The death of this highly-gifted young Virginian, whose early life was so full of promise, took place on the 16th of May, 1773, in the thirtieth year of his age. His wife, a woman of vigorous understanding and earnest warmth of heart, was passionately devoted to him, and his death fell like a blight on her young life. She found in her brother a loving protector for herself and a fatherly affection and guidance for her six children--three sons and three daughters--who were received into his family as his adopted children. Among Jefferson's papers there was found, after his death, the following, written on a sheet of note-paper: INSCRIPTION ON MY FRIEND D. CARR'S TOMB. Lamented shade, whom every gift of heaven Profusely blest; a temper winning mild; Nor pity softer, nor was truth more bright. Constant in doing well, he neither sought Nor shunned applause. No bashful merit sighed Near him neglected: sympathizing he Wiped off the tear from Sorrow's clouded eye With kindly hand, and taught her heart to smile. MALLET'S _Excursion_. Send for a plate of copper to be nailed on the tree at the foot of his grave, with this inscription: Still shall thy grave with rising flowers be dressed And the green turf lie lightly on thy breast; There shall the morn her earliest tears bestow, There the first roses of the year shall blow, While angels with their silver wings o'ershade The ground now sacred by thy reliques made. On the upper part of the stone inscribe as follows: Here lie the remains of DABNEY CARR, Son of John and Jane Carr, of Louisa County, Who was born ----, 1744. Intermarried with Martha Jefferson, daughter of Peter and Jane Jefferson, 1765; And died at Charlottesville, May 16, 1773, Leaving six small children. To his Virtue, Good Sense, Learning, and Friendship this stone is dedicated by Thomas Jefferson, who, of all men living, loved him most. CHAPTER III.