On the 4th of March, 1809, Mr.Madison was inducted into the office of President of the United Slates.

It was at that time far from being an enviable position.

At home the country was rent into contending factions.

Our foreign affairs were in a condition of the utmost perplexity, and evidently approaching a dangerous crisis.

The murky clouds of war, which had for years overshadowed Europe, seemed rolling hitherward, filling the most sanguine and hopeful minds with deep apprehension.