Only five States sent deputies, and these without power to settle anything. They, however, accomplished one grand work-they made a report, showing the evils of the present federal system-and recommended a convention of deputies from all the States to take the matter up. Virginia appointed seven, Washington heading the list. He, however, hesitated about being "swept back into the tide of public affairs." Besides, he had written a circular letter to the States, declaring his intention to resign the presidency of the Cincinnati Society, and saying he could not be present at their next meeting in Philadelphia. Now this meeting was to take place at the very time appointed for the convention. If he should, therefore, go to the latter, after he had refused to attend the former, the distinction would seem to be invidious-in short, it would look like a desertion of his old companions in arms. Especially would this construction be natural, as the society was very unpopularbeing denounced unsparingly as anti-republican. It had a badge like foreign nobility—it admitted foreign officers— membership was hereditary in the family of the members, while it allowed the accumulation of funds to any amount. Although Washington had through his influence shorn it of its most objectionable features, and thus silenced some of the heaviest attacks of its enemies, still it was unpopular. But Congress having sanctioned the convention, thus giving it a legal character, and so arranged matters that the meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati should be a week earlier, thus giving Washington an opportunity to attend it first and explain his views, he at length, at the solicitation of men earnest for the welfare of their country, yielded his scruples and accepted the appointment.

The convention assembled the second Monday in May, with every State but Rhode Island represented. Washington was appointed president, and the result of its deliberations was the CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES.

This is not the place to go into the history of that convention. Its deliberations lasted four months, and the conclusions it came to were the fruit of a compromise. That jealousy which had hitherto rendered the confederacy comparatively powerless, on the one hand, and the strong desire to see great power concentrated in the Federal head, on the other, operated as antagonisms, and produced at last that which neither party could fully approve. The constitution was not stringent enough for the Federalists, and too stringent for the Democrats-and thus being a compromise, had the most determined, positive men of both parties for its enemies. Such patriots as Patrick Henry, Colonel Mason, Gerry and others opposed it. It was, however, submitted to the different States, and Washington waited with the deepest solicitude their decision. The prospects of its adoption were poor at first, but they gradually brightened, and at length it became the Constitution of the United States.

The first step, as provided by the new constitution, was the election of a President. All eyes were immediately turned to Washington. But averse to entering again the cares of public life, unwilling to incur the suspicion of being ambitious, and loth to part with pursuits so congenial to his tastes, he was disinclined at first to yield to the general wish. Being plied, however, on the only weak point he possessed, love of country, he was at last persuaded to accept the nomination, and was elected first President almost by acclamation.

CHAPTER XIV.

Washington prepares to leave Mount Vernon-He Visits Fredericksburg, to take leave of his Mother-He Departs for New York-The Journey-Triumphal Arch at Trenton-Reception at Elizabethtown-Arrival and Welcome at New YorkInstallation of Washington as First President of the United States-He Declines Compensation for his Services-Illness, and Recovery-Debate on Titles-Death of the Mother of Washington-Organization of the Departments-Washington makes a Tour through the Eastern States-The Seat of Government is Removed from New York to Philadelphia-Establishment of a National Bank-Washington Visits the Southern States-Development of Factions-He Desires to Retire at the Close of his Term of Administration-Is Induced to Serve a Second Time -Re-inaugurated President of the United States-The French Revolution-England Declares War against France-Washington Issues a Proclamation of Strict Neutrality-Opposition and Enmity-M. Genet's Arrival, and AssumptionWashington Requests his Recall-Relations with England-Jay's Mission-Opposition to the Tax on Distilled Spirits-Proclamation to the Insurgents-Calling out of the Militia-Restoration of Peace-Jay's Treaty-Its Ratification-Resignation of Randolph, Secretary of State-Washington's Private Life-Description of his Appearance on State Occasions-Imprisonment of Lafayette-Washington's Successful Intercession in his Behalf-Washington's Farewell AddressElection of John Adams-Washington Returns to Mount Vernon-His Life in Retirement-Difficulties with France-Washington appointed Commander-inChief-He Returns to Philadelphia to Organize the Army-Interview with Dr. Logan-Napoleon-Terms of Accommodation at Paris-Washington at Mount Vernon-His Last Illness-His Death-His Character.

THE election of Washington being in effect unanimous, he was perfectly aware of the result, as soon as mere newspaper returns could be received from different parts of the country, and hence at once began to make preparations for leaving Mount Vernon. Speaking of the long interval before entering on his duties, he, in a letter to Knox, said, "This delay may be compared to a reprieve, for in confidence I tell you, (with the world it would obtain little credence,) that my movements to the seat of government will be accompanied by feelings, not unlike those of a culprit who is going to a place of execution, so unwilling am I, in the evening of a life nearly consumed in public cares, to

quit a peaceful abode for an ocean of difficulties." His last act before commencing his journey north, was one of filial devotion. His aged mother lived in Fredericksburg, and thither he directed his steps. After embracing her, he told her of his election to the office of President, and added that, before he entered upon his duties, he had come to bid her "an affectionate farewell." "So soon," said he, "as the public business which must necessarily be encountered in forming a new government, can be dispensed with, I shall hasten back." "You will see me no more," she mournfully replied. "My great age and the disease which is rapidly approaching my vitals, warn me that I shall not be long in this world. But you, George, fulfill the high destinies which Heaven has assigned you. Go, my son, and may Heaven and your mother's blessing be with you, always." Overcome by the solemnity of her manner and the declaration, which he knew to be true, he leaned his head on her aged shoulder and wept. That great grand heart, which made him so terrible on the battle-field, was yet full of the tenderest affections, and clinging still to that dear parent, whose love for him was deep and unfailing as the oceantide, he wept like a child when told he should see her no more. Not when on the disastrous field he stops and gathers around him, by his majestic bearing, the broken fragments of his army, nor when he stands at the head of the republic which he has saved, does he appear so great, so worthy of the adoration of men, as here when he leans and weeps on the neck of his mother.

The scene and the characters furnish one of the noblest subjects for an artist found in American history.

From the time that the result of Washington's election was known, till his departure for New York, congratulations and warm expressions of delight poured in upon him in such a constant flow, that if anything could have reconciled him to the abandonment of private life, the pleasure he was