Greek and Latin writers often classified and summed up human duty in the following three-fold way,--"to fear the gods--to honor one's parents and to obey the laws of the land." This was I think in the mind of _Cicero_ when he said "_in aris et focis est Republica_." _Plato_ says "let us believe then that we can have no religious image more precious in the sight of heaven than a father, or a grandfather or a mother worn out with age, and that in proportion as we honor or delight in them with a religious joy, in the same proportion does God himself rejoice." Such sentiments, I believe, are fragments of the true and primitive religion carried abroad--but also, soon afterward, in so many respects corrupted, we recognize such sentiments as a part of the original Divine law not wholly obliterated, thanks to God, by the fall. For the sake of dear old Virginia, I thank you that your father's form and face is where it is--to be an incentive to virtue and patriotism, as it looks down from year to year upon all who enter your court of justice. For your considerate kindness in sending me the paper, and awakening thoughts of the long past, and with apologies for this longer letter than I had thought to write, I am, Gratefully yours, J. HENRY SMITH. FROM GEN. ECHOLS. Louisville, Ky., July 28, 1894. _Major Thos. C. Elder, Staunton, Va._: _My Dear Major_--After an absence of several days, I returned to this city yesterday, and find your postal of the 23rd inst., and also the newspaper containing an account of the ceremony of the delivery to, and acceptance by, the county authorities of Augusta county, of the portrait of the late distinguished John Howe Peyton. I am very much obliged to you for thinking of me, and giving me an opportunity of reading the addresses made by yourself and Captain Bumgardner on the occasion referred to. I have read the speeches with a great deal of interest, and I have been very much impressed and pleased with your chaste, striking, and eloquent address, as the representative of the Supervisors of the county, in accepting the portrait. You have, with a master's hand, delineated the character of Mr. Peyton, and I hope that your address will be preserved as a fitting accompaniment of the skillful personation of the striking countenance that the artist has presented. I recollect Mr. Peyton very well. When I was a boy I saw him, and heard him frequently at the bar, generally in Lexington. I have also a very pleasant recollection of having enjoyed his elegant and generous hospitality at his home. When I can first remember Staunton, the Staunton bar was made up of men who will long live in the memory of those who had the good fortune to know them.