A Biography of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence, and of Washington and Patrick Henry: With an appendix, containing the Constitution of the United States, and other documentsJudson, L. Carroll (Levi Carroll)
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A Biography of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence, and of Washington and Patrick Henry: With an appendix, containing the Constitution of the United States, and other documents
Judson, L. Carroll (Levi Carroll)
Henry, Patrick, 1736-1799; United States. Declaration of Independence -- Signers; Washington, George, 1732-1799
During the latter part of his life, Judge Walton confined his public
duties to the bench of the superior court; and during the intervals of
its session, enjoyed the comforts of domestic life with his family,
consisting of one son, and his amiable and accomplished companion,
the daughter of Mr. Chamber, whom he had married in 1777. He was not
wealthy, was free from avarice, and was contented with a competence
which was afforded by his public emoluments and the produce of a small
plantation. He indulged in good living, and suffered much from the gout
at various times. He was a close student during his whole life. He
continued to add to his experience a general knowledge of the sciences,
and became an ornament to the judiciary of his state. He was also a
ready writer, and possessed a peculiar talent for satire, which he
occasionally resorted to as a correction of error and folly. He was
of a warm temperament, easily excited, resenting every indignity, but
highly honourable and just, moving within the orbit of propriety under
all circumstances, showing clearly that the inflammable passions may be
governed and controlled by a wise discretion. He was open and frank, a
stranger to disguise, ardent in his attachments, firm in his purposes,
stern and reserve in his manners in general society, but very familiar
in the private circle with his friends. He was an indignant but manly
opponent; his enemies knew just where to find him. He was fond of
brevity and despatch in conversation and in business, and systematic in
all his proceedings and arrangements both public and private. Taken as
a whole, he was one of the most useful men of his day and generation,
and has left examples worthy of the imitation of the apprentice, the
student, the lawyer, the judge, the magistrate, and the statesman. By
the force of industry and perseverance he rose from the humblest walks
of life to the most dignified stations in the community. Let every
youth whose eyes meet this brief sketch, be stimulated to embrace
every opportunity for improvement, and drink often and freely at the
crystal fountain of knowledge now accessible and open to all. Soon the
affairs of a mighty nation will devolve upon you; without intelligence
you cannot be prepared to guard its dearest interests and counteract
the corrupting and baneful evils that are often put in motion by wild
ambition, sordid selfishness, and dark intrigue.
GEORGE CLYMER.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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