essed a great versatility of talent, which he could successfully
apply to any subject he chose to handle.]

[_Mrs. Madison_:

Here she entertained his numerous friends and guests with an
abundant and cordial hospitality. Her mother and sisters lived with
her, and the regard and kindness with which her husband treated
them, was repaid on her part by similar attentions to the happiness
and comfort of his aged mother, who continued to live with her son.]

[_Mrs. Madison_:

"The President's house was the seat of hospitality, where Mrs.
Madison always presided in the absence of Mr. Jefferson's daughters,
when there were female guests.]

After the president's, the house of the secretary of state was the
resort of most company. The frank and cordial manners of its mistress
gave a peculiar charm to the frequent parties there assembled. All
foreigners who visited the seat of government, strangers from the
different states of the Union, the heads of departments, the diplomatic
corps, senators, representatives, and citizens, mingled with an ease and
freedom, a sociability and gaiety to be met with in no other society.
Even party spirit, virulent and embittered as it then was, by her
gentleness, was disarmed of its asperity.

[_Mrs. Madison_:

After the President's, the house of the Secretary of State was the
resort of most company. The frank and cordial manners of its
mistress gave a peculiar charm to the frequent parties there
assembled. All foreigners who visited the seat of government--
strangers from the different states of the Union, the heads of
departments, the diplomatic corps, senators, representatives, and
citizens, mingled with an ease and freedom, a sociability and
gaiety, to be met with in no other society.--Even party spirit,
virulent and embittered as it then was, by her gentleness was
disarmed of its asperity."]

Individuals who never visited the president's dwelling, nor met at the
other ministerial houses, could not resist the softening influences of
her conciliatory disposition, with her frank and generous manners. She
was constantly receiving and reciprocating civilities in the most kind
and friendly manner with the inhabitants of Washington. The president,
being wholly absorbed in public business, left to Mrs. Madison the
discharge of the duties of social intercourse. And never was woman
better calculated for the task. Exposed as she necessarily was,