and to glory: for his fellow-citizens, if their prayers could
have been answered, he would have been immortal; for me, his
departure is at a most unfortunate moment. Trusting, however, in
the wise and righteous dominion of Providence over the passions of
men and the results of their actions, as well as over their lives,
nothing remains for me but humble resignation.

"His example is now complete; and it will teach wisdom and virtue
to magistrates, citizens, and men, not only in the present age, but
in future generations, as long as our history shall be read. If a
Traian found a Pliny, a Marcus Aurelius can never want biographers,
eulogists, or historians.

"JOHN ADAMS."

[146] In compliance with these resolutions, President Adams wrote a
letter to Mrs. Washington on the subject, and received the following
reply:--

"MOUNT VERNON, _December 31, 1799._

"SIR: While I feel, with keenest anguish, the late dispensation of
Divine Providence, I can not be insensible to the mournful tributes
of respect and veneration which are paid to the memory of my dear
deceased husband; and, as his best services and most anxious wishes
were always devoted to the welfare and happiness of his country, to
know that they were truly appreciated and gratefully remembered
affords no inconsiderable consolation.

"Taught by the great example which I have so long had before me,
never to oppose my private wishes to the public will, I must
consent to the request made by Congress, which you have had the
goodness to transmit to me; and, in doing this, I need not, I can
not, say what a sacrifice of individual feeling I make to a sense
of public duty.

"With grateful acknowledgments and unfeigned thanks for the
personal respect and evidences of condolence expressed by Congress
and yourself, I remain, very respectfully, sir, your most obedient,
humble servant,

"MARTHA WASHINGTON."

The president transmitted her letter to Congress, accompanied by the
following message:--

"_Gentlemen of the Senate, and Gentlemen of the House of
Representatives:_

"In compliance with the request in one of the resolutions of
Congress on the twenty-third of December last, I transmitted a copy
of those resolutions, by my secretary, Mr. Shaw, to Mrs.
Washington, assuring her of the profo