tes were admitted into the Union.

He issued a farewell address to his country, and retired to private life
at the Hermitage, where he lived until his death in 1845. There is much
in the life of Andrew Jackson that can be profitably copied by the
American youth of to-day; notably his fixedness of purpose, indomitable
will, and great love of truth. There are other things that would be well
to pass by and give little promise, such as his sporting propensities.
Lossing says: 'The memory of that great and good man is revered by his
countrymen next to that of Washington.' His imposing statue occupies a
conspicuous place in President's Square, Washington, where it was
unveiled in 1852, being the first equestrian statue in bronze ever
erected in America. It is certain that he exercised a marked influence
in shaping the affairs of the generations that were to follow his
administration.

THOMAS H. BENTON.

Thomas Hart Benton was born at Hillsboro, North Carolina, March 14th,
1782. During his youth he enjoyed few educational advantages, his father
dying while he was a child.

He, however, persevered and completed his studies at Chapel Hill
University--supporting himself throughout his school course. Removing to
Tennessee he began the study of law and commenced practice at Nashville,
where he arose to eminence at the bar. When elected to the legislature
of the State, an event which occurred soon after his beginning law
practice in Nashville, he procured the passage of a bill securing to
slaves the right of trial by jury. In the war of 1812 he was made a
lieutenant-colonel, serving on the staff of General Jackson.

In 1814-15 Colonel Benton took up his residence in St. Louis, Missouri,
and established the _Missouri Enquirer_. It is stated that this
enterprise involved him in several duels, one of which resulted fatally
to his opponent, Mr. Lucas. Mr. Benton took a leading part in the
admission of his adopted State into the Union, and in 1820 he was
elected one of her first senators, and remained a member of the national
government for thirty consecutive years; a leader of his party in
debate.

He warmly supported Jackson in his administration of the affairs of the
government, and as is well-known rendered him valuable and efficient
service by his speech on the expunging resolution which he successfully
carried through the senate. In 1829 he made a speech on the salt tax,
which was a masterly production, and through i