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mit me to say it would be inglorious, in such a situation, not to hazard the glory, however great, which he might have previously acquired.

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Secondly. Your signature to the proposed system, pledges your judgment for its being such an one, as upon the whole, was worthy of the public approbation. If it should miscarry, (as men commonly decide from success or the want of it,) the blame, in all probability will be laid to the system itself; and the framers of it will have. to encounter the disrepute of having brought about a revolution in the government, without substituting any thing that was worthy of the effort, &c.

"I have taken the liberty to express these sentiments, and to lay before you my views of the subject. I doubt not the considerations mentioned have fully evinced to you, and trust they will finally produce in your mind, the same result which cxists in mine. I flatter myself the frankness with which I have delivered my sentiments, will not be displeasing to you. It has been prompted by motives which you would not disapprove."

The limits of this work will not permit me to pursue this interesting correspondence, nor shew the sentiments of the Marquis La Fayette, in a letter to General Washington, upon this all important subject. The feelings of the marquis were warmly engaged, and forcibly, yet deliberately urged, that the saviour of his country should continue to be the father of his country.

At length the electors were chosen agreeable to the constitution, and met accordingly in the month of December, when they gave an unanimous suffrage for George Washington, as psesident, and John Adams as vice-president. A new Congress was chosen and convened in the city of New-York, on the 4th of March, 1789.

On the 6th of April, a quorum of both houses was formed, the votes for president and vice-president were counted, and the unanimous election of George Washington and John Adams declared. On the 14th of April, the choice was officially announced to President Washington, at his seat at Mount-Vernon, by letter from Secretary Thompson.

President Washington promptly obeyed the call of his country, and thus expressed himself "I wish there may not be reason for regretting the choice; for indeed all I can promise, is, to accomplish that which can be done by an honest zeal."

CHAPTER XXI.

ORGANIZATION F THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, &c.—ORI

GIN OF PARTY.

THE limits of this work will not permit me to insert the valedictory address of the citizens of Alexandria, to President Washington, at a public dinner, with which they honored him at his departure for the seat of government; nor with the president's reply. Neither can I insert the bril liant and respectful attention the president received at his every step, from Virginia to New-York, particularly at Philadelphia, Trenton, &c. These being the more prominent theatres of former action, opened scenes of affection, and gratitude, which none but a Washington ever received, and none but a Washington ever deserved. Scenes in which were displayed all the affections, that the grateful effusions of the human heart could express, and in all that neatness and elegance of stile, that the purest and most refined simplicity of taste could adorn. Scenes truly worthy of the actors, and their illustrious chief.

Ou the 30th of April, President Washington was inducted into office, in the presence of the most numerous, brilliant, and dignified assembly, and upon the most solemn, interesting, and eventful occasion, that United America had ever witnessed; an occasion on which was suspended all the destinies of America. This scene, solemn and sublime as it was, with all that display of elegance, and taste with which it was surrounded, was all engrossed by the greatness of the hero, as well as the dignity and goodness of the man.

When this solemn and eventful scene was closed, the president retired to the hall of the Senate, where he convened the House of Representatives, and addressed both houses in a most dignified and appropriate speech; in which it is difficult to say, which of the features of the VOL. III.

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father of his country shone most conspicuous, the modesty of the man, the widom of the statesman, or the dignity, and affectionate solicitude of the chief magistrate. All these combined, rendered the address the admiration of Congress, and of the nation.

The Senate and House of Representatives returned, each, a most affectionate and respectful reply; highly expressive of that mutual harmony, that glowed in their breasts, to unite, and co-operate with the president, and with each other, in organising and supporting the govern ment, and in promoting the peace and prosperity of the nation.

This ceremony being closed, the several departments of government were next arranged, and filled with characters of the first talents, and respectability, such as did honor to themselves, and their country

Mr. Madison of Virginia, next introduced his bill for the purpose of raising a revenue for the support of government, by the way of impost and tonnage duties, which was fully discussed, and after undergoing several amendmeuts, was finally passed. The impost had been attempted under the old confederation, and failed, as has been noticed; thus the energies of the new government began early to be realised and felt.

At this time an attempt was made between the Spanish, and British governments, at New-Orleans, and in Canada, to draw off the people west of the mountains, from the federal union the first by shutting up the Mississippi River at New Orleans, and thus embarrassing the trade, of that people; and the other by encouraging promises to support a revolt, and yielding assistance to compel the Spaniards to open the trade of the Mississippi; but the vigilance of the executive defeated the measure, and caused Spain to remove her obstructions, and open the free navigation of that river.

In September, Mr. Hamilton was appointed Secretary of the Treasury, and by the bill introduced for the establishment of that office, it became a part of his duty, "to digest and report plans for the improvement, and management of the revenue, and for the support of public credit."

Mr. Madison next brought forward a proposition, that several new articles be added to the constitution, by the way of amendment, and submitted to the several states for their approbation.

After a lengthy discussion, twelve new articles were proposed; agreed upon, and submitted to the consideration of the state legislatures; by a majority of three fourths of them approved, and thus added to the constitution.

These amendments embraced such points as were found necessary to unite, as far as possible, the feelings, and scruples of all parties, and thus promote general unión, and harmony.

The officers of the cabinet next claimed the attention of Congress, or rather of the president, whose duty it was to make the nominations. In obedience to the duties of his office, he nominated Thomas Jefferson to the depart. ment of state.

Mr. Jefferson was bred a lawyer; was chosen a member of the second Congress under the old confederation, in which he drew up the declaration of Independence; was afterwards governor of Virginia, next minister to the court of Versailles, as successor to Dr. Franklin, and at this time, on his passage to the United-States by permission, to visit his friends; where on his arrival his appointment was announced.

Gen. Knox had been placed at the head of the war department in July. To complete this cabinet council, Ed

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