VII
ROBERT TOOMBS
- He is the most remarkable man in many respects that
the South has ever produced and it is doubtful if the records of a lordlier life than his can be found in the his- tory of our Republic. He has never moved as other men, never worked by ordinary standards. He has been kingly in all his ways, lavish in his opinions, disdaining all ex- pediency or deliberation, and moving to his ambitions with a princely assumption that has never been gainsaid by the people, and seldom by circumstances." ^
This paragraph, printed in a Georgia paper at the time of Toombs's death, for all its extravagance of state- ment and eulogy, strikes a good note for beginning the study of him. There was something lordly in the man, something commanding ; and it is a matter of the great- est interest to see why his achievements did not corre- spond to his apparent gifts.
All agree that his physique was most impressive. Con- stant riding and other vigorous exercise kept him in ex- cellent condition up to advanced years, though the as- sertions of some of his biographers as to his unfailing health are contradicted by many passages in his letters. Mrs. Davis's admirable portrait of him should be borne in mind. **Mr. Toombs was over six feet tall, with
�� �
