of this sketch held the reins of government at an important
time and administered it with prudence, discretion, and a single eye to
the general welfare. He went further than any of his predecessors in
developing the resources of the country. He encouraged the army,
increased the navy, augmented the national defences, protected
commerce, approved of the United States Bank, and infused vigor into
every department of the public service.

His honesty, good faith, and simplicity were generally acknowledged, and
disarmed the political rancor of the strongest opponents. Madison
thought the country had never fully appreciated the robust understanding
of Monroe. In person, Monroe was tall and well-formed, with light
complexion and blue eyes. The expression of his countenance was an
accurate index of his simplicity, benevolence, and integrity. The
country never fully appreciated Monroe, partly on account of his never
having gained distinction as an orator.

LEWIS CASS.

A man worthy of no small attention was Lewis Cass. Born at Exeter, New
Hampshire, October 9th, 1782. He served in the war of 1812, rising to
the rank of major in the army. He was a school-fellow with Daniel
Webster, became a school teacher at Wilmington, Delaware, and walking
from that place to Ohio, where his parents moved, began the practice of
law in Zanesville in 1802.

In 1806 he married and soon after was elected to the legislature of
Ohio. He performed a most conspicuous part in the Burr trial, favoring
the law which caused the arrest of the supposed conspirator. He became a
colonel in the war of 1812, being included in the surrender of General
Hull, of Detroit, and was instrumental in bringing about that General's
arrest on the charge of cowardice and treason. He was afterward
exchanged and served as aid to General Harrison in the battle of the
Thames. He was appointed military governor of Michigan in the autumn of
1813, having risen to the position of Brigadier General.

In 1815 he purchased for $12,000 the whole plat of Detroit, and the
subsequent rise made him immensely rich. He became Secretary of War
under Jackson in 1831. He next became minister to France in 1842. Three
years after this he was elected United States senator from Michigan, and
resigned in 1848 to become a candidate for the presidency, but a
division in his party caused the election of Taylor. He was then
re-elected to fill the vacancy caused by his resignation, and again