shed
all her actions. To these she added an amiability of temper, the
polished address of a lady, with a conversation both pleasing and
instructive. Her deportment to all was prepossessing, by the
affectionate manner in which she addressed them separately, and the
interest she manifested in their welfare. In these she showed no
difference between the rich and the poor, and devoted much of her time
to the cause of charity. She was eminently distinguished for her amiable
qualities, and a peculiar versatility of talent in her conversation and
manners. She entertained the numerous friends and guests of the
president with cordial hospitality. She treated her husband's relatives
with regard and kindness; and in the president's house, whenever there
were female guests, Mrs. Madison always presided.

After the president's, the house of the secretary of state was the
resort of most company. The frank and cordial manners of its mistress
gave a peculiar charm to the frequent parties there assembled. All
foreigners who visited the seat of government, strangers from the
different states of the Union, the heads of departments, the diplomatic
corps, senators, representatives, and citizens, mingled with an ease and
freedom, a sociability and gaiety to be met with in no other society.
Even party spirit, virulent and embittered as it then was, by her
gentleness, was disarmed of its asperity.

Individuals who never visited the president's dwelling, nor met at the
other ministerial houses, could not resist the softening influences of
her conciliatory disposition, with her frank and generous manners. She
was constantly receiving and reciprocating civilities in the most kind
and friendly manner with the inhabitants of Washington. The president,
being wholly absorbed in public business, left to Mrs. Madison the
discharge of the duties of social intercourse. And never was woman
better calculated for the task. Exposed as she necessarily was, in so
conspicuous a situation, to envy, jealousy, and misconstruction, she so
managed as to conciliate the good-will of all, without offending the
self-love of any of the numerous competitors for her favour and
attention. Every visiter left her with the pleasing impression of being
an especial favourite, of having been the object of peculiar attention.
She never forgot a name she had once heard, nor a face she had once
seen, nor the personal circumstances connected with every individual of
her acquaintanc