very early began to turn his mind to a contemplation of the general politics of his country. ... As, therefore, he increased in years, he advanced in qualifications to assume and maintain the important station he held in the revolutionary struggle which ensued.] [_Lives of Signers_: Hancock of Massachusetts Mr. Hancock from his infancy, had imbibed an attachment to civil liberty. This attachment influenced....] [_Lives of Signers_: John Adams of Massachusetts an asylum for civil and religious liberty....] [_Lives of Signers_: Stockton of New Jersey He was dignified in his deportment; affable, kind, and condescending to his inferiors and dependents; a patron of science; an uniform promoter of virtues and honorable enterprise, but an enemy to every thing dishonest, hypocritical, and disingenuous. And, as a Christian, he was a firm believer in the evangelical doctrine of the gospel; regulated his life by its precepts and injunctions, in a consistent and exemplary manner....] This illustrious president had the good fortune to be blessed with a consort whose qualifications in her particular capacity were no less adequate to fill with dignity her elevated station. The parents of Mrs. Madison were natives of Virginia. Their daughter was educated in Philadelphia among the Friends. She was, therefore, little indebted to acquired graces and accomplishments for the admiration and regard which followed her wherever she was known. To much personal beauty she added a warm heart and a benevolent disposition--charms and attractions which won for her not only admirers but friends, and exalted her to high eminence in the public estimation. Her natural and acquired endowments she carried into society with such pleasing manners and graceful demeanour, as produced almost universally an impression highly favourable to herself among the citizens of Washington. Her society was much esteemed in all the companies she frequented. Her mental powers were of a superior grade, and the effects of genuine piety and Christian benevolence distinguished all her actions. To these she added an amiability of temper, the polished address of a lady, with a conversation both pleasing and instructive. Her deportment to all was prepossessing, by the affectionate manner in which she addressed them separately, and the interest she manifested in their welfare. In these she showed no difference between the rich and the poor, and devoted much of her time to the cause of charity. She was eminently distinguished for her amiable qualities, and a peculiar versatility of talent in her conversation and manners. She entertained the numerous friends and guests of the president with cordial hospitality. She treated her husband's relatives with regard and kindness; and in the president's house, whenever there were female guests, Mrs. Madison always presided. [_Mrs. Madison_ (any quotations are from National Portrait Gallery: see Sources):