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JAMES MADISON" 827 the wanton outrage only increased the bitter- ness of the people. Among the public occur- rences of the year 1814, the meeting of the Hartford convention, in opposition to the con- tinuance of the war, occupies a prominent place. (See HARTFORD CONVENTION.) The victory at New Orleans, however, and the in- telligence of the conclusion of peace, termina- ted the popular agitation. A treaty of peace had been signed by the United States com- missioners at Ghent on Dec. 24, 1814, and being communicated by the president to the senate, was ratified by that body in February, 1815. It was silent on the paramount ques- tion of the right of impressment, and left the commercial regulations between the two coun- tries for subsequent negotiation. But the coun- try was tired of the war, and the treaty was hailed with acclamation. In this general joy no one shared more sincerely than Madison. He had acquiesced reluctantly in the com- mencement of hostilities, and had longed for the conclusion of peace. The country came out of a war which cost her 30,000 lives and $100,000,000 stronger and more honored than before, thoroughly convinced of her own pow- er and resources, and regarded with increased respect by all the nations of the world. In 1815 a commercial treaty was concluded with Great Britain, based upon a policy of perfect reciprocity. The subjects of impressment and blockades were not embraced in it. The re- turn of peace disbanded the organized opposi- tion to the administration, and the remainder of Madison's term of office was undisturbed by exciting events. In April, 1816, congress incoporated a national bank with a capital of $35,000,000, to continue for 20 years. The president had vetoed a similar bill in January of the preceding year, but now approved of it, from a conviction that the derangement of the currency made it necessary. It encoun- tered strong opposition, but was supported by Mr. Clay and other friends of the administra- tion, and passed both houses. In December, 1816, Madison sent in his last annual message to congress. Its recommendations were con- sidered liberal and judicious, and secured the general approbation of the country. On March 4, 1817, his long official connection with the affairs of the nation terminated, and he re- tired to his farm of Montpelier in Virginia. In this pleasant retreat he passed his days tran- quilly in agricultural pursuits. He had mar- ried in 1794 Mrs. Todd, a Virginia lady, the widow of a distinguished lawyer of Philadel- phia; and though their union had not been blessed with children, this amiable and accom- plished woman's faithful devotion was a source of the greatest happiness to him. She survived him, dying at Washington, July 12, 1849, at the age of 82. During these years, in spite of his infirm health, Madison still busied himself in services to his neighbors and the common- wealth. He was chosen president of the coun- ty agricultural society, and for a long time act- ed as visitor and rector of the university of Virginia. In 1829 he sat in the Virginia con- vention to reform the old constitution. When Madison rose to utter a few words, the mem- bers left their seats and crowded around the venerable figure, dressed in black, with his thin gray hair still powdered as in former times, to catch the low whisper of his voice. This was his last appearance in public. If not endowed with the very first order of ability, Madison's mind was symmetrical and vigorous. An un- failing accuracy and precision marked the op- eration of his faculties. He was naturally de r ficient in powers of oratory, and yet made him- self one of the most effective public speakers of his time, although the epoch was illustrated in Virginia by such men as Patrick Henry, Richard Henry Lee, George Mason, and Ed- mund Pendleton. Jefferson's testimony on this point is strong. "Mr. Madison," he says, " came into the house in 1776, a new member and young ; which circumstances, concurring with his extreme modesty, prevented his ven- turing himself in debate before his removal to the council of state in November, 1777. From thence he went to congress, then consisting of few members. Trained in these successive schools, he acquired a habit of self-possession, which placed at ready command the rich re- sources of his luminous and discriminating mind and of his extensive information, and rendered him the first of every assembly after- ward of which he became a member. Never wandering from his subject into vain declama- tion, but pursuing it closely, in language pure, classical, and copious, soothing always the feel- ings of his adversaries by civilities and soft- ness -of expression, he rose to the eminent sta- tion which he held in the great national con- vention of 1787 ; and in that of Virginia which followed, he sustained the new constitution in all its parts, bearing off the palm against the logic of George Mason and the fervid declama- tion of Mr. Henry. With these consummate powers was united a pure and spotless virtue, which no calumny has ever attempted to sully." From his earliest years Madison was a hard student. His memory was singularly tenacious, and what he once clearly discerned became as- similated, and was ever after retained. He thus laid up that great store of learning which in the conventions of 1787, and 1788 especial- ly, proved so effective. After Washington, no public man of his time was more widely respected and beloved. The public confidence in and respect for his honesty and singleness of aim toward the good of the country ri- pened into an affectionate attachment. His bearing and address were characterized by simplicity and modesty. He resembled a quiet student, rather than the head of a ^ great na- tion. He was somewhat taciturn in public, but when he conversed his tone was weighty and impressive. It was often naked, abstract reasoning; mild, simple, and lucid, but sum- ming up long trains of thought. He had a