Little Journeys to the Homes of the Great - Volume 03 - Little Journeys to the Homes of American Statesmen by Elbert Hubbard
page 49 of 229 (21%)
page 49 of 229 (21%)
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Appeal; and Jefferson's success shows that they serve better than bluster,
even with a backwoods bench composed of fox-hunting farmers. In Seventeen Hundred Sixty-eight, when Jefferson was twenty-five, he went down to Shadwell and ran for member of the Virginia Legislature. It was the proper thing to do, for he was the richest man in the county, being heir to his father's forty thousand acres, and it was expected that he would represent his district. He called on every voter in the parish, shook hands with everybody, complimented the ladies, caressed the babies, treated crowds at every tavern, and kept a large punch-bowl and open house at home. He was elected. On the Eleventh of May, Seventeen Hundred Sixty-nine, the Legislature convened, with nearly a hundred members present, Colonel George Washington being one of the number. It took two days for the Assembly to elect a Speaker and get ready for business. On the third day, four resolutions were introduced--pushed to the front largely through the influence of our new member. These resolutions were: 1. No taxation without representation. 2. The Colonies may concur and unite in seeking redress for grievances. 3. Sending accused persons away from their own country for trial is an inexcusable wrong. 4. We will send an address on these things to the King beseeching his royal interposition. The resolutions were passed: they did not mean much anyway, the opposition |
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