he most brilliant and hazardous nature, and entitled
him to the highest applause among the Americans.

The measures of the president relative to the war were of such a nature
as greatly to draw upon him the approbation and gratitude of the nation.
He early began to turn his mind to a contemplation of the general
politics of his country. He, therefore, became advanced in the requisite
qualifications to assume and maintain the important station he held over
it. He had imbibed an attachment for civil liberty almost from his
infancy, which influenced his every action. He was of a pacific
temperament, and pursued those measures as long as they would answer.
But when it became actually necessary for him to recommend to congress
to pursue a different course, it was then that the benefactor of his
country endeavoured to concert measures still to preserve America as an
asylum for civil and religious liberty. He possessed qualities well
calculated to fulfil the duties of his high station with honour to
himself and justice to the community. He was dignified in his
deportment, kind, generous, and condescending; a patron to science;
a uniform promoter of honourable enterprise, but an enemy to every thing
dishonest, hypocritical, and disingenuous. And, as a Christian, he
firmly adhered to the gospel, and regulated his life by its precepts and
injunctions, in a consistent and exemplary manner. This illustrious
president had the good fortune to be blessed with a consort whose
qualifications in her particular capacity were no less adequate to fill
with dignity her elevated station. The parents of Mrs. Madison were
natives of Virginia. Their daughter was educated in Philadelphia among
the Friends. She was, therefore, little indebted to acquired graces and
accomplishments for the admiration and regard which followed her
wherever she was known. To much personal beauty she added a warm heart
and a benevolent disposition--charms and attractions which won for her
not only admirers but friends, and exalted her to high eminence in the
public estimation. Her natural and acquired endowments she carried into
society with such pleasing manners and graceful demeanour, as produced
almost universally an impression highly favourable to herself among the
citizens of Washington. Her society was much esteemed in all the
companies she frequented. Her mental powers were of a superior grade,
and the effects of genuine piety and Christian benevolence distingui