with tears. Every now and then there was a
suppressed sob, I can not describe Washington's appearance as I
felt it--perfectly composed and self-possessed till the close of
his address: then, when strong nervous sobs broke loose, when tears
covered the faces, then the great man was shaken. I never took my
eyes from his face. Large drops came from his eyes. He looked to
the youthful children who were parting with their father, their
friend, as if his heart was with them, and would be to the end."

When Washington concluded his brief valedictory, Mr. Adams arose, took
the oath of office, and then delivered his inaugural address, which he
had prepared with much care--an address that had the rare good fortune
of pleasing all parties. He sketched, with a few brief touches of a
master's pencil, an outline history of the federal constitution, defined
his own position in regard to it from the beginning, and then thus
feelingly alluded to the retiring president:--

"Such is the amiable and interesting system of government (and such
are some of the abuses to which it may be exposed), which the
people of America have exhibited to the admiration and anxiety of
the wise and virtuous of all nations, for eight years, under the
administration of a citizen, who, by a long course of great
actions, regulated by prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude,
conducted a people inspired with the same virtues, and animated
with the same ardent patriotism and love of liberty, to
independence and peace, to increasing wealth and unexampled
prosperity, has merited the gratitude of his fellow-citizens,
commanded the highest praises of foreign nations, and secured
immortal glory with posterity.

"In that retirement which is his voluntary choice, may he long live
to enjoy the delicious recollection of his services, the gratitude
of mankind, the happy fruits of them to himself and the world,
which are daily increasing; and that splendid prospect of the
future fortunes of his country which is opening from year to year.
May his name be still a rampart, and the knowledge that he lives a
bulwark against all open or secret enemies of his country's peace!"

The hearts of the audience had already been made tender by the farewell
words of Washington; and this allusion to him, in the inaugural address
of his successor, made tears