still devoted to it a portion of his time. He had left with his manager full and complete written instructions how to proceed, and required of him a weekly report of every particular, which he always carefully examined and answered by letter.

Among the president's irksome duties was that of distributing the offices in his gift, but the course which he pursued in discharging this duty exhibited the same fidelity of purpose which was so eminently the characteristic of his life. He early prescribed to himself a rule from which he never swerved. He gave no pledges or encouragement to any applicant, but answered all civilly, suspending his decision till the time for making the appointment arrived, when, without favour or bias, he selected such individuals as in his judgment were best qualified to execute the trust reposed in them with faithfulness and ability.

In August of this year Washington lost his excellent mother. She died at her residence in Fredericksburgh, at the advanced age of eighty-two years, retaining the vigour of her mind and body almost to the last. She was remarkable for the simplicity of her manners,, and the uprightness of her character. The renown of her illustrious son caused no change in her deportment or style of living. The attentions which she received as the Mother of WASHINGTON excited no feelings of pride or vanity; but when she heard his praises, she was either silent, or briefly responded that he

had been a good son, and she believed he had done his duty as a man.

In October he made a tour through the eastern states, as well for the benefit of his health as to observe the condition of the people, and their disposition toward the new government. "Such," says Mr. Sparks, was the enthusiasm which was now felt by all classes of the community in regard to Washington, an enthusiasm inspired by his virtues and his fame, that it was impossible for him to move in any direction without drawing around him thousands of spectators eager to gratify their eyes with a sight of his person, to greet him with acclamations of joy, and to exhibit testimonies of their respect and veneration. Men, women, and children, people of all ranks, ages, and occupations, assembled from far and near, at the crossings of the roads and other public places where it was known he would pass. Military escorts attended him on the way, and at the principal towns he was received and entertained by the civil authorities. Addresses were, as usual presented to him by corporate bodies, religious societies, and literary institutions, to which he returned appropriate answers.' He afterward made a tour through the southern states, where he was hailed with equally gratifying demonstrations of respect.

As Washington's presidential term advanced, it became evident that even his powerful influence could not protect the country from the violence of party spirit. The merits of the

new constitution had been debated with much warmth, and there was a radical difference of opinion respecting the propriety of the powers which it conferred upon the central government. After the new government was organized, and congress had established the departments of state, of the treasury and of war, it became the duty of the president to select the persons to preside over these several departments, and the choice was made with that astonishing discretion which was so strong a feature of Washington's mind. Mr. Jefferson, whose splendid talents and great experience in public affairs were well known to the president, was appointed secretary of the department of state. Mr. Hamilton, whose integrity, firmness, patriotism, and talents were not inferior to those of Jefferson, was appointed to the department of the treasury; and General Knox, who had held the post of secretary of war under the confederation, was continued in the same office.

Hamilton had been a member of the convention which framed the constitution, and had advocated a larger grant of powers to the general government. On coming into the treasury department, his celebrated report on the finances, recommending the funding system, the assumption of the state debts, and the establishment of a national bank, was debated with great warmth, and finally passed by small majorities. These measures were regarded by many as infringing upon the rights of the states, and as

unauthorized by the grant of power made to the central government in the constitution.

The excitement in reference to these questions, both in and out of congress, was great; and those who believed the grant of power by the constitution was already too liberal, beheld with solicitude any disposition to enlarge it by construction. Among the latter was Mr. Jefferson, who, on all these questions, together with others of a like nature, dissented in opinion from the other members of the cabinet; and it soon became evident, that the advocates of these different views were arranging themselves into distinct parties. Washington viewed these results with deep regret. Conscious of having acted with a single eye to the public good, he was pained to find his best endeavours met at every step by party discords and personal enmities among those upon whom he depended for counsel and advice, and who, by their position and talents, held so powerful a control over public opinion.

Having for some time been aware of these radical differences of opinion between the secretary of state and the secretary of the treasury, he sought every means of reconciling their views and feelings. The deep anxiety which he felt on this subject induced him to address them by letter; which he did with all that kindness and forbearance that a father exercises toward his children. Unfortunately these efforts were without avail. The two secretaries continued to diverge from each other both in

their political course and private feelings, which was the more lamented by the president in consequence of the sincere attachment which he entertained for them, and which still continued notwithstanding their differences.

CHAPTER XX.

Washington is elected for a second term-Relations with France-Arrival of Genet-Difficulties-Genet recalledRelations with England-Insurrection in PennsylvaniaForeign relations put on a more favourable aspect-Eulogy of Mr. Fox-Farewell address-Meets congress for the last time-Inauguration of his successor-Anecdote-Retires to Mount Vernon.

THE opposition which began to manifest itself against some of the leading measures of Washington's administration did not prevent a deep solicitude lest he should decline to serve a second time. From his friends in different parts of the country he received repeated communications upon the subject, urging him not to decide hastily, and, if possible, to reconcile himself to a second election. Jefferson and Hamilton, whose opinions were so diverse on most subjects, each addressed the president a letter, containing reasons why it was of great importance to his own reputation, as well as to the public interests, that, for the present, at least, he should not retire from public life. Each adverted to the condition of the country; its future prospects; the state of parties, &c.; and