ange in the sentiment
of the country happily restored good feeling and softened down all
bitterness.

The alien and sedition laws found few supporters ultimately, and
Madison's views were fully vindicated. The revulsion against the Federal
party and in favor of the Republicans, terminated in the election of
Jefferson, who entered upon the presidency in 1801. Madison was
Secretary of State during Jefferson's entire administration, and his
opinions on public affairs closely agreed with those of the President.

He became still more popular with, and acceptable to, his party and
toward the close of Jefferson's second term was generally spoken of as
his successor. A caucus of the majority of the Republican members of
Congress was finally held, and Madison was nominated. This met with
bitter opposition from a wing of the party, headed by John Randolph, who
were friendly to the nomination of Monroe. They published a caustic
'Protest' against the action of the caucus and denounced Madison for his
'want of energy,' his connection with the 'Federalist,' and his report
upon the Yazoo claims.

His friends defended him against all charges and retorted so strongly
upon the authors of the "Protest" that they were silenced. The action of
the caucus was generally approved by the party, and Madison was elected
by a vote of 123 out of 175, and took his seat as president, March 4,
1809.

President Madison entered upon his duties at a crisis in public affairs
which required the utmost foresight, resolution and prudence. Great
Britain and the United States were on the verge of war. In 1807 the long
series of wrongs inflicted by England upon the commerce of America, and
the rights of her seaman, had been consummated by the affair of the
Leopard and Chesapeake. This wanton insult had thrown the country into
violent commotion, and occasioned the embargo act, which had been
succeeded by the non-intercourse act, prohibiting all commerce with
France and England, until the decrees of the French emperor and the
British orders in council in relation to the seizure of neutrals and
the impressment of seamen were repealed.

The first of the British cabinet did not encourage peace. Mr. Erskine,
the English minister, in promising reparation for the affair of the
Chesapeake, and a repeal of the obnoxious orders in council, on
condition of a renewal of intercourse on the part of the United States,
was declared to have exceeded his authority, and was r