Fisher Ames to George Richards Minot-Gen. Washington's Address to Congress.

XVIL-GEN. WASHINGTON'S FIRST ADDRESS TO THE TWO HOUSES OF CONGRESS.*

Fisher Ames to George Richards Minot.

NEW YORK, May 3d, 1789.--Sunday.

DEAR GEORGE: I would very cheerfully comply with the wishes expressed in your last, and pursue my sour commentary upon great folks and public bodies, but haste will not permit. I was present in the pew with the President, and must assure you that, after making all deductions for the delusions of one's fancy in regard to characters, I still think of him with more veneration than for any other person. Time has made havoc upon his face. That, and many other circumstances not to be reasoned about, conspire to keep up the awe I brought with me. He addressed the two Houses in the Senate chamber; it was a touching scene, and quite of the solemn kind. His aspect grave, almost to sadness; his modesty, actually shaking; his voice deep, a little tremulous, and so low as to call for close attention, added to the series of objects presented to the mind, and overwhelming it, produced emotions of the most affecting kind upon the members. I, Pilgarlic, sat entranced. It seemed to me an allegory, in which Virtue was personified, and addressing those whom she would make her votaries. Her power over the heart was never greater, and the illustration of her doctrine by her own example was never more perfect.

* It was the custom, for some time after the organization of the Government, in analogy to English usage, for the President, instead of sending a message to the two Houses of Congress, to meet them in person and deliver an address.-H.

General Washington to the Emperor of Germany-Relcase of La Fayette.

XVIII.-APPLICATION FOR RELEASE OF LA FAYETTE.

General Washington to the Emperor of Germany.*

PHILADELPHIA, May 15th, 1796.

It may readily occur to your Majesty that occasions may sometimes exist on which official considerations may constrain the chief of a nation to be silent and passive, in relation even to objects which affect his sensibility and claim his interposition as a man. Finding myself precisely in this situation at present, I take the liberty of writing this private letter to your Majesty, being persuaded that my motives will also be my apology for it. In common with the people of this country, I retain a strong and cordial sense of the services rendered them by the Marquis

* In connection with this letter an interesting incident may be recalled, which is related by Mr. Rush ("Occasional Productions," p. 99). "One evening Mr. Bradford, the Attorney-General, had called on General Washington. None were present but the family circle, consisting of the General and Mrs. Washington, his Private Secretary, with young Custis and his accomplished sisters. The conversation going on with the wonted ease and dignity of that illustrious circle, the sufferings of La Fayette became, as was frequent, the theme. Washington, as he dwelt upon them in contrast with the former fortunes and splendid merits of La Fayette, and recalling scenes that woke anew the warmth of his friendship for him, became greatly affected. His whole nature seemed melted; his eyes were suffused with tears. If the great Condé, at the repre sentation of one of Corneille's tragedies, wept at the part where Casar is made to utter a fine sentiment, what was that in its power to stir the soul, in comparison with the spectacle of Washington shedding tears over the real woes of La Fayette?" It is a warning illustration of the power of prejudice to warp alike the understanding and the heart, that a man so wise and good as Edmund Burke, should have resisted General Fitzpatrick's motion beseeching the King to intercede for the deliverance of this illustrious captive, and have concluded his argument by declaring, that "he would not debauch his humanity by supporting an application like the present in behalf of such a horrid ruffian."

The letter of General Washington was never answered. La Fayette remained in the Castle of Olmutz until his release was peremptorily demanded by Napoleon in the conferences at Leoben, which preceded the treaty of Campo Formio. He was finally set at liberty on the 23d Sept., 1797.-H.

Mrs. John Adams to her Husband-On the day that his Election was officially declared.

de La Fayette, and my friendship for him has been constant and sincere. It is natural, therefore, that I should sympathize with him and his family in their misfortune, and endeavor to mitigate the calamities they experience, among which his present confinement is not the least distressing.

I forbear to enlarge on this delicate subject. Permit me only to suggest to your Majesty's consideration whether his long imprisonment, and the confiscation of his estate, and the indigence and dispersion of his family, and the painful anxieties incident to all these circumstances, do not form an assemblage of sufferings which recommend him to the mediation of humanity? Allow me, sir, on this occasion to be its organ, and to entreat that he may be permitted to come to this country, on such conditions as your Majesty may think it expedient to prescribe.

As it is a maxim with me not to ask, what under similar circumstances I would not grant, your Majesty will do me the justice to believe, that this request appears to me to correspond with those great principles of magnanimity and wisdom which form the basis of sound policy and durable glory.

May the Almighty and Merciful Sovereign of the Universe keep your Majesty under His protection and guidance.

XIX.-ON THE DAY THAT HIS ELECTION TO THE PRESIDENCY OF THE UNITED STATES WAS OFFICIALLY DECLARED.*

Mrs. John Adams to her Husband.

QUINCY, Feb 8th, 1797.

"The sun is dressed in brightest beams,

To give thy honors to the day."

And may it prove an auspicious prelude to each ensuing season. You have this day to declare yourself the head of a nation.

The editor of the "Letters of Mrs. Adams," a volume which should be

John Adams to his Wife-On the day after his Inauguration as President.

"And now, O Lord, my God, thou hast made thy servant ruler over the people. Give unto him an understanding heart, that he may know how to go out and to come in before this great people; that he may discern between good and bad. For who is able to judge this thy so great a people?" were the words of a royal sovereign; and not less applicable to him who is invested with the chief magistracy of a nation, though he wear not a crown nor the robes of royalty.

My thoughts and my meditations are with you, though personally absent; and my petitions to Heaven are, that "the things which make for peace, may not be hidden from your eyes." My feelings are not those of pride or ostentation upon the occasion. They are solemnized by a sense of the obligations, the important trusts, and the numerous duties connected with it. That you may be enabled to discharge them with honor to yourself, with justice and impartiality to your country, and with satisfaction to this great people, shall be the daily prayer of your A. A.

XX.-ON THE DAY AFTER HIS INAUGURATION AS PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

John Adams to his Wife.

PHILADELPHIA, March 5th, 1797.

MY DEAREST FRIEND: Your dearest friend never had a more trying day than yesterday. A solemn scene it was, in

read by every American lady, speaks of this letter as the "gem of the collec tion, for the exalted feeling of the moment shines out with all the lustre of ancient patriotism. Perhaps there is not one among the whole number of her letters which in its spirit brings so strongly to mind as this does the cele brated Roman lady (Portia) whose signature she at one time assumed, whilst it is chastened by a sentiment of Christian humility of which ancient history furnishes no example."-II.

John Adams to his Wife-On the day after his Inauguration as President.

deed; and it was made more affecting to me by the presence of the General (Washington), whose countenance was as serene and unclouded as the day. He seemed to me to enjoy a triumph over me. Methought I heard him say, "Ay! I am fairly out, and you fairly in! See which of us will be happiest." When the ceremony was over, he came and made me a visit, and cordially congratulated me, and wished my administration might be happy, successful, and honorable.

I

It is now settled that I am to go into his house. It is whispered that he intends to take French leave to-morrow. shall write you as fast as we proceed. My chariot is finished, and I made my first appearance in it yesterday. It is simple, but elegant enough. My horses are young, but clever.

In the chamber of the House of Representatives was a multitude as great as the space could contain, and I believe scarcely a dry eye but Washington's. The sight of the sun setting fullorbed, and another rising, though less splendid, was a novelty. Chief-Justice Ellsworth administered the oath, and with great energy. Judges Cushing, Wilson, and Iredell were present; many ladies. I had not slept well the night before, and did not sleep well the night after. I was unwell, and did not know whether I should go through or not. I did, however. How the business was received, I know not; only I have been told that Mason, the treaty publisher, said we should lose nothing by the change, for he never heard such a speech in public in his life.

All agree that, taken altogether, it was the sublimest thing ever exhibited in America.

I am, my dearest friend, most affectionately and kindly

yours,

JOHN ADAMS.