USA > Iowa > Ringgold County > Biographical and historical record of Ringgold and Union counties, Iowa, vol. 1 > Part 4
USA > Iowa > Union County > Biographical and historical record of Ringgold and Union counties, Iowa, vol. 1 > Part 4
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Returning to Virginia, Colonel Monroe commenced the practice of law at Freder- icksburg. He was very soon elected to a scat in the State Legislature, and the next year he was chosen a member of the Vir- ginia convention which was assembled to decide upon the acceptance of rejection of the Constitution which had been drawn up at Finalelphia, and was now stimitted to the several States. Deeply as he felt the indy selections of the wil Come teracy. thinking with many others of the Royal can proty, that it grave too much ] wieto the Central Government, and The mix de to the individual Slides.
Having opposed the Constitution as net Having though power with the States, be, (i coa. c. become more and more identi- fel with the Republican party. Thus he found himself in cordial co-operation with Jodorson and Madison. The great Repub- Houn parey became the dominant power which ruled the land.
George Washington was then President. England had espensed the cause of the Bourbons against the principles of the French Revolution. President Washing- ton issued a proclamation of neutrality be- tween these contending powers. France had helped us in the struggle for our lib- erties. All the despotisins of Europe were now combined to prevent the French from escaping from tyranny a thousandfold worse than that which we had endured. Colonel Monroe, more magnanimous than prudont, was anxious that we should help our old allies in their extremity. He vio- lently opposed the President's procla- mation as ungrateful and wanting in magnanimity.
Washington, who could appreciate such a character. developed his calm, serene, almost divine greatness by appointing that very James Monroe, who was denouncing the policy of the Government, as the Mini- tor of that Government to the republic cf France. He was directed by Washing on we express to the French people server est sympathy, communicating to them off- nepor ling r selves approve The the Pres- imat. and adopted by both boys. i
DE 0. 01. 31.10 Ț
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PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES.
tween the two nations. The flags of the two republics were intertwined in the hall of the convention. Mr. Monroe presented the American colors, and received there of France in return. The course which he pursued in Paris was so annoying to Eng- land and to the friends of England in this country that, near the close of Wash- ington's administration, Mr. Monroe, was recalled.
After his return Colonel Monroe wrote a book of 400 pages, entitled " A View of the Conduct of the Executive in Foreign Af- fairs." In this work he very ably advo- cated his side of the question; but, with the magnanimity of the man, he recorded a warm tribute to the patriotism, ability and spotless integrity of John Jay, between whont and himself there was intense antag- onism ; and in subsequent years he ex- pressed in warmest terms his perfect veneration for the character of George Washington.
Shortly after his return to this country Colonel Monroe was elected Governor of Virginia, and hold that office for three years, the period limited by the Constitu- tion. In 1802 he was an Envoy to France, and to Spain in 1805, and was Minister to England in 1803. In 18OG he returned to his quiet home in Virginia, and with His wife and children and an ample competence from his paternal estate, enjoyed a few yo of domestic repose.
In 18og Mr. Jefferson's second forma cf ofice expired, and many of the Republican party where anxious to nothing to James Mono a his successor. The naughty vere in Favor of Me. Madi m. M .. .. ro withdrow his may rand was too .flog
by President Malin. The content
there was no hope of any peaceful adjust- ment of our difficulties with the cabinet of St. James. War was consequently declared in June, 1812. bpmediately after the sack of Washington the Secretary of War re- signed, and Mr. Monroe, at the carnest request of Mr. Madison, assumed the ad- ditional duties of the War Department, without resigning his position as Secretary of State. It has been confidently stated, that, had Mr. Monroc's energies been in the War Department a few months earlier, the disaster at Washington would not have occurred.
The duties now devolving upon Mr. Mon- roe were extremely arduous. Ten thou- sand men, picked from the veteran armies of England, were sent with a powerful fleet to New Orleans to acquire possession of the months of the Mississippi. Our finan- ces were in the most deplorable condition. The treasury was exhausted and our credit gone. And yet it was necessary to make the most rigorous preparations to meet the foe. In this crisis James Monroe, the Sec- rotary of War, with virtue unsurpassed in Greck or Roman story, stepped forward and pledged his own individual credit as subsidiary to that of the nation, and thus succeeded in placing the city of New Or- leans in such a posture of defense, tlidt it was enabled successfully to repel the in- vader.
Mr. Monroe was truls the armor-bester of President Madison, and the most songy nt buiness man in his calinet. His chungy in the de ble capacity of Secretary, hot. o State .11 War pervadod all the depart. luents of the congtry. De jompo d zo increase the amy to popay ton, de-
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The happy result of the conference at Ghent in securing peace rendered the in- crease of the army unnecessary; but it is not too much to say that James Monroe placed in the hands of Andrew Jackson the weapon with which to beat off the foe at New Orleans. Upon the return of peace Mr. Monroc resigned the department of war, devoting himself entirely to the duties of Secretary of State. These he continued to discharge until the close of President Madison's administration, with zeal which was never abated, and with an ardor of self-devotion which made him almost for- getful of the claims of fortune, health or life.
Mr. Madison's second term expired in March, 1817, and Mr. Monroe succeeded to the Presidency. He was a candidate of the Republican party, now taking the name of the Democratic Republican. In 1821 he was re-elected, with scarcely any opposition. Out of 232 electoral votes, he received 231. The slavery question, which subsequently assumed such formidable dimensions, now began to make its appearance. The State of Missouri, which had been carved out of that immense territory which we had pur- chased of France, applied for admission to the Union, with a slavery Constitution. There were not a few who foresaw the evils impending. After the debate of a week it was decided that Missouri could not be admitted into the Union with slav- ery. This important question was at length settled by a compromise proposed by Henry Clay.
The famous "Monroe Doctrine." of which so much has been said, originated in this way: In 1823 it was rumored that the Holy Alliance was about to interfere to prevent the establishment of Republican liberty in the European colonies of South America. President Morro wote to his ings hin the wo the se center of the T'es- old friend Thomas Jefferson for advice in t'bus ren ; he wol pro ded him in the the emergency. In his reply wider date of Upp. jdem'a gowin.
October 24, Mi. Jefferson writes upon the supposition that our attempt to resist this Furopean movement might lead to war:
" Its object is to introduce and establish the American system of keeping out of our land all foreign powers; of never permitting those of Europe to intermeddle with the affairs of our nation. It is to maintain our own principle, not to depart from it."
December 2, 1823, President Monroe sent a message to Congress, declaring it to be the policy of this Government not 10 entangle ourselves with the broils of Eu- rope, and not to allow Europe to interfere with the affairs of nations on the American continent; and the doctrine was announced, that any attempt on the part of the Euro- pean powers "to extend their system to any portion of this hemisphere would be regarded by the United States as danger- ous to our peace and safety."
March 4, 1825, Mr. Monroe surrendered the presidential chair to his Secretary of State, John Quincy Adams, and retired, with the universal respect of the nation, to his private residence at Oal: Ilill, Lou- doun County, Virginia. His time had been so entirely consecrated to his country, that he had neglected his pecuniary interests, and was deeply involved in debt. The welfare of his country had ever been up- permost in his mind.
For many years Mrs. Monroe was in sach fceble health that she rarely appeared in public. In 1930 Mr. Monroe to sh up his residence with his son-in-law in New York, where he died on the pth of July, 1831. The citizens of New York conduct I his o'requies with pageants more import; than ha leyer by : wiund. I there bemore. Our country will ever cherin his Ben- any with pride, gratefully caroline Mi. Arm in the l' tothat factor . promote
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PRESIDENTS ON THE UNITED STATES.
OHN QUINCY ADAMS, the sixth President of the United States, 1825-'9, was born in the mural home of his honored father, John Adams, in Quincy, Massachusetts, July 11, 1767. His mother, a woman of exalted worth, watched over his childhood during the almost constant absence of his father. commenced his education at the village school, giving at an early period indica- tions of superior mental en- dowments.
When eleven years of age he sailed with his father for Europe, where the Latter was associated with Franklin and Loca . Minister Plenipotentiary. The intelligence of John Quincy attracted the attention of these th n and received from them flattering mark .. .! attention. Mr. Adam had seavedly return ! to this country in 1779 ere he was a time sent abroad, and John Quincy : can. : coop; recolham. On this voyage he comment ! : Bary, which practice be continued, with. but for interruptions, until his death. I]. i'm moved with his father from Fond. in
his father to Holland, where he entered, first a school in Amsterdam, and then the University of Leyden. In 1781, when only fourteen years of age, he was selected by Mr. Dana, our Minister to the Russian court, as his private secretary. In this school of incessant labor he spent fourteen months, and then returned alone to Holland through Sweden, Denmark, Hamburg and Bremen. Again he resumed his studies under a private tutor, at The Hague.
In the spring of 1782 he accompanied his father to Paris, forming acquaintance with the most distinguished men on the Conti- nent. After a short visit to England, he re- turned to Paris and studied until May, 1785, when he returned to America, leav- ing his father an embassador at the court of St. James. In 1786 he entered the jun- for class in Harvard University, and grad uated with the second honor of his class. The oretion he delivere ! on this occasion, the " Importance of Public Faith to the Well-being of a Community," was pub- lished -- an event very rare in this or any aber laand.
Upon leaving college. t the age of twenty he studied lage three years with the Hon. Dophilus Forone in Newburyport. In
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JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.
no clients, but not a moment waslost. The In July, 1799, having fulfilled all the pur- second year passed away, still nos clients, posts of his mission. Mr. Adans returned. and still he was depen lent upon bis parrots for support. Anxiously he awaited the third year. The reward now came. Cli- ents began to enter his office, and before the end of the year he was so crowde I with business that all solicitude respecting a support was at an end.
When Great Britain commenced war against France, in 1793, Mr. Adams wrote some articles, urging entire neutrality on the part of the United States. The view was not a popular one. Many felt that as France had helped us, we were bound to help France. But President Washington coincided with Mr. Adams, and issued his proclamation of neutrality. His writings at this time in the Boston journals gave him so high a reputation, that in June, 1794, he was appointed by Washington resident Minister at the Netherlands. In July, 1797, he left The Hague to go to Port- ugal as Minister Pienipotentiary. Wash- ington at this time wrote to his father, John Adams:
" Without intending to compliment the father or the mother, or to censure any others. I give it as my decided opinion. that Mr. Adams is the most valuable char- acter we have abroad; and there remains no doubt in my mind that he will prove the ablest of our diplomatic corps."
On his way to Portugal, upon his arrival in London, he met with dispatcher direct. ing him to the court of Berlin, but request- ing him to remal in Land mundt he show'? receive instructions. While waiting le was mani. Ito M'as Louisa Catherine John- son, to whom he had been previous'; ca- ganger. Miss Johnson was a daughter ( Mr. Joshua Johnson. American Calls i in Lou lon, and wasa bite collosel ahb that loquty and those aos @dishtits which fitted her to move in the devar ! sphore for which she was stipend.
In I se he was chosen to the Senate of Massachusetts from Boston, and then was electedl Senator of the United States for six years from March 4, 1834. His reputation, his ability and his experience, placed him immediately among the most prominent and influential members of that body. He sustained the Government in its measures of resistance to the encroachments of Eng- land, destroying our commerce and insult- ing our flag. There was no man in America more familiar with the arrogance of the British court upon these points, and no one more resolved to present a firm resist- ance. This course, s> truly patriotic, an 1 which scarcely a voice will now be found to condemn. alienated him from the Fed- eral party dominant in Boston, and sub- jected him to censure.
In ISos Mr. Adams was chosen professor of rhetoric in Harvard College. His lect- ures at this place were subsequently pub- lished. In isog he was sent as Minister to Russia. He was one of the commissioners that negotiated the treaty of peace with Great Britain, signed Decen ber 24, 1814, and he was appointed Minister to the court of St. James in 1815. In ISI7 he became Secretary of State in Mir. Monros's cabinet in which position he remwined eight years. Few will now contra dict the assertion il ... t the duties of that offee were never m re ally discharge l. Probably the rest in- portant nicasure willel. Mr. Adatus con- ducted was the purchase of Florida from
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JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.
no clients, but not a moment waslost. The In July, 1799, having fulfilled all the pur- second year passed away, still no clients, poses of his mission, Mr. Adamis returned. and still he was dependent upon his parents for support. Anxiously he awaited the third year. The reward now came. Cli- ents began to enter his office, and before the end of the year he was so crowded with business that all solicitude respecting a support was at an end.
When Great Britain commenced war against France, in 1793, Mr. Adams wrote some articles, urging entire neutrality on the part of the United States. The view was not a popular one. Many felt that as France had helped us, we were bound to help France. But President Washington coincided with Mr. Adams, and issued his proclamation of neutrality. His writings at this time in the Boston journals gave him so high a reputation, that in June, 1794, he was appointed by Washington resident Minister at the Netherlands. In July, 1797, he left The Hague to go to Poit- ugal as Minister Plenipotentiary. Wash- ington at this time wrote to his father, John Adams:
" Without intending to compliment the father or the mother, or to censure any others, I give it as my decided opinion, that Mr. Adams is the most valuable char- acter we have abroad; and there remains no doubt in my mind that he will prove the ablest of our diplomatic corps."
On his way to Portugal, upon his arriva 1 in London, he met with dispatches direct- ing him to the court of Berlin, but request- ing him to remain in London us til he shoal! receive in tructions. While waiting le was married to Miss Louisa Catherine John- son, to whom he had been previously en- gaged. Miss Johnson was a daughter of Mr. Joshua Johnson, American Cinail in London, and was a lady enlowed with that beauty and those aresomplishments which fitted her to move in the devand sphere for which she was festival.
In sf32 he was chosen to the Senate of Massachusetts from Boston, and then was elected Senator of the United States for six years from March 4, 1804. His reputation, his ability and his experience, placed him immediately among the most prominent and influential members of that body. He sustained the Government in its measures of resistance to the encroachments of Eng- land, destroying our commerce and insult- ing our flag. There was no man in America more familiar with the arrogance of the British court upon these points, and no one more resolved to present a firm resist- ance. This course, so truly patriotic, and which scarcely a voice will now be found to condemn, alienated him from the Fed- eral party dominant in Boston, and sub- jected him to censure.
In 1865 Mr. Adams was chosen professor of rhetoric in Harvard College. His lect- ures at this place were subsequently pub- lished. In 18og he was sent as Minister to Russia. He was one of the commissioners that negotiated the treaty of peace with Great Britain, signed December 24, 1814, and he was appointed Minister to the court of St. James in 1815. In 1817 he became Secretary of State in Mr. Monroe's calinet in which position he remained eight years. Few will now contradict the assertion that the duties of that office were never more ably discharged. Probably the most im- portant measure which. Mr. Adams con- ducted was the purchase of Florida from Spain fn Ss.cuento.
The campaign of isas was an exciting one. Four conline- where it the field. Of the 200 cheun | votes that were del
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PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES.
of Representatives. Mr. Clay gave the ! vote of Kentucky to Mr. Adams, and he 1 was elected.
The friends of all disappointed candidates now combined in a venomous assault upon Mr. Adams. There is nothing more dis- graceful in the past history of our country than the abuse which was poured in one uninterrupted stream upon this high- minded, upright, patriotic man. There was never an administration more pure in prin- ciples, more conscientiously devoted to the best interests of the country, than that of John Quincy Adams; and never, perhaps, was there an administration more unseru- pulously assailed. Mr. Adams took his seat in the presidential chair resolved not to know any partisans hip, but only to con- sult for the interests of the whole Republic,
He refused to dismiss any man from of- fice for his political views. If he was a faith- ful officer that was enough. Bitter must have been his disappointment to find that the Nation could not appreciate such conduct.
Mr. Adams, in his public manners, was cold and repulsive; though with his per- sonal friends he was at times very genial. This chilling address very seriously dc- tracted from his popularity. No one can read an impartial record of his administra- tion without admitting that a more noble example of uncompromising dignity can scarcely be found. It was stated publicly that Mr. Adams' administration was to be put down, " though it be as pure as the an- gels which stand at the right hand of the throne of God." Many of the active par- ticipants in these scenes lived to regret the course they pursued. Some years after. Warren R. Davis, of South Carolina. turn- ing to Mr. Adams, then a member of the House of Representatives, said:
"Well do Fremeraber the enthusiastic zeal with which we reproached the admin- istration of that gentleman, and th . arder and vehemence with which we Naturel to
bring in another. For the share I had in these transactions, and it was not a small one, I hope God will forgive me, for I shall never forgive myself"
March 4, 1829. Mr. Adams retired from the Presidency and was succeeded by An- drew Jackson, the latter receiving 168 out of 261 electoral votes. John C. Calhoun was elected Vice-President. The slavery question now began to assume pretentious magnitude. Mr. Adams returned to Quincy, and pursued his studies with una- bated zeal. But he was not long permitted to remain in retirement. In November, 1830. he was elected to Congress. In this he recognized the principle that it is honor- able for the General of yesterday to act as Corporal to-day, if by so doing he can ren- der service to his country. Decp as are our obligations to John Quincy Adams for his services as embassador. as Secretary of State and as President; in his capacity as legislator in the House of Representa- tives, he conferred benefits upon cur land which eclipsed all the rest, and which can never be over-estimated.
For seventeen years, until his death, he occupied the post of Representative, tow- cring above all his peers, ever ready to do brave battle for freedom, and winning the title of "the old man eloquent." Upon taking his seat in the House he announced that he should hold banself bound to no party. He was usually the first in his place in the morning, and the last to leave his seat in the evening. Not a measure could escape his scrutiny. The battle which he fought, almost singles, against the pro-slavery party in the Government, was sublime in its monal dring and baris. D'or persisting in presenting y things to1 the abolition of slavery. he was threatened with indic noent by the Grand Jury, with expulsion from the House. will go in. tion; but no there's could inti Mate bien. and his fred trigop & was con ic.
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JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.
On one occasion Mr. Adams presented a 'Prussia, and of Isabella of Castile, the pa- petition, signed by several women, against troness of Columbus ? Dil she bring ' dis- credit ' on her sex by mingling in politics ?" In this glowing strain Mr. Adams si- leneed and overwhelmed his antagonists. the annexation of Texas for the purpos of cutting it up into slave States. Mr. How. ard, of Maryland, said that these women discredited not only themselves, but their section of the country, by turning from their domestic duties to the conflicts of po- litical life.
"Are women," cxclaimed Mr. Adams, " to have no opinions or actions on subjects relating to the general welfare? Where did the gentleman get his principle? Did he find it in sacred history,-in the language of Miriam, the prophetess, in one of the noblest and sublime songs of triumph that ever met the human eye or car? Did the gentleman never hear of Deborah, to whom the children of Israel came up for judg- ment ? Has he forgotten the deed of Jael, who slew the dreaded enemy of her coun- try? Has he forgotten Esther, who, by her petition saved her people and her coun- try?
" To go from sacred history to profane, does the gentleman there find it ' discredita- ble ' for women to take an interest in politi- cal affairs? Has he forgotten the Spartan mother, who said to her son when going out to battle, 'My son, come back to me with thy shield, or upon thy shield?' Does he remember Cloelia and her hundred com- panions, who swam across the river under a shower of darts, escaping from Porsena ? Has he forgotten Cornelia, the mother of the Gracchi? Does he not remember Por- tia, the wile of Brutus and the daughter of Cito ?
" To come to later periods, what say the history of our Anglo-Saxon ancestors? To say nothing of Boadices, the British heroine in the time of the Casars, what name is more illustrious than that of Pliza- beth? Or, if he will go to the continent, will he not find the names of Maria Theresa of Hungary, of the two Catherines of
In January, 1842, Mr. Adams presented a petition from forty-five citizens of Haver- hill, Massachusetts, praying for a peaceable dissolution of the Union. The pro-slavery party in Congress, who were then plotting the destruction of the Government, were aroused to a pretense of commotion such as even our stormy hall of legislation has rarely witnessed. They met in caucus, and, finding that they probably would not be able to expel Mr. Adams from the House drew up a series of resolutions, which, if adopted, would inflict upon him disgrace, equivalent to expulsion. Mr. Adams had presented the petition, which was most re- spectfully worded, and had moved that it be referred to a committee instructed to re- port an answer, showing the reason why the prayer ought not to be granted.
It was the 25th of January. The whole body of the pro-slavery party came crowd- ing together in the House, prepared to crush Mr. Adams forever. One of the num- ber, Thomas F. Marshall. of Kentucky, was appointed to read the resolutions, which accused Mr. Adams of high treason, of having insulted the Government, and of meriting expulsion; but for which deserved punishment, the House, in its great mercy, would substitute its severest censure. With the assumption of a very solemn and me .- isterial air, there being breathless silence in the audience, Mr. Marshallhurled the care- fully prepared arathomas at his victims. Mr. Adams stood alone, the whole pro-stav- ery party against hin ..
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