inclination, which are
necessary to manage the helm. I am sensible that I am
embarking the voice of the people, and a good name of my own
on this voyage; but what returns will be made for them
heaven alone can foretell.--Integrity and firmness are all I
can promise; these, be the voyage long or short, shall never
forsake me, although I may be deserted by all men; for of
the consolations which are to be derived from these, under
any circumstances, the world can not deprive me."]

CHAPTER V.

The election of General Washington officially announced to
him.... His departure for the seat of government.... Marks
of affection shown him on his journey.... His inauguration
and speech to Congress.... His system of intercourse with
the world.... Letters on this and other subjects.... Answer
of both houses of Congress to the speech.... Domestic and
foreign relations of the United States.... Debates on the
impost and tonnage bills.... On the power of removal from
office.... On the policy of the secretary of the treasury
reporting plans of revenue.... On the style of the
President.... Amendments to the constitution.... Appointment
of executive officers, and of the judges.... Adjournment of
the first session of Congress.... The President visits New
England.... His reception.... North Carolina accedes to the
union.

{1789}

[Sidenote: The election of General Washington officially announced to
him.]

The election of General Washington to the office of chief magistrate
of the United States, was announced to him at Mount Vernon on the 14th
of April, 1789. Accustomed to respect the wishes of his fellow
citizens, he did not think himself at liberty to decline an
appointment conferred upon him by the suffrage of an entire people.
His acceptance of it, and his expressions of gratitude for this fresh
proof of the esteem and confidence of his country, were connected with
declarations of diffidence in himself. "I wish," he said, "that there
may not be reason for regretting the choice,--for indeed, all I can
promise, is to accomplish that which can be done by an honest zeal."

[Sidenote: His departure for the seat of government.]

As the public business required the immediate attendance of the
president at the seat of government, he hastened his departure; and,
on the second day after receiving notice of his appoin