Page:The Presidents of the United States, 1789-1914, v. III.djvu/281

CHESTER ALAN ARTHUR 233 convention, in its resolutions, declared that "in the administration of President Arthur we recognize a wise, conservative, and patriotic policy, under which the country has been blessed with remark able prosperity, and we believe his eminent services are entitled to and will receive the hearty approval of every citizen." The conventions in all the states had also unanimously passed resolutions commend atory of the administration. Mr. Arthur married, October 29, 1859, Ellen Lewis Herndon, of Fredericksburg, Va., who died January 12, 1880, leaving two children, Chester Alan Arthur, born July 25, 1865, and Ellen Hern don Arthur, born November 21, 1871. Their first child, William L. H. Arthur, was born December 10, 1860, and died July 8, 1863. Mrs. Arthur was the daughter of Commander William Lewis Hern don, of the United States navy, who, in 1851- 52, explored the Amazon river under orders of the government. He perished in a terrific gale at sea, September 12, 1857, on the way from Havana to New York, while in command of the merchant- steamer "Central America." In person, Mr. Arthur was tall, large, well- proportioned, and of distinguished presence. His manners were always affable. He was genial in domestic and social life, and warmly beloved by his personal friends. He conducted his official in tercourse with unvarying courtesy, and dispensed