Mason is the idol of Washington; ever spoken of with respect and esteem, ever welcomed with pleasure. He is a Virginian by birth as well as by residence; hospitable, generous, and confiding. His conversation is replete with excellent sense and social gay good humour; and his countenance, without regularity of feature, or pretension to good looks, is lighted up by the most charming expression imaginable. The slightest attention which he offers derives, from the kindness of his manner, an inexpressible grace; and though my own acquaintance with the Judge has been less intimate than with many other distinguished men in Washington, I have found that all who possess the privilege of knowing him, concur in these feelings and impressions of mine.

Judge Mason was called from the Bench to take the post of Secretary of the Navy in Mr. Tyler's Cabinet, and in his administration of this department he is said to have excelled. The officers of the service are universally attached to him. He is the only member of Mr. Tyler's Cabinet who was invited to a seat in Mr. Polk's; and during the interval of his removal from the Navy Department and his return to it, he discharged the office of Attorney General of the United States.

The Secretary of the Navy is, of course, a follower of the Democratic banner; but his views are not extreme, and he is entirely free from the narrow jealousies of party feeling.