great object for which he was placed at the head of our armies, we have seen him convert the sword into the ploughshare, and sink the soldier into the citizen.

"When the debility of our federal system had become manifest, and the bonds which connected this vast continent were dissolving, we have seen him the chief of those patriots who formed for us a constitution, which by preserving the union, will, I trust, substantiate and perpetuate those blessings which our revolution had promised to be

stow.

"In obedience to the general voice of his country, calling him to preside over a great people, we have seen him once more quit the retirement he loved, and in a season more stormy and tempestuous than war itself, with calm and wise determination pursue the true interests of the nation, and contribute more than other could contribute, to the establishment of that system of policy, which will, I trust, yet preserve our peace, our honour, and our independence. Having been twice unanimously chosen the chief magistrate of a free people, we have seen him, at a time when his re-election with universal suffrage could not be doubted, afford to the world a rare instance of moderation, by withdrawing from his station to the peaceful walks of private life. However public confidence may change, and the

public affections fluctuate with respect to others, with respect to him, they have in war, and in peace, in public and in private life, been as steady as his own firm mind, and as constant as his own exalted virtues. "Let us, then, pay the last tribute of respect to our departed friend. Let the grand council of the nation display those sentiments which the nation feels."

Mr. Marshal then proposed several resolutions; one of which was, "Resolved, That a committee, in conjunction with one from the Senate, be appointed to consider on the most suitable manner of paying honour to the memory of the man, first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his fellow citizens."

The Senate addressed a letter to the president, in which they said, “Permit us, sir, to mingle our tears with yours. On this occasion it is manly to weep. To lose such a man, at such a crisis, is no common calamity to the world. Our country mourns a father. The Almighty disposer of human events, has taken from us our greatest benefactor and ornament. It becomes us to submit with reverence to him who maketh darkness his pavilion." "

The president returned an answer expressive of his sorrow for the death of Washington, and in the conclusion of it, said, "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."

The people throughout the United States, mourned for Washington. They had been ever ready to unite in expressing their grateful attachment to him, and they felt that they had indeed lost their greatest benefactor.

In his will, which was a just and benevolent one, he directed that his body should be laid in a vault, at Mount Vernon, and added, "It is my express desire, that my corpse may be interred in a private manner, without parade or funeral oration."

On the 18th of December, he was laid in the grave, "the house appointed for all living;" and the last home of Washington, is an humble grass-covered tomb, surrounded with evergreens.