James Monroe.

THOSE who are in the habit of regarding quickness of thought and brilliancy of expression as essentials of greatness have spoken slightly of James Monroe. They have wound up their memoirs of him with some grave remarks upon the freaks of the popular will and the fortune of some politicians. But he who enjoyed the esteem of the great men of his day, who was employed by Presidents of various shades of opinion, in many important stations—who rivalled Madison-whose administration was so successful as to have the unanimous and hearty approbation of the nation could not have been a common man-could not have been merely fortunate. Firmness, integrity, patriotism, foresight, and great capacity for labor-the genuine attribute of the best rulers, were to be found in James Monroe. Diplomatic and administrative talents, he certainly displayed. If he lacked imagination and oratorical powers, so did Washington, and many of the best statesmen, whose names have been handed down to us by History, have been more eloquent in deeds than in words. As a hero, leaving college to lead the van at Trenton-as a patriot, pledging his private estate to furnish the means for defending New Orleans, as a diplomatist negotiating for the purchase of Louisiana, and as President, carrying

13

(145)

into effect these measure most agreeable to the popular will, James Monroe is truly worthy of the highest esteem.

The successor of Madison was born on the 2d of April, 1759, in the county of Westmoreland, Virginia. The family of Monroe is one of the most ancient and honorable in Virginia. James was the son of Spence Monroe and Elizabeth Jones. After preparing himself by a course of elementary study, he entered William and Mary College. But the war of independence began; and the country had great need of the hearts and arms of all her sons. James Monroe was but eighteen years old when the declaration of independence was issued. Yet he resolved to quit the college and join the army under Washington. The British general was preparing an overwhelming force for an attack upon New York. The horizon of America was growing gloomy. The timid were shrinking from the side of the great patriot general. Monroe joined Washington at New York. During the dark period of seventy-six, he shared with the patriots in their perils and privations. He participated in the disastrous battles of Harlem heights and White Plains. In the battle of Trenton, while leading the vanguard in a brave and successful assault upon the enemy's artillery, he received a wound, the scar of which he carried to his grave.

After he recovered from his wound, Mr. Monroe was promoted to a captaincy, in the regular service. But, during the campaign of 1777 and 1778, he acted as aid to Lord Stirling, receding from the line of promotion. However, he won fresh laurels by his brave bearing at Brandywine, Germantown, and Monmouth. Desiring to regain his position in the line, he endeavored to raise a regiment in Virginia, under the recommendation of General Washington and the authority of the legislature. But the state was ex