Mr. Madison observed that he should be the last man to put off any investigation of the character of Mr. Monroe, but he really believed that such an exercise was entirely superfluous. The subject had been handled in all kinds of publications that he did not imagine any new light could be discovered by that source. Would not the delay therefore have the appearance as if some cloud were hanging over it? Some impressions of that kind could be made in consequence of the delay. The interval would reduce Mr. Monroe himself to a singular and disturbing dilemma.

Mr. Madison did not agree with the gentleman last up, as to the proposed election of Mr. Monroe being a condemnation of the Executive. It was well known that ambassadors had often been recalled for reasons unconnected with their diplomatic character. Ambassadors had often been remanded without being in the least censured. As to the gentleman in nomination, every fact, every argument, every circumstance, every insinuation had already been brought forward, explained, and sifted. Was he to be debarred from serving his country upon vague suspicions? Mr. Madison spoke highly of his private character as pure, and of his public character as unimpeachable. He was very far from agreeing with the gentleman, that Mr. Monroe’s mission had been injurious to the country, for in the most delicate and important points, it had been successful.