PREFACE AFTER the passing of a generation from the busy activities of life at the University it may seem strange that a casual alumnus inclines to turn from absorbing current events and look backward through dim-visioned eyes upon scenes of earlier days. As a fact, however, he is still to himself, despite growing old in the sight of others, the same young man sitting on those hard wooden benches-for he continues to absorb and learn daily unfamiliar truths as in those formative years. Indeed, with recurring frequency and delight the retrospect continues to awaken memories, not as of the distant past, but of the near-by yesterday, and through an ambition that such be preserved while under happy recognition-ere the dawn of mental decline and obscurity-and that a passing fancy for the task be gratified, this work has been permitted to see light. The author claims no special aptitude over legions of the University's loyal sons for producing a reminiscent volume; certainly he regrets that some one more gifted has not heretofore made good the opportunity of a richer product along similar lines-a hope that has occasioned much deliberation, if not delay, in compiling his own available material. Such a work might be regarded as coming best from that fortunate coterie detailed these many years at the University in one or another capacity-enjoying the closest contact with her daily life-but glimpses from within are often less real than those from without, and it is ever wholesome "to see ourselves as others see us." In truth few have worshipped at that altar and gone forth into chosen ways unmindful of her history, unimbued with her love, or untrained in stating facts-those readily correlated by one and all-such as it has been the effort here to record, some possibly through filial affection a little tinted but in the main void of any intent at exaggeration or misrepresentation. The University needs no deceptive champion, the truth is quite sufficient-whether her sons become great, perhaps small, by or in spite of her training, argues not the slightest against her intellectual forces and moral ideals being the highest. The conception of the work, like many undertakings, was largely accidental-growing out of the preservation by parents of the author's University letters, the recording by him of weekly doings, a form of diary, and the retention of photographs, magazines, newspaper articles and his side of a liberal correspondence belonging to those times. The chapters pertaining to Mr. Jefferson and the founding of the University-the capstone of his fruitful life-have in substance been collected from most reliable sources, supplemented by the innumerable fragmentary conversations with Mr. Wertenbaker. Not that his ipse dixit is believed more accurate than others, but being the only conversant cotemporary of Mr. Jefferson known then to the author, whatever he said or indorsed as said by others seemed to receive a vitalizing influence. The recounting of experiences and occurrences of the several sessions has been restricted to those making strongest impression upon the individual, relieved largely of detail incident to the average student's life, wherein slight variation can exist. Preparing for lectures, attendance thereon, fraternity meetings, social visiting, even interest in various young ladies, belong practically to so many alike as to need little, if any, reference. The impressions of my professors have been given without reserve, and include much personal detail-that frequently recognized unworthy of transmission, since it is claimed not to edify but only to appease curiosity. Many delight in Mr. Lincoln's witticisms, indifferent to his tall homely personality; not a few desire critical knowledge of Napoleon's pyrotechnic career, regardless of his diminutive stature contented with the common weakness of always associating intuitively physical largeness with mental greatness-while some prefer an intelligent conception of the man as well as his works. The author wondered over the proportions of Mr. Jefferson long before meeting Mr. Wertenbaker, and was only too glad to accept from his lips valuable details, and be directed for the first time to Mr. Webster's contribution in that direction. Here, therefore, an effort has been made, as far as memory serves, to remove individual uncertainties, so that even the stranger comparing description and portrait may have a mindvision of the personage. Many will consider both object and matter unworthy a laudable ambition; some will claim, "it fails reach the mark the archer meant," while a few-those for whom the volume chiefly is intended-will accept gladly anything concerning their alma mater honestly intended to encourage a remembrance of her past, an interest in her present, and a stimulus for her future. If it may only impress the greatness of Mr. Jefferson, strengthen a belief in his doctrines and hasten their reacceptance in the land of his creation; or incline the doubting towards a university training-perchance at her shrine and refresh youthful years there enjoyed, it will not have been written in vain. BALTIMORE, MD., October, 1908. THE AUTHOR. The University of Virginia CHAPTER I THOMAS JEFFERSON STUDENTS' BENEFACTOR AND Early knowledge of him and that gained through various conversations with Mr. Wertenbaker, who remembered him well, as he did his younger friend Edgar Allan Poe; personal characteristics of Mr. Jefferson as outlined by Randall, Webster, Randolph, Smith, and himself; estate-depreciation of; hospitality, financial troubles. Students' surprise and appreciation; his principles and epigrams, etc. In my day at the University of Virginia one required only a brief brushing up against the students, old and new, to be convinced of their extraordinary knowledge of Mr. Jefferson, as he was called always by us with a respect and pride approximating filial veneration. Especially was this noticeable in those coming from Virginia and in that contingent deeply interested in the weekly debates of the Jeff. and Wash. Societies. This to me was a sort of revelation, for of his greatness I knew little, inasmuch as I had simply learned from school histories that he was our third President; had occupied the honorable position two terms; had represented the opposing party to Washington, Adams, Hamilton, Marshall and Jay, and had made more than an ordinary impression upon the then civilized world during his many years of public service. Among the small collection of books at my home was the "Life of Jefferson," by Tucker, but of this I had only read with profit that short portion in the second volume pertaining to the founding of the University. In my first visit to the library I gazed with admiration upon a beautiful white marble |