head of our armies, we have seen him converting the sword into the ploughshare, and voluntarily sinking the soldier in the citizen.

When the debility of our federal system had become manifest, and the bonds which connected the parts of this vast continent were dissolving, we have seen him the Chief of those patriots who formed for us a Constitution, which, by preserving the Union, will, I trust, substantiate and perpetuate those blessings which our Revolution had promised to bestow.

In obedience to the general voice of his country, calling on him to preside over a great people, we have seen him once more quit the retirement he loved, and in a season more stormy and tempestuous than war itself, with calm and wise determination, pursue the true interests of the nation and contribute, more than any other could contribute, to the establishment of that system of policy which will, I trust, yet preserve our peace, our honour, and our independence.

Having been twice unanimously chosen the chief magistrate of a free people, we see him at a time, when his re-election with the universal suffrage, could not have been doubted, affording to the world a rare instance of moderation, by withdrawing from his high station to the peaceful walks of private life.

However the public confidence may change, and the public affections fluctuate with respect to others, yet with respect to him they have in war and in peace, in public and in private life, been as steady as his own firm mind, and as constant as his own exalted virtues.

Let us then, Mr. Speaker, pay the last tribute of respect and affection to our departed friend-let the Grand Council of the nation display those sentiments which the nation feels. For which purpose I

hold in my hand some resolutions which I take the liberty to offer to the House.

RESOLUTIONS.

"The House of Representatives of the United States, having received intelligence of the death of their highly valued fellow citizen George Washington, general of the armies of the United States; and sharing the universal grief this distressing event must produce, unanimously resolve:

I. That this House will wait on the President of the United States, in condolence of this national calamity.

2. That the Speaker's chair be shrouded with black, and that the members and officers of the House wear mourning, during the session. 3. That a joint committee, of both Houses, be appointed to report measures suitable to the occasion, and expressive of the profound sorrow with which Congress is penetrated on the loss of a citizen, first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen."

SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES.

1799.

ADDRESS OF CONDOLENCE, DECEMBER 23D, 1799, TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, ON THE DEATH OF General George WASHINGTON. THE ADDRESS WAS REPORTED TO THE SENATE BY MR. DEXTER, FROM THE COMMITTEE APPOINTED FOR THE PURPOSE, DEC. 19TH. THE COMMITTEE WAS COMPOSED OF SAMUEL DEXTER OF MASSACHUSETTS, JAMES ROSS OF PENNSYLVANIA, AND JACOB READ of SOUTH CAROLINA.

THE Senate of the United States respectfully take leave, Sir, to express to you their deep regret for the loss their country sustains in the death of General George Washington.

This event, so distressing to all our fellow-citizens, must be peculiarly heavy to you, who have long been associated with him in deeds. of patriotism. Permit us, sir, to mingle our tears with yours; on this occasion it is manly to weep. To lose such a man, at such a crisis, is no common calamity to the world: our country mourns her father. The Almighty disposer of human events has taken from us our greatest benefactor and ornament. It becomes us to submit with reverence to him, who "maketh darkness his pavilion."

With patriotic pride, we review the life of our Washington, and compare him with those of other countries who have been pre-eminent in fame. Ancient and modern names are diminished before him. Greatness and guilt have too often been allied; but his fame is whiter

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than it is brilliant. The destroyers of nations stood abashed at the majesty of his virtue. It reproved the intemperance of their ambition, and darkened the splendor of victory. The scene is closed, and we are no longer anxious least misfortune should sully his glory; he has travelled on to the end of his journey, and carried with him an increasing weight of honor; he has deposited it safely, where misfortune cannot tarnish it, where malice cannot blast it. Favoured of heaven, he departed without exhibiting the weakness of humanity. Magnanimous in death, the darkness of the grave could not obscure his bright

ness.

Such was the man whom we deplore. Thanks to God! his glory is consummated; Washington yet lives-on earth in his spotless example-his spirit is in Heaven.

Let his countrymen consecrate the memory of the heroic General, the patriotic Statesman, and the virtuous Sage; let them teach their children never to forget that the fruit of his labours and his example, are their inheritance.

JOHN ADAMS.

1799.

ANSWER TO THe address of CONDOLENCE OF THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES, DECEMBER 23D, 1799, ON THE DEATH OF GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON.

I RECEIVE, With the most respectful and affectionate sentiments, in this impressive address, the obliging expressions of your regard for the loss our country has sustained, in the death of her most esteemed, beloved, and admired citizen.

In the multitude of my thoughts and recollections on this melancholy event, you will permit me only to say, that I have seen him in the days of adversity, in some of the scenes of his deepest distress and most trying perplexities; I have also attended him in his highest elevation and most prosperous felicity; with uniform admiration of his wisdom, moderation, and constancy.

Among all our original Associates in that memorable league of the continent in 1774, which first expressed the sovereign will of a free nation in America, he was the only one remaining in the general government. Although, with a constitution more enfeebled than his, at an age when he thought it necessary to prepare for retirement, I feel myself alone, bereaved of my last brother; yet I derive a strong consolation from the unanimous disposition, which appears in all ages and classes to mingle their sorrows with mine, on this common calamity to the world.