Herald Of The Times

JEFFERSON AND THE BEGGAR.

While Mr. Jefferson was President of the United States, his simplicity was only equalled by his economy. The diplomatic agents of foreign governments, on their introduction to him, were often embarrassed, and sometimes mortified at the entire absence of etiquette with which they were received. His arrivals at the seat of government, and departure therefrom, were so timed and conducted as to be unobserved and unattended. His inflexibility on this point could never be overcome, and finally permitted to pursue his own course in this respect, undisturbed by any manifestation of popular feeling. His uniform mode of riding was on horseback, which was daily, and always unattended. In one of these solitary excursions, while passing a stream of water, he was accosted by a single beggar, who implored his assistance to transport him and his baggage. He immediately mounted the beggar behind him, and carried him over-on perceiving he had neglected his wallet, he as good humoredly recrossed the stream and brought it over to him.

This act of kindness, which was indeed no more than christian charity enjoins, although much more than most of us practice, was exactly conformable to the unostentatious benevolence of the whole life of Thos. Jefferson. No man had warmer friends or deserved them better. The civilized world paid him homage as a statesman and philosopher; but it gratified him more to be beloved as a man.

Rayner's life of Washington.