MOMENTOUS question! yet awfully solved every returning day, by the exit of the mighty and mean, the noble and base, the renowned and inglorious.—

Could moral excellence and manly worth; could illustrious deeds and un [...]ainted honour; could the purest patriotism conjoined with ra­tional piety; could the love and veneration, the gratitude & admi­ration of MILLIONS rescue from the stroke of death, your Wash­ington had never died—And yet he is gone—the political saviour of your Country—the pride of your nation—the favorite of Hea­ven—your Washington is gone to happier Climes—It must be so— [...]eaven's will be done.

Why should we pause here for a fleeting instant, to announce what is the awful dispensation of the most High, that directed my attention to this solemn theme? The deep-rooted sorrow, the woe-worn hearts and grief-wrung spirits, of many dig­nified characters present; and the grave sympathising countenance of this crowded august Assembly, anticipate me on the oc­casion.—The heart interesting solemnity of this day has a double retrospect—In its vast importance, it takes cognizance of the BIRTH and DEATH of the greatest George.—It proclaims to the universe, a Republican Government issuing a requisition, with which the heads and hearts of ten thousand times ten thousand, [...]him [...]e in sweet unison, without one jarring, or one discordant [...]ote, equally honourable, to the governor and governed, to the first Ma­gistrate and the People—kindling in our breasts, the mingled emo­tions of triumph and condolence. All hall Columbia! I would fe­licitate myself indeed, could I participate individually in that high honour which America may justly claim to herself, of being the kind Foster-Mother OF THAT MAN whose love of glory was [Page 6] devoid of Ambition—whose generous Soul embraced no object but the emancipation of his country—whose fidelity was equal to your unbounded confidence. "Whose prudence and valour, were a [...] once the shield and sword of his native soil." These are glorious outlines, that will forever illumine the page of your history, that can never be erased from your dear remembrance, and will be in­delibly engraven on the minds of your posterity. But alas! the mournful solemnity of this day reverses the lovely sce [...], and dar­kens the gilded prospect.—Mourn America! Your greatest, bravest, best beloved Son is now no more—Mourn ye sons of freedom GREAT WASHINGTON is gone, and you are bereaved indeed—yes, we are well aware, that undisguised are your compunctions of sorrow, unfeigned the sensibilities of your nature—yes, ever since the un­welcome doleful tidings winged their [...]light to this Village and its Vicinity, the deepened sigh was heaved, and the heart throbbed in silent anguish.

Humanity is deeply interested in the heart confounding query of my text—every man living perceives & feels that he must depart [...]his life, and ere long dea [...] will p [...]h him off the stage of time. "For life is soon [...]ut off, and we fly away." That we must shortly yield up our breath and be lodged in the gloomy caverns of the grave is most assuredly an awful thought, and were it unceasingly to dwell upon the mind with that powerful energy with which i [...] some times comes home to the heart, our state would be pitiable indeed. The beneficent Father of all however has framed the human heart with such happy sensibility, such spirit and animation, as are abso­lutely necessary for agenting the grand business of life and time with vigour and activity. Yet surely the fa [...]e of others, should im­press mortal man, with grave f [...]ling and devout reflection—"Man is as the grass indeed" He springs up, blooms, fades, and perishes from the earth as if he had never been. Yet the swelling vanity of mortal man will lift itself into importance—Hark child of the dust! The ga [...] and airy scene begins to change apa [...]e—Mark the hoary head and wrinkled face, sad ravages of time! with what certainty can man promise himself to-morrow? when we take a [...]trospective glance at those who were the endearing companions of out boyish days, the heart sickens at the doleful recollection.

[Page 7] As travellers on the way to our eternal home, shall we pa [...]t a [...] ­ter this world and forget our destination▪ Shall we trifle with all-Important time, and lavish the precious hours away? We sojourn in a vale of tears, where all things have changed, are changing, and may change again. The dreary tomb is the last abode of erring man, even there is laid low your Washington the magnanimous.

Woeful event [...] Here are we convened to commemorate a nati­on's loss, a loss I had almost said irreparable. The painful yet pleasing task, assigned me in the important transactions of this day, is to be the organ, for expressing the part we bear in the univer­sal mourning. I feel confident from the sensations of my own heart, that there is not a bosom in this great assembly so callous, [...]s not to melt, and mourn and sadden, at Columbia's woe.

Various causes combine to announce my inequality to the duties of the day. Little schooled in political researches, a stranger to the din of arm [...] and clangor of war; equally unknowing and un­known, in acts of chivalry or the thunder of battle, in the tactics of sap or storm; a foreigner, yea a [...] Alien on your shore, of a few "little months," standing. The ground on which I tread i [...] truly declicate and embarrassing. We are well aware that servile adulation, and unmerited encomium, are only adapted to the taste and genius of mean temporizing sycophants; yet surely, when an undeviating virtuous character holds an exalted station, i [...] inde­fatigable in promoting the public good, even national felicity, to withhold praise from such honourable men, is ungenerous, ungrate­ful, criminal▪ for the plaudits of the wise and good in every age, have proved incentives to the noblest deeds. Fulsome adulation we detest, a [...]d unmerited compliment either to DEAD or LIVING, would be satire in disguise. In our feeble attempts to delineate the character of your immortal Washington, (whose death we [...] ­plore this day) there is little danger of transcending his real worth [...] and it would betray the weak head o [...] bad heart, to keep within common bounds, when we either think, write, or speak, of such an UNCOMMON MAN. When Washington is the theme of our honest eulogium; the subject is almost too vast for regular thought▪ [...] reviewing the assemblage of his endearing virtues, we feel ex­tremely difficulted which we shall most admire, the mild and ami­able [Page 8] virtues of the man in the tranquil walks of life; the philans [...]hropy of the citizen, the love of country in the patriot, the va­lour of the hero, the wisdom of the general, the policy of the statesman, or the piety of the christian. In tracing this extensive range of character, I trust the earnestness of my zeal and purity of my intention, will, in your indulgent estimation supply the lack of talent.

Let the mighty nations across the Atlantic, boast of their Sci­pio's, their Caesar's and Alexanders—their Gustavus Adolphus and their Ferdinand—their Marlborough and their Buonaparte; yet you will be constrained to resolve their blazoned atchievements, into mad ambition, false love of glory, or tyrannic conquest. Con­trast them with your beloved Washington as Patriot▪ Heroes, and as the stars of Night fade away before the glory of the rising day, [...]o shall they hide their diminished lustre and sink into obscurity.

The bravest Potentate of Europe immortalized himself in yield­ing to this fact; we mean the late Frederic of Prussia, who, after the acknowledgment of your Independence, transmitted a golden-hilted Sword to your Hero, with this signal inscription, "from the oldest to the greatest General."

It is true, transatlantic countries have given birth to individual rare characters, who may vie with your late Chief, in some one of the sublime excellencies that adorn humanity; and it seems to be characteristic of our nature, that to excell in any one grand pur­suit, will command the whole attention and absorb the noblest powers of man; yet, it would appear as if propitious Heaven in­tended, that your Washington should stand unrivalled in all.—Select all the characters of Ancient and Modern History, where the man to be found, exhibiting such depth of penetration, such versatility of talent, such active, energetic, bold, comprehensive powers of mind; bearing down all obstacles that opposed their pro­gress; piercing through the various combinations and relations of surrounding circumstances; seeing all things with an equal eye, in their just dimensions; and attributing to each its due propor­tion?

What shall we think of that rich fountain, which, while i [...] was poured out through so many different channels, flowed through [Page 9] each, with a full and equal stream—On all sides he touched the extremes at human character; and his great Soul was only bound­ed by that impenetrable circle, which prescribes the limits of human nature.

From so rich an aggregate of materials, we must content our­selves, with sketching only a few outlines, of the lovely portrait of your dignified citizen. When we behold a character from the retired walks of humble life "starting early in the career of true glory," by an undeviating progress through a life of honor, arrive­ing at the first dignities of the state—organizing a great nation, and raising America to her proper altitude in the scale of the Uni­verse, manly curiosity is rouzed into energy, and pure philosophy delights to trace the path of fair [...]ame, from the vale of obscurity, to the zenith of elevation. There is scarce any circumstance so trivial or minute in great characters, as not to command the at­tention, and interest the heart. The laudable curiosity of genera­tions yet unborn will be strongly excited, to learn even what were the air and mein, the f [...] and feature of your lamented Washington. From connoisseurs in what constitutes the elegance of human frame, I have learned that it would have puzzled the most minute observer, [...]o have discovered one single deficiency in his whole form▪ or thought of one beauty that could enrich it—celestial virtue was cloathed in the form of Washington.

Those divine characters imprinted on his luminous Heaven-directed countenance, would have whispered, where his hope en­tered, where his confidence was stayed.—There was an uncom­mon inexpressible SOMETHING about the man, that would have announced to every spectator, this is the American Chief, this the Conqueror of Heroes. Behold him, so soon as he had count­ed the days of manhood, delegated by the Burgesses of this State—traversing the trackless desart, (part of it savage country) for four hundred miles, even to the banks of the Ohio, where foreign marauders infested your Territory—Follow him through his early deeds of valor, and military manoeavres, at the defeat of Brad­dock, that overbearing, incautio [...]s, ill-fated man—THERE bud­ded his [...]awre [...]s, which ere long ripened into full maturity—HERE dawned the day, that ushered in his [...] glory.

[Page 10] In the progress of human events, the period wheeled around, when the British Parliament, intoxicated with prosperity, and in the delirium of policy, pretended a right to legislate for this great continent—outraging every principle of rational liberty and equal representation. Heaven justified your resistance even to blood. My feelings recoil at the contemplation of those black days; and were it not to unrake the dying embers of national jealousy, we could here narrate a gloomy memorial.

Merciful Heaven, what a sight! Your country, your dear coun­try become the abode of carnage and desolation! a formidable host of foes overspread your plains, possess, your cities—prepared are the internal engines of destruction for your ruin—The sword is drawn—Vengeance and rage have [...]ighted up their torches—The enemy thirst for conquest, and for plunder—You opposed with courageous resistance—Vain were your efforts in a thousand in­stances—Blood flows—Death flies—The flame rages—Righteous God! shall millions fall the victims of a few ambitious mortals? Children be murdered at their mother's breast—The gray hairs of the venerable old-man be dragged in blood and dust—Innocent beauty become the prey of the [...]oul ravisher, or brutal murderer? merely because the covetousness of a monster, thirsts for increased revenue, or a tyrant pants for increased territory.—But we for­bear, and trust you have done forever with those dismal scenes.—Here your Hero rises to view, rises to the admiration of the world, in accumulation of interesting circumstances, delineation of charac­ter, and important scenery of action.

He could no longer witness, without feeling greatly indignant, the sparkling sword of despotism, [...] the odious chains of slavery. At the call of his country, worthy to command, willing to obey, he "girded on the harness without boasting,"—conscious of his intrepidity, yet di [...]ident of his talents. The elegant apostrophe of Col. Hu [...]phreys (that fine Poet, and finished Scholar) to Gene­ral Washington on taking command of the army, sublimely ex­presseth my conceptions on the occasion.

Then lay at s [...]ake his earthly all—His [...]ee simple estate in his native [...]oil—his precious life—his honour superior to both—his country dearer than all.

Though possessed of undoubted talents for military exploits, and unequalled sagacity to avail himself of every possible advantage; yet, he was nobly superior to that avarice of dominion, which blindly aims at extensive possession. The war he waged, was a war of resistance against tyrannic invasion—a war for security, not for increased territory.

He was not insensible to the charms of ambition—No, but his ambition was not to grasp at aggrandizement by en [...]ous accumu­lation of wealth, his ambition was to serve his country gratis.

In his military career you may always note him bold, hazard­ous, and enterprizing, when and where, there was national hope of success—prudentially cautious, where circumstances appeared desperate—lavish of any thing, rather than the blood of his brave and beloved Countrymen—like the renowned Fabius he conquered by delay.

Follow him to Cambridge—Hear him address the army—Who are they? A band of undisciplined husbandmen—many without arm [...] ▪ all at different times nearly destitute of ammunition—great in nothing▪ but their unconquerable love of Liberty, their merito­rious cause, and firm confidence in Heaven. To whom are they opposed? To the first Admirals—the first Generals—the bravest troops of Europe▪ Established in your cities, garrisoned in your strong holds: Mark the issue, environed▪ [...] in by your He­ro; cut off are their resources▪ constrained to abandon the enter­prize, and fly for refuge to the watery element. Yet sure, the upstart Politician, the [...]ire-side General, [...] half concealed Tory dared to cavil.

[Page 12] Hard is the task indeed, to discharge with decided approbation the complex duties of Commander in Chief in troublous times▪ to carry on with vigour an extensive war, and yet be frugal of the public money; to organize [...] vast armament—"to constrain those to serve, whom it may be delicate to offend;" to maintain due subordination of rank, to conduct at the same time a compli­cated variety of operations, from the burning sands of Georgia, even to the Fort of Quebec; and to accomplish every valuable purpose, in spite of envy, [...]ction, and disaffection; to effect all this, O Americans! was reserved for your Washington.

The Heroism of your General was not the off [...]pring of low-minded pride, established by habit, and confirmed by discipline—No, his sprung from an happy commixture of blood and spirit; a [...]oul elevated and noble; an understanding strong and refined; a self-denial and self-command that raised him greatly superior [...] misfortune. These burnished by education, warmed with the love of country, and rouzed into energy by a sense of duty, con­stituted the bravery of your chief Commander.

Haste with him to New-York, see him straining every nerve, exerting every power, to establish that Independence, which your Congress had proclaimed on the memorable Fourth of July 1776; applauded by the citizen, rejoiced at by the soldier—THAT WAS THE DAY when the equestrian Statue of the British George was levelled with the dust.

Here vain alas! were the efforts of your illustrious Chief—He had no adequate force, either to oppose or resist the invading foe; [...] even his attempts to oppose the inglorious flight of some of his troops, on the first approach of the enemy—He drew his sword, threatened instant death, cocked, snapped his pistol— [...] in the extreme was then the situation of your brave Com­mander—to extricate him from it, his faith ful attendants snatch­ed the bridle [...]ein and gave his horse an opposite direction.

But as men feeling for the infirmities and pitying the misfor­tunes of our fellow-men it would become us, to "drop a tear on this paragraph and blot it out forever."

No alternative now remained for your beloved Washington but [...]ither to evacuate the city, or by an unequal contest, to hazard [Page 13] your Independence and political salvation for ages to come. He [...], dark was his path; the prospect on all hands gloomy and tremendous—with a remnant of his army he retreats to [...]wark. At no other period did he ever conceive the American cause as verging on desperation. Said [...]e to Col. Reid, "If we retreat to the back settlements of Pennsylvania will the inhabitants sup­port us?" Doubts and fears re [...]ed on the Colonel's mind. On which your General waving his hand across his throat observed, "My neck does not feel as though it was made for a halter, we must retreat to Augusta County in Virginia, and if overpowered by numbers we will cross the Allegheny.

At that [...]ing heart-agonizing moment; few men would have exchanged, feelings, situation, and circumstances with your Hero, for the empire of the world.

Follow him next to Brandy wine, it was there that the celebrated La Fayette first bled in the cause of Liberty, which he had es­poused with enthusiastic ardour, and still renders him dear to Ame­ricans. Accompany your Chief through s [...]r [...]pless nights and anxi­ous days, through toil and tumult, blood and death, to Philadel­phia and German-Town; to Trenton, Princeton, Monmouth and back to New-York. In every step you trace wisdom, prudence, valour; all the dignified virtues of a great, patient, persevering heroic mind. At this critical period Burgoyne's defeat was an­nounced through the union. It produced a mighty revolution in Cabinet and [...] hosanna, where dismay had poured a black deluge on the [...]; hope fixed her anchor where despair had taken up her about.

Thus the rise and fall of the mightiest empires may depend on the minutest incidents. "Lives there a man, who dare con­sider these as blind un meaning casualties?" No, they are the di­rect acts of a [...]peri [...]nding Providence that governs the affairs of the Universe; establishing his own august purposes, through the jarring devices of mortals—"making the very wrath of man to praise him, and restraining the remainder of wrath."

During this year and for some time after, the views of a few factious men, were strongly bent, on rendering the Commander [Page 14] in Chief unpopular: Ungenerous, ungrateful men; who would meanly envy, and basely traduce, conscious, they could not nobly emulate. He was well aware of their sinister plot; and his con­duct on the trying occasion, displays the purest patriotism, truest magnanimity, and unsullied honour.

Hear his own words, in a confidential letter to his friend: "I am said a scheme of that kind is now on foot by some (namely the change of Commander in Chief,) whether true or false, ferrous [...] to try the pulse▪ I neither know nor care. Neither ambitio [...]s no [...] interested views, [...]led me into the service; I did not solicit the command, but accepted it, after much entreaty with all that dif­fidence which a conscious want of ability and experience, equal to the discharge of so important a trust, must naturally exci [...]e in a mind not quite devoid of thought; and after I did engage, pursu­ed the great line of my duty, and the grand object in view, as pointedly [...] the needle to the pole. So soon as the public gets dis­satisfied with my services, or a person is found better qualified to answer her expectation, I shall quit [...] the helm with as much plea­sure, and retire to a private station with as much content, as ever the wearied Pilgrim felt upon his safe arrival, at the Holy Land or haven of hope; and shall most devoutly wish that those who come after, may meet with more prosporous gales than I have done." Such was the avowal of Washington the GREAT, worthy of himself.

Now the cloud that obscured your political horizon, began to be wafted far away—The mist that enveloped your military glory, began to be dissipated—a new era dawned—a treaty with the French, that magnanimous nation was formed, negotiated by the illustrious Franklin and his worthy colleague, faithful servants of the people. Fleets and armies, were de [...]ined to wing their speedy [...]ight a [...]ross the wide atlantic, for your safety & salvation. The siege of New York was then planned, by wise heads and dauntless souls.

But the tardy returns of your reinforcements, the destination of Count De Grasse's fleet for the Chesapeake, the arrival at New-York of three thousand additional troops from Europe, and Lord Cornwallis having p [...]sted himself at Yorktown, as Head Quarters, depot, and general rendezvous for the approaching winter—all, all conspired to change the mighty scene of action.

[Page 15] Thither, Heaven-directed, your Washington bent his way, and there atchieved the mighty deed, that gilds his well earned same—Lo! here a glorious combination—an allied army indeed! not for the inglorious purpose of annihilating, but for the noble end of esta­blishing revolution [...]. Delightful harmony▪ differing in nought but the manly contest, of who shall excel in hardiest deeds and boldest enterprize. We should pause here to be wail, nay to execrate, the Policy of that inauspicious day that ever made you twain.

Feats of valor and martial prowess distinguished the great Corn­wallis on the momentous event, that we have now in contemplati­on; "Great let me call him though conquered by your hero; eve­ry manoeuvre hazarded, [...]orties, resistance, all proved fruitless! To retire impossible, to retain intolerable, submission must ensue▪ [...]our Hero shall prevail. Opened were your batteries! your [...] thundered! the elements of nature seemed convulsed! Citizen sol­diers mount, they scale the strongest bulwarks, storm redoubts that were deemed impregnable! Then and there, many a brave man bled, many a father, brother, husband, son, levelled with the dust!

Justly may we exclaim—O God of mercy! never more let us hear the sighs of misery, or groans of despair—let us never more behold man destroying his fellow creature. The British army bro­ken down in strength, exhausted in spirit, hope fled, no succour as hand, were constrained to surrender.

The gallantry of your hero on that day was truly signalized, even in the choice of his officer (Lieutenant Colonel Lawrens) for ar­ranging the terms of capitulation.—That at the very period; while the father was immured in the gloomy dungeons of a British bastile, the son was penning articles, whereby an English nobleman and British arm [...], [...]came prisoners of war.

That was the day of Columbia's triumph! That the day, whence her free-born sons may date their Independence.—As such your Washington displayed it—no doubt he exulted—But then it was the triumph of a pious grateful [...]oul wafted [...]o Heaven in fer­vent adoration, and lively thanksgiving—"Giving glory where glory was due."—Not like the deistical Heroes of modern days in Europe, who after unrivalled deeds of military renown, seldom if [Page 16] ever, deign to acknowledge an over-ruling Heaven; but infidel like, ascribe all the praise to brilliant Generals and intrepid Soldi­ers.

Your Hero manifested his rational exultation, by a general re­lease of all who lay under arrest; that there might not be (as he expressed himself) a single American, who should not participate [...]o the universal joy—By orders of your Chief Commander, divine service was performed two days after the capitulation, in all the brigades of the American army; in testimony of their gratitude to the Most High, for his surprising [...]nterposition at that decisive event. How unlike this, was that blasphemous Te De [...]m of Ca­tharine late Empress of Russia; a disgrace to all the sensibility, re­finement and fascination of women; chanted by her savage soldiery, [...]owled rather by her blood-hounds of war, a [...]ter their cold deliber­ate murder of twenty two thousand aged men, women, and chil­dren at the gates of Warsaw, the capital of unfortunate Poland.

No doubt your Washington at the period alluded to above could avow it in the presence of the immortal God, that he would not then have given up, (even without the sweet hope of an eternal re­compence in a more perfect state) the noble feelings of his heart, that elevation of mind, which ever accompanies, active, suffering, triumphant virtue, for the seductive smiles of a Court, the gaudy trappings of Royalty, or the glories of a Crown.

A few months after the capture of Lord Cornwallis, the British government cured of their mania for conquest, and yet in the very paroxism of wounded ambition, after seven years bloody experience, were compelled to abandon all offensive operations on your conti­nent—Their hostile operations coverged to a point, and the grand catastrophe of the American war opened to the astonished world.

Having terminated the renowned exploits at York Town, your Chief returned with part of his exulting victorious troops to the vicinity of New-York—Few deeds of heroism remained for him now to atchieve—The definitive treaty was signed—Your Inde­pendence reluctantly acknowledged with bleeding hearts, amid ex­hausted [...]ances and tarnished glory, on the third day of Septem­ber, 1783—

Ancient history records no exploit superior to this, and it will [Page 17] ennoble the modern, whenever another Livy or Plutarch shall arise to do justice to it—when another Cicero with his glowing diction, or a Demosthenes with his fascinating elocution shall [...]et your He­ro in the true perspective.

Your Washington could boast the noblest of Empires, the Empires he gained over the minds of his countrymen—Military force, or popular caprice, may give power, but nothing can give lasting au­thority, except [...]ure wisdom and spotless virtue—By these your He­ro obtained, by these he preserved, a dominion in the hearts of his f [...]llow citizens, unstained by bloody usurpation—a dominion con­ferred by public affection, continued by public gratitude.

The British and their mercenary hirelings evacuate New-York, and bade an inglorio [...]s farewell—Your Great Washington makes a triumphant entry, amid the heart approving, jowful acclamations, of surrounding thousands. To his dignified virtues which command admiration, to his exalted services, from which have flowed great and durable advantages, "may the honest tribute of praise be ren­dered without the reproach [...]."—

Now ceased the bloody rage of war, the Olive Branch waved all around, and sheathed we trust forever here the gore stained wea­pon—Then your beloved Chief (decidedly resolved to retire to the tranquil walks of life) bade an affectionate "warm hearted f [...]d adieu" to his brother officers and victorious troop [...]—Then were rouzed into energy the mingled emotions of the heart, joy and sorrow, lively gratitude and deep regret, more easily conceived than expressed—Then heaved the heart-felt sigh, then flowed the [...] drop, that would not disgrace a Hero's cheek. Your country's political Saviour repairs to Philadelphia—There he delivered in his accounts to the Comptroller General, from June 1775, to De­cember 1783, all his own manuscript, s [...]ating every item, produc­ing every voucher, and accounting for every disbursement.—Hap­py will it be for America—happy for every nation, if their Chan­cellors of Exchequer, if all through whose hands, the glittering tempting metal circulates, may prove as correct, as [...] and as honorable. "Crushed be the Vipers! who for a grasp of [...] or paltry office would [...]ell their country to the foe," or [...] a nation into Bankruptcy.

[Page 18] What though your great George could not trace a venerable line of Ancestors, through what is vainly, perhaps absurdly called noble blood—What though he could not boast Garter, Star or Ribbon, these Symbols of hereditary foppery, mere creatures of the imagination—What though he could not boast the bewitching titles of Lord or Earl, often the appendages of cruel fraud▪ or vile oppression—Yet your Washington could hold up to view il­lustrious deeds—His "good works' praise him, which can alone confer nobility on man—He dared to be great—"He could dis­play the Standards, Colours, Trophies, torn from the vanguished foe"—He could boast of honors, not the fruit of inheritance, but well yet dearly earned by toils, by abstinence, by valor; amidst clouds of dust and [...] of blood—He could boast of laying CRO [...] ­CHANT the frowning Lion of British glory tha [...] appalled the na­tions—that for successive years, through every quarter of the globe, waved victorious by sea and land.

He arrives at Annapolis—waits on Congress—begs leave to re­sign his Commission▪ But here vain is description! Language falls in picturing duly the heart-interesting scene.

Having taught an awful lesson of moderation to ambitious Roy­alty—having taught political slaves what a nation may atchieve under the auspices of Heaven, by union, valor, and perseverance—having established the standard of Liberty on this wide extended continent—having laid the foundation for revolutionary move­ments, through every quarter of the globe, where tyranny in­vades the rights of oppressed humanity—He retires from THE GREAT THEATRE of action—Great in himself—Great in the plaudits of admiring thankful millions—Who but your Washing­ton would not have been elated? [...] him, would not have felt one ray of vain-glory dart across the Soul▪

This man approved of Heaven, closed that last act of his official life, by commending the dearest interest of his country to the protection of the Almighty, and th [...]se who have the superinten­dence thereof, to his holy keeping.

Having established the Independence of this mighty continent, [...]e seized the cri [...]cal moment to retire—his retirement immorta­lized [Page 19] his character—He has left an honorable memorial to the generalissimo's of other continents—that the glory which is [...] ­quired in the field by deeds of military prowess, without guilt o [...] ambition, may be retained in the shade of private life, without false power or dazzling splendor—He retired to Mount Vernon loaded with benedictions.

A new Era now dawned on your political hemisphere—Your confederated government of 1778 proved inefficient, could not ap­ply to the exigencies and situation, either of State or People—Jealousy of power; the licentiousness of war; habits of luxury; the depreciation of your paper currency which Congress could neither fund nor pay; the influx of British goods; want of specie; vile speculation and cruel swindling; gross and open outrage a­gainst several Acts of Congress; and fearful symptoms of ap­proaching insurrection; all, all, preached aloud the rapid ac­complishment, of the humiliating, hateful prediction of your [...] ▪ to wit, that your Independence would ere long prove your greatest [...]rse. Your government destitute of energy; devoid of a sancti­on to its laws; destitute of a guarantee for the State-Governments, rendering the salvation OF ONE the preservation of ALL, and in fine, devoid of a judiciary power—These grievances rung through the nation—Th [...]se defects were felt, heard, and understood from the President to the peasant. Hence the resistless necessity of re­novating the system, of establishing your federal government.—Here again your well tried, long approved friend, your illustri­ous favorite rises to view, presiding in the grand council of the nation, composed of men, whose heads and hearts, whose princi­ples and talents, were equal to the magnitude of the [...].—Be­hold the venerable Sages with unprejudiced coolness, with mature deliberation, with dignified freedom of sentiment, with harmony a [...]d candor, digesting your glorious and happy constitution; sanc­tioned by the states; celebrated by the wi [...]e and good of every nation; by every true friend of rational Liberty; approved by Heaven. We have contrasted it with the governments of Europe, (for constitutions they have none) they sink into contempt; it [...] great and sacred importance; [...] security of property and [Page 20] purity of legislation superior to all; for energy of [...] government PERHAPS inferior to none. Would to God that your Constitution and Government may always harmonize and chime in sweet uni­son.

To give motion to the wheels of this mighty m [...]chine, your be­loved Washington again, at the unanimous call of his country, must renounce the joys of retirement, to seal by his administration in peace, what his bravery had atchieved in war. "Ask now of the days that are past, since the day that the omnipotent God first created man on the earth" where ever before the precedent, of an enlightened people, by free election, calling the chief in their armies, to watch over and guard their civil and political rights and privileges▪ no usurpation here by force and arms—terror was not the order of the day.

The great the important period of inauguration came around, magnificent indeed, novel in the history of the universe, more splendid by far than all the false blazon of royal coronation.— [...] ­thinks I see your Washington the beloved father and deliverer of his country, advance to the open gallery of the Federal-Hall, un­der the inspection of Heaven and in view of enraptured thousands; methinks I hear him with devout fervency repeat the sacred oath, and behold him bowing with profound reverence to seat it with an impressive kiss on the volume of inspiration. Superlatative trans­action! all conspired to render it one of the most august, interest­ing human scenes, that perhaps, has ever [...]en exhibited on the theatre of our world.

Firm in the inflexibility of his patriotism, he hazards his un­polluted [...]oul, his untarnished fame on the tempestuous ocean of po­litical life. Propitious omen! Glorious prognostic! He commences his pol [...]tical, as he terminated his military career, by an ardent ejaculation to Heaven; fervently supplicating the Almighty, who rules the universe, and presides in the councils of Nations, to con­secrate his Administration. He renders homage to the great Au­ther o [...] all Good, and adores that invisible hand, that providential agency, signally manifested in every step of your progress to Inde­pendence—Here "boasting was excluded," her [...] vain-glory could find no place.

[Page 21] From him you anticipated, in him you recognized, the happy union of liberty and [...]w; lenity and vigour; justice and mercy. "The enlightened policy of a mind calm amidst th [...] influence of power, and uncorrupted by the fascinating charms of Ambition."—This was the [...]oul that animated and pervaded your federal system; superior to the emolument of office, to pension or to salary. In his retinue you behold dignified simplicity—no vain pomp inconsistent with pure Republicanism—destitute of frippery gaiety and volatile dissipation—of expensive parade and foolish ostentation. But even to mark a few outlines of his political and military character in the future history of his life, would carry me far beyond tha [...] portion of time allotted to services of this kind— [...] i [...] to observe, they were such as adorned the statesman and ornamented the Hero. I feel that I have trespassed, and must haste to the heart-sickening scene th [...] opens [...]ow before us.

Your Hero is arrested, arrested by a gloomy foe; resistance her [...] is vain; the conqueror of heroes vanquished; the black angel usurps the [...]eat of life; vital warmth forsakes him: exhausted [...] sinks. Words are needless [...] to paint the awful scene to your feeling hearts—language is unnecessary [...], as to [...]ay, the Image of a [...] is presented to view. But shall we retire from contemplating his dissolution and bid him an eternal adieu! no, grace and reason, revolt at the idea—He died as he lived, with undiminished greatness and dignity of mind—with one hand he closed his eyes that were tinged with the [...] of Heaven—with the other, he sealed those lips in the ley embrace of death, that sum­moned you to victory, to liberty and peace.

That majestic princely form, which seemed as if designed by nature to command the empire of the world, in laid full low—mute is that tongue, which wafted o [...]ons to Heaven—announced your Independence, and preached peace, union and harmony, to Co­lumbia's sons—cruel death has [...]orn him from you, and your hearts still shed drops of blood at the parting pang—Men, Brethren, Ci­tizens! her [...] cherish the dear remembrance▪ here without [...] of blush may flow the manly tributary [...]r.

He is gone! and much we [...]ear you never will behold his [...] again; he was the rallying point, the standard, where animosity, [Page 22] faction, [...]-spirit, all, all, were melted down [...], all absorbed in public good—And is he gone▪ [...] is the light of li [...] righteous Heaven! continued to the [...] cap­tive under clanking chains—to tottering old age with [...] lo [...]d of woes—to object poverty in tattered r [...]gs and pining with want, and yet the Father of his Country called away? Have pity O our God! shew mercy to poor weak creatures who adore thee, who are unable to scan thy administration, and have hearts perhaps too sus­ceptible of a Nation's loss.

When the sculptured monumental marble in your house of Su­preme Legislature shall moulder & decay—When the speaking [...] shall lose expression, and become the prey of cankering moths, still shall the name and fame of GEORGE WASHINGTON "survive the wrecks of matter," and the ruin of corroding time—S [...]ll live dear in the grateful remembrance of American Citizens gene­ration after generation, when hundreds of millions may have peo­pled your vast continent.

Does a disordered fancy deceive us, or is [...]e on yonder cloud? If ever immortal Spirits are permitted to quit their immortal abode, and hover [...] this [...] globe; [...]ok down beloved Washington, from that heigth of felicity to which you are raised▪ behold millions [...] [...]is moment testifying their profound attach­ment; behold the unexampled sympathies and sorrows of a nation for your loss; nor will it disgrace even your celestial nature, to feel the glory of the sacrifices.

Ah! why should ever Americans forget they are Brethren?—why [...]ver the ties of nature and country, that should unite your [...]o [...]ls together, in one sweet bond of amity and friendship? As Freemen you can, you dare, you WILL think for yourselves. In vain shall man presume to arrest the progress of the rising [...] the swelling of the mighty deep—no less vain the attempt, to controul the intellectual world, which [...] the clumsy restricti­ons of bolts and bars, of fines and chains.

You may differ in political opinion, you may view through a dif­ferent medium, the measures of administration,—yet I would [...] you to consistence, and entreat, that your only contest in future [...] may be, who shall most excel IN PROMOTING PUBLIC GOOD.

[Page 23] We detest spirit-of-party—it is the bane of social life—it is the curse of dear communion—When the fell-monster lifts his head, every loyal citizen, every gentleman, every considerate father of a fa­mily, indeed every man of common humanity beholds it with horror.

In the vile train of this pernicious monster, this murderer of soci­al bliss, you may easily perceive the s [...]akes of envy, the black fea­tures of malice▪ the yellow tinge of jealousy, and the distorted grin [...] ­ings of disappointment. We early admired the speaking impor­tance of one borrowed device in your Nations▪ [...]: THE BUNDLE OF [...]ODS—to break them when combined exceeds your power, separate them, they are easily [...]vered—Who [...] Ame­rican valour combined? UNITED, [...]o [...] bid defiance to the Universe [...] SEPARATED, you might be easily crushed, and become the prey of every daring invader. On you I call ye Heroes, officers and men▪ brave Soldiers! who fought, and bled, and triumphed with you [...] dear General—at the tap of whose drum you [...]arched quick thro' perils, toils and blood, to fame and glory—when [...], cold and hunger, were your portion, his generous soul, his feeling heart was agonized—He bemoaned your [...]ate with bowels of compassion—And shall Washington the Great and Good, "born to save his coun­try," die without regret? Can you retain the memorials of his gallant spirit, and withhold the [...]ear of sorrow—Happy America that gave him birth! Her sons will be black ingrates indeed, if ever his dear remembrance is erased from their hearts. Men of va­lor, Soldiers! you will never be taught to cringe and s [...]oop and lick the hand of tyranny—Your untamed generous [...]ouls, [...]ll dare [...]o assert your Independence and your Freedom. My [...] is up in arms against EVERY EUROPEAN FOR, who shall dare [...]o insult your Great Republic, and we adore the memory of your patriotic Brothers, who nobly died, in asserting the Independence of your States, and the Liberty of your Nation.

We would now glance the sympathetic eye with tender sensibility, on the disconsolate situation of the amiable & heart wrung Relict of your departed Father, Protector, Friend. We are well [...] that her grief is of no common kind; woe rankles in her breast, " [...] [...]e her sorrows▪" great were her sacrifices. Worthy woman, gl [...] of her sex; I had almost said, Fellow-Labourer, in the heroic & [...] [Page 24] Work of delivering and emancipating [...] Country! To be frequent­ly [...]evered from her Wedded-Love, during eight long tedious years, exposed as he was to "death in all its forms," what fearful fore­bodings must overwhelm and sink the heart? Let virtuous, female, refined sensibility, picture the melting scene:—Awful probation! She outlives that husband; lives his wife no longer; divorced by cruel death; much rather had she died a thousand deaths.—Revered Widow! live worthy your great Peer—ere long the day will d [...]wn, and the day [...] on your beclouded mind—live in the sweet persuasion, that ye shell again be united after melancholy absence, "united never more to separate." Surely there is not an hour of the short span of life alloted her here below, since the departure of that best of men, in which she would exchange the honest pride, and rational joy, that she constantly feels in hearing his praise, and beholding the monuments of his glory, erected in this great Commonwealth, for all the delights this world could af­ford.

I would now assume the privilege of addressing for a few mo­ments, you Gentlemen of the Brotherhood, distinguished by the ancient and honorable appellatiion of Free and Accepted Masons: Perhaps silence here would better far become me, stranger as I am to the sacred mysteries of your Craft. Yet surely, after the ennobled testimony afforded this d [...]y, of your poignant sorrow, and exquisite regret, for the loss of your Illustrious Brother General George Washington, silence in me would border on a crime.

Gentlemen, the eyes of the world are upon you; PERHAPS I might have added, (without a breach of the laws of charity) of a prejudiced bigotted and [...] world. In every clime and in every country, you will find sneaking dastardly souls; cowardly as­sasins, who gratify their black hearts, in deceitfully whispering away more [...] character, [...] to bring down manly excellence and sterling worth, to a level with their own contemptible insignifi­cance; no doubt▪ your fair fame has been corroded by the venom of slanderous aspersion; doubtless the tongue of calumny has prated to your disadvantage: But you you will take care gentlemen, to [...] yourselves with such circumspection and correct propriety, ( [...] the digui [...]ed Philosopher of antiquity) as that nobody will [Page 25] believe the babblers—If Sirs, your institution is founded on the im­mutable pillars of Faith, Hope & Charity (and it must be so, other­wise your renowned Washington would not have lived and died a master-builder thereof) without peradventure it will stand un­ [...]ved, as it has stood for ages, in defiance of all opposition, and "will shine more and more unto the perfect day."

From the history of the world, Masonry has been patronized in every age, by the wise, the great, the good—Your enemies have never as yet dared to cavil this position—and yet it is a dole­ful truth, that not a few of the fraternity, have by irreverent lan­guage, and inglorious deeds, disgraced the profession, and afford­ed lamentable cause for gainsayers to open their mouths; this however is no valid objection against the excellence of the insti­tution itself—for that pure, spotless, all perfect system of Religion promulgated by the sacred Jesus, has been dishonoured by thou­sands of worthless votaries—If though after your various gradations in Masonry, you should GENERALLY prove more ungracious and immoral—less pure in heart—less temperate in enjoyment—l [...]ss guarded in expression—less reverential to Heaven, than in the for­mer history of your life; in that case, it would undoubtedly pro­claim aloud, that there was something in the craft, that [...]ad a fatal tendency to corrupt morals, and deprave the heart. But you will take care Gentlemen Free Masons, to prove the reverse to the world, by that most convincing of all arguments, a holy life and honorable deportment—that you are indeed and in TRUTH MEN, BRETHREN, CHRISTIANS▪ When through future life▪ in the retirements of your Lodge, you may glance the anxious eye of fraternal condolence, on the lively Emblems exhibited to day, of your deceased Brother and America in mourning—That weep­ing Urn and that drooping Eagle—Be taught, to li [...]t the [...]earful [...]ye to yonder Heaven, to that celestial temple above, where your Washington dwells in ceaseless harmony and love divine. Be [...]ught, to copy his bright example; let his humility teach you, [...] stand upon a level with the brotherhood—like him, learn to keep within compass—like him, walk by rule, as children of the light; [...]nd I most unfeignedly pray, that the fountain of life and light, [Page 26] may inspire you with wisdom from above, and grace from Heaven, to square your whole conduct, by the eternal laws of piety and purity, of truth and virtue, of sobriety and honor.

In fine, I would beg leave to address you Gentlemen Citizens. Soldiers, Mili [...]a, who have taken up arms in the cause of your country; we entreat you to persevere in opposition to every diffi­culty, until you have fully attained the use of arms for the service of your country, which you have nobly in view. Then every little hill will become a strong-hold, and every village pour forth an most to defend itself; you have A COUNTRY, you have A CON­STITUTION, well worth contending for.

In the energetic superior style of my reverend and dearly beloved friend and countryman, I would ask you "with what composure could you behold the wives of your bosoms, with whom ye sweetly shared life's toils and pleasures wantonly abused, in­sulted by an abandoned soldiery, or driven to distraction by the piercing cries of an infant offspring? How bear the [...]ght of your habitations in flames, the fruits of your honest [...]ustry consigned to destruction, and the tender pledges of your love, reduced in a moment to beggary, slavery or death?

How could you give up forever a brother, with whom you have trodden youth's flowery path in love and peace, and mutually ex­changed friendships hallowed vows warm from the heart? Or with what feeling [...] behold your dear country wa [...]ted with the de­s [...]ating sword and drenched in blood▪" Religion revolts and the spirit of man rises in arms against it. PERHAPS the fame of your preparations his already impressed your enemies with terror—manly consideration—soul-comforting reflection! to bid defiance to an imperious foe—give energy to the good laws of the land, and secure tranquil [...]ty to your country; the honorable rank you hold in civilized society will attract the attention of mankind▪ dignity ought to stamp the whole of your d [...]meanor; intemperance or dissipation should never be known amongst you, or the gross outrage of bold [...] ever stain your conversation; the very appearance of this would blast your character, and the reality [Page 27] render you odious to our God and contemptible in the estimation of good and worthy men.

Do your duty citizen-soldiers and leave the event to Heaven's Lord; the womb of Providence teems with mighty events; con­vulsions shake the European nations; whether despotism shall prevail or the standard of liberty wave victorious "is the questi­on?" Indeed when or where these unexampled commotions shall terminate, God, even our God only knows? Persevere, ye [...]cho­sen bands—go on—be the temporal guardians of your wide extended continent and the dread of surrounding foes—so shall the morning and evening incense of a grateful nation be wafted to Heaven in your behalf; tottering old age will pour forth blessings upon you; the rising youth will be trained to noble and virtuous deeds under the captivating influence of your example "and generations un­born will revere your memory." Persevere brave and worthy men! may the almighty though invisible arm of Jehovah defend you as with a shield whilst here, and the peaceful abodes of an immortal Paradise be your everlasting inheritance hereafter.