fulfilment of the treaty were adopted. As Mr. Monroe, the minister at the French court, had not given a correct expression to the views of the American government, he was recalled, and Charles C. Pinckney appointed to succeed him.

The second term of Washington's administration was about to expire, and no consideration could tempt him to admit his re-election. Independent of his age and fatigue, popular clamor had of late, passed all decent limits, in vituperation. Besides, he thought one person had ruled long enough for a republic. His intention of retiring, Washington announced to the people in a farewell address which is cherished as a valuable monument of his wisdom and patriotism by all. Americans. It is remarkable for the truth and profundity of its views and maxims, and the clearness and force of its language. The two houses came together in December, 1796, and Washington met them for the last time.

Little was done during the session. Public attention was engrossed with the novelty of a presidential election. When the votes of the electors were opened and counted in the presence of both houses, it appeared that John Adams was chosen president, and Thomas Jefferson, having the next highest number of votes, vice-president. Washington. remained at Philadelphia to see his successor inaugurated, and then retired to his estate at Mount Vernon. (March, 1797.) We cannot see this illustrious patriot thus retire from the public service without reflecting upon the contrast he presented to those men of great talents who have served their countries only to enslave them. Perhaps no man ever pos

sessed the heart of his people in so great a measure. To his gigantic exertions and unquailing resolution, that people were indebted for a righteous termination of their struggle for independence. They knew this, and they were grateful-perhaps grateful enough to resign their liberties to his will. But Washington was deaf to all suggestions of a monarchy. With his eyes steadily fixed upon an ideal of a patriot, he heeded not the bickerings of selfish gratification. Like Epaminondas of old, he received power only when the people called for his wisdom and firmness, and having relieved his country, he was content-nay, proud to be called one of her free citizens. Such truly great and generous spirits seldom appear in history; but when they do rise, they shed a never-dying lustre upon the land of their birth and demand the tribute of admiration from every freeman.

HE President who was chosen to succeed Washington, was revered by the majority for his patriotism and revolutionary services. Yet being a firm and consistent advocate of the doctrines held by the federalists, it was expected that the measures of his administration would meet with a strong opposition. In his inaugural address, Mr. Adams unfolded his political views, and expressed his determination to endeavor to carry out the principles and policy of his illustrious predecessor.

The first subject which engaged the attention of the government was a difficulty with France. The French directory announced to Mr. Pinckney their determination not to receive another minister plenipotentiary from the United States until after the redress of grievances demanded of the American government, which the French had a right to expect from it. Mr. Pinckney was afterwards ordered to quit the territories of France. American vessels were captured wherever found; and, under the pretext

of their wanting a document, with which the treaty of commerce had been uniformly understood to dispense, they were condemned as prizes.

The President convened Congress on the 15th of June, when in a firm and dignified speech, he stated the hostile movements of the French government, and, while desiring an accommodation upon honorable terms, expressed the opinion that decisive and spirited measures should at once be adopted, to convince the French that the Americans knew and would maintain their national rights.

In order to see what could be effected by negotiation, three envoys extraordinary, at the head of whom was General Pinckney, were appointed to proceed to France. On the 7th of July, an act was passed to declare the treaties heretofore concluded with France no longer obligatory