hamilton, Alexr. 261.
Harrison, Randolph, 86.

„ Peyton, 87.

Hartford convention, 5, 270.
Hamon, 221.
Hill, Berry, or Bury 33.
Health, how to preserve, 21.
Hessian prisoners, how emijloyed

in Virginia, 31.
Harrison, Mr. 64.
Hot Springs, 81.
Host, an accomplished, 87*

388

Index.

Houston Russell, 294.

Hosea, one of the minor prophets,

201.
Holy legends and the like refuted,

177, 179.
History is philosophy, &o., 250
Howard, Benjamin, 3.
Howard, John, 86.
Hunter. E. M. T, 240.
Huntersville, A lawyer among his

clients there, 56.
Hunt,—, 249.

Icarius, 9.

Improvements, modem, 41.

Impression made in the Virginia

Legislature by a young

member, 99,
Internal improvements in Vir-
ginia, 131, 132. Peyton*8 speech,

133, to 165.
Impression made by beautiful

ocenenr, 168.
Illinois, how formed, 188.
Indiana, „ „ 188.
Inscriptions on the Peyton tombs

in Cambridgeshire, 337.
Ignorance, effects of an early

British people, 202.
Inexperiencea member of the

Virginia Legislature, 212.
Improvements in the people of

Virginian from his mining

operations, 233.
Introduction to Col. Peyton's Ist

letter on secession, 245.
„ 2nd letter, 280.
Isleham, Co. Cambribge, visit to,

in, 1870, 337.
Isleham, inWestem Virginia, 166.

Jackson, Gen. A., 61, 63, 237.

„ John J., 246.

Jews, ignorance, the cause of their

ruin, 201.
Jefferson, President, 3, 10. His
good rules, 11. His educational
plans, 205.
Johnson, Chapman, 6, 102, 106.
n n junior, 76, 79.

., Andrew, 299.
Cave, 294.
Jones, Sir Wm. 23.

Joseph's bones carried into
Canaan after they had been
embalmed 400 years, 308.

Joab, 221.

Kenawha river, 85

Kindlv Acts of a good man, 91.

Knowledge, the advantage of

both special and general, 174,

175.
Knowledge, lack of, among the

Jews, the cause of their woes,

201.

Lands, the history of the public

of U. 8. 186, 188.
Laws of warranty in Virginia, 7.
Langhome, Mr. 86.
Lewis, Major John, 10, 176.

,, Ann Montgomery, 10.

„ Col. John, Pioneer, of

Augusta Co, 30.

General Andrew, 30.
Meriweather, 98.

„ Col. Wm. S. 86, 171, 175,

176.

„ Hon. John, United States

senator, 240.

„ Hon. Chas. H. 240.
Letcher, John, 240, 242.
Lee, Sir Henry, 297.
,, Chas. Carter, 86.
„ General B. E. 241, 244.
., Mrs. B. E. 245.
Legislature, life in, 99.
Leigh, B. W. 120, 121.
Legal profession, to succeed in,real

merit is necessary, 48, 49.
Letter to the Author from his

brother, 299.
Lincoln, President, 252, 277.
Letters and papers lost during

Civil War, 50.
Lisle, Mrs., 73.
Library, the Peyton, 50.
" Little great men", 219.
Louisiana, 189, 271.
Lovers, the victims of astrologers,

83.
Locofoco party, 210, 215.
Lyons, James, 86.

Marshall, T. F., 3,

»»
»>

Index.

889

Madison, Wm. S., 2.

„ James. 2, 3, 5, 261. — ^269.

Marshall, Jno. 6.

Maimbourg, Lewis, his falsehoods,
178, 179.

MacDowell, James, 2, 86.
„ Mrs. Bob., 73.

Maoon, Nath., 16.

Mahomet, 23.

Massinger, Philip. 80.

Marriage, advice on, 81.

Madness of 8. Carolina's politioal
course, 255.

Mansion, Col. Peyton's, consumed
by fire, 90.

Mason, J. Y., 110.
„ J. M., 92, 240.

Mayse, Gteorge, 214.

Munford, Wm. P., 222.

McClellan, Qea, G.B., 291.

Meigs, R. I., 294.

Morgan, L. D., 294.

Mercer, C. F., 16.

Mezzofanti, Ghiiseppe, 23.

Magnanimity, antidote of, 56.

Montgomery Hall — ^life there, 28.

Moone, 8. McD., 72, 240.

Monbeddo, Lord, 67.

Middle 8tate8, their political in-
fluence in Union, 254.

Mosby, C. L., 86.

Medici, the, 87.
„ Cosmo de, 87.

Mexico, threatened war with, 98.

Michie, T. J. 92.

Michigan, State formed, 188.

Miller, Bowyer, 210—214.

Moderation in Opinions taught,
172, 173.

Mill Spring, battle of, 295.

Napoleon, 4, 10.

National Bank, 107.

Nature, a love of, 59.

Natural Bridge, Va., 168.

Ned Phipps, 166, 168.

Northern States responsible for

the Civil War, 252.
Newton, Sir Isaac, 13.

Orders in Council, British, 4.
Oregon, boundary line, 98.

i»

»»

Oratory, when an instrument of

evil, 69.
Old Chap, 78.
Opportunity necessary to success,

77.
Oliver Major, 86.
Ottomans threaten Western

Europe, 87.
Official delinquencies in America,

116.

„ (qualification, the Washing-
toman Standard, 226.
Office holders not always the

most deserving, 221.
*' Old Dominion," 164.
O'Parrel, John, 119.
O'Conor, Chas, 249.
Open house, 299.

Party spirit reckless in America,

62.
Patriotic spirit, 209.
Peyton, John Bouse, 17.
John 16.

John Howe, 2, 5, 6, 9, 62,
66, 67. Speech of against
a horse thief, — ^his i<fea of
a fiddling lawyer, 78.
Elected Senator, 98. Mod-
erate opinions, inculcated
by, 172, 174. His ideas of
the power of general
knowledge, l74. Apatri-
archtd master, l70. His
discourse on holy legends,
astrology and common
superstitions, etc., 177,
184.
Henry, 6.

Susan Madison, 8, 9.
(General Bernard, 86.
Hon. Balie, 294.
Balie, junior, his death, 296.
Col. Wm. M., his address
to the people of Virginia,
100. Appointed aid-
de-camp to the Governor
of Va., 98. His want of
ambition, 55. His in-
ternal improvement
speech, 133, 165. His man-
sion burnt, 90. His firmness

»>

>>

>»

»»

))

390

Index.

»»

and inoorraptibility, 213.
His denunoiation of repu-
diaton, 225, 228. ]EQb oon-
duot to friends, 229. His
discovery of Cannel coal
fields 231. His letters to
Mr. Bives, 245, 276. His
second letter, 280. His em-
«mployment during the
war, 297. His death
and character, 301 , 309.
Major Benjamin H, 86.
Peytona, town of, founded, 232.
Pedigree of the Peyton family, 313
„ of the Preston family, 365
„ of the Lewis family. 375
„ of the Washington lamily. 380
Payne Bar, G. 119.
Park, Geo., 119.
Paraffine discovered 232.
Peaceable secession an absurdity

260.
Pliny the younger believes a
friend necessary to our success,
77.
Phrenology, amusing anecdote

of, 66.
Party, the Conservative, of Vir-
ginia, 116.
Preston, William Campbell, 2.
James Patton, 2, 86.
Elizabeth, 2.
William, 2,

Wm. Ballard, 86, 129, 240.
Robert, 86.
Walter, 86, 303,
Pennsylvania, her system of inter-
nal improvement commended.
145, 147.
Porterfield, Gen. Bobt., 5.
„ Geo. H., 291.

Pocock, Ed., 23.
Poetical taste an evidence of a

refined mind, 24.
Pope Pius, IX., sought to be con-
verted, 176.
,, Alexander, 201.
Political aspirations, folly of, 218.
Pocohontas, C.H., Confiagration

of Clients' bonds, 58.
Peidmont, district of Va., I3l.
Prophetical forecast of the results
of Secession, 287.

>»

»i

}i

»»

»♦

»»

Prichard, an illiterate Locofoco,

209. His stump speech, 217.
Presidential election of 1860, 235.
Pryor, B. A., 240.
Plot to defeat a gentleman, 210.
Political Doctors, 198.
Popular Education, 200, 208.
Pegram, John, his surrender of

2000 Confederates, 292.
Presbyterian stronghold invaded

by Komanists, 176.
Public lands of the U. S., history

of, 186, 225.
Public improvements, ar^ment

against the three- fifth prmciple,

154, 160.
Princeton University, course of

Study in, 17.
Popular estimate of Col. Peyton,

19, 20.
Prideaux, 23.

Randolph, Edn., 6.

„ Thomas J. 86.

Radford Wm., 86.

Bepnblio, the better days of, 62.

Responsibility, Gen. Jackson always
ready to assome this, 64.

Read, T. C, 86.

Reform, advocated by the Virginian
Whigs, 225.

Reconstruction of the 'Union, im-
possible in 1861, 263, 265.

Rives, Wm. C. 86, 95, 108, 240, 278,
„ Alexr. 86, 240.

Republic, Education necessary in, 202.

Riches fty away, (illustration), 299.

Rich, mountain Confederates* retreat
from, 291.

Richmond Enquirer, 210.

Ritchie, Wm. 240.

Rowze, Dr. L., 17.

Rons, Rouzee, &c.j 17.

Boanoke Co. established, 99.

Rivers of Virginia, 180.

Ritchie, Thomas 120, 121, 210, 311,
318.

Bockbridge, 168.

Roman Catholics in the middle ages ;
178.

Rannymede, 250.

Rush, Richard, 16.

Roles of life, Thomas Jefferson's, 11.

Ruffin, Edmund, Commits Suicide,
90.

Index.

391

Sardorali Bishop of Pampelima, his

fictions, 179.
Search, right of, 3.
Sallast, 234.
Seymour, Horatio, 219.
Segar, Jos., 240.
Secession, peaceable, an absurdity, 260

not a reserved right, 268.
Shefiej, Danl., 7.
Shanks, Thos., 80, 93, 119,
Sherrard, Jos. H., 119.
Shands, Wm., 119.
Sims, Dr. J. Marion, 47, 278.
Sully, T., the painter, 49.
Spnndieim, Jonann Caspar, 66.
Smith, Ben., 92.
Solomon, his idea of strife, 243.
^tt, R. E., 240, 92;
Southern Congress, proposed by

South Carolina, 237.
Scott, Gen. Winfleld, 237.
Sic Semper Tyrannis, the motto of

Va., 287.
Slavery, bright side of, in Va., 170.,

Cause of Secession, 2i52.
Stuart, Thomas J., 28.

„ A. H. H., 129, 92, 240.

„ Chfts. A., 30.
SouthaU, V. W., 92.
Stone House, The old, 36, 3S»
Summers, O. W., 92, 129.
Sub-Treasury, 121,
Stack, Leonora, 176.
Suffirage, Universal, dangerous unless

the people are educated, 204.
South Carolina, her course on seces-
sion condemned, 254,

, , contrasted ^ ith Virginia 254
St. Peter discoved by his accent, 293.
Stump Speeches, 94.
Secretary of Legation to Paris, 96.
Steele, Sir Ricb^rd's idea of a g^reat

man, 220.
Shoddy Aristocracy, 298
Swift, Dean, 201.
Superstitions, Early. 81, 33, 183.
State proxy to James Riyer and

Eenawha Canal, 221.
Summary of the causes which

justified Virginia in seceding, 232

Taylor, Sir Hy. 1.

Taylor, B. A. B., 85, 86, 80.

„ Hon Allan, 35.

„ Dr. John B., 86.
Telfair, Mrs. J., 74.
Tariff of 1840, 196.

„ favoured by Whigs, 225.

Tazewell, L. W., 6.

Thompson, Eliz., 35.

Travelling, a general desire, 51,

Trigg, Robert, 92.

Tide Water, Virginia, 131.

Truth and reason, their value, 174

Texian revolt, 98.

Turner, Rev. Jesse, 91.

Tucker, H. St. Geo. 7.

Turks threaten Europe, 87.

Ulysses, 52.

Ultra-Democratic party, 210.

U. S. Goyemment, the best eyer

youchsafed to man, 249.
Union, a central one advocated, 259.

,; a love of among Virginians,

285.
Unfortunates, how treated, 298.

Van Buren, Martin, 95, 210.

Van Bibber. T., Combat with, 20.

Valentine, Ed., 86.

Venable, N. B„ 119, 129.

Voltaire, 218.

Vossius, his false stories, 178.

Virginia, her territorial extent and
and general aspect, 131 — Her great
history and services, 254-56 ; Cannot
follow S. C. with self respect, 256;
State Convention, 248; Secedes
from the Union, 243 : Her exposed
position in event of civil war, 260,
She rebels, 286 ; Address to her
people, 100.

"^nrgima landscapes 59. Early days in,
7, 8. 25, 30, 41. Want of improve-
ments in Western, 92. Valley of,
131. Rivers of , 130. Natural divis-
ions, 131.

Washington, 224, Standard of Official

qualification, 226, 254.
War in the Union or out of it, 254,
Watts, E., 86.
Wesley, 202.
Walton, Bryan, 23.
Williamson, Capt. 39, 70.
Wickliffe, R., 3.
Wickham, J., 6.
Wirt, W., 6.
WiUis, N. P., 17.
"Whig Society,*' 22.
Wife, choice of, f 0.
Wilmer, Bishop, 86.
Wise, H. A., 240.

.. O. J., 240. •
Willey. W. J, 24a

392

Inili'x.

Wisconsin, of what territory fonned,

188.
WickednesB punished, 221.
Whi^ meeting in Roanoke, 228.
Whippers-in, political, 211.
Witcher, Vincent, 86.
Wise men fly from Greece, 87.
WTutfield,202.
Wythe, Geo., 6.

Woodville, J., 86.

Whigs of Virginia, their character,

112.
Wright, SUas, 121.
White, family of papist, 176.
Yerhy, Mr. Delegate for Aocomac,

129.
Zollicoffer, Gen., his death, 295, 296.

THE END.

Ifihitcd by Frederick Clarke, ChiettiMT'

tn 2 volumes^ post 8vo^ Price 2U^

THE AMEEICAN CEISIS;

OK,

Pages from the Note Book of a State Agent during the Civil War.

BY

JOHN LEWIS PEYTON,

^chsUyr of Laws of the University of Virginia, Correspondmg Member of th$

Wisconsin State Historical Society, Fellovj of the Itoyal Qeogrdi^hioal Society

vf Qreat Britain^ ^c. Late LieuJt,-Goh CkmvmandMig ISth JPf.Gf. CMoago.

NOTICES OF THE PBESS.

*< These Tolumes are compiled from the notes of the Author, who was at one
period an accredited agent in Europe for one of the Lite Confederate States^
The incidents commence fh>m the outbreak of the war, and there are numerous
authentic facts and data given which will throw light upon many cirotUnstancea
connected with the long struggle between the Northern and Southern States*
The descriptions of scenes yisited, the reflections on social subjects, and the
statements connected with the secret history of the war acquired by the
Author in his official capacity, are of the highest interest and importance**' —
SwndU^ Observer,

" The American Crisis rises to the rank of a Toluminous state paper. Colonel
Peyton's work is destined, we believe, to be the text book for posterity, as far
as regards the political questions opened up by this Civil War^ the most
gigantic conflict the world has ever witnessed. The Author gives very
spirited sketches of the preparations for the fight, and the interest taken in

them by the veterans of the South Throughout he proves his sound

common sense and perfect mastery over the difficult science of political
economy. . . . Colonel Peyton has told the history of the American Civil War,
its commencement, progress, and ultimate close, with preoision, and with con-
siderable historic care. He has woven with the main thread of his story > too,
so many strands of minor interest, so many sketches, and so many glances,, at
EngUsh and American domestic and country life, that each* succeeding year
cannot fail to add to its value as a photograph of its own times."— Jersey Ea^ets*

BBB

yoiices of the Press (c/yntinued.)

<«We hare seen no work npon the American Civil War, more entertaining
and thoronghly readable than that by Colonel Peyton. The style of which ifl
terse and vigorous.'* — The Cosmopolitan.

'' Some of the most interesting portions of these charming volnmes contain
a summary of Colonel Peyton's experiences as well in the political, as in the
literary world. His sketches are graphic, and ,beyond all controversy, life-like.
We commend these volumes cordially and conscientiously to perusal, and we
err if their circulation be not extensive. Their Author was, we believe, some
two or three years ago resident for a little while amongst us, and has since been
for a longer season domesticated in Jersey. It is not improbable that he may,
ere long, once more be a visitor to the Channel Islands, and in that case we are
sure that we may promise him for ourselves, and equally confident that we may
prognosticate for him from our neighbours, a very hearty welcome. What
Sidney Smith called '' stress of politics," has driven many an honoured exile
from freedom or for conscience sake, upon our shores, but surely none more
worthy of our esteem than this intelligent and gallant gentlemen of whom —
his enemies themselves being judges — the very worst that can be said most be,
* Victrix causa Diis placuit, victa Peytoni.' " — Qttemsey Stor.

*' Colonel Peyton's book is half a narrative of his reminiscenses of the
Great Civil War, or rather of his personal intercourse with its chief actors,
both military and political, and half a description of his experiences in Eng-
land, and his impressions of English society. He exhibits considerable skill
in blending his adverse feelings towards Jefferson Davis (whom he regards as a
common -place politician and not a genius at all) with the necessary amount of
attachment for the Confederate cause. Some of the chapters which he devotes
to his personal observations while in this country, will be read with interest,
and portions of them with amusement. Of course he does not like Mr. Cobden
or Mr. Bright. Of Lord Russell's appearance and manner he speaks with a
contempt which is not wholly unmerited, but ill-becomes a panegyrist of Mr.
Alexander Stephens, of whose outer man he has given the most unflattering of
descriptions. But he is at all events impartial in his satirical judgments.
When he presents what is on the whole a very uncomplimentary portrait of Mr.
Roebuck he is perhaps more true to life, but he makes a poor return for much
zealous service." — Daily 8ta/r.

" This subject is unrivalled in importance to Americans, and a very arduous
one with which to deal ; the interests involved are so manifold, and the
questions connected with it so complicated that it requires a master-mind to do
it justice. Colonel Peyton has taken very elevated views of all these great
questions. We have rarely met with a writer who combines so much impres-
sive earnestness with so much sound sense and masculine depth of thought."
— Qaattte,

Notices of t1k€ Press (continued.)

** Here we panse, reluctantly ; — the extreme interest we take in the political
portion of Colonel Peyton's most valnahle and instractive work, has indnced ns
to ^iscnss somewhat at large what we may venture to entitle " Sentiments
proper to the present crisis," and that with reference as well to England as to
America. It is not, however, to the statesman or historian alone that these
volumes will be interesting. Their Author has mingled largely in the best
society on either side of the Atlantic, public and private life in both hemis>
phereSj with their leading warriors, orators, statesmen ; artists and men of
letters, have come as a matter of course under his notice, ,and are "sketched
sbly by his graphic pen ; — ^he is in turn a Hogarth and a Watteau, as eccen-
tricities and absurdities, graces and amenities are to be delineated. Nor is
graver information wanting ; his work is replete with historical anecdotes,
valuable statistics, and sound and apposite reflections upon subjects of
contemporary or social interest." — British Press.

** The American Crisis is a work of great interest, written in a most spirited
and masterly style."— r/wmei Advertiser.

'* It is curious to see with what contempt this gentleman of high birth and
solid' position, looks down on the mushroom leaders of secession. Most of
these men are sketched by Colonel Peyton in sharp and biting acid.'* — T1i&
Ath&ncBum.

'* The American Crisis is a higHly entertaining work, and one in which the
reader^s interest will seldom or ever flag. Many of the sketches are hit ofiT
with much skill and effect." — B. Herald.

*' The earlier portion of Colonel Peyton's work draws a lively picture of the
feelings which prevailed in the south, and especially in Virginia, during the
first months of the war. The sanguine advocates of Secession were full of
hope and animation, predicting a speedy triumph of their cause, which should
force Massachusetts itself to return all fugi^;7r^lave&,~and place the prosperity
of New England at the mercy of the Southern Confederacy. Colonel Peyton's
second volume is devoted, for the most part, to life in England. He gives us
particulars about hotels and lodging-houses, describes our railway management
and railway carriages; sketches some of our great men: tells us about our
dinners, our evening parties, our country houses, and our manner of living in
them, in point of fact, is communicative to Englishman ; and the other, on
England for the use of Americans. But we can imagine many reasons ;which
may have made it more convenient for him to treat together the two countries
which have been connected by his own experience. He is not at all a fatiguing
w riter to follow ; we may read with tolerable care what he has to tell us about
America, and may then proceed with undiminished energy to glance at his
remarks on a subject which, after all, has an interest for most of us — our-
selves." — The Guardian.

N0ti€e8 of the Press (cawUwuedL,)

«FbU of epiriied sketchet and interestiiig description.''— 7^ MiMK

**In the American CrisiB, the author presents a candid, intereating, aiii
raloable series of sketches of men, events, etc., at the commencement of the
war of 16' 1. Also a y&rj entertaining accoant of the manner in which tho
'* NashriBe,** (war Steamer) ran the blodtade, and got to sea, and of the fife
and aooietj of the Bermudas. His style is direct, lucid, unassuming, and at
all timee full of simplicity and ease.*^ — Southern Eeview, Bolttfaore.

Loudon, Sauhdebs, Otlzt and Co.^ ^^^ Bbook Stbiet, W.

In One Volume, demy 8vo. Price 16g.

THE

ADVENTUEES OF MY GEANDFATHEK

BY

COLONEL LEWIS PEYTON, L.L.B., F.R.G.S., &o.

Author of ** The American OrisiB.''* A historioai, and statistical view of the
State of nUnois, ^c* Late Chief of Staff to Qeneral Douglas B. La/yne

of Virgvnda.

NOTICES OF THE PRESS.

^'A Yeiy interesting and remarkable work."— £[ir Bernard Burhe.

'*We have rarely risen from the perusal of any work with greater satis^
fiustion. It is an interesting and elegantly written Tolome." — Weymouth
Pa^er,

"Le liYTe est toit de main de mattre. La biographie et les laisons qui
tiennent les lettres, sont d'on style parfait, et, en somme, le livre est des
phis int4fressants.'^ — Qaaette de Quemesey.

*< The adyentnres are in themselyes as fnlly fraught with interest as those
of Robinson Omsoe, or of the pioneers who first penetrated into the Far-
west, and had to combat with the terrors of the Rooky mountains, or the
hostilities of the Red Indians. His agreable volume will give him an
additional claim to the esteem which has been already and so deserredly
aooorded to his character and talents by all classes of oar society." —
Chiemseiy Sta^r.

" We again heartily commend this volume to the attention of the reading
public, who will, we are sure, heartily join us in thanking its enlightened
and accomplished author for the literaiy treat which he has afibrded them.**
'^British Press,

<*He has produced a very able and graphic biography. It posesses all
the qualities necessary to become popular, and there is nothing to hinder
the work from having an extensive run.'^ — Mail and TelegrapK

JOHN WILSON, PUBLISHER,
93, Gksat Russel Strket, Loia)ON, W.C.

BY THE SAIWE AUTHOR.

OVER THE ALLEGHANIES

ACROSS THE PRAIRIES.

PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS OF THE FAR WEST

ONE AND TWBNTY TTSARS AQO.
1 Tol. Sto.

NOTICES OF THE PBESS

"Colonel Pejion, vhoitfnvonnblf knows to the British public b; hia pre-
Vioni worka, is m inteUigent and oburruit tzaveller, who telli well wh»t ha
hu seen, so that hii nairatJTe makei aTolmne of Ter; pleasant rsading." —
Note! and Queriet.

"The prodnotion of a soholar and a gentleman. We can bnt reoommend oar
teaden to possess themselree of it, assured that thej will find UuU the; hmn
■eouied a fnnd of pleaaant reading." — United Service MiujaEinfl.

*'The TeminisoenoeB are yerj intereBting and give an excellent and trathtnl
idea of the North American Indians, their mode of life and warfare." — Tha
Athenoium.

" Colonel Fejton'i work is of historical yaloe, and we beutil; commend it
to all. " — Tht London Revitui. —

"Fall of personal reminiaoences of an interesting ohaiKotei. Some of the
episodes are fnU of the romance of real lite. He ihows hinuelf to have been
a keen obflerrer. " — Fustic Opinion.

" Colonel Peyton's woA is agreeably written. " — Ttu Ouordion.

" Hia chapters are fraught with a fresher iutereet than we get in these days
of raUvayB and taat travelling. " — Low's Pabluhers' Otrcular.

"This 'raliune,written in a very lively and enl^rtaining style, haa more daima
upon readers, attention than a glance at the title might lead one to sappose." —
lllvetmted London Hewi.

V

Notices of the Press (continued.)

** As a nsefol and reliitble companion, few can compare in interest with
Colonel Peyton, whose agreeable volume we have read with mnch pleasure/*
— T7he Weekly Times,

** We commend this volome of stirring stories to the lovers of adven-
ture. " — Lloye's Weekly.

"*' An exceedingly interesting volume, abounding in pleasant reminiscences,
by the well known Colcmel Peyton, son of Senator John Howe Peyton, of
Virginia. Colonel Peyton is author of two other very clever works well
known in England, "The Americcm Crisis " and *' The Adoeniwres of My
Grandfather." To Englishmen the work will prove more interesting
than fiction, and Americans will find in it a living history of their own day
and generation. '* — The CoswiopoWton.

" A pleasant, amusing, and charming volume. *' — Norwood Nemos.

*' A sprightly, chatty, interesting volume. " — Richmond (Virginia) Whig,

" An interesting contribution to the history of the recent past. " — The
Courier (Georgetown District of Columbia) U. S.

"Books that illustrate the rapid growth of the great empire of the United
States are always interesting, and that is done by both of the vcdumes before
ns (Col Peyton*s) and Parker Gillmore's " A hunter's adventures in the great
West." Mr. Gillmore's work, however, is far less valuable than Colonel Peyton's.
His book is amusing as well as instructive, &e. '' — The Ewaminer.

HauteviUe House,

Guernsey, 2 Janvier, 1870.
Moncher Colonel,

J'ai In avec le plus vif int^rM votre excellent ouvrage. Vous
m'exprimez, sur la premiere page, des sentiments qui me touchent vivement.
Je suis votre concitoyen en libert6 et en humanity.

L'abolition de Pesclavage a rendu I'Amerique k elle-mdme ; d^sormais il n'y
a plus ni Nord, ni Sad ; il y a la grande R^pnbliqne. J'en suis comme vous.

Rocevez, Colonel, men cordial shake [of the] hand.

VICTOR HUGO.

Colonel John Lewis Peyton.

** That these works possess unusual merits we feel safe in asserting. One

merit — it is not in our eyes a slight one — is, that Col. Peyton everywhere

* writes like a gentleman.' The age we live in has carried its * fast ' and

' slap dash ' propensities into literature. Repose, simplicity, and that

charming unres^erve which characterizes the well-bred Author as it characterizes

Nolieti ofth4 Frtu fronfiniwJJ

ibe well-brad genUenun in societ?, become clftj bj mora isre. * * The rtjle of
Col. PeTton it that of a gentlemui writing for penonB of oidtiire and intalli-
genoe. His descriptioDS and oonunentB poiseaB great direotneBa and pietn-
rasqneneu, mingled with a natnnd and agreeable hnmonr ; abd renders bim
Tolnmea extremely agraeable reading. ' * The works wonld jRove hl^ify cno-
oeeslnl, we think, if re-pnbliahed in Anerloa.

John EsTsn Coon,

(In the Sonihtm Sevime.)

:"^

ALDERBIAN UBRABT

The return of this book Is duo on tbm
indicstod below

DUE

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y

DUE

Usually books are lent out for two weeks, but
there are exceptions and the borrowe r Should
note carefully the date stamped above, lines
are charged for over-due books at the rate of
five cents a day; for reserved books there are
special rates and regulations. Books must be
presented at the desk if renewal Is desired.

L-1

/c

ex Doo SSI as

I