North Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1850-1852, 1851-03-26
From Arthur's Home Gazette.]
RECoLLECTlONS sOFs JAMES MONROE.
nv ARTHUR ), s7ANsBuRY.

officer. This honor was offered TO him,
not on of his peculiar aptitude for the staon
hnt hecanse he was not only distinguished son OF
V;rgnia but had attained, and well discharged the
imnor,ant functions of the Presidency. He was un-
attach great importance to this comPament
as coming from his native State OF sucn IS tne ma
tnre IF the Virginia heart, that all the honor which
the limited Confederacy of all the States bestow
does not satisfy, cannot i'll it, till Virginia adds her
wreath to crown the whole. One would have thought
that of two Ex-PresideRts members of that BODY,
Mr.. Madison would have been the most natural and
the most appropriate choice: he statesman,
had long experienced deiiberative
bodies and thoroughly versed in all the theories
of government, whether ancient or modern. MI.
Monroe pretended to nothing of this, though his adj
ministraion of the government during his Presiden-
tial term had evinced an excellent capacity tor the
place he filled. But Mr. Madison's great modesty
and retirement from observation may, probably have
induced him to signify his averseness from being
called prominent position, while Mr.. Monroe
known desire of the distinctions naturally inclined his
friends to crafty it. Be this as 1t may, the result
proved tha 50 far, at least the duties of presid
ing officer were concerned worse selection could
scarcely have been made. Utterly ignorant of what
has been very appropriately termed the science OF
the Chair" the worthy Ex-President seemed very
destitute of that dgni6ed sefpossesson, decision,
promplitude and rlnness which so eminently re-
qusite in facilitating the business of popular assem-
bly,. He seemed confused and embarrassed, so much
so as times to pronounce question carried, when
he had omitted to call for votes in The negative He
had to BIZ prompted, as one unacqualnted win the
duty he was perform and though, out OF personal
respect and tenderness to his feelings, the Conven-
ton BORE for time, with this of things 1t
length became the subject of open complaint, in
somuch that resolution was introduced, requesting
him resign. 1t did carry, to be sure, but the
mere fact OF its Introduction would, would think,
to a man of MIR. Monroe's known spirit, have been
sufficient hint to induce instantaneous compliance.
But he took it the other way. While he had many
and friends in that body, he had also bitter and
determined enemies and he knew it: and atributing
the movement personal hostility, that very spirit
which formed striking part of his character,
seems to have determined him to hold on, it We're
in defiance, and he continued, accordingly, to act as
President of the Convention throughout the entire
period OF it's duration. He improved, somewhat.
Chairman but was most obviously out of his place
in the chair.
James Monroe was gentleman courteous, frank,
dignihed, accessible his MANNER however. had more
of the soldier in it than of the civlian he differed
strongly in this respect from each of the Presidents
who had preceded him. Washington soldier,
it is true, but he had the carriage and bearing OF
monarch in the field, and when transferred to the
Cabinet still in his place. Adams was an Eng
lish, rather New England gentleman, and had
the air of scholar, accustomed to rank and Difference
Jefferson polished French philosopher, courtier,
and man of the world. Monroe was none OF these,
but had the look and open manner of one who had
long been in camp, had read men more than books,
and who silently reflected all he saw. Though
frank in manner, he could keep his counsel, had
his own will, and while he respectfully listened to
all the opinions of his Cabinet, and the arguments by
| which they were supported, made up his own mind
and after nights reflection prepared to declare
and abide by it. The COM posed state of the
try, quietly recuperating it was, after the tunut
and effort of the second with Great Britain, did
call out all the latent energies of the but
" hen any thing did occur rouse them, he always
showed spirit and vigor of mind that sometimes
took men by surprise.
l recollect an instance of Ibis that is highly char
acteristic of the man. He had issued an order of
some kind, forget its particular nature, to Commo-
dore Porter, while distant station, which that
ardent and somewhat independent officer took the lib
erty, for reasons deemed by him sufficient to disre-
gard. When the despatch came, bearing this intel
.igeHce, the Secretary of the Navy himself waited
the President to communicate it. Monroe's face
turned crimson his eyes flashed fire; and starting
up and pacing the room, he exclamed.-'s the fell
low! does he dispute my orders2 He shall fight
ne! I'll call him out the moment he gets home'
of the United States which spoke but it James
Monroe. Taking Porters conduct as personal af-
front, his very first idea call him the field,
and make him abide the issue at the pistols mouth
curious interview they ould have had of it, had
not the prudence of the Chief Magistrate checked
the fiery ardor Of the soldier. Monroe's public
duct was eminent for prudence, but always marked
by good sense these sketches, however, studiousy
avoid touching upon politics.
Monroe hospitable, cheerful among his friends.
| and pleasant table companion. He had, however,
no powers OF anecdote in fact, he had but story,
which he often told, and which nobody enjoyed more
than himself. He had black servant who waited
upon him, and who genuine specimen of the
Virginia negro. On one occasion it had been
sary for his master to rise very early to set out
journey, and fearful lest he should over-sleep himself
he ordered Tony spread his pallet by the side of
his bed. and call him at the first dawn of day.
little before daylight Mr. Monroe's anxiety awoke
him without foreign aid, while poor Tonys gave
unmistakabe evidence that he still enjoying that
deep. untroubled repose, which God has given be
the solace of the slave. Accusing him with his foot,
his master called out -
I" Tony, you dog. are you asleep yet :? did not
tell you to call me early get up, you lazy devil, and
| look out, and let me know what sort of morning
| it isl
Tony bundled up, and laundering through the cham
Der opened door, paused, and shutting it again. came
! to his masters bedside and reported.
! Berry dark morning, master, and smell of cheese
Poor sleepy Tony had opened the door into pam
| try. instead of that which led out of doors.
President Monroe had great personal respect for
| General Brown, whose bravery the frontier had
done so much for the national renown, and whose
painful wound, still unheaed, rendered him an object
of much and deserved sympathy from his countrymen,
The Generals position, as COMMANDMENTS Chief
brought him into frequent contact with the President
and as brave military men they had much common
ground. Brown too, possessed sound penetrating
| Judgment, and much tact in the knowledge of man.
kind. Monroe ayaed himself often of his advice
and it seemed to me that the influence thus obtained
the mind of the President at least equal to
that of any of his Cabinet Calhoun was then Sec
rotary of War, was first rising into distinction, and
his eagle eye was fixed the Presidential chair
| The delicate operation of reducing the army was in
progress, and Browns cooperation was important
both to him and to his superior. No thought
more highly of Monroe than he.
The Presidential mansion felt, deeply. the absence
Me- MoAie h. ,l <xsr1 ezl,-.