moment like the present, when every thing we hold dear is so seriously threatened, I have finally determined to accept the commission of commander-in-chief of the armies of the United States; with the reserve only, that I shall not be called into the field until the army is in a situation to require my presence, or it becomes indispensable by the urgency of circumstances.

In making this reservation, I beg to be understood, that I do not mean to withhold any assistance to arrange and organize the army, which you may think I can afford. I take the liberty also to mention, that I must decline having my acceptance considered as drawing after it any immediate charge upon the public, and that I cannot receive any emoluments annexed to the appointment, before entering into a situation to incur expense.

The Secretary of War being anxious to return to the seat of government, I have detained him no longer than was necessary to a full communication upon the several points he had in charge.

With very great respect and consideration, I have the honor to be, &c.

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

GEORGE WASHINGTON,

BORN FEBRUARY 22, 1732.-DIED AT MOUNT VERNON, DECEMBER 14, 1799.

THE illustrious Washington having filled the measure of his country's glory and exalted his own political and military fame and private character far above the standard of excellence attained by the greatest man of modern or ancient times; and having, on every occasion, performed his duty to his country, not only with that fidelity and devotion which became a good citizen, but with that wisdom, affection, and paternal solicitude which have obtained for him, by the unanimous voice of mankind, the title of "Father of his Country," was called, on the 14th December, 1799, by the ALMIGHTY FATHER OF HEAVEN, we hope, to the enjoyment of that rich reward which is reserved for those who act well their part on earth.

The universal gloom which pervaded the hearts of his countrymen on that solemn occasion, seems so far to have commingled with the veneration for his character which has been transmitted to posterity, as to inspire in the patriot's heart an indescribable awe in approaching the mementos of his glory, around which there is a halo so brilliant and penetrating as to reach the inmost intelligence of man, and to purify the moral and intellectual being, by the contemplation of every attribute that was excellent and noble in human nature. It is salutary to remember the outpourings of affection and sorrow on the departure of those whose virtues and goodness have endeared them to our hearts, it elevates the finer feelings of our nature, as the presence of innocence promotes the contemplation of that angelical virtue.

The sons and daughters of America mourned the loss their country had sustained in the death of their Washington, with a cause of sorrow which no other people, in any case, to the same extent could plead; their government, in unison with the feelings of the people, demonstrated that grief in measures of respect and veneration worthy of a nation's affection and a nation's gratitude, and long-long-may the remembrance of those deep and sincere effusions of affection and gratitude continue to warm the hearts of the American people. There let the memory of Washington be enshrined, and his private virtues and patriotic ardor will continue to animate this people to the remotest generation. It is proposed to conclude this chapter by consecrating the proceedings and measures of the Government on that memorable occasion TO THE MEMORY OF

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

IN THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES OF

AMERICA.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1799.

The House of Representatives of the United States, having received intelligence of the death of their highly valued fellow-citizen, George Washington, General of the armies of the United States, and sharing the universal grief this distressing event must produce,

Unanimously resolve:

1. That this House will wait on the President of the United States, in condolence of this national calamity.

2. That the Speaker's chair be shrouded with black, and that the members and officers of the House wear mourning, during the session.

3. That a joint committee of both Houses be appointed to report measures suitable to the occasion, and expressive of the profound sorrow with which Congress is penetrated on the loss of a citizen

FIRST IN WAR, FIRST IN PEACE, AND FIRST IN THE HEARTS OF HIS COUNTRYMEN.*

4. That when this House adjourns, it will adjourn until Monday

next.

Ordered, That Mr. Marshall and Mr. Smith be appointed a committee to wait on the President of the United States, to know when and where he will receive this House for the purpose expressed in the first resolution.

Ordered, That Mr. Marshall, Mr. Craik, Mr. Henry Lee, Mr. Eggleston, Mr. Smith, Mr. Stone, Mr. Rutledge, Mr. Abiel Foster, Mr. Muhlenberg, Mr. Van Cortlandt, Mr. Dwight Foster, Mr. Franklin Davenport, Mr. Claiborne, Mr. Morris, Mr. John Brown, and Mr. Taliaferro, be a committee, jointly with such committee as may be appointed on the part of the Senate, for the purpose expressed in the third resolution. Ordered, That the clerk of this House do acquaint the Senate therewith.

A written message was received from the President of the United States, by Mr. Shaw, his secretary, which, together with the letter ac

*These resolutions were drawn and introduced by John Marshall, Representative from Virginia.

companying the same, was read, and referred to the committee last appointed, and is as follows:

Gentlemen of the Senate, and

Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:

The letter herewith transmitted will inform you that it has pleased Divine Providence to remove from this life our excellent fellow-citizen GEORGE WASHINGTON, by the purity of his character, and a long series of services to his country, rendered illustrious through the world. It remains for an affectionate and grateful people, in whose hearts he can never die, to pay suitable honors to his memory.

United States, December 19, 1799.

JOHN ADAMS.

"Mount Vernon, December 15, 1799.

"SIR: It is with inexpressible grief that I have to announce to you the death of the great and good General Washington. He died last evening, between ten and eleven o'clock, after a short illness of about twenty hours. His disorder was an inflammatory sore throat, which proceeded from a cold, of which he made but little complaint on Friday. On Saturday morning, about three o'clock, he became ill: Doctor Craik attended him in the morning, and Doctor Dick, of Alexandria, and Doctor Brown, of Port Tobacco, were soon after called in. Every medical assistance was offered, but without the desired effect. His last scene corresponded with the whole tenor of his life: not a groan nor a complaint escaped him in extreme distress. With perfect resignation, and in full possession of his reason, he closed his well-spent life.

"I have the honor to be, with the highest respect, sir, your most obedient and very humble servant,

"TOBIAS LEAR.

"The PRESIDENT OF THE United States."

Mr. Marshall, from the committee appointed to wait on the President of the United States, to know when and where it will be convenient for