t on that
occasion, which had been suggested and executed by Mr. Peale:--

"Upon entering the area the general was conducted to his seat. On a
signal given the band played 'Washington's March,' and a scene,
which represented simple objects in the rear of the principal seat,
was drawn up and discovered emblematical paintings. The principal
was a female figure as large as life, representing America, seated
on an elevation composed of sixteen marble steps. At her left side
stood the federal shield and eagle, and at her feet lay the
_cornucopia_; in her right hand she held the Indian calumet of
peace supporting the cap of liberty; in the perspective appeared
the temple of fame; and, on her left hand, an altar dedicated to
public gratitude, upon which incense was burning. In her left hand
she held a scroll inscribed 'Valedictory;' and at the foot of the
altar lay a plumed helmet and sword, from which a figure of General
Washington, large as life, appeared retiring down the steps,
pointing with his right hand to the emblems of power which he had
resigned, and with his left to a beautiful landscape representing
Mount Vernon, in front of which oxen were seen harnessed to the
plough. Over the general appeared a _Genius_, placing a wreath of
laurels on his head."

The heads of departments, foreign ministers, and distinguished strangers
in Philadelphia, were present on that gala occasion; and with that
display of taste, fashion, gayety, and refinement, ended the public life
of Washington.

These honors paid to the retiring chief-magistrate with the most
heartfelt sincerity, excited the jealousy, enmity, and malignity of his
political enemies in a most remarkable degree. Nothing was too base for
them to employ in attempts to injure his character, and lower him in the
esteem of his countrymen. A pamphlet written by "Jasper Dwight, of
Vermont," and published in December, 1796, which contained most severe
strictures upon the Farewell Address, was circulated with increased
zeal.[120]

The _Aurora_ overflowed with gall. Its columns were filled with the most
virulent attacks upon him. His denunciation of the spurious letters made
the calumniators writhe, and, with the fiendish malice of assassins,
they thrust his character with weapons of foulest form. Three days after
his retirement one of the most violent of these attacks appeared in the