LIFE AND TIMES

OF

JAMES MADISON.

Legislative Vacation

CHAPTER XXI.

Mr. Madison resumes his Literary, Legal, and Scientific Studies- Made Doctor of Laws by College of William and Mary, in Virginia-Disordered Situation of the Confederacy – Commercial Embarrassments and Distress resulting from Selfish Policy of British Government-Proposition to invest Congress with Power to regulate Commerce with Foreign Nations-Able Letter of Mr. Madison on the Subject-First Acquaintance and Correspondence with Mr. Monroe, then a Delegate from Virginia to Congress -Character of Mr. Monroe-Secret History of Congress - Parties growing out of Foreign Appointments - Mr. Adams appointed Minister to England - Mr. Jefferson, to France - Mr. Jay, Secretary for Foreign Affairs-Congress removes from Trenton to New YorkDivided Opinions of the Leading Men of Virginia on the Proposed Grant to Congress of the Power over Commerce-Richard Henry Lee and Col. Grayson - Washington and Jefferson-George Mason and Patrick Henry.

In the last chapter we somewhat departed from the strict laws of chronological arrangement, in order to follow to its conclusion the great contest for religious freedom, in which Mr. Madison bore so leading a part. The consummation of that

memorable struggle took place during the session of the legislature in the autumn of 1785. But, as the year 1785 was marked by other events of great significancy in the history of the country, with which Mr. Madison had a most important connection, we must now revert to its commencement, and follow it in the regular course of its developments.

The legislature, which began its session, in October, 1784, adjourned on the 5th day of January, 1785, when Mr. Madison, released temporarily from his public duties, returned to the quiet of his father's residence in the county of Orange. There, we learn from his correspondence, he resumed, as far as his other occupations would permit, the legal studies on which he had entered with so much earnestness when he retired from Congress. At the same time, he amused his leisure with occasional researches in natural history, for which he acquired an early taste from the writings of Buffon, of whose grand views of nature, and the noble eloquence with which they were unfolded, he was a passionate and sympathizing admirer.

The fruits of this taste, which formed an additional bond of union between him and the philosopher-statesman of Monticello, often appeared in the future course of his life, as we shall have occasion to observe. For the present, we give a brief extract from a letter addressed by him to Mr. Jefferson, then in France, on the 27th of

April, 1785, which exhibits a picture of simple and unsophisticated tastes and pursuits, so much in contrast with the feverish and unremitting excitements, and the all-absorbing professional monomania, of the modern politician's life, that many, perhaps, will find it difficult to comprehend its reality. After thanking his correspondent for various rare and valuable works, literary and scientific, procured for him in Europe, he says:

"Of Buffon, I have his original work of thirtyone volumes, ten volumes of his supplement, and sixteen volumes on birds. I shall be glad of the continuation, as it may, from time to time, be published. I am so pleased with the new-invented lamp, that I shall not begrudge two guineas for one of them. I have seen a pocket compass of somewhat larger diameter than a watch, and which may be carried in the same way. It has a spring for stopping the vibration of the needle, when not One of these would be very convenient in case of a ramble in the western country.

in use.

"In my walks for exercise or amusement, objects frequently present themselves which it might be matter of curiosity to inspect, but which it is difficult or impossible to approach. A portable glass would consequently be a source of many little gratifications. I have fancied that such a one might be fitted into a cane, without making it too heavy. On the outside of the tube might be engraved a scale of inches, &c. If such a project could be executed for a few guineas, I should

be willing to submit to the price. If not, the best substitute, I suppose, will be a pocket telescope, composed of several tubes, so constructed as to slide the lesser into the greater.'

Among the amiable cares which occupied Mr. Madison, during the intervals of his public employments, was the educational guardianship of two favorite nephews of Mr. Jefferson, the sons

of a widowed sister, Mrs. Carr. One of them was sent, by his advice, to a distinguished classical school' in Williamsburg: the other was placed at Hampden Sidney College, in the county of Prince Edward. Of their progress and standing in their respective schools, Mr. Madison made frequent reports to Mr. Jefferson, and watched over them, at all times, with fraternal interest. With what promptitude and fidelity he entered on this delicate and confidential trust, committed to him by his friend on his departure from America,2 appears

1 Of which Walker Maury was head-master.

2 The following passage of the letter by which this interesting charge was committed to Mr. Madison, written the 8th of May, 1784, -the day after Mr. Jefferson's appointment by Congress to join Dr. Franklin and Mr. Adams in the negotiation of Treaties of Commerce with the powers of Europe, -is a pleasing proof of Mr. Jefferson's domestic sensibilities, as well as of the confidence reposed by him in his friend: "I have a tender legacy to leave you on my departure. I will not say it is the son of my

sister, though her worth would justify my resting it on that ground; but it is the son of my friend, — the dearest friend I knew,-who, had fate reversed our lots, would have been a father to my children. He is a boy of fine dispositions, and of sound, masculine talents. I was his preceptor myself as long as I staid at home; and, when I came away, I placed him with Mr. Maury. There is a younger one, just now in his Latin rudiments. If I did not fear to overcharge you, I would request you to recommend the best school for him."