Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1852-02-09

for the first time, ut Richmond, where he
attended as member Of State Convcn-
lion. assembled in 1929. for The revision Of
the Constitution Or virginia. You may
imagine the intcnse curiosity with which l
gazed ON an individual 50 illust,ious.
Among the crowd Of gentlemen who en-
tered the hall Of the House Of Dcleg ates.
in the capitol. where the Convention wus
about 10 open. saw one, Of lower stature,
than any Of his conpcers. slender and del
icaic in form--drcsscd in suit Of black.
not new, and now dusty from travel, with
bat distinguished by the width Of ils
brim, and its total enstrangement from the
fashionable block Of The day; in aspect
grave yet mild; in air and carriage perfect
y simple and unassuming or light elastic
step, and possessing. alicgcther, what may
be called winning address. l observed
that he was approached BY every one with
an intrinsic respect, (lhoug gh not with that
expression of awe which was inspired by
Washington.) and soon learned from
every mouth, that il was cx-President
Madison. Many members Of the Conven-
ton then saw him. like myself. for the first
time. He looked to me like gentleman
farmer, emerging from retirement, to give
his vote at some important election, and
then purposing 70 return homo.
He met his friends with courtesy, but
with an avowed calmness of manner, dif.
fcring, as it seemed to me, from that
warmth, and cordiality which usually
mark the intercourse Of Virginians. and Of
Southern people generally. Indeed, were
! asked to poin; out Mr.. Madison's distin-
gnishcd trait. speak Of his constitutional
Organization. should say it was this very
quality Of digni6ed calmncss. His tone Of
mind seemed pleasant. even cheerful, but
totally undisturbed ever selfrossesscd
self balanced. He was, in all situations,
gcntlemanly. modest, retiring, and. for SO
distinguished character more silent than
had expected. He never assumed the
lead in conversation, and appeared always
more disposed to listen than to speak.
Nothing can be conceived more remote
from all assumption and display. During
the whole duration of the Convention.
(and it sat for sixteen weeks) although Of
all present, he was hest entitled to speak on
subjects such as those which occupied that
body, he spoke but twice.
When he did speak, however. the effect
of such retiring merit was at once obyi-
Gus. While other members of the body,
even the most distinguished among the
elite of Virginia, were listened TO with
respectful attention, but without any spe-
cial outward demonstration Of interest. no
sooner was Mr.. Madison upon his feet,
than there was in one moment simulta-
neous rush, from every part of The hall
the ordinary decorum Of the body seemed
forgotten; regardless Of all obstacles,
every man made straight line to the
spot, and he was at once so completely
hemmed in by the crowd that pressed
around 10 hear, that his small figure could
scarce be seen. There was, indeed, one
reason for this movement besides the hon.
age which his character commanded.
His voice. never strong, was then very
slender. even feeble. (he was in his seven
Iy-eiginh ycar,} though his cnunciation
perfectly distinct, and the universal eager
ness not to lose a syllable thar fen from him
may have quickened the effort to be as
near him as possible. My professional
occupation opened an avenue to me, since
il was my duty to take down tire speech
but such was the interest felt in common
with all around me, to hear the speech
that 1t was with difficulty could prevent
my attention from being drawn from my
task. leaving me listener merely ] have
still MS. notes Of that speech (the last he
ever delivered) with corrections Of it in
his own hand, which keep with relisi
gious feeling Of venera,ion. Connected
with it is little anecdote, characteristic in
the highest degree of meekness of wisdom
which SO eminently distinguished the Illus
trious author of " The Federaist"
| When I had finished writing out The
speech, left it with him for his revision.
Next day, as there was great call for il,
and the report had no; been returned for
publication, | sent my son. with respect
ful note requesting the MS. My son was
lad about sixteen, (whom had taken
with me 10 act as an amanuensis) and on de-
lIvering my note he was received with the
utmost politeness. and requested TO como
up in Mr.. Ms chamber, and wait while he
ran his eyes over the paper, as company
had till that moment prevented his atien-
ding to it. He did so; and Mr.. Madison,
pen in hand, sat down to correct the report.
The lad stood near him, so that his eye fell
on the paper. Coming to certain SEN
tcnce in the speech. Mr.. M. struck out
word. and substituted another, but hesitl-
ted, and not feeling quite satisfied with the
second word, drew his pen through it
also.
Ny son was young, ignorant Of the
world. and unconcious Of the solecism OF
which lie was about to be guilty. when in
all simplicity, he suggested acord Yes,
he ventured, boy that he was, to suggest
to james Madison an improvement in his
own speecb!-Probably no other indi,ldu-
al then living would have taken such a
liberty. Blu, the sage, instead Of regard
ing the Intrusion with frown. raised his
eyes ,othe boys face with pleasing surprise,
and said "thank you sir--it is the very
word!' and Immediately inserted it. 1
saw him the next day, and he mentioned
the circumstance, with compliment on
the young critic.
was forcibly struck, while discharging
my daily duty in the convention. at the
department Of Mr.. Madison. Punctual
and unfailirg in his attendance, he always
occupied the same seat, 1 do not think that
in that hall there was another individua
who paid such uniform ard unremisted at
teniien TO the proceedings Of the body
Whoever occupied the floor. he was sure
of at least one attentive listener. John
Marshall. himself. did not listen with more
stcadincss and crndcsccnsion TO tire argu-
ment Of a young member Of the bar, (snd
who that was young member there, and
did not feel with the deepest gratitude that
admirable trait in The character oftl,e great
juristl) than did Mr.. Madison toshe speech