us laid up that great store of learning which, in the
conventions of 1787-8 especially proved so effective, and later made him
president. After Washington, no public man of his time was more widely
known or more highly loved and respected.

The public confidence in, and respect for his honesty and singleness of
aim toward the good of the country ripened into an affectionate
attachment. His bearing and address were characterized by simplicity and
modesty. He resembled a quiet student, rather than the head of a great
nation. He was a perfect gentleman.

At another time Jefferson said of him: "From three and thirty years'
trial I can say conscientiously that I do not know IN THE WHOLE WORLD a
man of purer integrity, more dispassionate, disinterested, and devoted
to true republicanism; nor could I in the whole scope of America and
Europe point out an abler head." What more could be said? O that we
could have such a monument left to mark our memory.

JAMES MONROE.

The fifth president of the United States was a native of the grand Old
Dominion, being born in Westmoreland county, Virginia, April 28, 1758.
Like his predecessor, Madison, he was the son of a planter. Another
strange incident:--Within sight of Blue Ridge in Virginia, lived three
presidents of the United States, whose public career commenced in the
revolutionary times and whose political faith was the same throughout a
long series of years. These were Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and
James Monroe.

In early youthhood Monroe received a good education, but left school to
join the army and soon after was commissioned a lieutenant. He took an
active part in the campaign on the Hudson, and in the attack on Trenton,
at the head of a small detachment, he captured one of the British
batteries. On this occasion he received a ball in the shoulder, and was
promoted to a captaincy. As aide-de-camp to Lord Sterling, with the rank
of major, he served in the campaign of 1777 and 1778, and distinguished
himself in the battles of Brandywine, Germantown and Monmouth.

Leaving the army, he returned to Virginia and commenced the study of law
under Thomas Jefferson, then Governor of the State. When the British
appeared soon afterward in the State, Monroe exerted himself to the
utmost in organizing the militia of the lower counties; and when the
enemy proceeded southward, Jefferson sent him as military commissioner
to the army in South Carolina.

In 1782, he was elec