Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1829-06-26


weight-oi HIM, see more in some notes Enclosed
IN my letter OF August 81, 1871, TO MIR. Jno. Saun.
derson.
"Air. Madison came into the house in l7T6, a
new member x young; which circumstances. con-
curing with his extreme modesty, prevented his
venturhg himself in debate before his removal to
the Council OF State. in Nov. 1T. From thence
he went 10 Congress, then consisting Of few mem
oers. framed in these successive schools, he
CURED habit Of self-possesson, which placed at
ready command the rich resources OF his luminous
and discriminating mind. and Of his extensive in
formation. and rendered him the first OF every as
sembly afterwards. OF which he became inerp.
Der: Never wandering from his subject into vain
uec'amation' but pursuing II closely, in language
pure, classical and copious. soothing always the
feelings OF his adversaries by civilities and soft
ness oil expression, he rose 10 the eminent station
which he held in the great National Convention Of
1857; and in that of Virginia which followed, he
sustained the new Constitution in all its parts bear
ing OIL the palm against the logic Of Geo. Mason,
and the ieryid defamation OF Mr.. Henry. With
these consummate powers, were united pure and
spouess virtue, which no calumny has ever at
tempted to suliy. Or the powers and polish of his
pen and of the wisdom Of his administration in the
highest Office Of the nation, Ineed say nothing
They have spoken and will forever speak for the
selves"
.hiessrs. John adams, Carmichael. La Fay
cite, Sc" As you have now returned to Con-
gress, it will become 0fimportance that you should
form just estimate of certain public characters,
on which, therefore, shall give you such notes. as
my knowledge Of them has furnished me with
You will compare them with the materials you
are otherwise possessed Of, aud decide ON q view
of the whole.
" You know the opinion formerly entertained
OF my friend Mr.. Adams" and the governor
were the FIRST who shook that opinion.-I after
words saw proofs, which convicted him of q de-
gree OF vanity, and OF blindness to it, Of which
no germ appeared in Congress A seven months
intimacy with him here, aud as many weeks in
London, have given me opportunities Of stud yng
him closely. He is vain, irritable and bad cal
culaior of the force and probable effect OF the mo-
lives, which govern men. This Is all the i'll
which can be possibly said Of him. He is dis
interested as the being who made him; he is pro-
found in his views. and accurate in his judgment,
except where knowledge Of the world is necessary
to form judgment. He is so aIniable that pro-
nounce you will love him, il ever you become ac-
quainted with him. He would be, he was, a
great man in Congress.
{" Mr.. Carmichael is, think, very little known
in America. never saw him, and while L was
in Congress l formed rather disaIvantag c Gus
idea OF him. His letters received there. Showed
him vain; and more attentive 10 ceremony and
etiquette, than we suppose men OF sense should
be. have now @ constant correspondence with
him, and End him little hypochondriac and dis
confessed. He possesses a very good understand
ing, though not Of the first order. have had
great opportunities OF searching into his charac-
ter, and have availed myself OF them. Many
persons oil different nations, coming from Madrid
10 Paris, all speak OF him as in high esteem, and
L think 1t certain that he has more OF the Count
de Florida Blanca's friendship than any diploma
&c character at that Court. As long this min.
iser Is IN Office, Carmichael do more than any
other person who could be sent there.
you will see Franks and doubtless lie will be
asking some appointment. wish there may he any
one for which he is fit. He is light, indiscreet ac-
tive, honest afectionate. Though Bingham is
not in diplomatic office, yet he wishes to be SO,
i will mention such circumstances Of lin. you
might otherwise be deceived in. lie will make
you believe he on the most intimate footing
with the FIRST characters in Europe, and versed in
Tie secrets OF every cabinet Not a word Of this
is true lie had a rage for being presented 10
great men. and bad no 'r" in the methods by
which be could effect IL. "a "a
"The Marquis dc la Fdyette, is a most valuable
auxiliary TO me. His zeal is unhounted, and his
weight with those in power great. His ecuca-
ton having been merely military, commerce was
an unknown field to him. But his good sense en-
abling him 10 comprehend perfectly, whatever is
explained 10 him, his agency has been very ell
caciocs. He has great deal of sound genius is
well remarked by the King, and rising in popular
ity. He has nothing against him, but the suspi-
con OF republican principles think lie will one
day be OF the mihistry.-The Count de Vergen-
mes is ill., The possibility Of his recovery, render
1t dangerous for us to express doubt of it; but
he is in danger He is great minister in Euro.
pean affairs; but has very imperfect ideas OF our
uStituuOIis. To commence IN tnem. Ills de-
votion TO the principles OF pure despotisrp, render
him unanectionate 10 our governments. But his
fear OF England, makes him value US as a make
weight lie is cCoi, reserved in political conver-
sation; hut Tree and familiar other subjects and
very attentive, agreeable person 10 do busine So
with II is impossible 10 have clearer, better or
ganized head; but age has chilled bis heart"
Portrait Of Mr.. Neckor-s' Nature bestowed
on Mr.. Neckar an ardent passion for glory,
without, at the same time, granting him those
oil 1ad f-n1f
The union OF fruitful Imagination with limited
talent, with which she has endowed him, is always
incompatible with those faculties of the mind
which qualify their possessor 10 penetrate. to
combine. and TO comprehend all the relations Of
objects.
- lie had probably learned in Geneva, mis- ma.
tive country, the influence which riches exercise
on the success of ambition without having re-
course 10 the school OF Paris, where he arrived
bout the 2Slh year of his age. personal affair
with his brother, in which the chiefs OF the repub-
lie conducted themselves unjustIy towards him,
the circumstances of which, moreover, exposed
him 10 ridicule, determined him TO forsake his
country-ou taking his leave he assured his moth
er that he would make great fortune at Paris
On his arrival, he engaged himself as clerk al a
salary OF 600 livres with the banker Thelusson,
man OF extreme harsiness in his intercourse with
his dependents. The same cause which obliged
other clerks TO abandon the service of Thelusson
dcseTinined Neckar TO continue in it. BY submit
ting TO the brutality Of his master with seryile
resignation, whilst, at the same time, he devoted
'he most unremitting attention TO his business, ne
recommended himself 10 his confidence & was
taken into paTne rship Ordinary abilities only were
requisite 10 avail him oil the multitude of favorable
circumstances, which, before he entered into tie
administration, built up fortune Of six millions Of
'ivres. lie owed much Of his good fortune to his
connexions with the Able Terrar, of whose igno-
lance he did not scrupe to profit. His riches, his
profession, his table, and virluous, reasonable
and well informed wife, procured him the acquain.
lance oil many persons Of distinction, among whom
were many men Of letters, who celebrated his
knowledge and wisdom