an
impress of sacredness upon his own instrument. The first sight of
the man struck the heart with involuntary homage, and prepared
everything around him to obey, When he 'addressed himself to speak,'
there was an unconscious suspension of the breath, while every eye
was raised in expectation.

"At the time I speak of, he stood in profound silence, and had that
statue-like air which mental greatness alone can bestow. As he
turned to enter the building, and was ascending the staircase
leading to the Congressional hall, I glided along unperceived,
almost tinder cover of the skirts of his dress, and entered
instantly after him into the lobby of the house, which was of course
in session to receive him. On either hand, from the entrance, stood
a large cast-iron stove; and, resolved to secure the unhoped-for
privilege I had so unexpectedly obtained, I clambered, boy-like, on
this stove (fortunately then not much heated), and from that
favorable elevation enjoyed, for the first time (what I have since
so many thousands of times witnessed with comparative indifference),
an uninterrupted view of the American Congress in full session,
every member in his place. Shall I be pardoned for saying its aspect
was very different from what we now witness? There was an air of
decorum, of composure, of reflection, of gentlemanly and polished
dignity, which has fled, or lingers only with here and there a
'relic of the olden time.'

"The house seemed then as composed as the senate now is when an
impressive speech is in the act of delivery. On Washington's
entrance, the most profound and death-like stillness prevailed.
House, lobbies, gallery, all were wrapped in the deepest attention;
and the souls of that entire assemblage seemed peering from their
eyes on the noble figure which deliberately, and with an unaffected
but surpassing majesty, advanced up the broad aisle of the hall
between ranks of standing senators and members, and slowly ascended
the steps leading to the speaker's chair. I well remember, standing
at the head of the senate, the tall, square, somewhat gaunt form of
Mr. Jefferson; conspicuous from his scarlet waistcoat, bright blue
coat, with broad, bright buttons, as well as by his quick and
penetrating air, and high-boned, Scottish cast of features.