APPENDIX.

NOTE A.

-belong to the biographer rather than the eulogist.

p. 4.

IN contemplating an exquisite work of art, it may not be necessary to refer the imagination or the judgment to the process by which such perfection was attained. It is sufficient that it excites our whole admiration. But who does not inquire, whence sprung this model by which the world has been delighted; by what agency has it acquired such mastery over our hearts? Who, when the genius which inspired it is no more, will not love to dwell, not only upon its maturity, but on each step of its progress-its earliest indications? Who will not demand, whence its origin ?

Thus, in describing the matured character, it may not be necessary to go back to the infancy of its powers. To trace its virtues to their beginnings does not increase or diminish their value or beauty; yet such a process is not without its uses, certainly not without interest. The philosopher and the moralist are as fond of first principles as of results. They like to go back, step by step, to the origin of things; nor is such a course uninteresting to the common observer.

Who, on beholding 'the deep and silent grandeur of the Mississippi,' and its twin torrent, the Missouri, or the beautiful Ohio, is not, at least in fancy, carried through their

meanderings, to the thousand rills which are tributary to their greatness? Who, on viewing the wide spreading St Lawrence, bathing the shores of two nations, does not search out its parent Lake of the Woods, and follow the gathering tide through its placid course, and over rapids and cataracts, to that emblem of eternity, the ocean?

The peaceful village of Salisbury, in the northwest corner of Connecticut, was the birthplace of the subject of this memoir. It boasts, also, of having given birth to many persons, who have been highly distinguished in our country, and who still adorn its civil, military, and literary walks. Its iron soil, at once rugged and fertile, seems to have a peculiar adaptation to the production of vigorous intellect. Glowing patriotism, patient industry, ardent enterprise, and exuberant fancy, have been its common productions. These active energies, as exhibited in the character of its sons, are diffused throughout the nation. Its towering mountains, its beautiful lakes, its luxuriant vallies, though deserted by the genius they inspired and nurtured, still claim their share in those ardent aspirations which sent it forth to an admiring world, and in that affection, which, amidst toil and vicissitude, ever directs its warmest impulses to the cherished remembrances, and dear scenes of its birth and infancy. Which of its sons, on revisiting his native village, does not direct his eye, afar off, to the lofty Tarconack,* and the pile of stones his boy-hands assisted to raise as an altar to fame on its summit? Which of them is not moved by the sight of the placid Wonscopomac, †

*A mountain which rises behind the town. On the top of it there is a rude column of stones which may be seen many miles off towards the Hudson, and which it is still the custom of the young people to add to in their annual visits. Often, while returning from Hudson, or Poughkeepsie, has the writer's eye been called to that interesting memento of youthful exploit, and often observed the enthusiasm which its first faint outline inspired.

†The beautiful lake, four miles in circumference, on whose margin stands the house of Luther Holley, Esq.

with its woods and lawns and the little skiff upon its 'waveless mirror,' or the ever burning furnace sending up columns of flame and smoke beyond it? Which of them is not inspired with holy sentiments as he beholds the white dwelling of his father, with its orchard, and meadow bathed by the limpid waters? Which of them does not feel his heart glow with religious emotion, while on a sabbath morning he presses on with the throng of neatly dressed youths and maidens, old men and children, and discovers, in the distance,

'The village church among the trees

Where first his lisping prayers were given,
Whose solemn peal still swells the breeze,
Whose taper spire still points to heaven?'

Which of them is not animated with new life as he follows the pebbly brook, to which, in early days, the speckled trout lured his truant steps, from the now venerable schoolhouse on the hill? or, seated in some lone nook, on the most elevated margin of the lake, contemplating the varied and lovely scene around him, does not exclaim with lively feelings, 'Why was not Rasselas contented?'

It is an interesting question, and one that has given rise to much curious speculation, How does an individual inherit his genius? That it is an inheritance, though greatly modified by the circumstances which repress or foster its growth, all must allow. Some very intelligent persons earnestly contend that every superior man must have had a superior mothHowever that may be—the author would choose to exemplify rather than contradict it—it is certain that the example, which to us is illustrious in all things, is an eminent instance in point. All know the mother of Washington. Fisher Ames, also, had a distinguished mother, and Mrs Adams, the mother of our present chief magistrate, was remarkable

er.

for strong powers of mind. Would that all intelligent mothers and intelligent fathers had such sons! *

The parents of Mr Holley were both strongly marked, but had very different and peculiar traits. The father, who had blue eyes and fair hair and a remarkably spare person, was uncommonly quick in his perceptions, and equally rapid in action. He had an intuitive perception of what was just and right, and pursued the dictates of his principles with an undeviating step. He was ardent, intrepid, and kind; commanding, at once and uniformly, affection and respect. In no case, though he had many adverse circumstances to contend with, did he evince discouragement or lukewarmness. The mother was above the common size, had black eyes and hair, was equally firm and affectionate, but of a slower and less sanguine temperament. It is a curious fact, and perhaps not unworthy of a passing remark, that their different features and characteris

*From a number of facts, a few of which we shall select for the purpose of illustration, it will appear remarkably striking, that such an inheritance is more generally derived from the maternal than the paternal side. In the examples to be adduced, a selection has been made with a view to the different varieties of mental superiority, and the following comprehends philosophers, poets, historians, and orators :

'LORD BACON.-His mother was daughter to Sir Anthony Cooke. She was skilled in many languages, and translated and wrote several works, which displayed learning, acuteness, and taste.

'HUME, the historian, mentions his mother, daughter of Sir D. Falconer, President of the College of Justice, as a woman of" singular merit," and who, although in the prime of life, devoted herself entirely to his education.

R. B. SHERIDAN.-Mrs Frances Sheridan was a woman of considerable abilities. It was writing a pamphlet in his defence, that first introduced her to Mr Sheridan, afterwards her husband. She also wrote a novel highly praised by Johnson.

SCHILLER, the German poet.-His mother was an amiable woman. She had a strong relish for the beauties of nature, and was passionately fond of music and poetry. Schiller was her favorite child.

'WILLIAM PITT.-Son of the great Lord Chatham.

'GOETHE thus speaks of his parents;-" I inherited from my father a certain sort of eloquence, calculated to enforce my doctrines on my auditors; from