he'd 
- I have often compared notes, w 
quently with him. I never met witl 
approach him, without some sym 
respectful formality ; voluntarily transf 
ings, to his character: and yet he had nothing hil 
pulsive in his manner, or countenance ; on the ca hae 
demeanor was polite and inviting. Though cautious and 
circumspect, in great as well as smaller concerns, he was 
guileless and candid. He was accurate, methodical, but 
always inflexibly just, and often minute, in pecuniary and. 
other arrangements, calling for this kind of attention.—_ 
Yet he was liberal, benevolent, and charitable, when oc- 
casions required his assistance. He was, naturally, of a 
warm temper ; which his general conduct or appearance, did 
not indicate. This shewed itself in smaller vexations, sud- 
denly occurring ; but rarely (though it appeared sometimes) 
in great matters. I have considered his victory over his na- 
tural temperament, as one of the greatest he had obtained. 
I have witnessed conquests of this kind, which have excited 
my most unqualified admiration ; and yet it has been thought, 
that he was cold ; and without keen feelings or sensibility. 
I heard a respectable foreigner assert (and, no doubt, he 
carried the idea to his own country) that diplomatic. and 
other strangers, were not treated by the President with 
easy and gracious receptions. He added, that he never saw 
rudeness, but the politeness was cold ; and seemed to be un- 
intentional, and owing to the natural temperament of the 
man. All the reply I made, was, that I had* not generally 
perceived this, I knew (or at least I thought; as I did in se- 
veral other cases) that, at that periad, the demeanor was % 
exactly proper, in the instance cited ; though I do not pre- 
tend to nice judgment in such matters. General character is 
often drawn trom particular instances, hastily, or uncandidly. 
He knew well, that it was due to his station and himself, al-. 
ways to behave decorously ; or, as it is commonly expressed," 
