Ambition, servility, pride, meanness, hypocrisy," were laid to the charge of the modest and higha man "formed by

minded Jay Hamilton was

nature to shine in a subordinate sphere "-and the intellects of Adams were "in a state of rapid decay." But there was one man who, " even in his philosophic seclusion, blushed as he received the crowning honours of his countrymen "-and the choice of the nation was plainly directed to the touching simplicity and retiring virtues of Jefferson. At the same time, every effort was used to divide and discredit the Federalist party. That party looked to Hamilton for advice, and he at once counselled them to unite their votes in favour of John Adams and Thomas Pinckney-the one as likely to command pretty general support from moderate men, and the other as distinguished for many estimable qualities, and sure to be sustained by South Carolina, of which he was a citizen. The main object was, of course, to exclude Jefferson; but some of the New England friends of Mr. Adams, fearful lest he should be elected as Vice-President only, did not give their second suffrage to Mr. Pinckney. The result was, that Adams received seventy-one votes, Jefferson sixty-eight, and Pinckney fifty-nine. The two

former thus became President and Vice-President. Colonel Burr was among the candidates, and, although unsuccessful, could boast of thirty votes. It was clear that he was becoming an important personage in the commonwealth.

On the 4th of March, 1797, Mr. Adams took the oath of office, and Washington laid down the burden of his cares and labours. As he withdrew from the hall, there was a general rush from the galleries to catch a last glimpse of that noble and venerable countenance, and as he passed into the street the multitude thronged around him with every mark of respect and affection. He stood for a moment with his white head uncovered, and his eyes filled with tears; but, unable to express his emotions in words, he could only wave a mute blessing to the people whom he had served so faithfully and loved so truly. "There was more weeping," writes John Adams, "than there ever has been at the representation of a tragedy”—and, doubtless, it was one of those rare occasions, when the popular heart is deeply and irresistibly moved, and gives way without restraint to the indulgence of strong, natural feeling.

But on the very day when this scene was passing in the streets of Philadelphia the following article

appeared in Bache's Aurora, one of the organs of the Republican party :-" Now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation, was the pious ejaculation of a man who beheld a flood of happiness rushing in upon mankind; if ever there was a time, that would license the reiteration of this exclamation, the time is now arrived; for the man who is the source of the misfortunes of our country is this day reduced to a level with his fellow-citizens, and is no longer possessed of power to multiply evils on the United States. If ever there was a period for rejoicing, this is the moment. Every heart in unison with the freedom and the happiness of the people ought to beat high with exultation, that the name of Washington from this day ceases to give currency to political iniquity and to legalize corruption. A new era is opening upon us, an era that promises much to the people, for public measures must now stand on their own merit, and nefarious projects can no longer be supported by a name. When a retrospect is taken of the Washington Administration for eight years, it is a subject of the greatest astonishment that a single individual could have cankered the principles of Republicanism in an enlightened people, and should have carried his designs against the public

liberty so far as to have put in jeopardy its very existence. Such, however, are the facts; and, with these staring us in the face, this day ought to be a day of jubilee in the United States."

And this farrago of blasphemy, absurdity, and ingratitude was the farewell of the democratic press to the Father of American Independence!

CHAPTER XV.

MOUNT VERNO N.

T is refreshing to turn from the violence and

IT

malignity described in the last chapter, to the tranquil and beautiful home on the banks of the Potomac, where the tired hero was at length to find repose. There, in the midst of the well-known woodlands, by the side of the familiar stream, his fancy could stray back to the happy days of youth, and recall the images of old friends long departed. He has left on record that he often cast his eyes towards Belvoir, the ancient home of the Fairfaxes, now in ruins, and thought with regret of the pleasant times, before war and revolution had severed so many ties of neighbourhood and affection. But he had the consolation which springs from the consciousness of duty unflinchingly performed, and many delights and blessings seemed reserved for his honourable old age. He was venerated by all the best of his