Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1837-08-17


many poor families daily supplied from
that profusely spread table. would have
had reason to regret the introduction OF
European fashion. had Mrs. Madison
been prevailed on to submit 10 its die.
tation.
During the eigh, years that Mr..
Madison was Secretary OF State. he
and his family lived with the inhabitan,.
OF Washington as with fellow citizens:
receiving and reciprocating civilities in
the most kind and friendly manner
The Secretary himself, being wholly
absorbed in public business. left TO Mrs.
Madison the discharge of tn. duties OF
social intercourse. And never was q
woman better calculated for the task
Exposed, as she necessarily must have
been IN so conspicuous a situation, To
envy, Jealousy. and misconstruction.
she SO managed as 10 conciliaie the
goodwill Of all, without offending the
seli-love OF any OF the competitors for
her favor and atteAtion. Every yisi-
ter left her with the pleasing impres
SION OF being an especial fayorite, OF
having been the object Of peculiar AT
tention. She never forgot n name she
had once heard, nor face she had
once seen, nor the personal cir.
cumstances connected with every in
dividual of her acquaintance. Her
quick recognition o: persons; her re-
currence TO their peculiar interests,
produced the gratifying impression. m
each and all OF those who conversed
with her, that they were especial OBJ
jects Of regard.
Her house was very plainly furnish
ed, and her dress in no way cxirava.
CANT. ], was only in hospitality and
10 charity that her profusion was un-
checked. and sometimes made her SEN
sible that her income was not equal 10
her wishes.
The amiable and engaging qualities
which have been described. character
lied Mrs. Madison through the whole
OF her husbands public life. In the
midst OF the bitterness Of party spirit
and the violence Of political animosity,
she was mild and courteous 10 all. The
political assailants Of her husband she
treated with kindness, which disarned
their hostility Of its individual rancor,
and sometimes even converted political
enemies into personal friends, and still
oftener succeeded IN neutralizing the
bitterness OF opposition. During the
last war her courage and frmness were
put TO severe test. In August, 1914,
the British troops landed forty miles
below Washington, aid approached that
city. The President left the city TO
hold council Of war. Before his de.
'Parture, he anxiously inquired whether
she had courage OF firmness TO remain
in the Presidents house until his return
on the morrow or succeeding day. She
assured him she had no fear but for
him and the success Of our army
When the President reached Bladens-
burg he Unexpectedly found the two
armies engaged. Meanwhile terror
spread over the city. All who could
obtain convcyances fled TO the adioin-
ing towns. The sound OF the cannon
was distinctly heard. and universal dis
may and confusion prevailed. Some
personal friends who had remained
with Mrs. Madison strongly urged her
TO leave The city. They had her car
rage brought 10 the door, but could
not persuade her TO enter il iill her hus-
band should return and accompany her.
And she did not finally depart tall seve-
raj messengers had been despatched to
bid her fly.
We close this sketch in the words Of
the memoir from which wa have alrea-
dy quoted. Much as she graced her
public station. she has not been less adj
mirable in domestic life. NeIshborly
and companionable among her country
friends, as il she had never lived in a
city; delighting IN the society Of the
young, aud never be tier pleased than
when promoting every youthful plea
sure by her participation, she still prov
ed herself the afrctionatc and devoted
wife during the years Of suffering health
Of her excellent husband. Without
neglcciing the duties Of kind hostess.
a faithful friend and relative, she
smoothed and enlivrned, occupied and
amused the languid hours Of his long
confinement. lie knew. appreciated.
and Acknowledged the blessing which
heaven had bestowed on him ia giving
him such a wife.
- % -
HEuoIR OV HEV. W. a. WALTON.
When about 10 years of age lie be-
came a clerk 10 store ga Frankfort,
Hampshire county. Here. We must
pause fOr moment 10 admire the
goodness add the grace, which IA she
midst OF powerful temptations and