have had the least shadow of any pretensions to honor or independence. What effect had the decided policy of our government on that of France? The door was immediately opened for peace. This change of conduct on her part, can be attributed to no other cause than our system of defence, of which the army was a part. Were the army disbanded, the arguments for such a step would go for subverting our whole system of defence.

"This situation, in the present convulsed state of the world, would be no enviable one. May we not suspect, that France waves the olive branch, to cause the disbanding of our army and laying up of our ships, so that she may, with greater ease, invade our country and subjugate its inhabitants? Still the question remains, of what use is our army or can it be? It prevents, in my opinion, a much greater one's being raised and much more expensive resources being called forth. It has shown, and will continue to show France, our determination to resist her encroachments. She would never have been deterred from hostilities against this country by an army on paper. If there be danger, say you, can any reliance be placed on this army? My partiality for my own countrymen would compel me, had I no other motive, to answer in the affirmative. They are American citizens, for no others are allowed to be enlisted; and although, in general, they have little or no property, they are attached to their country by strong ties. Here are entombed the bones of their ancestors. Here are their wives, their children, their fire-sides. I see no cause to

suspect their patriotism and fidelity. Democrats object to the army, not because they think it an impolitic measure, but because it is a measure by the misrepresentation of which weak men may be deluded. They think it will be employed by the government to execute their just laws; to quell insurrections, excited by artful statements. This, you may depend, is one grand cause for the unpopularity of the army.

'No man e'er felt the halter draw,
With good opinion of the law.'

"You say, that the people of Virginia think their liberties endangered by this army. Would they think so, had they not been told it by designing demagogues? Is it possible that seven or eight millions of people can be thus imperiled from a force of twelve thousand men? Are not the libererties of the President, Senate and House of Representatives equally endangered? Every commission issued by the President, is virtually with the same terms, as were expressed by one of the most humane and wisest of the Roman Emperors. 'Take this sword,' said Trajan, when he presented it as the badge of office to Saburanus, whom he had appointed præfect of the Pretorian guards,— ' remember it is your duty to use it for my defence, while I rule well; if I govern ill, your duty to your country, beyond your duty to me, will oblige you, as a good citizen and an honest man, to use it for my destruction.""

Feb. 14. Shaw in Philadelphia to Walter in Boston. "Curious to know everything written,

respecting a man whose character I venerate, and whose writings have afforded me so much instruction and entertainment as Burke's, I have been induced to read a third life of him, by Charles McCormick. The author is a violent anti-ministerialist, and pours out the most unjust invectives against many traits in Burke's character, particularly in the latter part of his life. Still, his work exhibits talent and affords amusement. He relates the following anecdote. Some unknown person sent him these lines,

'Oft have we wondered, that on Irish ground
No pois'nous reptile has e'er yet been found,
Reveal'd the secret stands of nature's work,
She saved her venom-to create a Burke.'

It happened, that Burke was shaving when he received this epigram. He was so irritated, that he ran into the street with the lather on his face, and was not able to complete the operation till two hours after. Mungo Park's Travels in Africa are to be reprinted in this city. I wish you would send out to London by the first vessel and engage there, on my account, two periodicals, the Anti-Jacobin and British Mercury. The latter is in French and English. It is conducted entirely by Mallet du Pan. We are all very impatient here to see Ames's oration. The expectations are very high, I trust we shall be highly gratified. Noah Webster has published ten letters in answer to Priestley's last pamphlets."

Feb. 19. T. B. Johnson in Georgetown, Va., to

1On the death of Washington.

Shaw in Philadelphia. "Yesterday I heard from our mutual friend, Walter, who, if I may judge from the spirit of his letter, appears to retain his proverbial vivacity and good humor. You had, it

seems, informed him of your journey to Mount Vernon, and of the renewal of our acquaintance. I am inclined to think, that you were not pleased with the Federal city. This does not surprise me. The customs and manners of the people, southward of Pennsylvania, differ materially from those of New England. Few travelers from that direction can be induced to tarry long with us. Still our claim, in regard to climate, is allowed. This spot has nothing to boast of, except beauty of situation and temperature of air. It will, however, in process of time, (perhaps not far distant,) be ranked among our most respectable cities. Its advancement, so soon as confidence shall be established, which will be on removing the seat of government hither, must be rapid. You will, in all probability, on your arrival, have occasion to regret the loss of intercourse with your friends of Philadelphia. I will do what I can to render your situation pleasant."

CHAPTER V.

Mrs. Washington-French Success-Eulogies on WashingtonBankrupt Law-Davila-Regent of Portugal-Kotzebue-Duel -Army-Dr. Parr-Sir William Jones-Canvass for VotesCongratulation of the First Congress in "the Federal City."

1800, Feb. 25. From Mr. Shaw's mother, in Atkinson, N. H., to him. "Yesterday we assembled to express our sorrow at the departure of Humanity's Friend, Columbia's Patriot and Father. After all that has been poured forth by the orator and the eulogist, I presume that a simple detail of facts, and a faithful narrative of his useful life, will be the highest eulogium. We should rob this great man of a most valuable wreath, if we did not follow him into domestic life, and, among an assemblage of virtues, distinguish the exact economy, the nice order, the regular conduct, which marked his daily course. I have been told that, in all his multiplicity of affairs, he was but three days behind his business when he died. It may be truly said of Washington, that he went but little slower than the sun.' While we review the lives of those illustrious actors who have dignified our nature, and meditate on those traits which are estimable, may habits of vir