He studied law, but never applied for a license to practice. There is now in possession of his grandson, William Eaton, Jr. (who shared his confidences and affections, and is a worthy representative of his principles and virtues), an old London-bound edition of Blackstone's Commentaries, which was used by him, and which is highly valued as a family relic. Like all persons of taste, he admired the classic elegance of this celebrated work, but regarded its author as too subservient to power, and wanting in manliness and independence. He considered Sir Edward Coke a much better friend to English liberty. * * * * * * * * * Stability and consistency were strong points in Mr. Macon's character, formed upon his uncompromising adherence to principle and unswerving fidelity to duty. In his conversation he was easy and unaffected, in his manners and dress a decided model of republican simplicity, pretentious in nothing; all who approached him felt conscious of receiving the civility and respect demanded by the nicest sense of propriety. To these characteristics did he owe much of that firm hold upon the confidence and esteem of his countrymen which sustained him in the severe trials always to be met in the great battle of life. His was an enduring popularity; it never waned; it existed in as much vigor and freshness at the close of his life as at any former period; it lived after him, and it is the source of the highest gratification to his numerous friends and admirers that he is still often quoted as the bright exemplar of "the honest man and the wise and virtuous statesman." * * * * * * * * *