Page:The Homes of the New World- Vol. III.djvu/333

Rh somewhat stiff figure in the old-fashioned costume; and yet it is, at the same time, the type of the man of the New World, with that noble self-conscious, well-balanced mind which the Americans talk about, as the highest excellence, in harmony with itself, certain of its own course and its own object, resolute in persevering to the end, asking advice from no one but the Divine Councillor. He has bound his sword to the column, and now stands by the plough, resting calmly with himself, without pride, but without hesitation or doubt; the grand, intellectual glance looking out into the future! In truth it is a glorious figure, a glorious statue, to which I shall gladly return when I return hither.

But I now leave the city for Charlotte's Ville.

&emsp; I am at the beautiful home of Professor Sheele de V. The Professor, since he was last in Sweden, has married the most charming wife, both pretty and good, and both he and she received me in the kindest manner.

I find myself here in a lovely mountain district, and within sight of what is called “The Blue Ridge,” which is the boundary of the great Virginian valley which lies between this range of hill, and the so-called “North Mountain Ridge,” both portions of the Alleghany range. Around the University, which was built by the late President Jefferson, in a magnificent and regular style, lies a region of alternate hills and valleys, like a green carpet, bordered with lovely country-houses and small farms, a beautiful, fertile landscape, in which nothing is wanting but water. Foremost among these elegant villas, stands upon a lofty hill Jefferson's summer-delight “Monticello,” with its splendid trees, and an extensive view over the country, and the University, whose founder he was. I visited this place yesterday with my new friends. The