tion and retreat from office. He eagerly courted privacy, and only submitted to exercise authority as a public duty. The promotions of many men are the triumph of ambition over virtue. The promotions, even of good men, have generally been sought by them from motives which were very much mixed. The promotions of Washington almost alone, seem to have been victories gained by his conscience over his taste. To despise what all other men eagerly pant for, to show himself equal to the highest places without ever seeking any, are the noble peculiarities of the character of this great man. Events occurred during his chief magistracy which convulsed the whole political world, and which severely tried his moderation and prudence. The French revolution took place. From the beginning of this revolution Washington had no confidence in its beneficial operation. But, as the first magistrate of the American commonwealth, he was bound only to consider the safety of the people over whom he was placed. He saw that it was wise and necessary for America to preserve a good understanding and a beneficial intercourse with France, however she might be governed, so long as she abstained from committing injury against the United States. During the turbulent period of the French revolution, when the people of all countries were divided into parties, Mr. Washington was a second time chosen president of the United States, but not unanimously, as in the former in- A. D. stance. The disposition which he had shown to take no part in favour of the per1792. petual changes in France, had created him enemies among those who espoused the cause of the French, VOL. XXIV. 2 c French, as the cause of mankind at large. He had, however, a decided majority; and Mr. John Adams was again elected vice-president. Through the whole course of his second presidency, the danger of America was great and imminent, almost beyond example. The spirit of change, indeed, at that period, shook all nations, But in other countries it had to encounter antient and solidly established power. It had to tear up by the roots long habits of attachment in some nations for their government, of awe in others, of acquiescence and submission in all. But in America the government was new and weak. It was during this period that the president of the United States had to encounter and suppress an insurrection excited in the western counties of Pennsylvania. His character and office had been reviled; his authority had been insulted; his safety and his life had been threatened. Yet neither resentment, nor fear, nor even policy, could extinguish the humanity that dwelt in the breast of Washington. Never was there a revolt of such magnitude quelled with the loss of so little blood. In the month of October, 1796, Mr. A. D. Washington publicly declared his resolu1796. tion of retiring from public life, and strictly enjoined those who were most sincerely attached to him by ties of friendship, not to nominate him on the ensuing election. The resignation of this great man at this period was deplored by all the moderate party in America, and by the government party in Great Britain. By the latter he was considered as a steady friend; and was indeed regarded as the leader of what was called the English party in America. Such are the vicissitudes of political connection. In 1776, he was considered in England as a proscribed rebel: in 1796 he was regarded as the best friend that England had in the United States. In 1776 his destruction was thought the only means of preserving America to Great Britain; in 1796 his authority was esteemed the principal security against her failing under the yoke of France. At the former period he looked to the aid of France as his only hope of guarding the liberties of America against England: at the latter he must have considered the power of Great Britain as a main barrier of the safety of America against France. Nothing was more certain than his re-election, if he had deemed it right to offer himself as a candidate. The conduct however which he pur sued, was the wisest he could have adopted. All the enemies, and many of the best friends, of the American government believed that it had a severe trial to encounter when the aid of Washington's character should be withdrawn from its executive government. Many seriously apprehended that it had scarce vigour enough to survive, the experiment. It was fit, then, that so critical an experiment should be performed under his eye; while his guardian wisdom was at hand to advise and assist in the change. The election of the first successor to Mr. Washington was the most important event in the history of the infant republic. Nothing could be conducted in a more dignified manner: the choice fell upon John Adams as president, and upon Thomas Jefferson as vice-president. The functions of the new president were not to commence till the 4th of March, previous to which he 1797. repaired to the house of representatives to take the necessary oaths. At this ceremony were a mul 2c2 A. D. a multitude of spectators of high rank; one of whom, after minutely describing all that passed, adds these words: " Nothing can be more simple than the ceremony of this installation; but this very simplicity has something in it so delightful, so noble, and so nearly resembling the grandeur of antiquity, that it commands our reverence, and seizes upon our worthiest affections. I speak at least of the effect it produced on my feelings. This change of the persons exercising the most awful functions of the state, with so little pomp, but with so great solemnity; and which places a man, who the evening before was among the crowd of simple citizens, at the head of the government; while he who held the first office of the state the preceding evening, is returned again to the class of simple citizens-is full of the qualities that constitute true greatness *." A. D. 1798. After various and repeated insults from the French government by means of their envoy M. Genet; the United States found it necessary to arm in their own defence. They had for years endured with a patience of which there is scarcely any example in the history of states, all the contumely and wrongs which successive administrations in France had heaped upon them. Their ships were every where captured; their ministers were but prisoners at Paris; while agents, some of whom were indeed clothed in the * See vól. iv. p. 365, of Travels through the United States of North America, the country of the Iroquois, and Upper Canada, in the years 1795, 1796, and 1797, by the duke dela Rochefaucault Liancourt. A work abounding with real information on almost all useful topics, and which cannot be too strongly recommended. sacred sacred character of ambassadors, had endeavoured to excite the seeds of civil war. The United States resolved to arm by land and by sea. The command of the army was bestowed on general Washington, which he accepted, because he said he was convinced "that every thing they held dear and sacred was threatened; though he had flattered himself that he had quitted for ever the boundless field of public action, incessant trouble, and high responsibility in which he had so long acted so conspicuous a part." In this office he continued during the short period of his life which still remained. On the 12th day of December 1799, he was seized with an inflammation in his throat, attended with fever, which notwithstanding the efforts of his physicians, terminated his valuable life in two days, in the 68th year of his age and in the 23d year of American independence; of which he may be regarded as the founder. He died fully impressed with those sentiments of piety which had given vigour and consistency to his virtue, and had adorned every part of his blameless and illustrious life. A. D. 1799. A. D. 1800. The precautions which the American States took against the injustice of the French government preserved their independence, without coming to an open rupture, and all differences were at length composed by a treaty of amity and commerce, which was signed at Paris, on the 30th of September, by plenipotentiaries from the two republics. Early in the following year intelligence was received in London, that A. D. a ratification of the treaty between France and America had taken place. About the same period came on the election for a new president in the United States. Mr. Jefferson, 2c3 1801. vice |