r
call, he assumed the high office with that self-distrust
peculiar to his innate modesty, the constant attendant of
pre-eminent virtue. What was the burst of joy through our
anxious land on this exhilarating event, is known to us all.
The aged, the young, the brave, the fair, rivalled each
other in demonstrations of their gratitude; and this
high-wrought, delightful scene was heightened in its effect
by the singular contest between the zeal of the bestowers
and the avoidance of the receiver of the honors bestowed.
Commencing his administration, what heart is not charmed
with the recollection of the pure and wise principles
announced by himself as the basis of his political life? He
best understood the indissoluble union between virtue and
happiness, between duty and advantage, between the genuine
maxims of an honest and magnanimous policy and the solid
rewards of public prosperity and individual felicity.
Watching with an equal and comprehensive eye over this great
assemblage of communities and interests, he laid the
foundations of our national policy in the unerring,
immutable principles of morality, based on religion;
exemplifying the pre-eminence of free government by all the
attributes which win the affections of its citizens or
command the respect of the world.

"'O fortunatos dimium sua sibona norint!'

"Leading through the complicated difficulties produced by
previous obligations and conflicting interests, seconded by
succeeding houses of Congress, enlightened and patriotic, he
surmounted all original obstructions, and brightened the
path of our national felicity.

"The presidential term expiring, his solicitude to exchange
exaltation for humility returned with a force increased with
increase of age; and he had prepared his farewell address to
his countrymen, proclaiming his intention, when the united
interposition of all around him, enforced by the eventful
prospects of the epoch, produced a further sacrifice of
inclination to duty. The election of president followed, and
Washington, by the unanimous vote of the nation, was called
to resume the chief magistracy. What a wonderful fixture of
confidence! Which attracts most our admiration--a people so
correct, or a citizen combining an assemblage of talents