derstood, that I do not mean to withhold any assistance to arrange and organize the army, which you may think I can afford. I take the liberty also to mention that I must decline having my acceptance considered as drawing after it any immediate charge upon the public, or that I can receive any emoluments annexed to the appointment, before I am in a situation to incur expence."

From this period, the domestic employments of General Washington were blended with the concerns of his public commission; but he did not apprehend that France' would push her aggressions to actual war. He conceived that the object of the Directory was to subject the government of the United States to their measures, either through fear of war, or by the controling influence of the people.

It was the settled opinion of the General, that the great body of the American people were actuated by the love of country, and only needed information respecting the measures of government, to induce them to support it. In the patriotic spirit, excited in 1798, he contemplated a resource, which might at all times be relied upon, to repel foreign aggressions, and on this occasion he confidently expected that France would recede from her insolent pretensions.

But he did not live to see the fulfilment of his predictions. On Friday, December 13, 1799, while superintending some improvements on his estate, he was out in a light rain, which wet his neck and hair. The occurrence commanded no immediate attention; but in the course of the en

suing night he was seized with an inflammation of the wind-pipe. The complaint was accompanied with difficulty in swallowing, and with a quick and laborious respiration.

About

Conceiving that bleeding would be salutary, a vein was opened by one accustomed to the use of the lancet, and fourteen ounces of blood taken from him; but he could not be persuaded to send for his physician until the morning. eleven o'clock on Saturday, Dr. Craik arrived, and perceiving his extreme danger, desired the advice of two consulting physicians; but their aid, in this case, was unavailing. Speaking soon became painful, and respiration contracted and imperfect, and at half-past eleven on Saturday night, December 14, in the full possession of reason, he expired.

From the moment of attack, he believed the disease would prove mortal, and submitted to medical aid rather to gratify the wishes of his anxious friends, than from any expectation of relief. Some hours before death, with extreme difficulty, he intelligibly expressed a desire that he might be permitted to die without further disturbance. When he could no longer swallow, he undressed himself and got into bed, there to await his dissolution, Dr. Craik took the head of his beloved and respected friend in his lap, to whom the General said, "Doctor, I am dying, and have been dying for a long time, but I am not afraid to die." With fortitude he bore the painful conflict, and with perfect serenity resigned himself to his God.

His interment, on Wednesday the 18th of December, was attended by religious services, and military honours; and a great concourse of people followed his hearse, as undissembled mourners.

The report of the death of General Washington reached the seat of government before the information of his sickness. It excited the highest sensibility in the members of Congress, and overwhelmed them with affliction. A solemn silence prevailed in the House of Representatives for several minutes. At length, Mr. Marshall, the present Chief Justice of the United States, mentioned the melancholy information. "This information is not certain," he observed, "but there is too much reason to believe it true. After rcceiving intelligence," he added, "of a national calamity so heavy and afflicting, the House of Representatives can be but ill fitted for public business." In consequence, both houses adjourned.

On opening the House the next morning, Mr. Marshall addressed the chair in the following

manner.

"The melancholy event which was yesterday announced with doubt, has been rendered but too certain. Our Washington is no more! The hero, the patriot, and the sage of America the man on whom, in times of danger, every eye was turned, and all hopes were placed, lives now only in his own great actions, and in the hearts of an affectionate and afflicted people.

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If, Sir, it had even not been usual openly to testify respect for the memory of those whom Heaven has selected as its instruments for dispens¬

ing good to man, yet such has been the uncommon worth, and such the extraordinary incidents which have marked the life of him whose loss we all deplore, that the whole American nation, impelled by the same feelings, would call, with one voice, for a public manifestation of that sorrow which is so deep and so universal.

"More than any other indiyidual, and as much as to one individual was possible, has he contributed to found this our wide spreading empire, and to give to the western world independence and freedom.

Having effected the great object for which he was placed at the head of our armies, we have seen him convert the sword into the ploughshare, and sink the soldier into the citizen.

"When the debility of our federal system had become manifest, and the bonds which connected 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 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 interest 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 independence.

Having twice been unanimously chosen the Chief Magistrate of a free people, we have seen him, at a time when his re-election with universal suffrage could not be doubted, afford 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 hange, and the public affections fluctuate with respect to others; 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 this purpose I hold in my hand some resolutions, which I take the liberty of offering to the House."

The resolutions, after stating the death of General Washington, were as follow.

"Resolved, That this House will wait on the President in condolence of this mournful event.

Resolved, That the Speaker's chair be shrouded with black, and that the members and officers of the House wear black during the session.

"Resolved, That a committee, in conjunction with one from the Senate, be appointed to consider on the most suitable manner of paying honour to the memory of the man, first in war, first