dipped into the water there went forth a blast of trumpets, and triumphant strains of martial music floated out over the water. Boat after boat from New York met and fell in the procession, and when the open bay was reached, a whole fleet of vessels, flaunting with ribbons and gay streamers, and crowded with spectators, gathered around the barge of Washington, singing peans of victory, while shouts blending in with the pealing of bugles and strains of martial music swelled the enthusiasm beyond all bounds. The whole vast concourse swept on toward the Battery, each wharf as they passed sending up a wild welcome from its crowded head, while the thunder of artillery received him at the place of landing. As he stepped on shore, one united loud "LONG LIVE WASHINGTON" rose from the mighty multitude. Passing through lines of military, he moved to the head of the military, when the whole fell in and passed up Broadway to the Park, beside which was the house selected for his residence. At night the city was ablaze with illuminations and innumerable fire-works, and the streets shook to the shouts of the populace. Wholly unlike all other men throughout his whole career, so here the passionate enthusiastic welcome he received did not waken up one of those feelings of gratification or pride which seem inherent in our very nature. Intent only on benefiting others, thinking sadly over the disappointments he might create, he says: "The departure of the boats which attended me, and joined on this occasion, some with instrumental music on board-the decorations of the ships, the roar of cannon, and the loud acclamations of the people which rent the air as I passed along the wharves, filled my mind with sensations (contemplating the reverse of this scene, which may be the case after all my labors to do good) as painful as they were pleasing." The pageantry which usually intoxicates the soul, and the adoration which naturally awakens pride, had no power over him. Thinking only of the country he loves better than his life, his mind

passes on to the time when his best efforts may be misjudged and his fondest hopes disappointed. Good as he was great, so good that virtue in him seemed not the result of effort, but the natural breath of his being, he seems not to know what it is to resist temptation.

I do not design to go into a detailed history of Washington's administrations, for that would embrace the entire range of the political history of the country for eight years, sufficient in itself to constitute a large work.

His installation into office as First President of the Republic, April 30th, was accompanied with imposing ceremonies. At nine o'clock in the morning all the bells in the city called the inhabitants each to his own place of worship, to invoke God's blessing on their future chief, and on the country over which he was to preside. In those days the superintending providence of the Almighty was believed in, and his pleasure or displeasure considered worth regarding by those who loved their country. At noon the troops paraded in front of Washington's house, when he, attended by the committees of Congress and Heads of Department and Foreign Ministers, entered his coach and rode alone to the Federal Hall. Chancellor Livingston administered the oath of office in presence of the people, who ratified it with long and loud acclamations of "Long live Washington, our President.”

After delivering his agural speech to the two Houses of Congress, he went on foot to St. Paul's church, where prayers were read by the bishop. At night bonfires and illuminations and transparencies kept the city in a tumult of joy, and lighted out the day, which had so auspiciously begun.

Acting on the principle which had governed all his public life, Washington announced to Congress tha: he would receive no compensation for his services, and asked only that his necessary expenses should be paid by the State.

The different departments not yet being organized, Jay, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, and Knox, of War, under Congress, continued to fulfill the duties of their respective offices, while a Board of Commissioners had charge of the Treasury. From these Washington obtained full reports, which he himself went over carefully and in detail, and condensed with great labor. He at once, with his usual method, set out to master every department of government.

From the first he was constantly overrun with persons calling to pay their respects to him, distracting his attention and occupying the time which he needed for public purposes. This embarrassed him much; still it was a delicate matter to avoid the evil on the one hand, and yet escape the charge of imitating royalty in exclusiveness on the other. After much discussion and correspondence, it was finally agreed upon to set apart one hour on each Tuesday, between three and four, to receive visitors.

In June, he was taken seriously ill, and suffered much from an affection of one of his limbs, and for a time mortification seemed almost certain to follow. Dr. Bard was his physician, and while the danger was imminent, never left his side. From the anxiety manifested in the countenances of those who surrounded him, and the constant assiduous attentions of the physician, Washington became convinced that his case was a very critical one. One day, therefore, being left alone with Dr. Bard, he looked him steadily in the face, and then asked him to say candidly, what he thought would be the termination of his disease. The doctor replied that he had great hopes of his recovery, still there were serious grounds of apprehension. To-night or twenty years hence, (calmly replied Washington,) makes no difference; I know that I am in the hands of a good ProviHe was ill six weeks, and it was a long time

dence."*

* Life of Dr. Samuel Bard, by Professor McVickar.

before he regained his usual strength and health.

When he had recovered sufficiently to ride out by being bolstered up in his seat, it was touching to witness the sad and anxious countenances of the people as he passed; and the murmured blessings that followed his receding carriage were worth more than thrones and diadems.

From the first, there had been in the Senate a singular excitement respecting the title with which the President should be addressed, and a joint committee from both Houses, was at length appointed to report in this important matter. Their united report was, that no titles should be given. But this was too democratic for the Senate, and a hot debate followed in that body, which was stopped only by the previous question. The committee of the Senate, however, reported that it was proper to style the President "His Highness, the President of the United States of America, and Protector of their Liberties." The House of Representatives took no notice of this, but addressed a communication to the President simply as "President of the United States."

The excitement extended to the country, and the newspapers took up the subject with great warmth, but the republican spirit at length overcame all opposition, and the subject of titles was dismissed from the public mind.

In August, Washington received intelligence of the death of his mother, who had reached the advanced age of eightytwo. In reply to a letter from his sister, announcing the sad event, he said, "Awful and affecting as the death of a parent is, there is consolation in knowing Heaven has spared ours to an age which few attain, and favored her with the full enjoyment of her mental faculties, and as much bodily strength as usually falls to the lot of four-score. Under these considerations, and a hope that she is translated to a happier place, it is the duty of her relatives to yield due submission to the decrees of the Creator."