the non-intercourse act, and the ensuing hostilities, of all foreign importation of goods, the American people were compelled to supply themselves by their own industry and ingenuity, with those articles for which they had always before been dependent on their transatlantic neighbors.  Thus was laid the foundation of that system of domestic manufactures which is destined to make the United States the greatest productive mart among men, and to bring into its lap the wealth of the world.

CHAPTER V.

Mr. Adams’ arrival at st. Petersburg—­his letters to his son on
the Bible—­his religious opinions—­Russia offers mediation
between great Britain and the united states—­proceeds to
Ghent to negotiate for peace—­visits Paris—­appointed minister
at st. James—­arrives in London.

Mr. Adams arrived at St. Petersburg, as Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States, in the autumn of 1809.  Twenty-eight years before, while a lad of fourteen, he was at the same place, as private secretary to Mr. Dana, the American Minister.  The promising boy returned to the northern capital a mature man, ripe in experience, wisdom, patriotism, and prepared to serve his country in the highest walks of diplomacy.  So truly had the far-seeing Washington prophesied in 1795:—­“I shall be much mistaken if, in as short a time as can well be expected, he is not found at the head of the diplomatic corps, be the government administered by whomsoever the people may choose!”

The United Slates, though but little known in Russia at that period, was still looked upon with favor, as a nation destined, in due time, to exert a great influence upon the affairs of the world.  Mr. Adams was received with marked respect at the Court of St. Petersburg.  His familiarity with the French and German languages—­the former the diplomatic language of Europe—­his literary acquirements, his perfect knowledge of the political relations of the civilized world, his plain appearance, and republican simplicity of manners, in the midst of the gorgeous embassies of other nations, enabled him to make a striking and favorable impression on the Emperor Alexander and his Court.  The Emperor, charmed by his varied qualities, admitted him to terms of personal intimacy seldom granted to the most favored individuals.

During his residence in Russia, the death of Judge Cushing caused a vacancy on the bench of the Supreme Court of the United States.  President Madison nominated Mr. Adams to the distinguished office.  The nomination was confirmed by the Senate, but he declined its acceptance.