Gambar halaman
PDF
ePub

At the close of his first term of

ted States; and he presided in that At the last line the flowers were body. In 1789, he was unanimously strewed before him. After receielected the first president of the ving such proofs of affectionate atUnited States. It was with great tachment, he arrived at New-York, reluctance, that he accepted this and was inaugurated first President office. His feelings, as he said him- of the United States on the thirteenth self, were like those of a culprit, of April. In making the necessary going to the place of execution. But arrangements of his household he the voice of a whole continent, the publicly announced, that neither vipressing recommendation of his par-sits of business nor of ceremony ticular friends, and the apprehen- would be expected on Sunday, as he sion, that he should otherwise be wished to reserve that day sacredly considered as unwilling to hazard to himself. his reputation in executing a system, which he had assisted in form-four years, he prepared a valedictory ing, determined him to accept the address to the American people, appointment. In April he left Mount anxious to return again to the scenes Vernon to proceed to New-York, of domestic life; but the earnest enand to enter on the duties of his treaties of his friends, and the pecuhigh office. He every where recei- liar situation of his country, induced ved testimonies of respect and love. him to be a candidate for a second At Trenton, the gentler sex reward-election. During his administration ed him for his successful enterprise, and the protection which he afforded them twelve years before. On the bridge over the creek, which passes through the town, was erected a triumphal arch, ornamented with laurels and flowers, and supported by thirteen pillars, each encircled with wreaths of evergreen. On the front of the arch was in scribed in large gilt letters,

[blocks in formation]

of eight years, the labour of establishing the different departments of a new government was accomplished; and he exhibited the greatest firmness, wisdom, and independence. He was an American, and he chose not to involve his country in the contests of Europe. He accordingly, with the unanimous advice of his cabinet, consisting of Messrs. Jefferson, Hamilton, Knox, and Randolph, issued a proclamation of neutrality, April 22, 1793, a few days after he heard of the commencement of the war between Eng

land and France. This measure contributed, in a great degree, to the prosperity of America. Its adoption was the more honourable to the president, as the general sympathy was in favour of the sister republic, against whom it was said Great Britain had commenced the war for the sole purpose of imposing upon her a monarchical form of government. He preferred the peace and welfare of his country to the breath of popular applause. Another act, in which he proved himself to be less regardful of the public partialities and prejudices, than of what he conceived to be the public good, was the ratification of the British treaty

The English government had neg-, preservation with jealous anxiety, to discountenance even the suggestion, that it could in any event be abandoned, and indignantly to frown upon the first dawning of every attempt to alienate any portion of our country from the rest. Overgrown military establishments he represented as particularly hostile to republican liberty.-While he recommended the most implicit obedience to the acts of the established government, and reprobated all ob structions to the execution of the laws, all combinations and associations, under whatever plausible character, with the real design to direct, control, counteract, or awe the the regular deliberation and action of the constituted authorities; he wished also to guard against the spirit of innovation upon the principles of the constitution. Aware that the energy of the system might be enfeebled by alterations, he thought that no change should be made without an evident necessity, and that in so extensive a country as much vigour as is consistent with liberty is indispensable. On the other hand, he pointed out the danger of a real despotism by breaking down the partitions between the several departments of government, by destroying the reciprocal checks, and consolidating the different pow

lected to surrender the western posts, and by commercial restrictions, and in other ways, had evinced a hostile spirit towards this country. To avert the calamity of another war, Mr. Jay was nominated as envoy extraordinary in April, 1794. In June, 1795, the treaty, which Mr. Jay had made, was submitted to the senate, and was ratified by that body on the condition, that one article should be altered.-While the president was deliberating upon it, an incorrect copy of the instrument was made public by a senator, and the whole country was thrown into a state of extreme irritation. At this period, he, in August, conditionally ratified it, and in February, 1796, when it was returned from his Britannic Majesty with the proposed alteration, he declared it to be the law of the land. After this transaction the house of representatives requested him to lay before them the papers relating to the treaty, but he, with great independence refused to comply with their request, as they could have no claim to an inspection of them except upon a vote of impeachment, and as a compliance would establish a dangerous precedent. He had before this shown a disposition to maintain the authority, vested in his office, by declining to affix his signature to a bill which had passed both houses.

ers.

Against the spirit of party, so peculiarly baneful in an elective government, he uttered his most soAs the period for a new election lemn remonstrances, as well as of a President of the United States against inveterate antipathies or approached, and after plain indica- passionate attachments in respect tions that the public voice would be to foreign nations. While he thought in his favour, and when he probably that the jealousy of a free people would be chosen for the third time ought to be constantly and impar unanimously, he determined irrevo- tially awake against the insidious cably to withdraw to the shades of wiles of foreign influence, he wishprivate life. He published, in Sep-ed that good faith and justice should tember, 1796, his farewell address to be observed towards all nations, the people of the United States, and peace and harmony cultivated. which ought to be engraven upon In his opinion, honesty, the hearts of his countrymen. In public than in private affairs, is althe most earnest and affectionate ways the best policy. Providence, manner he called upon them to che- he believed, had connected the perrish an immoveable attachment to manent felicity of a nation with its the national union, to watch for its virtue. Other subjects, to which he

no less in

[ocr errors]

The disease commenced with a vio~ lent ague, accompanied with some pain, and a sense of stricture in the throat, a cough, and a difficult deglutition; which were soon succeed

alluded, were the importance of credit, of economy, of a reduction of the public debt, and of literary institutions: above all he recommended religion and morality as indispensably necessary to political prosperity.ed by fever, and a quick and labori"In vain," says he, "would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labour to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens." Bequeathing these counsels to his countrymen, he continued in office till the fourth of March, 1797, when he attended the inauguration of his successor, Mr. Adams, and with complacency saw him invested with the powers, which had for so long a time been exercised by himself. He then retired to Mount Vernon, giving to the world an example, most humiliating to its emperors and kings; the example of a man voluntarily disrobing himself of the highest authority, and returning to private life with a character, having upon it no stain of ambition, of covetousness, of profusion, of luxury, of oppression, or of injustice.

[ocr errors]

It was now that the soldier, the statesman and the patriot, hoped to repose himself, after the toils of so many years. But he had not been long in retirement, before the outrages of Republican France induced our government to raise an ariny, of which, in July, 1798, he was appointed Commander in chief. Though he accepted the appointment, his services were not demanded, and he himself did not believe that an invasion would take place. Pacific overtures were soon made by the French Directory; but he did not live to see the restoration of peace. On Friday, December 13, 1799, while attending to some improvements upon his estate, he was exposed to a light rain, which wetted his neck and hair. Unapprehensive of danger, he passed the afternoon in his usual manner; but at night he was seized with an inflammatory affection of the windpipe.

ous respiration, About twelve or fourteen ounces of blood were taken from him. In the morning his family physician, Doctor Craik, was sent for; but the utmost exertions of medical skill were applied in vain. The appointed time of his death was near. Believing from the commencement of his complaint that it would be mortal, a few hours before his departure, after repeated efforts to be understood, he succeeded in expressing a desire that he might be permitted to die, without being disquieted by unavailing attempts to rescue him from his fate. After it became impossible to get any thing down his throat, he undressed himself and went to bed, there to die. To his friend and physician, who sat on his bed, and took his head in his lap, he said with difficulty,' Doctor, I am dying, and have been dying for a long time; but I am not afraid to die." Respiration became more and more contracted and imperfect, until half past eleven on Saturday night, when, retaining the full possession of his intellect he expired without a struggle. Thus, on the fourteenth of December, 1799, in the sixty-eighth year of his age, died the father of his country, 'The man, first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his fellow-citizens.' This event spread a gloom over the country; and the tears of America proclaimed the services and virtues of the hero and sage, and exhibited a people not insensible to his worth. The senate of the United States, in an address to the president on this melancholy occasion, indulged their patriotic pride, while they did not transgress the bounds of truth, in speaking of their WASHINGTON. 'Ancient and modern names,' said they, 'are diminished before him. Greatness and guilt

have too often been allied; but his | fame is whiter than it is brilliant. The destroyers of nations stood abashed at the majesty of his virtues. It reproved the intemperance of their ambition, and darkened the splendour of victory. The scene is closed, and we are no longer anxious lest misfortune should sully his glory; he has travelled on to the end of his journey, and carried with him an increasing weight of honour; he has deposited it safely where misfortune cannot tarnish it, where malice cannot blast it.'

Gen. Washington was rather above the common stature; his frame was robust, and his constitution vigorous. His exterior created in the beholder the idea of strength united with manly gracefulness. His eyes were of a gray colour, and his complexion light. His manners were rather reserved than free. His person and whole deportment exhibited an unaffected and indescribable dignity, unmingled with haughtiness, of which all who approached him, were sensible. The attachment of those, who possessed his friendship was ardent but always respectful. His temper was humane, benevolent, and conciliatory; but there was a quickness in his sensibility to any thing apparently offensive, which experience had taught him to watch and correct. He made no pretensions to vivacity or wit. Judgment rather than genius constituted the most prominent feature of his character. As a military man he was brave, enterprising, and cautious. At the head of a multitude, whom it was sometimes impossible to reduce to proper discipline before the expiration of their time of service, and having to struggle almost continually with the want of supplies, he yet was able to contend with an adversary superior in numbers, well disciplined, and completely equipped, and was the means of saving his country. The measure of his caution has by some been represented as too abundant; but he

sometimes formed a plan which his brave officers thought was too adventurous, and sometimes contrary to their advice he engaged in battle. If his name is not rendered illustrious by splendid achievements, it is not to be attributed to the want of military enterprise. He conducted the war with that consummate prudence and wisdom, which the situation of his country and the state of his army demanded. He also possessed a firmness of resolution, which neither dangers nor difficulties could shake. In his eivil administration he exhibited repeated proofs of that practical good sense, of that sound judgment which is the most valuable quality of the human mind. More than once he put his whole popularity to hazard in pursuing measures, which were dictated by a sense of duty, and which he thought would promote the welfare of his country. In speculation he was a real republican, sincerely attached to the constitution of the United States, and to that system of equal, political rights, on which it is founded. Real liberty, he thought, was to be preserved only by preserving the authority of the laws, and maintaining the energy of government.. Of incorruptible integrity, his ends were always upright, and the means, which he employed, were always pure. He was a politician, to whom wiles were absolutely unknown. When any measure of importance was proposed, he sought information, and was ready to hear without prejudice, whatever could be said in relation to the subject; he suspended his judgment till it was necessary to decide: but after his decision had been thus deliberately made it was seldom shaken, and he was as active and persevering in executing, as he had been cool in forming it. He possessed an innate and unassuming modesty, which adulation would have offended, which the plaudits of millions could not betray into indiscretion, and which was blended with a high sense of personal digni

ty, and a just consciousness of the His style of living was dignified, respect which is due to station. though he maintained the strictest With regard to the religious cha- economy. While he was in the arracter of Gen. Washington, there my he wrote to the superintendent have been different opinions. In of his estate in the following terms, the extracts from some of his letters, "Let the hospitality of the house be which have been published by kept up with regard to the poor. the historian of his life, the name Let no one go hungry away. If any of the Supreme Being is once or of this sort of people should be in twice introduced in a manner, want of corn, supply their necessiwhich, in common conversation is ties, provided it does not encourage deemed irreverent. It is also un- them in idleness. I have no objecderstood, that in a few instances du- tion to your giving my money in ring the war, particularly when he charity, when you think it will be met Gen. Lee retreating in the bat- well bestowed; I mean, that it is my tle of Monmouth, his language was desire, that it should be done. You unguarded in this respect. It may are to consider, that neither myself not be impossible, that a good man nor my wife are in the way to do in a moment of extreme irritation these good offices." Thus was he should utter a profane expression; beneficent, while at the same time but perhaps it is less possible, that he required an exact compliance such a man, when his passion has with engagements. A pleasing proof passed away, and his sober recol- of the generous spirit which governlections have returned, should not ed him, is exhibited in his conduct repent bitterly of his irreverence to towards the son of his friend the the name of God. On the other Marquis de La Fayette. The mar hand, General Washington, when at quis, after fighting in this country the head of the army, issued public for American liberty, had returned orders, calling upon his officers to to France; but in the convulsions discountenance the habit of profani- of the French revolution he was exty; he speaks in his writings of iled and imprisoned in Germany. "the pure and benign light of reve- General Washington gave evidence lation," and of the necessity of imi- of sincere attachment to the unhaptating the charity, humility, and py nobleman not only by exerting pacific temper of mind, which were all his influence to procure his rethe characteristics of the Divine Au- lease from confinement, but by exthor of our blessed religion ;" he tending his patronage to his son, gratefully acknowledged the inter- who made his escape from France, positions of Providence in favour of and arrived with his tutor at Boston, this country; his life was upright in 1795. As soon as he was informand virtuous; he principally sup-ed of his arrival, he wrote to a ported an episcopal church in the neighbourhood of Mount Vernon, where he constantly attended public worship; during the war he not unfrequently rode ten or twelve miles from camp for the benefit of the institutions of religion; and it is believed, that he every day had his hour of retirement from the world for the purpose of private devotion.

Gen. Washington was blessed with abundant wealth, and he was not ignorant of the pleasure of employing it for generous purposes.

friend, requesting him to visit the young gentleman and make him ac quainted with the relations between this country and France, which would prevent the president of the Unites States from publicly espousing his interest, but to assure him of his protection and support. He also directed his friend to draw upon him for moneys to defray all the expenses, which young La Fayette might incur. Towards his slaves Gen. Washington manifested the greatest care and kindness. Their

« SebelumnyaLanjutkan »