e. In the midst of
the bitterness of party spirit, and the violence of political animosity,
she was mild and courteous to all. The political assailants of her
husband she treated with a kindness which disarmed their hostility of
its individual rancour, and sometimes even converted political enemies
into personal friends, and still oftener succeeded in neutralizing the
bitterness of opposition.

[_Mrs. Madison_:

The amiable and engaging qualities which have been described,
characterized Mrs. Madison through the whole of her husband's public
life. In the midst of the bitterness of party spirit and the
violence of political animosity, she was mild and courteous to all.
The political assailants of her husband she treated with a kindness,
which disarmed their hostility of its individual rancor, and
sometimes even converted political enemies into personal friends,
and still oftener succeeded in neutralising the bitterness of
opposition.]

At this period her courage and firmness were put to a severe test. In
August, 1814, the British troops landed forty miles below Washington,
and approached that city. The president left the city to hold a council
of war. Before his departure he anxiously inquired if she had courage or
firmness to remain in their house until his return on the morrow, or
succeeding day. She assured him she had no fear but for him and the
success of the army. When the president reached Bladensburgh he
unexpectedly found the two armies engaged. Meanwhile terror spread over
the city--all who could obtain conveyances fled to the adjoining towns.
The sound of the cannon was distinctly heard, and universal confusion
and dismay prevailed. Some personal friends who remained with Mrs.
Madison, strongly urged her to leave the city. They had her carriage
brought to the door, but could not persuade her to enter it till her
husband should return, and accompany her. And she did not finally depart
till several messengers had been despatched to bid her fly.

[_Mrs. Madison_:

During the last war her courage and firmness were put to a severe
test. In August, 1814, the British troops landed forty miles below
Washington, and approached that city. The President left the city to
hold a council of war.

Before his departure, he anxiously inquired if she had courage or
firmness to remain in the President's house until his return on the
morrow or succeeding day. She assured him she had