GEORGE WASHINGTON was born Febru­ary 2nd. 1732, in the parish of Washington, in Westmoreland county, in the state of Virginia. His ancestors were possessed of property in England, near Cave, in the east riding of Yorkshire, which they sold, and came over to America, in the year 1657, and purchased lands in king George's county, Virginia. His father, Mr. Augustus Washing­ton, was the second in decent after their emi­gration, and had a numerous offspring. He was possessed of large property, and of distin­guished reputation. George was his third son, and the first fruit of his second marriage. He received his education from a private tutor, under, whom he acquired a knowledge of the la­tin language sufficient for the ordinary purposes [Page 6]of life, his mother-tongue grammatically, and the elements of mathematics, which he, in his rising years, carefully improved by practical experiments in topographical and military plans. When he was but ten years of age, his father died, and at fifteen he was entered a midshipman on board a British ship of war then stationed on the coast of Virginia. But after his baggage had been packed up for embarkation, the plan was abandoned in obedience to the calls of maternal affection. For several years after he quitted his tutor, the learning he had acquired was much im­proved by a disposition to study, and he par­ticularly applied himself to the practical parts of surveying, a knowledge of which was then, as it is now, very important and necessary to men of landed property in every part of the American continent. His merits in this branch of knowledge, occasioned him being nominated Surveyor to a certain district in Virginia, an appointment rather [...]editable than lucrative; but which afforded him ad­vantageous opportunities, particularly an ac­quaintance with the country, the properties of lands, and the situations and direction of creeks and rivers, and it enabled him to make a choice of some valuable tracts of land for subsequent purchase.

[Page 7] After his father died, the charge of the family devolved on his eldest brother, a young man of the most promising talents; who, at that time, was a captain under admiral Ver­non, in the colonial troops, employed in the expedition against Carthagena; upon his re­turn, having come into the possession of his patrimonial estates, in honour of his admi­ral, from whom he had received many civi­lities he named his new mansion Mount-Ver­non. He was afterwards made adjutant-ge­neral of the militia of Virginia, but did not long survive, and on his demise (notwith­standing there were heirs of an elder branch, who possess a large share of the patrimony) the eldest son by the second marriage, inherited the part upon which that sent now stands, and a considerable landed property attached to it.

At the death of his brother, the vacant of­fice of adjutant-general, was, in consequence of the encreased population and extensive limits of the colony, divided into three districts, and the future Hero of America, before he was twenty years of age, began his military ca­reer, by an appointment to the tank of major in that department.

In 1753, an event occurred, which called his abilities into more active public notice. [Page 8]The jealousies of the French and English governments were at their height. Encroach­ments were reported to have been made by the former from their settlements in Canada, on the frontier territories of the British co­lonies, along the rivers Ohio and de Boeuf, —Orders were received from England, by the governor and council of Virginia, to repel by force these encroachments; in consequence of which, lieutenant-governor Dinwiddie dis­patched young major Washington, with ple­nary powers to ascertain the facts, treat with the Indians, and warn the French to de [...]t from the inroads they were making, in direct violation of the treaties then subsisting between the two crowns. This mission he performed with singular industry, intelli­gence and address.

The appointment of major Washington was deemed a circumstance somewhat extra­ordinary at that period; it was said that a youth unacquainted with the enlarged com­merce of the world, unexperienced in politi­cal concerns, appeared to be unfit to be em­ployed to conduct a negociation, wherein subjects of the greatest importance were in­volved: It was very true that the subjects were important, for they shortly after be­came the origin of a war between the two [Page 9]nations, which raged for many years, and extended throughout every part of the globe, and which ended in the final expulsion of the French from the continent.

But those who had formed such superfical notions of the major were in the end deceiv­ed by the success and abilities manifested through the whole transaction. This having been the first effort of that career which has terminated with so much splendor in history, and honour and happiness to himself and his country. It will be pleasing to peruse his journal, given in as a report of his proceed­ings to governor Dinwiddie of Virginia, on that occasion; it is highly illustrative of that activity and penetration which have signa­lized his character—On a more extensive theatre, at a subsequent period, we shall give it to our readers from an authentic source.

On his return from this perilous embassy, with monsieur de St. Piere's answer, and his good success in the Indian negociations Maj. Washington was complimented with the thanks and approbation of his country. His Journal does great credit to his industry, at­tention, and judgment; and it has since prov­ed of infinite service to those who have been doomed to traverse the same inhospitable tracts.

Governor Dinwiddie's letter to the French commandant and M. de St. Piere's answer were both published in the newspapers in London. The French commandants answer, only stated that he was on French ground, [Page 43]and by the order of his general to whom he was going to dispatch the governor's letter.

In 1754, the designs of the French be­coming more manifest, and their movements more daring, orders were issued by admi­nistration for the colonies to arm and unite in one confederacy. The assembly of Virgi­nia took the lead, by voting a sum of money for the public service, and raising a regiment for the protection of the frontiers of the co­lony. Of this corps, Mr. Fry, one of the professors of the college was appointed Co­lonel, and Major Washington received the commission of Lieutenant Colonel. Hut Co­lonel Fry died without ever having joined; and of course lest his regiment to the second in command. Colonel Washington began his march on the 2d. of April, from Alexan­dria, having under his command one hundred and fifty men. His orders were to march towards the Ohio, there to a [...]t captain Trent to build sorts, and defend the possessions of his majesty against the attempts and hostili­ties of the French. During his march he was joined by a small detachment under com­mand of captain Stephens, and when he had proceeded as far as Wills-Creck, he receiv­ed intelligence that captain Trent had been obliged to surrender the fort which he had [Page 44]erected between the Ohio and French creek, to a body of about eight hundred French, commanded by captain Contrecoeur; where­upon, Colonel Washington deeming it im­practicable to march towards the fort without Fussi [...]ient force, thought it most prudent to proceed to open roads so as to pre-occupy the advantageous post at the consluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers, which in his preceding Journal he recommends for 01 that purpose. He was to have been joined by a detachment of independent regulars from the southern colonies, together with some companies of Provincials from North Carolina and Maryland. But perceiving the necessity of expedition, and without waiting for their arrival, he commenced his march before they arrived; but, notwithstanding his precipitated advance, the French had al­ready taken possession and erected a fortifica­tion, which they named fort Du Quesne, in honour of the marquis du Quesne, the French governor of Canada.

Colonel Washington accordingly proceeded on his march from Wills-Creek; bravely encountering all the obslecles and difficulties of an impervious wilderness, crossing mires, savannas and rivers. His men were some time, forced to ford rivers so deep as to [Page 45]take them up to the arm-pits; when he had proceeded as far as Turkyfoot, he received inforination that a party of French com­manded by M. de Jumonville, were conceal­ed within a short distance of his camp; where­upon, he secured his waggons and put him­self in the best means of defence he was ca­pable of, until he had learned the strength of the enemy, and the place where they were.

Having received from the Indians the ne­cessary information, on the night of the 27th May, he set out with his men (except about forty, which was left to guard his ammu­nition, &c.) and a party of Indians, which the half king sent to his assistance, under a heavy rain, and a night dark as pitch, they travelled along a path scarcely broad enough for one man; they were sometimes fifteen or twenty minutes out of the path before they could come to it again, and so dark, that they would often strike one against another; all night they continued their ront, and in the morning about sun-rise, formed themselves for an engagement, marching one after ano­ther in the Indian manner, the enemy did not discover them until they were close up­on them, when Colonel Washington's com­pany sired, and was supported by Mr. Wa­ger's; [Page 46]these two companies received the whole sire of the French, which lasted a quar­ter of an hour before the enemy was routed out. M. de Jumonville and nine others were killed, one wounded, and twenty one made prisoners. Among the prisoners was the celebrated woodsman, monsieur de la Force, commissary of the French stores, and two o­ther officers. Only one of the whole party escaped. A Canadian, named Monceau, whose report of the action was such, as to impress upon the minds of the French, a belief that Colonel Washington's conduct was highly treacherous and dishonourable. The French account of this engagement is contained in a letter from M. de Contrecoeur to the mar­quis du Quesne, dated Fort du Quesne, May 23d. 1754. It states that M. de Jumonville set out with a small escort, charged with a written summons, in form of a letter, direct­ed to the first English officer he should meet on the lands claimed by the French king, sum­moning him to withdraw his troops in peace from said territory, otherwise that they would repel force to force, desiring the English of­ficer to return his answer by M. de Jumon­ville and to treat that officer with that dis­tinction and respect which he deserved, that the deputy set out, and next morning found [Page 47]himself surrounded by a number of English and Indians, that the English quicky fired two vollies, which killed some soldiers, that M. Jumonville made a sign that he had a letter from his commander, whereupon the fire ceased, and the English surrounded the French officer, in order to hear it, that as he was reading the summons a second time, he was killed by a musket shot in the head, and, that, had it not been for the Indians, who rushed in between the French and the English, the former would have been all asladinated; that the Indians did not fire upon the French. This report was made the most of by the French, who impressed it upon the minds of the surrounding Indians, as a most shocking and base murder, perpetrated by the express command of Colonel Washington. But the following extract from Colonel Washington's Journal, of his proceedings given in to Gov­ernor Dinwiddie, places it in a quite differ­ent point of view, he states, via, "We were advanced pretty near to them as we thought, when they discovered us; where­upon, I ordered my company to fire, mine was supported by Mr. Wager's, and my company and his, received the whole fire or the French, during the greatest part of the [Page 48]action, which only lasted a quarter of an hour, before the enemy was routed.

"We killed Mr. de Jumonville, the com­mander of that Party, as also nine others; we wounded one, and made twenty-one pri­soners, among whom were M. la Force, M. Drouillon, and two Cadets. The Indians scalped the dead, and took away most part of their arms, after which we marched on with the prisoners and the guard, to the Indian camp, where again I held a council with the Half-King; and there informed him that, the governor was desirous to see him, and was waiting for him at Winchester; he answered, that, he could not go just then, as his people were in too eminent a danger from the French, whom they had fallen upon; that he must send messenges to all the allied nations, in order to invite them to take up the Hatchet. He sent a young Delaware Indian to the Delaware Nation, and gave him also a French Scalp to carry to them. This young man desired to have a part of the presents which were allotted for them, but that the remain­ing part might be kept for another opportu­nity: He said he would go to his own family, and to several others, and would wait on them at Mr. Gist's, where he desired men and horses should be sent ready to bring them up to our [Page 49]camp. After this I marched on with the pri­soners; They informed me that they had been font with a summons to order me to de­part. A plausible pretence to discover our camp, and to obtain the knowledge of our forces and our situation! It was so clear that they were come to reconnoitre what we were, that I admired at their assurance, when they told me they were come as an Embassy; for their instructions mentioned that they should get what knowledge they could of the roads, rivers, and of all the country as far as Potowmack: And instead of c [...]ng as an Embassador, publicly, and in an open man­ner, they came secretly, and sought after the most hidden retreats, more like deserters than embassadors; in such retreats they encamped, and remained hid whole days together, and that, no more than five miles from us: from thence they sent spies to reconnoitre our camp; after this was done, they went back two miles, from whence the sent the two messengers spo­ken of in the instruction, to acquaint M. de Contrecoeur of the place we were at, and of our disposition, that he might send his detatch­ments to inforce the summons, as soon as i should be given.

"Besides, an embaslador has princely at­tendants; whereas this was only a simple [Page 50]petty French officer; an embassador has no need of spies, his character being always sa­cred: And seeing their intention was so good, why did they tarry two days, at five miles distance from us, without acquainting me with the summons, or, at least, with some, thing that related to the embasly? That a­lone would be sufficient to raise the greatest suspicions, we ought to do them the justice to say, that, as they wanted to hide them­selves, they could not pick out better places than they had done.

"The summons was so insolent, and sa­voured the gasconade so much, that if it had been brought openly by two men, it would have been an immediate indulgence, to have suffered them to return.

"It was the opinien of the half king in this case, that their intentions were evil, and that it was a pure pretence; that they never intended to come tous but as onenies; and if we had been such fools as to let them go, they would never help us any more to take other Frenchmen.

"They say they called to us as soon as they had discovered us, which is an abso­lute falsehood, for, I was then marching at the head of the company going towards them, and can positively affirm, that, when they [Page 51]first saw us, they ran to their arms, without calling; as I must have heard them, had they so done."

From the French prisoners, Colonel Wash­ington had intelligence, that the French forces on the Ohio consisted of upwards of one thousand regulars, and some hundreds of Indians. Upon this intelligence, and consi­dering his little army which was somewhat reduced, and entirely insufficient to act offen­sive against the French and Indians, he fell back to a place known by the appellation of the Great Meadows, for the sake of forage and supplies. Here he built a temporary stockade, merely to cover his stores; it was from its fate called Fort Necessity. Colonel Washington was too sendi le of the advan­tages of Fort du Quesne, to abandon the idea of taking it. Ever since he lest Wills-creek, he had been indefatigable in his exertions to form the regiment, open roads, and gain the Indians over to the side of the English, as also to watch the operations of the French, and gain a knowledge of their sorts, situation, and forces, even as far as the lakes. He had wrote to the Governors of Pennsylvania and Maryland, requesting their aid in the augmentation of his army. He remained at Fort Necessity for the arrival of some expect­ed [Page 52]succour from New York and Penasylvania, and remained un molested, until the July sol­lowing, when his small sorce, even after it was joined by captain M'Kay's regulars did not amount to four hundred effectives, was attacked by an army of French and Indians, computed to have been sixteen hundred strong, under the command of the Sieur de Villiers, the brother of M. de Jumonville. The chief intention of this campaign, the French officer acknowledged, was to revenge the assassination of his brother, and to hinder any establishments on the lands claimed by the king of France.

The Virginians sustained the attack of the enemy's whole force for several hours, and laid near two hundred of them dead in the field, when the French commander, discou­raged by such determined resolution, propos­ed the less dangerous method of dislodging his enemy by a parly, which ended in a ca­pitulation. It was stipulated, that Colonel Washington should march away with all the honours of war, and be allewed to carry off all his military stores, essects and baggage. This capitulation was violated from the un­governable disposition of the Indians, whom the French commander could not restrain from plundering the provinclas on the outset [Page 53]of their march, and from making a consider­able slaughter of men, cattle and horses. Af­ter this disaster the remains of the Virginia regiment returned to Alexandria to be recruit­edand furnish with necessary supplies: During this period, the French redoubled their activity and deligence on the Ohio, and in other places, and Virginia who determined to send out a larger force, in the spring follow­ing, erected the forts Cumberland and Lon­don, and formed a camp at Wills-creek, in order to annoy the enemy on the Ohio. In these several services (particularly in the construction of forts) Colonel Washington was principally employed.

In 1755, the British government sent to this county, General braddock, who was appointed to the command of all the troops and forces which were, or that should be raised in, or sent to, North America; he land­ed at Williamsburg, Virginia, in February, with two veteran regiments from Ireland, but sent his men up the Potomack to Alex­andria, there to encamp until he was joined with the independent and provincial corps of America; with this army he was to pene­trate through the country to fort Da Quesne (now fort Pitt) by the rout of Wills-creek to repel the French from the confines of the [Page 54]British settlements, and as no person was was better acquainted with the frontier country than Coloned Washington, and no one in the colony enjoyed so well established a military character, he was judged to be highly serviceable to General Braddock, but from a royal arrangement of rank, by which "no officer who did not immediately derive his commission from the king, could command one who did." Colonel Washington cheerful­ly relinquished his regiment and went as a [...] extra aid de camp into the family of Gene­ral Braddock. In this capacity, at the battle of the Monongahela, on the oth of July, 1755, he attended that General, whose life was gal­lantly sacraficed in attempting to extricate his troops from the fatal ambuscade into which him over-weaning confidence had conducted them. Braddock had several horses shot under him, before he feli himself; and there was not as officer, whose duty obliged him to be on horse-back that day, excepting Colonel Wash­ington, who was not either killed or wound­ed. This circumstance enabled him to display greater abilities in covering the retreat and saving the wreck of the army, than he could otherwise have done. As soon as he had se­cured their passage over the ford of the Mo­nongahela, and found they were not pursued [Page 55]he hasted to concert measures for their further security with Colonel Dunbar, who had re­mained with the second division and heavy baggage at some distance in the rear. To effect this he travelled with two guides, all night, through an almost impervious wilder­ness, not withstanding the fatigues he had un­dergone in the day, and although he had so imperfectly recovered from sickness, that he was obliged in the morning to be supported with cushions on his horse. The public ac­counts in Britain and America were not par­simonious of applause for the essential service he had rendered on so trying an occasion.

Not long after this time, the regulation of rank, which had been so injurious to the colo­nial officers, was changed to their satisfaction, in consequence of the discontent of the offi­cers, and the remonstrance of Colonel Wash­ington; and the supreme power of Virginia, impressed with a due sense of his merits, gave him, in a new and extenfive commission, the command of all the troops raised and to be raised in that colony.

It would not comport with the intended brevity of this sketch, to mention in detail the plans he suggested or the system he pursued for desending the frontiers, until the year 1758, when he commanded the van brigade [Page 56]of General Forbe's army in the capture of Fort Du Quesne. A similar reason will pre­clude the recital of the personal hazards and atchievements which happened in the course of his service. The tranquility on the fron­tiers of the middle colonies having been re­stored by the success of this campaign, and the health of Colonel Washington having be­come extrentely debilitated by an inveterate pulmonary complaint, in 1759 he resigned his military appointment. Authentie documents are not wanting to shew the tender regret which the Virginia line expressed at parting with their commander, and the affectionate regard which he entertained for them.

Shortly after Colonel Washington's resig­nation, his health was gradually re-established and he, married Mrs. Custis ^*, an amiable young widow, said to have possessed a fortune of twenty thousand pounds starling (about 88,900 dollars) in her own right, besides her dower in one of the principal eslates in Vir­ginia. With this lady Colonel Washington settled as a planter and farmer on his estate in Fairfax county, Virginia.

After some years he gave up planting to­bacco, and went altogether into the farming [Page 57]business. He has raised seven thousand bush­els of wheat, and ten thousand of Indian corn in one year. Although he has confined his own cultivation to this domestic tract of about mine thousand acres, yet he possesses excellent lands, in large quantities, in several other coun­ties. His judgment in the quality of soils, his command of money to avail himself of purchases, and his occasional employment in early lise as a surveyor, gave him opportuni­ties of making advantageous locations; many of which are much improved.

Aster he lest the army, until the year 1774, he thus cultivated the arts of peace. He was constantly a member of assembly, a magis­trate of his county and a judge of the court, At this period he was appointed by the as­sembly of Virginia, in conformity with the universal wish of the people, to be one of their four delegates at the first General Con­gress of delegates from all the provinces, which net at Philadelphia on the 26th of October, 1774, and consilted of fisty-one members. It was with no small reluctance that he engaged again in the active scenes of life; and we incerely believe that no motives but such as spring from the most disinterested patriotism, sould have prevailed upon him to relinquish the most resined domestic pleasure, which it [Page 58]was ever in his power to command, and the great delight he took in farming and the im­provement of his estate.

He was also appointed delegate to the Con­gress which assembled in 1775, in which in was at length determined, after every step t [...] wards an accommodation had failed, and every petition from America had been rejected, [...] repel by force the invasion from Great-Britain the eyes of the whole Continent were imme [...] diately turned upon Mr. Washington. With one common voice he was called forth to the defence of his country; and it is, perhaps his peculiar glory, that there was not a single inhabitant of these states, except himself, wh [...] did not approve the choice, and place th [...] firmest confidence in his integrity and abil­ities.

He arrived at Cambridge in New-England in July, 1775, and there took the suprent command of the army of the United colon­ies. Previous to this period, hostilities ha [...] actually commenced. On the 19th of April 1775, blood was first shed at the battle [...] Concord; and on the 16th of June following the memorable battle of Breed's hill, co [...] ­monly called Bunker's-hill was fought.

General Washington was received at the camp with that heart felt exultation, which [Page 59]superior merit alone can inspire, after having, in his progress through the several states, re­ceived every mark of affection and esteem, which they conceived were due to the man, whom the whole continent looked up to for safety and freedom.

The following address was presented to him on his accepting the supreme command of the army, by the Provincial Congress of New-York, viz.

His conduct as a general and commander in chief is well known. He underwent ma­ny hardships, dangers and difficulties and con [Page 62]ducted his military operations with much skill and ability.

It would not comport with the intended brevity of the present memoirs, for us to particularize, all his transactions in the course of the revolutionary war, the impres­sion which they made, is yet fresh in the mind of every citizen, they are also so inti­mately connected with the American revolu­tion, a history of which will perhaps soon be presented to the public, from the modest pen of the hero himself, ^* which will, no doubt, place the whole in a more eminent point of view than has heretosore appeared.

But it is hoped, posterity will be taught, in what manner he transformed an undisci­plined body of peasantry into a regular army of soldiers. Commentaries on his cam­paigns would undoubtedly be highly interest­ing and instructive to future generations. The conduct of his first campaign, in March, 1776, in compelling the British troops to abandon Boston, by a bloodless victory, will merit a minute narration. But a volume would scarcely contain the mortifications he [Page 63]experienced, and the hazards to which he was exposed in the years 1776 and 1777, in contending against the prowess of Britain, with an inadequate force. Her armies were far superior to his in number, well organized and disciplined, inured to a camp life, com­manded by officers well experienced in mili­tary tacticks, and aided by powerful fleets, while his was composed of raw and undisci­plined peasants, "just dragged from the ten­der scenes of domestic life—unaccustomed to the din of arms—totally unacquainted with every kind of military skill,"—unsed to the subordination so essentially requisite in an ar­my, and often in want of arms, amunition, cloaths, and even food; often exposed to the inclemency of the weather, in the most vig­orous seasons, without tents or even a blan­ket, and discouraged by the want of regular pay. These circumstances fully account for the unsuccessful issue of his first campaigns.

The battle of Long-Island was fought in August, 1776; his army were driven from their posts by the British; above two thou­sand Americans fell on the field, and about half that number were taken prisoners. Fort Washington on York-Island, surrendered soon after, with two thousand prisoners: Deser­tion and sickness added to his misfortunes. [Page 64]His army, which, at the time Lord Howe landed on Long-Island, amounted to twenty-five thousand men, was now reduced to about one eighth part of the number.

The approach of winter happily checked the progress of the enemy. General Wash­ington's perseverance and intrepidity, im­proved this circumstance into important ad­vantages. At Trenton, on the morning of the twenty-sixth of December, he surprised a body of the enemy's troops, who, finding themselyes surrounded, without further re­sistance, agreed to lay down their arms.— Twenty-five ossicers, and nearly one thou­sand soldiers were made prisoners; while the American army had only four or five men wounded.

On the third of January following, at Princeton, he made another successful at­tempt, there he took three hundred prisoners. These enterprises cheered the drooping spi­rits of his men, and again added reputation to the American arms. He afterwards re­tired to Morristown, and remained during the winter, with an inferior force, but with superior skill, checking the enemy from any further encroachments in that part of the country. We shall not enter into a minute description of the various battles and skir­mishes, [Page 65]in which he was personally engaged during the campa [...]gn of 1777. At the bat­tle of Brandywine, he made a gallant resist­ance, but was at last forced to quit his ground with the loss of about twelve hundred men killed, wounded, or taken prisoners. At Germantown he was repulsed with the loss of six hundred killed or wounded, and about four hundred prisoners. He afterwards re­tired to winter quarters at Valley Forge. His army was at this time in a most misera­ble condition, marching, without stockings or shoes, over the frozen ground, their feet were so gashed, that their steps were marked with blood: Some hundreds of them were with­out blankets; and in this condition they were in the middle of winter, to sit down in a fo­rest, and build buts for a shelter. The des­titute situation of the American army at [...] times, was certainly a means of procrastin­ating the war; ostentimes it was upon the eve of dissolution, even mutinies have been the consequence, while want of success, pre­vented many of the soldiers from continuing longer than the period of their short enl [...] ­ments, and caused frequent desertion. In­deed, nothing but the good destiny and con­summate prudence of the commander in chief, prevented want of success from pro­ducing [Page 66]want of confidence on the part of the public; for want of success is apt to lead to the adoption of pernicious counsels, through the levity of the people or the am­bition of their demagogues. In the three succeeding years, the germ of discipline un­folded; and the resources of America hav­ing been called into co-operation with the land and naval armies of France, produced the glorious conclusion of the campaign in 1781. On the nineteenth of October that year, the army under command of General Washington, forced that of the enemy, the under command of Lord Cornwallis, t [...] make a final surrender; his land forces were made prisoners of war to congrefs; and the naval forces were given up to France. From this time, the gloom began to disappear from our political horizon, and the affairs of the union proceeded in a meliorating train, unti [...] a peace was most ably negociated by our a [...] bassadors in Europe, in 1783, by which thir­teen of the American colonies were estab­lished as sovereign and independent states.

General Washington having never been is Europe, he could not possibly have se [...] much military service when the armies [...] Britain were sent to subdue America; y [...] still, for a variety of reasons, he was by much [Page 67]the most proper man on this continent, and probably any where else, to be placed at the head of an American Army. The very high estimation he stood in for integrity and honour, his engaging in the cause of his country from sentiment and a conviction of her wrongs, his moderation in politics, his extensive property, and his approved abili­ties as a commander, were motives which necessarily obliged the choice of America to fall upon him.

That nature had given him extraordinary military talents, will hardly be controverted by his most bitter enemies; and having been early actuated with a warm passion to serve his country in the military line, he has greatly improved them by unwearied indus­try, and a close application to the best wri­ters upon tacticks, and by a more than com­mon method and exactness; and, in reality, when it comes to be considered, that at first he only headed a body of men entirely un­acquainted with military discipline or opera­tions, somewhat ungovernable in temper, and who at best could only be stiled an alert and good militia, acting under very short enlist­ments, unclothed, unaccoutred, and at all times very ill supplied with ammunition and artillery; and that with such an army he [Page 68]withstood the ravages and progress of nearly forty thousand veteran troops, plentifully provided with every necessary article, com­manded by the bravest officers in Europe, and supported by a very powerful navy which effectually prevented all movements by wa­ter; when, we say, all this comes to be im­partially considered, we think we may ven­ture to pronounce, that General Washington will be regarded by mankind as one of the greatest military ornaments of the present age, and that his name will command the veneration of the latest posterity.

No person, but those who had an opportu­nity of viewing the continental army, can form any adequate idea of its imperfect state when General Washington first assumed the command, nor was it without the most un­wearied application and perseverance, which few men but him, could have undergone, that be was able to establish that discipline which ultimately aided his success. From the pe­riod he first assumed the command, mutil the final dissolution of the army, his care and anxiety for them continued. The army he considered his family; and aster the embarass­ments of the day, after the toil and satigues of a battle, we sind him stealing a portion of the time alloted for rest, devising means the [Page 69]most salutary, for their amelioration, at all times characterized with that economy and frugality which the national resources re­quired.

The following extracts from his official letters to congress on this subject, are worthy of perusal; they do ample justice to his feel­ings, and must make a lasting impression in the hearts of his fellow soldiers, viz.

[Page 100] The preceeding letters, will ever convey to the world, a sufficient testimony of the at­tention and care, which, at all times, General Washington extended to the soldiers under his command. The whole of his official letters, are uniformly characterized with those ten­der and sympathetic pictures, which the ap­pearance of real want in others impress on a lively and feeling mind, and which was the best calculated to rouse in the minds of con­gress, a sense of the sufferings of those who were sacrificing their ease, and risking their lives to establish the independence of their country—observe the extreme modesty which he assumes, when he requests for himself, even an cid de camp, which the multiplicity of his cares rendered essential, contrast it with that freedom with which he delivers his opinion on other subjects which regard the comfort of his fellow soldiers only—and with the manly language in which he addresses General Gage, for his ill treatment to those whom the misfortunes of war placed in his power—Then we behold the citizen—the General.

To those ungrateful few, who, stimulated by malice, have heretofore endeavored to sully his honor and military reputation, and to impress upon the public mind, the ungene­rous [Page 101]idea, that he was instrumental to the shedding of innocent bload, and infli [...]ing wanton cruelty upon the prisoners of the en­emy, we recommend a perusal of his letters to congress upon that subject, there they will sind him combating the idea with the lan­guage of reason, and censuring the inhumane practice. The [...] of the American war, have uniformly represented the case of Major Andrè, as an [...] inhuman mur­der, on the part of American. On this occa­sion General Washington sac [...]ed his own feelings, to the "necessities of inexorable jus­tice." The sentence was pronounced with much hesitation, and at its execution he was seen to shed tears.—Nor is it necessary for us to remind them of his fortitude to with­stand the threats, or virtue to scorn the bribes, of the emmisaries of the British Ca­binet, for one uniform principle of prudence and wisdom seems to have regulated every transaction of his life.

When General Washington received the joyful intelligence of peace, he expressed him­self to the army who had accompanied him through the dangers, to [...]s and difficulties of this glorious struggle in the following address,

The following resolutions were passed by Congress, on the 7th of August, 1783, viz.

On the 26th of August 1783, General Washington, at the request of congress, pro­ceeded to Princetown where the congress was [Page 108]then sitting, and being introduced by two members, the President addressed him as fol­lows, viz.

To which his Excellency made the following REPLY.

After the final conclusion of the peace in 1783, a proclamation was issued by Congress, October 18th, directing the discharge of the army—whereupon General Washington, be­fore he resigned his important charge, deliver­ed the following elegant and pathetic farewell address, to the officers and soldiers, under his command, viz.

To the preceding address the officers of the part of the army remaining on the banks of the Hudson, returned a suitable answer; they thank [...]d the commander in chief for the com­munication of his affectionate assurances of his inviolable [...]nment and friendship; they assared his Excellency that although as yet his endeavours to ensure to the armies the just re­ward of their services, had failed of success, they were convinced that it had arisen from causes which it was not in his power to con­trol, and thould the contemplated measure ne­ver be attained, that their patriotism should still remain unthaken: they were happy in the opportunity of congratulating his Excellency on the certain conclusion of the Desinitive Treaty of Peace, assuring him that, relieved at last from long suspense, their warm [...]st with was to return to the bosom of their country, to resume the character of citizens; and that it should be their highest ambition to become [Page 122]useful ones. To his Excellency, they were convinced that this great event must be pecu­liarly pleasing; because, while at the head of the armies, urged by patriotic virtues and magnanimity, he persevered, under the pressure of every possible difficulty and discouragement, in the pursuit of the great objects of the war— the freedom and safety of his country;—his heart panted for the tranquil enjoyments of peace. They concluded with sincere prayers to God, long to bestow happiness to their commander, and that when he quits the stage of human life, he may receive from the UNERRING JUDGE, the rewards of valour exert­ed to save the oppressed, of patriotism and dis­interested virtue.

On the 25th of November, 1783, New-York was evacuated by the British army; same day the American troops marched in and took possession of the city, after which Gene­ral Washington and the governor made their public entry. The arrangement and whole conduct of the march, with the tranquility which succeeded it through the day and night, was admirable! and the grateful citi­zens, feeling the most affectionate impressions from the elegant and efficient disposition which prevailed through the whole event, on their returning from exile, addressed his Ex­cellency [Page 123]the commander in-chief in behalf of themselves and their suffering brethren, look­ing up to him with unusual joy, they wel­comed him to the city, long torn from the [...] by the hand of oppression, but which by his wisdom, under the guidance of Providence, had again been rendered the seat of pence and freedom, they assured him that they should preserve to the last, their gratitude for his services and veneration for his character, and required him "to accept of their sincere and earnest wi [...]hes, that he may long enjoy that calm domestic felicity, which he had so gene­rously sacrificed; that the cries of injured liberty may never more interrupt his repose; and that his happiness may be equal to his virtues."

Previous to General Washington's leaving New-York, on the 6th of December, the principal officers of the army then in the ci­ty, assembled at Frances' [...]avern, to take a fi­nal leave of their illustrious and much loved commander. The passions of human nature were never more tenderly agitated than in this interesting scene. His Excellency ha­ving silled a glass of wine, thus addressed his brave fellow soldiers:— "With a heart full of love and gra [...]de I now take leave of you: I most d [...]tly wish [Page 124]that your latter days may be prosperous and happy, as your former ones have been glorious and bonourable."

These words produced extreme sensibility on both sides, they were answered by warm expressions, and servent wishes, from the gen­tlemen of the army, whose truly pathetic seelings it is not in our power to convey to the reader. Soon after this scene was closed the Governor, the council and citizens of the first distinction waited on the General, and in terms the most affectionate, took their leave— The corps of Light Insantry was drawn up in a line, and the Commander in Chief passed through them, on his way to White-hall where he embarked in his barge for Powles Hook from whence he proceeded to Phila­delphia, where he made a short s [...]ay. Here he delivered to the Comptroller of the public Treasury an account of the expenditure of all the public money which he had received du­ling the war, by which it appeared, that the who'e sum which had gone through his hands only amounted to fourteen thousand four hun­dred and seventy-nine pounds, eighteen shillings and nine-pence sterling, about sixty-four thousand three hundred and fifty dollars, nearly one handred and fifty dollars per week.

From Philadelphia he proceeded to Anna­polis where the Congress was then sitting, and having obtained leave, he terminated his military career, and resigued his commission on the 23d of December, upon this occasion he delivered the following short and pathetic address, viz.

[Page 130] With these becoming sentiments, General Wathington retired from the toils of war [...] enjoy in private the rural pleasures of Mount Vernon, carrying with him the thanks and blessings of a grateful people, emulating the example of the virtuous Roman General, ^* who, victorious, left the tented field, covered with honour, and withdrew from public life.

No person, who had not the advantage of being picsent when he received the intelli­gence of peace, and who did not accompany him to his domestic retirement, can describe the relief which that joyful event brought to his labouring mind, or the supreme satisfac­tion with which he withdrew to private life. From his triumphal entry into New York, upon the evacuation of that city by the Bri­tish army, to his arrival at Mount Vernon, after the resignation of his commission to Congress, festive crowds impeded his passage through all the populous towns, the devotion of a whole people pursued him with pravers to Heaven for blessings on his head, while their gratitude sought the most expressive lan­guage of manisesting itself to him, as their cournon father and benefactor. When he became a private citizen he had the unusual felicity to find that his native state was among [Page 131]the most zealous in doing justice to his merits; and that stronger demonstrations of affecti [...]nate esteem (it possible) were given by the citizens of his neighbourhood, than by any other description of men on the continent As he always refused to accept of any pecuniary compensation for his public services, or pro­vision for the augmented expenses which he must have shcurred in consequence of his pub­lic employment, no salary was ever annexed by congress to his important command, and he only drew weekly for the expenses of his public table and other necessary demands, al­though proposals have been made in the most delicate manner, particularly by the states of Virginia and Pennsylvania. His conduct in this particular is noble and magnanimous, and exhibits to the world an undeniable evidence of self disinterestedness, of the purity of his his motives and integrity of his heart. His answer to the Governor of Virginia declining the acceptance of a present from that state, is, so characteristic of his whole public conduct, that we are induced to give it in his own words, and we are convinced it will prove acceptable to his admirers.

[Page 135] Upon this request, the legislature of Vir­ginia, repealed so much of the act referred to as related to the vesting the above-mentioned shares in General Washington and heirs, and enacted that the shares and profits accruing therefrom, should stand appropriated to such objects of a public nature as his Excellency should direct and appoint. Sometime after­wards, General Washington applied these shares of the canal company to the erection and establishment of two seminaries of learn­ing in Virginia, which were accomplished un­der his immediate direction.

General Washington having retired from all public employment, now assumed the cha­racter of a private gentleman, he employed himself in improving his farms and planta­tion, and in cultivating the arts of peace.— But in this retreat of happiness and rural simplicity he was not sussered long to remain, it was too soon for the father of America to leave his insant care, his well tried virtues were generally and justly known to his fellow­citizens, and their confidence in his judg­ment, experience and disinterested patriot­ism, was universal even to enthusiasm. Four years had not expired from the period at which he resigned his military command, when the voice of his country again called [Page 136]him to its service—in the year 1787, he was elected a delegate to the federal convention which met at Philadelphia to form the new constitution, and was chosen president there­of. Whatever difference of sentiment there might have been amongst the citizens with re­gard to the principle, structure, or adoption of the new constitution, there appeared but one sentiment as to the man who should sit at the helm of its administration. General Washington, after the adoption of the federal constitution, was, on the 6th of April, 1789, unanimously elected President of the United States—whereupon the citizens testified with becoming joy, their confidence and approba­tion at his appointment to the office of chief magistrate, and innumerable addresses reitera­ted his praise from every part of the union.

His triumphal entry into Philadelphia on his way to New-York, the seat of govern­ment, to assume the duties of his important office, merit a minute description, Early on the morning of the 20th of April, his Excel­lency Thomas Mifflin, Esq. governor of the state, the Hon. Richard Peters, Esq. speaker of the legislature of the state, the old city troop of horse, and another troop from the city commanded by captain Bingham, waited the arrival of their beloved Washington, at [Page 137]the line between the states of Pennsylvania and Delaware, to which place they had pro­ceeded on the evening before.

After paying him the tribute of military honor due to his rank and exalted character, by proper salutes and otherwise, they escort­ed him into Chester, where they breakfasted, and rested a couple of hours.

This great and worthy man, finding he could not posiibly elude the parade which ne­cessarily must attend manifestations of joy and affection, when displayed by a grateful peo­ple, to their patriot benefactor, ordered his carriages into the rear of the whole line, and mounted an elegant horse, accompanied by the venerable patriot Charles Thomson, Esq. and his former aid-de-camp, the celebrated Colonel Humphries; both of whom were also on horse-back.

On their way to the city, they were joined by detachments from the Chester and Phila­delphia troops of horse, and also by a num­ber of respectable citizens, at whose head was the worthy citizen and soldier, his Excellen­cy Arthur St. Clair, Esq. governor of the Western Territory. Thus they proceeded to Gray's ferry, on Schuylkill; observing the strictest order and regularity during the march. But here such a scene presented itself, that [Page 138]even the pencil of a Raphael could not de­lineate.

The bridge was highly decorated with laurel and other evergreens, by Mr. Gray, the ingenious Mr. Peale, and others, and in such a style as to display uncommon taste in these gentlemen. At each end there were erected magnificent arches, composed of lan­rel, emblematical of the ancient triumphal arches, used by the Romans, and on each side of the bridge, a laurel shrubbery, which seem­ed to challenge even nature herself, for sim­plicity, ease and elegance. And as our be­loved WASHINGTON passed the bridge, a lad, beautifully ornamented with sprigs of laurel, assisted by certain machinery, let drop, above the hero's head, unperceived by him, a civic crown of laurel. There was also a very ele­gant display of variegated flags on each side of the bridge, as well as other places, which alternately caught the eye, and filled the spec­tator's soul with admiration and delight.

But who can describe the heart-felt congra­tulations of more than twenty thousand free citizens, who lined every fence, field, and avenue between the bridge and city? The aged sire, the venerable matron, the bloom­ing virgin, and the ruddy youth, were all emulous in their plaudits—nay the lisping [Page 139]infant did not withhold its innocent smile of praise and approbation.

In short, all classes and descriptions of ci­tizens discovered (and they felt what they discovered) the most undisguised attachment and unbounded zeal for their dear chief, and I may add, under God, the Saviour of their country. Not all the pomp of majesty, not even imperial dignity itself, surrounded with its usual splendor and magnificence, could equal this interesting scene.

On approaching near the city, our illus­trious chief was highly gratified with a fur­ther military display of intantry, and artillery, who joined in the procession, and thousands of freemon, whose hearts burned with patri­otic fire, also fell into the ranks, almost every square they marched, until the column swelled beyond credibility itself, and having conduct­ed the man of their hearts to the city tavern, he was introduced to a very grand and plenti­ful banquet, which was prepared for him by the citizens. At dinner, thirteen patriotic toasts were drank. The pleasures and testi­vity of the day being over, they were succeed­ed by a handsome display of fire-works in the evening; this may give a faint idea of this glorious procession, and of the universal [Page 140]joy which inspired every heart upon this in teresting, this important occasion.

Having arrived at the seat of government he delivered the following inaugural address to both houses of Congress, viz.

The first session of congress, under the new constitution, continued their sittings from the 4th of March until the 29th of Septem­ber, their attention was chiefly directed to­wards the establishment of various regulations for the restoration of the public credit of the United States, and other objects of political economy. During the period of the session, the President resided at New-York, sanction­ing the proceedings of the legislature, and otherwise organizing the federal government. Shortly after the riting of congress, he made [...] tour to the states of Connecticut, Massachu­setts, [Page 150]setts, and N. Hampshire, attended by Messrs. Lear and Jackson, his secretaries. In every part of the country through which he passed, the citizens embraced the opportunity of personally testifying their esteem and respect of the man of their choice, in whose character, whatever is great and good—whatever dig­nifies and adorns human nature, are so happi­ly united. All that a grateful people could pay, was paid, whenever he approached a town or village, the roads were lined with ci­tizens to hail him welcome, —the military es­corted him from place to place. Particularly to relate all the grateful testimonials which were paid him during this visit, is impossible from their number. If our limits would per­mit, a description of the manner in which he was received at Boston would be particularly interesting; nor can we specify the numer­ous congratulatory addresses which were pre­sented him. But no particular circumstance gave him more pleasure, during his whole tour, than the plain and hearty manner in which Mr. Northey, the chairman of the se­lectmen at Salem received him. This gen­tleman is of the society of Friends, and when the President was presented to the se­lectmen, Mr. Northey being covered, took him by the hand and said, "Friend Washing­ton, [Page 151]we are glad to see thee, and in behalf of the inhabitants, bid thee a hearty welcome to Salem."

On his arrival at Newburyport, the follow­ing incident occurred, a poor old soldier, na­ned Cotton, who was with him in the me­morable battle on the Ohio, when Braddock was defeated, requested, and was admitted into the room where the President was, —on the soldier's asking "how Major Washington lid?" the President immediately recollected his person, and rising from his chair, took him by the hand, and tenderly enquired into the scenes of his life, and present circumstances, "I thank God," answered the soldier, "that I have an opportunity of seeing my old com­mander once more, I have seen him in adver­fity, and now seeing him in glory, I can go home and die contented." The next morn­ing, he came again to take leave of the Pre­sident, who gave him a guinea, which he ac­cepted he said, "merely as a token in remem­brance of his commander," and which he wore pendent on his bosom, declaring that nothing earthly should separate it from him.

While General Washington was President of the United States, the following circum­stance, which does honor to his humanity oc­curred. One Reuben Rouzy, of Virginia, [Page 152]owed him about a thousand pounds; one of the President's agents brought a suit for the money, judgment was obtained, and execu­tion issued against the body of the defendant, who was taken to goal. He had a considera­ble landed property, but this kind of pro­perty, cannot be sold in Virginia for debts, unless at the discretion of the person. He had a large family, and preserred lying in goal to selling his land, for the sake of his children. —Some of his acquaintance hinted to him, that probably General Washington did not know any thing of the proceeding, and it might be well to send him a petition, with a statement of the circumstances. He did so, and the very next post from Philadelphia, af­ter his petition arrived, brought him a release­ment, with a severe reprimand on the agent for acting in such a cruel manner without consent. Poor Rouzy was, in consequence, restored to his family and happiness, who ne­ver laid down their heads at night, without offering their prayers to Heaven for our much beloved WASHINGTON.

On the 4th of January 1790, congress held their second session at New-York. The Pre­sident opened it with a speech, he congratula­ted them on the savorable prospects which the public affairs then assumed; the accestion of [Page 153]the state of North-Carolina to the Union, the rising credit and respectability of the coun­try, and the concord, peace and plenty with which they were blessed: he directed their attention towards the making provision for the common defence, assuring them that "to be prepared for war, is one of the most ef­fectual means of preseving peace, and that a free people ought not only to be armed but disciplined;" he recommended the pro­tection of the Western and Southern fron­tiers against the depredations of the hostile Indians; the establishment of intercourse with other nations; the framing of an uni­form law for the naturalization of foreigners; the importance of uniformity in the currency, weights, and measures throughout the Union; the advancement of agriculture, commerce, and manufactures; the encouragement of exertions of skill, and genius, and to facili­tate the intercourse between the distant parts of the country, by a due attention to the post-ostice and post-roads. He particu­larly recommended the promotion of science and literature, as the surest basis of public happiness, and best means of securing a free constitution, by teaching the people to know and to value their rights, to discern and provide against innovations of them, to distin­guish [Page 154]between oppression and the necessary ex­ercise of lawful authority, to descriminate the spirit of liberty from that of licentiousness, cherrishing the first, avoiding the last, and uni­ting a speedy but temperate vigilance against encroachments, with an inviolable respect to the laws. He informed them that he had di­rected the papers and estimates to be laid be­fore them, which were necessary to convey to them, that information of the state of the Union, which it was his duty to afford. He concluded by assuring them, that "He should derive great satisfaction, from a co-operation with them, in the pleasing, though arduous task, of ins [...]ring to their fellow-citizens the blessings which they have a right to expect from a free, efficient government."

This session continued their sittings until the 12th of August following; in that month the President negotiated a treaty of Peace and friendship between the United States and the Creek nation of Indians; the ceremony took place at New-York, on the 30th of Septem­ber. The same year General Harmar, with 320 United States troops and 1, 133 mi­litia, gave battle to the Miami Indians, by whom he was defeated with the loss of 183 men killed, and 31 wounded; about 100 or upwards of the Indians were killed. The [Page 155]Miami village containing about 100 Log hou­ses or wigwams, with 20,000 bushels of corn, was destroyed.

The third session of Congress met on the 6th of December 1790, and rose on the 3d of March following; their deliberations were chiefly directed towards the regulation of commerce, further improvement of the judi­cial system, and making provision for the appointment of consuls in foreign countries. The state of Kentucky was admitted into the Union as a distinct state, and a loan was nego­ciated with the states of Holland.

The Indian war continued on the frontier of the states. During the summer of 1791, Gene­ral Scott surprised the Wabash towns, he killed about thirty Indians, took fisty prison­ers and brought with him two hundred horses loaded with peltry and other articles of plun­der, with the loss of three men only. The attention of the President during the period of this Congress, was chiefly directed towards the adoption of measures for the protection of the froutiers, and establishment of com­merce.

On the 24th of October 1791, the second Congress commenced their first session, the President as usual opened the session by a speech to both houses, he began by remarking [Page 156]the abundance of the preceding harvest, the progressive state of agriculture, manufactures, commerce and navigation, and the general and happy effects which had been produced by the revival of public and private confidence, to which the laws of the United States had so eminently contributed. He mentioned the plan laid down for conciliating the friendship of the Indians; the basis of which was a strict adherence to the dictates of justice and humanity. The act for laying a duty on distilled spirits, had been, he said, attended with some difficulty, from the want of expe­rience in the Federal government, to make the proper arrangements, and, in some parts of the union, there had been a misconception of its provisions; but he entertained no doubt that the discontent produced from it would be removed by a proper explanation of the law. The President next observed, that, agreeable to several acts on that subject, a district of ten miles square, for the perma­nent seat of the government of the United States, had been fixed upon, and announced by proclamation; that the district compre­hended lands on both sides of the Patowmac, and the towns of Alexandria and George­town; that a city had accordingly been laid out, and that there was every reason to ex­pect [Page 157]a due progress in the buildings. He also informed the two houses that a census of the inhabitants of the United States, had been almost compleated, and afforded the pleasing assurance that the present population bordered upon four millions of persons, that a further loan of two millions and an half of florins had been compleated in Holland upon terms similar to the last, and that another loan for six millions of florins had been set on foot. He concluded by recommending to their particular attention, the supporting of the militia on an effective plan; the administra­tion of the post-office, the extention and im­provement of the post roads, the necessity for a public mint, an uniformity of weights and measures, and a provision for the sale of the vacant lands of the United States.

This session continued their deliberations, until the 8th of May, 1792, when they ad­journed till the first Monday of November following. During their session and adjourn­ment, there was no remarkable or important event, a series of massacres, were, as formerly committed on the frontiers, the hopes ex­pressed by the President, of being able to ac­commodate the disputes with the Indians, did not prove successful. On the 4th of No­vember, 1791, the United States army under [Page 158]the command of General St. Clair was at­tacked by surprise, within fifteen miles of the Miami village; the contest lasted for four hours, when the Indians became victorious, the retreat of the Americans was accomplish­ed with the loss of forty-six officers, six hun­dred privates, eight pieces of artillery and their whole baggage. In this battle, it is said, that twelve hundred Canadians fought under the disguise of Indians. The attention of the Executive during this period, was also engaged in devising modes to reconcile the citizens in some districts of the union to the law, enacted for the purpose of collecting a certain duty o [...] spirits, distilled within the United States, in [...]ome of the provinces, par­ticularly the weste [...]n parts of Pennsylvania, where a regular and formidable opposition began to manifest itself, in consequence of which, the special interposition of the Presi­dent was deemed advisable. He issued a pro­clamation, recommending a compliance with the laws, and warning the citizens against all unlawful proceedings and combinations, having a tendency to obstruct the same.

The second Congress met again in Novem­ber 1792. The President opened the session with a speech, the greatest part of which re­spected the unfortunate endeavours to termi­nate [Page 159]the Indian hostilities. He informed Con­gress of the opposition which had been mani­fested to the excise law, and recommended a revision of the judiciary system. He further observed, that three loans had been negociated for the use of the United States, one at Ant­werp, and two at Amsterdam, each for three millions of florins, on very reasonable terms, which afforded a pleasing evidence of the in­creasing credit of the new government. On the 2d of March 1793, this session adjourned.

Heretofore the prosperity of the United States met with little or no interruption, ex­cept from the hostility of the Indians. The attention of the executive was chiefly directed to the establishment of those measures which the organization of the infant republic rendered necessary. Th [...] extension of commerce and the disputes of the European powers, ren­dered it necessary for the United States to send and receive, ministers and agents, for the better regulation of affairs.

This necessary measure created troubles and perplexities hitherto unknown to the exe­cutive of the United States. On the 8th of April, 1793 Citizen Genet arrived at Charles­ton, as minister plenipotentiary from the executive of France to the President of the United States. On the 2 [...]d of the same month [Page 160]the President issued a proclamation enjoining the citizens of the United States to a strict neutrality, in the contest between the mari­time powers, and threatening prosecution to all who should infringe the same. The pub­lic approbation of this wise measure, for the preservation of the public tranquility, was ma­nifested in numerous addresses to the President, thanking him In warm terms for his attention to the interest of the citizens—many how­ever were offended at the measure, as they conceived that it implied a deficiency of re­spect and gratitude to the republic of France, to whom the United States were highly in­debted for their independence. Genet arriv­ed in Philadelphia, the seat of government, on the 17th of May. The conduct of this mi­nister is perhaps unexampled in diplomatic history. It was not until the publication of the proclamation of the President enjoining neutrality, that the government first heard of his arrival, and even then, they were only in­formed through the medium of the news-pa­pers, about a fortnight after his arrival; in­stead of presenting his credentials to the Presi­dent, he began to assume a conduct, impru­dent and unbecoming, he undertook to au­thorise the fitting out of armed vessels, he enlisted citizens and others, and gave com­missions [Page 161]to cruise and commit hostilities a­gainst the vessels of England and other na­tions at war with France, but who were at the same time at peace with the United States. These vessels had actually taken prizes, brought them into American ports, where the consuls of France held courts of admiralty, tried, condemned, and authorised their sale as legal prizes. These proceedings, in opposi­tion to the peace of the United States, were instantly complained of by Mr. Hammond the British Minister—Thus were the seeds of future controversy planted. The government of the United States interfered, and in some cases overruled the proceedings of both the British and French as illegal, remonstrances were exhibited to the President from both sides, which created a series of diplomatic correspondence. A new source of discontent on the part of the French now arose, Genet demanded with some abruptness, money from the Treasury of the United States in part payment of their debt to France with which the American government found it inconve­nient to comply. This state of diplomatic hostility could not be expected to hold out long without coming to a crisis. According­ly on the 16th of August the President ordered Mr. Jesterson the secretary of state to address [Page 162]a letter to Mr. Morris the American Ambassa­dor in France, soliciting the republic to re­call their Minister. In the mean time Citizen Duplaine, Vice consul for the republic of France, in the port of Boston, having com­mitted sundry encroachments on the laws of the United States, the President in conse­quence thereof, suspended his powers.

The term for which General Washington was elected President having expired, he was again re-elected to the same office. On the 2d of December, 1793, the third congress com­menced their first session. The President, in his speech to both houses expressed a respect­ful sense of the confidence that he enjoyed, in being again called, by the suffrage of his fellow-citizens, to the office of chief magis­trate. He recited the measures which he had adopted to avoid a rupture with any of the powers at war, and to insure to the citi­zens of the United States, the rights of neu­trality. He further recommended to con­gress, the necessity of placing the country in a state of defence; that while the United States fulfilled their duties to the rest of the world, they may likewise exact the fulfillment of the like duties towards them. He in­formed them of the means which had been pursued for conciliating the dispositions of [Page 163]the Indians, and recommended to congress to make provision for the establishment of com­merce with the Indian nations, as the best means of securing their interest, and render­ing their tranquility permanent; he con­cluded by recommending a repeal of the tax on the transportation of public prints, as they contained the best means of informing the minds, and securing the affections of their constituents;—he afterwards, by a special message, informed the house of representa­tives, "that although the government of the French nation, had generally manifested a friendly disposition to the U. States, yet the person unfortunately appointed their minister plenipotentiary, had breathed nothing of the friendly disposition of the nation which sent him; his proceedings had uniformly tended "to involve us in war abroad, and discord and anarchy at home." He hoped that the French government would not long suffer the United States to remain exposed to the action of a person, who had so little respected the mutual dispositions of the two countries. Soon after this period, this minister was recalled, his conduct having been unequivo­cally disapproved of. About this period the commerce of the United States, began to suffer greatly, from the depredations of the [Page 164]British, under pretence of their being load­ed with French property—it also suffered from the piracy of privateers, who, for the most part disclaiming justice altogether, seiz­ed both vessels and cargo, and disposed of the same for their own use; a considerable num­ber of American vessels were likewise cap­tured in the Western Ocean by the Algerine corsairs. These subjects were assumed by congress, and many modes were proposed for the purpose of putting a stop to the unwar­rantable excesses. A bill was passed, to pro­vide a naval armament against the Algerines. On the 25th of March, a motion was made in the house of representatives, assented to by the senate, and signed by the President, laying an embargo for 30 days on all vessels bound to foreign ports, this embargo was af­terwards continued until the 25th of May. The President was empowered to raise an additional corps of artillery-men for the pur­pose of garrisoning the fortifications for the defence of the sea-coasts; he was also autho­rized to call on the executives of the dif­ferent states, to take effectual measures for or­ganizing eighty thousand effective militia.

On the 19th of May, intelligence was re­ceived from the territory N. W. of the river Ohio, stating the hardships which the citizens [Page 165]of that territory sustained from the hostile disposition of the Cherobee Indians; the massacre of two hundred people, and the loss of two thousand horses, formed a part of the list of their disasters. On the 20th of May the President, by a message, informed the house of representatives, that there had been some danger of hostilities against the terri­tories of Spain, in the neighbourhood of the United States, that the governor of Kentucky had indicated, that he would make no exer­tions to prevent the expulsion of the Span­iards from the banks of the Mississippi, as he had found them a perfidious and worthless people, constantly exciting the Indians to murder the settlers in that quarter.

During this session of congress, many im­portant laws were enacted. The act assign­ing to the Marquis de la Fayette, the sum of 24,424 dollars, for his services during the war, being the pay of a major general; and the act forbidding American citizens or foreign­ers residing in the United States, under se­vere penalties, from being concerned in the slave trade, does great honor to the legisla­ture. On the 9th of June, 1794 this session adjourned.

In 1794, during the recess of congress, the attention of the President of the United [Page 166]States, was called to suppress an insurrection, which began to assume a very formidable as­pect. It was confined to the western parts of the state of Pennsylvania. The outlines of it are as follows, viz. During the year 1790, the congress of the United States found it necessary "t lay and collect excises." This mode of taxation, discordant to the ge­nius of the citizens, in many parts of the Union, met with considerable opposition, which however, was gradually banished by reason and patriotism, excepting in the four western counties of Pennsylvania, where a prejudice still remained, and produced sym­toms of not and violence. The disaffection was at first vented in general complaints— certain associations were formed to prevent the operation of the laws, and the excise of­ficers received some marks of contempt and rudeness. These associations held public meetings, and published their resolutions.— Besides the excise law, they censured several other acts of the federal government, as the exorbitant salaries of office, the institution of a national bank, the interest of the public debt &c.

On the 6th of September, 1791, the col­lector of the revenue for that district, was seized by a party, armed and in disguise; they [Page 167]tarred and feathered him, cut off his hair and committed other acts of violence, legal process was therefore issued against the offen­ders; but the insurgents prevented the mar­shall from serving them, they fired upon him, arrested, and for sometime detained him as a [...] prisoner, a number of similar outrages were committed. The President, the ever watchful guardian of the constitution, beheld with sor­row, these excesses, he sought and weighed what was best to be done in this momentous crisis, he beheld the judiciary stripped of its capacity to enforce the laws, and crimes, which reached to the very existence of social order, perpetrated without control; the friends of government insulted, and that con­stitution violated, which he had made a sacred vow to protect;—he beheld with abhorrence the idea, of "arraying citizen against citi­zen," until every lenient measure should be exhausted. He issued proclamations exhort­ing the rioters to desist from such disorderly proceedings, he recommended obedience to the laws, he appointed commissioners to re­pair to the scene of insurrection, authorized them to confer with the insurgents, to state to them his sensations, to assure them that it was his earnest with to avoid a resort to coercion, he even offered them pardon, on [...] it [...] [Page 168]receiving satisfactory assurance of obedience to the laws.

These lenient measures did not produce [...] good effects that should have been expe [...]. The President therefore deemed it prudent [...] resort to military force.—Fiste [...] thousand militia were put in motion, their number in­timidated the insurgents [...] thus the insurrec­tion was quelled without the effusion of blood some of the ringleaders were apprehended and brought to trial—one of them was found guilty of high treason and condemned to suf­fer, but was pardoned by the President.—In­deed, the same goodness of [...]ispontion [...] ted the President from the beginning to [...] termination of this licentious invasion of the laws, notwithstanding there are in the Uni­ted States, certain discontented, invidious individuals, who wish to stigmatize-every act of the Executive with opprobium.

In November, 1794, the third congre [...] held their second session, at Philadelphia.— The President began his speech with a his­tory of the opposition which had been mani­fested to the constitution and laws of the United States and of the means which he had pursued to suppress it, the alacrity which the militia, and others who volunteered their service displayed, exhibited, he said, "to the [Page 169]highest advantage, the value of republican [...]ernment; to behold the most and [...]east [...]lthy of our citizens, standing in the same [...] as private soldiers, pre-eminently [...] by being the army of the constitu­tion; undeterred by a march of three hundred miles, over rugged mountains, by [...] approach of an inclement season, or by any other discouragement." He recommend­ed to congress to re-imburse the officers of government and other citizens, who had [...] losses, for their generous exertions for up holding the constitution and laws, "the amount," he said, "would not be great; and on [...]ture emergencies, the government would be imply repaid by the influence of an example, [...] [...]e who incurs a loss in its defence shall and a recompense in its liberality." The in­telligence from the army of General Wayne, acting against the hostile Indians N. W. of the Ohio, he said, afforded a happy presage to the military operations, that they had damped the ardour and obstinacy of the savages.— Yet, although the power of the United States to punish them, could not be questioned, that he was not unwilling to cement a lasting peace, upon terms of equity and good neigh­bourhood, —he recommended the adoption of [...] definitive plan for the redemption of the public debt, and in subsequent communica­tions [Page 170]tions, he transmitted to them, certain papers relative to the intercourse of the United States with foreign nations, —they announced to congress and to the world, his unremitting exertions to cultivate peace with all the world, to observe treaties with good faith, to check deviations from the line of impartiality, and to explain and correct what was misap­prehended o [...] appeared injurious.

Ever since the formal ratification of the treaties of peace between the United States and Great Britain, numerous causes of com­plaint has existed on the part of both com­tries respecting its fulfillment. The history of the nature, progress, and final termination of these disputes, will form a very interesting part in the history of the political and diplo­matic character of President Washington, — but the bounds which we have assigned to the present sketch, prevents us from entering ful­ly upon the subject: the ground of complaint on both sides, was disputed in 1792, in a cor­respondence, between Mr. Jesserson, secretary of state, and Mr. Hammond, the envoy of Britain, in their letters, the reciproc [...]l com­plaints are stated with cando [...], p [...]rl [...]icuity, and completeness: to support their respective at [...]nts, they bring forward on each side, a large body of illustrations and authorities, [Page 171]which are highly interesting. This corre­spondence was published by congress in 1794. The arguments of Mr. Jesserson appeared to have contained unanswerable weight, as no reply or explanation were ever made to them, although requested by him—Af­fairs remained in this state of suspense until June 1793, when the British, in consequence of their hostilities with France, issued orders to the commanders of their vessels, to stop all neutral vessels carrying provisions to any port in that republic; ships attempting to enter any French port, blockaded by the En­glish, were to be condemned, both vessel and cargo, whatever it may consist of: the order contained a limited exception in favour of Denmark and Sweden, but in the execution of it, the rights of America were entirely disregarded. This matter produced a diplo­matic discussion between the ministers of the two countries, both at London and Philadel­phia: their correspondence produced a mu­tual with on both sides to establish a treaty of commerce, and a friendly adjustment of all complaints. The President of the United States, accordingly nominated Mr. John Jay, chief judge of the United States, as an En­voy extraordinary to the court of London. After a short passage, Mr. Jay arrived in [Page 172]London, where he met with a polite recep­tion, and negociated the Treaty of Peac [...], Commerce and Navigation, which at present exists between the two countries.

The Treaty arrived in Philadelphia in March 1795, it was shortly after submit [...]ed to the Senate for their consent, they retu [...]ned it to the President on the 24th of June, and advised the condi [...]ional ratification thereof. About the 30th of the same month it was submitted to the public through the medium of the newspapers. It now became the general topic of conversation, it was placed [...] all the different points of view of which it was susceptible, and in many of which i [...] could not admit.

It met with great opposition, addresses and resolutions were received from all the con [...] mercial towns of the union; some advising in ratification, others disapproving of it in tote. This opposition was viewed by the President in a very serious light, he reconsidered the subject and weighed all the arguments which had been advanced against it; his own opi­nion was not in favour of it, but he did not wish to differ from the Senate, and thought that it would be better to ratify it in the manner they had advised; to this measure he was also induced, as Mr. Jay had asserted [Page 173]"that no better terms could possibly be ob­tained; and that obstinacy in rejecting the [...]lement, might be serious." The Presi­dent therefore assented and ratifications [...] exchanged, with the suspension of the most [...]i [...]ctionable article.

This transaction is perhaps the most unfor­ [...]ate that occurred to his [...]ency during [...]e whole period of [...] Presidency. Tho [...]e apposed to the t [...]a [...]y did not sail to load him with reproach, no stone was left unturned that could impress upon the minds of the citizens goss falshoods—such as, that the treaty [...]tained no reciprocal advantages, that the [...]nefits were all on the side of Britain, that their rights were not only neg [...]c [...], but ab­ [...]utely sold, that it was made [...] the design of oppressing the French, and contrary to [...]ry principle of gratitude and [...]und po [...]cy. The [...]st session of the fourth Congress [...] Philadelphia, in December, 1795. The [...]sident in a speech [...]med them that ne­ [...]c [...]ations were on foor for the adju [...]tment of [...]irs with the hostile Indians, and also with the Dey and Regency of Algiers, that he had received assurances of a spee [...]y and fati [...] ­factory conclution of the negociations with Spain, that with the advice of the Se [...]a [...]e he had ratified a treaty with Britain, upon a con­dition [Page 174]which excepts part of one article. He recommended a review of the military esta­blishment and to make provision for gar­risoning and securing the western posts which were to be delivered up by the British. He informed them that a state of the finance and appropriations necessary for the ensuing year would be laid before them, as also statements relative to the mint, progress in providing materials for building frigates, state of forti­fications, and military magazines, &c. He concluded with a recommendation of tempe­rate discussion and mutual forbearance in sub­jects where a difference of opinion may be apt to arise.

A warm and lengthy discussion took place in the House of Representatives relative to the British treaty. Bo [...] [...]les of the question were ably supported, few subjects had eve [...] come before the House, upon which so many members delivered their sentiments. On the 24th of March, 1796, they came to a reso­lution, requesting the President to lay before, the House, a copy of the instructions to Mr. Jay, together with his correspondence a [...] other documents relative to that treaty. To which request, the President gave a positive refusal, he assured the H [...]n [...]e, that he had always endeavoured to harmonize with the [Page 175]other branches of the government, and that he had never withheld any information which the constitution enjoined him to give. But that the nature of foreign negociations re­quired caution and secrecy, that all the papers relative thereto had been laid before the Senate, that the Constitution empowered him to make treaties with the consent of that body, but that it would establish a dangerous precedent to admit a right in the House of Representa­tives to demand and have all papers respecting negociations with foreign powers, after the treaties were finally concluded and ratified, and the assent of that house not necessary to their validity.

We d [...]em it unnecessary to enter into a history of the differences with the Republic of France, as they are not yet terminated, and are so recent as to be generally remembered, suffice it to observe, that during the whole period in which General Washington sat at the helm of public affairs, his whole conduct has uni [...]ormly exhibited moderation and prudence, magnanimity and firmness, wisdom and vir­tue.

The period of General Washington's se­cond election to the office of Chief Magis­trate being nearly expired, he put on a de­termined resolution to retire from the public, [Page 176]and enjoy his declining vears in private life. Upon this momentous occasion—resigning a charge which he at first accepted through his enthusiasm for the principles of rational li­berty, he was impressed with the purest wish­es for the suture happiness of that republic, which he had devoted the early, the mature, and a portion of his declining years to esta­blish. And as a testimony of pure regard, he published the following masterly address to his fellow citizens.

On the 7th of December, 1796, President Washington delivered his last speech to the representatives of the people at the opening of the second session of the fourth Congress, we regret that our contracted limits will not permit of inserting it verbatim. In this ad­dress he communicates information respecting the measures taken for carrying into effect treaties with the Indian nations, Great-Bri­tain, Spa [...], and Algiers. He likewise in­forms, that measures are in operatian for ef­fecting treatics with the Regencies of Tunis and Tripoli. He wishes the United States to lock to the means, and to set about the gradual creation of a [...]vy; so that a suture [Page 217]war of Europe may not find our commerce in the same unprotected state in which it was found by the present.

He then proceeds to recommend the esta­blithment of certain branches of manufac­ture on public account; particularly those which are of a nature essential to the fur­nishing and equipping of the public sorce in time of war.

He judiciously, recommends the in [...]tion of a Board of Agriculture, con [...]d o [...] pro­per characters, charged with [...] and dif­fusing information, an [...] [...], by premiums and [...]mall pecuniary aids, to encourag [...] [...]nd assist a spirit of discovery and impr [...]ment, Experience has p [...]ved this to be a cheap in­strument of immense national benefit. He then recalis the attention of Congress, to a subject, he had before proposed to their con­sideration, the expediency of establishing a national university, and also a military a [...]a­demy. He points out as monves to the in­stitution of a national universits, th [...] a [...] ­lation of the principles, opnions, and man­ners of our countrymen, by the common education of a portion of our youth from every quarter, and remarks that the more ho­mogencous our citizens can be made in these particulars, the greater will be our prospect [Page 218]of permanent union: and that a primary ob­ject should be the education of our youth in the science of GOVERNMENT. In a republic, what species of knowledge can be equally important? and what duty can be more pressing on its Legislature, than to pa­tronize a plan for communicating it to those who are to be the future guardians of the liberties of the country?

The institution of a military academy, he also observes, is recommended by cogent rea­sons. However pacific, says he, the general policy of a nation may be, it ought never to be without an adequate stock of military knowledge, for emergencies.

The following important paragraph is ver­batim, "The compensations to the officers of the United States, in various instance, and in none more than in respect to the most im­portant stations, appear to call for legislative revision. The consequences of a defective provision are of serious import to the govern­ment. If private wealth is to supply the defect of public contribution, it will greatly contract the sphere, within which the selec­tion of character for office is to be made, and will proportionably diminish the probability of a choice of men able, as well as upright. Besides, that it would be repugnant to the [Page 219]vital principles of our government, virtually to exclude from public trusts, talents and vir­tue, unless accompanied by wealth".

The President then expresses his regret at the unpleasant circumstances which have oc­curred relative to the French republic; his ardent wish being to maintain cordial harmo­ny, as far as is consistent with the rights and honour of our country.

The House of Representatives he informed, that the revenues of the United States conti­nue in a state of progressive improvement: and are invited to take such further measures as will ascertain, to our country, the speedy extinguishment of the public debt.

He then concluded his address to both houses of congress, in the following words, "My solicitude to see the militia of the Uni­ted States placed on an efficient establishment, has been so often and so ardently expressed, that I shall but barely recall the subject to your view, on the present occasion; at the same time, I shall submit to your enquiry, whether our harbours are yet sufficiently se­cured".

"The situation in which I now stand, for the last time, in the midst of the representa­tives of the people of the United States, na­turally recalls the period, when the adminis­tration [Page 220]of the present form of government commenced; and I cannot omit the occasion to congratulate you, and my country, on the success of the experiment; nor to repeat my fervent prayer to the Supreme Ruler of the Universte, and Sovereign Arbi [...]r of Nations, that his providential care, may still be ex­tended to the United States;—that the vir­tue and happiness of [...] may be pre­served [...] that the [...] which they have [...] for the pro [...]tion of their li­berties [...] [...]erpetual.

On [...] the 4th of March 1797, John [...], Esq. who was elec [...] the suc­c [...]ssor of President Washington, at [...]nded the S [...]n [...]te and Representatives of the United States, and took his oath of office, according to the directions of the constitution. The ceremony afforded a spectacle of high satis­faction and delight to enery genuine republi­can. To behold a fellow-citizen, raised by the voice of the people, to be the first magi­strate of a free nation, and to behold at the same time George Washington, who lately fil­led the pre [...]tial chair, attending the in­auguration of his successor in office, as a private citi [...]n, beautifully exemplisying the sublime simplicity and excellence of republi­can government.

[Page 221] The last official act of President Washing­ton, is a letter to the Secretary of State, da­ted March 3, 1797. It respects certain for­ged letters, which were published in the years 1777 and 1796, and obtruded on the public as his. They were published at the two most critical periods of his life, with the view of striking at the integrity of his mo­tives, of wounding his character, and of de­ceiving the people. At the conclusion, there­fore of his public employments, he deemed it a duty which he owed to himself, to his coun­try, and to truth, to detail the circumstances, and solemnly to declare, that the letters (the dates of which he recites) are a base forgery, were never written by him, and that he never saw or heard of them, until they appeared in print. During the period in which he held the supreme command of the army, and his civil administration, the purity of his own mind prevented him from contradicting the fals­hood by any public declaration, but upon his retiring to private life, and not knowing how soon a more serious event might take place, he made this public declaration, and request­ed that it might be deposited in the office of the department of state, as a testimony of the truth to the present generation and to poste­rity.

[Page 222] On the and of March, 1797, General Washington took farewell of all public em­ployment, and lost Philadelphia for his esmte at Mount Vernon; in every town through which he passed on his way, he received the grateful and affectionate addresses, which were, so justly due to his merits from an etlighten­ed and grateful people.

Having thus amply deseribed the august Washington in his, public character and offi­cial capacity, suffer, [...]s for a moment to fol­low him in private, and take a view of him in the character of a plain citi [...]n in his ru­ral residence at Mount Vernon.

The virt [...]ous simplicity which distinguished the pri [...] life of General Washington, tho'­less known than the dazzling splendor of his military activements, is not less edisying in example, or worthy the attention of his coun­trymen. The conspicuous character he has acted on the theatre of human affair, the uni­form dignity with which he sustained his part amidst difficuties of the most discour aging na­ture, and the glory of having arrived through them at the hour of triumph, have made many official and literary persons, on both sides of the ocean, ambitious of a correspon­dence with him. These correspondencies unavoidably engrossed a great, portion of his [Page 223]time; and the communications contained in them, comb [...]ed with the numerous period­ical publications and news-papers which he perused, rendered him as it were, the focus of political intelligence for the new world. Nor were his conversations with well informed men less conducive to bring him acquainted with the various events which happened in the different countries of the globe. Every foreigner of distinction who travelled in America made it a point to visit him. Mem­bers of Congress and other dignified person­ages did not pass his house without calling to pay their respects. As another source of information it may be mentioned, that many literary productions were sent to him annual­ly by their authors in Europe; and that there is scarcely one work written in America on any art, science, or subject, which did not seek his protection, or which was not offered to him as a token of gratitude. Mechanical inventions were frequently submitted to him for his approbation, and natural curiosities presented to him for his investigation. But the multiplicity of epistolary applications, often on the remains of some business which happened when he was in office, sometimes on subjects foreign to his situation, frivolous in their nature, and intended merely to gratify [Page 224]the vanity of the writers by drawing answers from him, were truly distressing and almost incredible. His benignity in answering, per­haps increased the number. Did he not hus­band every moment to the best advantage, it would not have been in his power to notice the vast variety of subjects that claimed his attention.

In his manner of living he was extremely regular, temperate and industrious. He rose winter and summer at the dawn of day, ge­nerally read or wrote sometime before break­fast: breakfasted about seven o'clock on In­dian hoe-cake and tea, and often rode imme­diately to his different farms, and remained with his labourers till a little after two o'clock, when he returned; at three he di­ned, commonly on a single dish, and drank from half a pint to a pint of Madeira wine, this, with one small dish of tea which he took half an hour before the setting of the sun, constituted his whole sustenance till the next day. His table, however, was always furnished with elegance and exuberance, but was void of pomp: and whether he had com­pany or not, he remained an hour at table in familiar conversation.—His temper was of a serious cast, and his countenance carried the impression of thoughtfulness; yet he perfect­ly [Page 225]relished a pleasant story, an unaffected sal­ly of wit, or a burlesque description. After dinner he applied himself to business and about nine retired to rest; but when he had company he politely attended upon them till they wished to withdraw.—Agriculture was his favourite employment, he made observa­tions on the pro [...]uce of lands, and endea­voured to throw new light upon the business of the farmer; linen and woolen cloaths were manufactured under his roof, and order and economy were established in all his de­partments both within and without doors.— Mrs. Washington presided over the whole, and united to the qualities of an excellent farmer's wife, that simple dignity which ought to characterise a woman whose husband has acted so distinguished a part on the public theatre.—Such is the history of the private life of this great character.

In 1798, the unparalleled treatment which the American ministers received at Paris from the republic of France, left little ground to hope for any amicable accommodation with that republic, in consequence of which, the military forces of the United States were greatly augmented, and the President, with the advice of the Senate, appointed George Washington, Lieutenant General and [Page 226]commander in chief of all the armies raised or to be raised by the United States, this wise 02 and judicious appointment was attended with the happiest effect, the virtue of a general so well experienced in war, established the nation­al dignity and independence, and inspired the citizens with enthusiasm. On receiving the appointment, the General expressed a wish that it had fallen upon a man less advanced in years, and better qualified to encounter the vicissitudes of war, he recurred to his deter­mination of closing his life in retirement and peace, but the conduct of the directory of France towards our country, he said "exci­ted in his breast corresponding sentiments with the rest of his countrymen," in conse­quence of which, he accepted the appoint­ment with this reserve, that, "he should not be called into the field, until the army was in a situation to require his presence, or it became indispensable by the urgency of cir­cumstances," he informed the President, "he could not accept of any emolument annexed to the appointment, before entering into a situation to incur expence."

He held this command, and contributed his advice and assistance towards the arrange­ment and organization of the army until the 14th of December, 1799, when it pleased [Page 227]Divine Providence to remove him from this life—he was in his 68th year, and in the en­joyment of perfect health, the disorder of which he died was an inflamatory sore throat, which proceeded from a slight cold.

"On Friday, the 13th, he rode out to one of his plantations, and was much wet by the rain, on returning He was taken with the croup that night; but from humanity to his servants and tenderness to his physician, very unfortunately declined sending for medical aid, until day-light on Saturday morning.

"Before Dr. Craik arrived at Mount Vernon, the General had been bled by one of his over­seers. The doctor repeated the same imme­diately; to whom the General observed, "he had sent for him too late;" and seemed to have a presentiment of his dissolution, Doc­tors Dick and Brown also attended.

"As his respiration became difficult, he said calmly, "doctors, I die hard" But not­withstanding the excrutiating agonies of his violent disease, he tranquilly asked several questions during the evening. About fifteen minutes before he died (which was between 11 and 12 o'clock, on Saturday night, the 14th of December) he said to Doctor Craik "doctor, what is the clock? how long am I to continue in this situation?" The doctor an­swered, [Page 228] "Not long sir?" He then rejoined with the firmest countenance imaginable, "I 02 have no fear, doctor, to die."

Mrs. Washington was at the bed side with his family, and a number of domestics in the room. He would not wound their sensibility by taking a formal leave of any one.—At last his breathing grew shorter, —be closed his eyes and mouth with his own hands, and ex­pired! —Thus did the last moments of this venerable man correspond with the whole te­nor of his well spent life. He died with per­fect resignation to the will of Heaven, and in full possession of his reason, not a groan or complaint escaped him!

His body was entombed, with solemn ho­nours and funeral pomp, in the family vault, upon the estate of Mount Vernon, attended by the clergy, military, masonic brethren, and a numerous concourse of citizens.

The melancholy intelligence of the death of General Washington, was every where re­ceived throughout the United States, with sensations of sorrow and regret; the houses of Congress for a period adjourned; they condoled with the President of the United States, on the loss our country had sustained in the death of her worthiest citizen, they went into mourning, and requested the Pre­sident [Page 229]to issue his proclamation, recommend­ing the citizens throughout the Union, to wear black crape on the lest arm for thirty days; all the state assemblies followed the example: orders were issued from the war of­fice, navy department, &c. requesting the of­ficers to wear crape on the left arm for six months, and the vossels of the navy to put on mourning for one week, by wearing their co­lours half mast high

Orders were issued by the direction of the President of the United States, announcing to the army the death of its beloved chief, and requested the military honours therein, spe­cifying to be paid at the several stations of the army.

The Senate and House of Representatives of the United States, enacted "that a mar­ble monument be erected in the capitol in the city of Washington, to the memory of Gen. Washington; and that his family be requested to permit his body to be deposited under it— and that the monument be so designed as to commemorate the great military and political events of his life. That there be a funeral procession, and a public oration delivered on the occasion. To the above resolution Mrs. Washington assented, sacrifing her private wishes and individual feelings to the public [Page 230]will. The public procession took place in Philadelphia on thursday December the 26th, the ceremony was judiciously conducted; per­haps there never was a greater display of public mourning, solemnity and respect, ex­hibited in the western hemisphere; the ar­rangements united every description of pub­lic and private character, civil and military; the funeral service, adapted with great felici­ty to the occasion, was pronounced by Bishop White, the deceased being of the episcopal church, after which, General Lee, who was appointed by Congress for that purpose, de­livered the funeral oration—we shall [...] at­tempt a report of this admirable eulogium, of which the public are already possessed, con­vinced that it would suffer by the attempt.

Having pursued this distinguished man throughout his public life and in his private retreat, it only now remains that we describe his person, which bears a very great analogy to the qualifications of his mind.

General Washington was a tall well made man, rather large boned, and had a tolerable genteel address: his features were manly and bold, his eyes of a bluish cast and very lively; his hair a deep brown, his face rather long and marked with the small pox; his com­plexion sun burnt and without much colour, [Page 231]and his countenance sensible, composed, and thoughtful; there was a remarkable air of dignity about him, with a striking degree of gracefulness: He had an excellent under­standing without much quickness; was strict­ly just, vigilant, and generous; an affection­ate husband, a faithful friend, a father to the deserving; gentle in his manners, in temper rather reserved; a total stranger to religious prejudices, which have so often excited Chris­tians of one denomination to cut the throats of those of another; in his morals irre­proachable; he was never known to exceed the bounds of the most rigid temperance: in a word, all his friends and acquaintance universally allow that no man ever united in his own person, a more perfect alliance of the virtues of a philosopher with the talents of a statesman and a general. Condour, sincerity, affability and simplicity seem to have been the striking features of his character. The best portraits ever taken of him, are those paint­ed by the ingenious Mr. Stewart of German­town, and the best engraving is the large me­zotinto done by Mr. Savage of Philadelphia.

Such is the life and character of the man to whom America intrusted her important cause, and she has had every reason to be satisfied with her choice; and most ungrateful would [Page 232]she be to the Great Disposer of human events, were she not to render him unremitting thanks for having provided her with such a citizen at such a crisis.

Most nations have been favoured with some patriotic deliverer—The Israelites had their Moses; Rome had her Camillus; Greece her Leonidas; Sweden her Gustavus; and Eng­land her Hampdens, her Russels, and her Sydneys—but these illustrious heroes, tho' successful in preserving and defending, did not, like Washington, form or establish em­pires, which will, in all probability, be the refuge or asylum of virtue, banished from Europe by luxury and corruption.

[Page 242] [The original will is of the General's own hand writing, his name is subscribed to every page of it, he consulted no professional cha­racter in the construction of it, and he ac­companies every item. with remarks and ex­planations of the meaning and design of them. it is dated July 9th, 1799, and 24th year of the independence of the U. States of Ameri­ca. Annexed to the will is a schedule of the property directed to be sol [...] with a mo­derate valuation of their worth of which the following is an abstract, viz.

[Page 243]

Moun [...] [...]non we understand may be va­lued [...] of dollars.]