The restoration of publick credit gave confidence to private transactions—and the strict dispensation of justice silenced the last murmur of complaint.

It was no less honourable to the People of the United States, than to their illustrious Benefactor, that the acknowledgement of his transcendent merits was the delightful theine of every class and condition.

Infancy was taught to lisp his praise-youth and manhood poured forth the effusions of their gratitude-and the blessings of age were expressed with the fervour of feeling, and solemnity of religion.

States and individuals were emulous to confess his worth -he was the boast of our Nation among strangers-and an object of veneration to every People.

In this happy conjuncture of our affairs, the torch of war was lighted in Europe, and threatened to extend its flame to this favoured portion of the globe.

To that guardian care, whose unceasing vigilance watched over us to the Hero whose protecting arm, in the hour of inevitable conflict, had borne aloft the conquering banner of our country, were we indebted for the preservation of peace, and an exemption from the distress and danger of foreign war.

Proclaiming to the People of the United States, and to the belligerent Powers, the determination of our Government to maintain an impartial neutrality, he continued, by an undeviating course of honourable policy, to insure to his country the blessings of peace, and the benefits of the most advantageous position.

During the desolation of war her commerce was extended-and her redundant harvests administered to the wants of less favoured Nations.

On the revolution of his official term of service, an opportunity was afforded to express the publick sense of his administration and it was manifested in the most singular demonstration of gratitude and applause, that has ever been bestowed.

Having nominated, in the first instance, to all the offices

friend of their happiness-his doubts of safety were changed to admiring confidence-and the vindictive spirit of revenge was lost in a grateful sense of unexpected favour and kindness.

Having obtained, by treaty, a surrender of the military posts on our Western Frontier, he was enabled, in a great measure, to carry into effect the magnanimous policy, which he had instituted towards the Indian Tribes-and to extend, at the same time, to the white inhabitants, in that quarter of the Union, the security of peace, and the benefits of a friendly intercourse with their immediate neighbours.

While intent on the completion of a general pacifick system, in relation to the affairs of the United States, he was not insensible to the mutable policy of Nations, nor inattentive to the necessary measures of military defence.

He believed it essential to the safety of our extensive commerce, and to the dignity of our national character, to enter on the formation of a Naval Establishment, which he considered as the best, the natural defence of the United States.

The sanction of his opinion was accordingly given to this important measure.

In reviewing the principal features of his publick character, and their beneficial results, we are led no less to applaud the benevolence, than to admire the discernment, of his philanthropick and capacious mind.

With native, and acquired, propensities to military glory -with every incentive to the exercise of arms, which consummate skill in war or the hope of distinction could supply-peace was the ruling principle of his conduct, and the tranquil prosperity of his country was the dearest object of his ambition.

In the grateful belief that this anxious wish was accomplished, he intimated his intention to decline the honours of his high station, and to withdraw from all publick employ

ment.

To this intimation, conveyed in an Address to the Peo

man.

He was unanimously re-elected to preside over their political concerns, and to continue the blessings of his administration.

Among the multiplied advantages of that administration, the philanthropist will review, with peculiar pleasure, an invariable attention to conciliate the aboriginal inhabitants of our country, and an unremitting endeavour to ameliorate their hapless condition.

Regarding the interests of this unfortunate race as sacred -and viewing a compliance with their claims to protection as among the first duties of the Government, his beneficent patronage was extended to every object, which might promote their welfare, or prevent the evils incident to their situation.

To the injunctions of publick negotiation, he united the admonitions of personal sensibility, and the most benevolent concern for this unhappy people.

The astonished Savage beheld, in the far-famed Chief of an hostile Nation, the Protector of his Tribe, and the zealous

ions, on the subject of their publick concerns, the legacy of an affectionate father to a beloved family, containing the most instructive, interesting, and important advice that has ever been submitted to any Nation.

An observance of those maxims would insure our political welfare, and promote our social happiness-they are no less calculated to improve the heart than to inform the judgement-they should be committed to the memory of the young, and the meditation of the old-they are invaluable to the present generation—and they will be regarded by succeding ages, as the best and highest eulogium of this transcendent character.

Yielding to his desire of repose, his grateful countrymen invoked the blessing of Heaven on the close of his illustrious life, and acquiesced in his intention to retire.

Behold him returned to the station of a private citizen, enforcing, by correct example, those rules of conduct, which with modest diffidence, he had offered to the consideration of his country.

Divested of every distinction, and without a personal attendant, he mingled in the throng of citizens, and was the first to express the homage of his esteem, which was respectful, affectionate, and sincere, at the inauguration of his successor to whom, no less than to the memory of the illustrious Dead, it is due to remark that, in their personal in

tercourse, and in all their official relations, the most cordial | friendship, and beneficial harmony, had uniformly subsisted. To attest the perfection of publick principle, it will be forever remembered, that the distinguished Patriot, who had so long, and so ably, presided in the concerns of the Nation, consented to accept a secondary commission, at a period of life when no consideration but the safety of his country, and complete confidence in the measures of her Government, could have required, or prompted the service of the venerable Chief.

The sentiments of his judicious and comprehensive mind, as expressed in his own words, on this important occasion, are too honourable to his memory, too just in the application to his successor, and too interesting to our country, in their relation to future events, not to be here recited.

"No one can more cordially approve of the wise and pru"dent measures of your administration. They ought to "inspire universal confidence, and will, no doubt, combined "with the state of things, call from Congress such laws and "means as will enable you to meet the full force and ex"tent of the crisis.

Satisfied, therefore, that you have sincerely wished and "endeavoured to avert war, and exhausted, to the last drop, "the cup of reconciliation, we can, with pure hearts, ap"peal to Heaven for the justice of our cause; and may "confidently trust the final result to that kind Providence, "who has, heretofore, and so often, signally favoured the People of these United States.

Thinking in this manner, and feeling how incumbent "it is upon every person, of every description, to contri"bute at all times to his country's welfare, especially, in a "moment like the present, when every thing we hold dear "and sacred, is so seriously threatened; I have finally de"termined to accept the Commission of Commander-in"Chief of the Armies of the United States."

Such was the triumph of patriotism-and such the dignified completion of his publick character.

With the accomplishments of the Hero, and the attributes of the Statesman, we are now to connect the interesting theme of domestick life, and the useful virtues of his private character.

Favoured of Heaven, he was blest in the most endeared relation of human society.

The amiable and much respected partner of his happiness, enjoyed his affection and esteem, and was worthy to participate the honours of his exalted station.

The practice of his filial piety, which had been distinguished at an early age, was continued until the death of his surviving parent, with unabated tenderness and respect.

His fraternal love was exemplary, as it was sincere and the munificent provisions of his Will attest the affection

which he bore his kindred, and the relatives of his family. Nor was this munificence bounded by the limits of consanguinity. The interests of freedom and science were anxiously consulted, and most generously advanced.

Age and infirmity were the objects of his kind regard. The instruction of youth was connected with the emancipation of the bondsman, as a mean of protecting his rights, and rendering him safe and useful to society.

The friend, and the stranger, were received with cordial welcome at his hospitable mansion—and his beneficence to his neighbours was returned with the most affectionate attachment.

Combining, with a general patronage of science and useful institutions, a particular attention to the improvements of agriculture, he diffused his observation and experience, in this important pursuit, wherever they could be beneficial extending his correspondence, on this interesting subject, to other nations.

Such were the outlines of his domestick life-and such were his private avocations.

Unable, on a careful review of eminent characters, to discover an apposite resemblance to the constellation of his virtues and talents, I forbear to enter on partial comparisons, which could not dignify, and would but imperfectly illustrate the Hero of our country.

Enriched by nature with her choicest gifts-she had, with equal liberality, bestowed upon him the greatest advantages of external form, and the highest degree of intellectual endowment. To the noble port of a lofty stature, were united uncommon grace, strength, and symmetry of person. And to the commanding aspect of manly beauty, was given the benignant smile, which, inspiring confidence, created affection.

In being thus minute, I do not mean to arraign your delighted remembrance of the Hero, which the short lapse of a fleeting year has not effaced.

Yet, were mine the powers of description to produce a perfect image, I would present him to your enraptured imagination-as he was seen in battle, calm and collected-as he appeared in council, dignified and serene—as he adorned society, gracious and condescending.

But oh, mournful reflection! that pleasing, that venerable form, now moulders into dust. Sealed in death are those eyes, which watched over our safety. Closed forever are those lips, which spake peace and happiness to our country.

Yet the dark night of the tomb shall not obscure the lustre of his fame—and, when brass and marble shall have fallen to decay, the sweet remembrance of his virtues, passing in proud transmission to remotest ages-SHALL ENDURE FOREVER!

1

ARTICLE I.

SECTION 1. All Legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.

SECTION 2. The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second year by the People of the several States, and the Electors in each State shall have the Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most numerous Branch of the State Legislature.

No person shall be a Representative who shall not have attained to the age of twenty-five Years, and been seven Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State in which he shall be chosen.

Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to their respective Numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole number of Free Persons, including those bound to Service for a Term of Years, and, excluding Indians not taxed, three-fifths of all other Persons. The actual enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct. The Number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty thousand, but each State shall have at least one Representative; and until such enumeration shall be made, the State of New-Hampshire shall be entitled to choose three, Massachusetts eight, Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations one, Connecticut five, New-York six, New-Jersey four, Pennsylvania eight, Delaware one, Maryland six, Virginia ten, North-Carolina five, South-Carolina five, and Georgia three.

When vacancies happen in the Representation from any State, the Executive Authority thereof shall issue Writs of Election to fill such Vacancies.

The House of Representatives shall choose their Speaker and other Officers; and shall have the sole power of Impeachment.

SECTION 3. The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, chosen by the Legislature thereof, for six Years; and each Senator shall have one Vote.

Immediately after they shall be assembled, in Consequence of the first Election, they shall be divided as equally as may be, into three Classes. The Seats of the Senators of the first Class shall be vacated at the Expiration of the second Year, of the second Class at the Expiration of the fourth Year, and of the third Class at the Expiration of the sixth Year, so that one-third may be chosen every second Year; and if vacancies happen by Resignation, or otherwise, during the Recess of the Legislature of any State the Executive thereof may make temporary appointments until the next meeting of the Legislature, which shall then fill such Vacancies.

No Person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the age of thirty Years, and been nine Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when Elected, be an Inhabitant of that State for which he shall be chosen.

The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have no vote, unless they be equally divided.

The Senate shall choose their other Officers, and also a President pro tempore, in the absence of the Vice President, or when he shall exercise the office of President of the United States.

The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments: When sitting for that Purpose, they shall be on Oath or Affirmation. When the President of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall preside: And no Person shall be convicted without the Concurrence of twothirds of the Members present.

Judgement in Cases of Impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of Honour, Trust or Profit, under the United States: but the party convicted shall, nevertheless, be liable and subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgement and Punishment, according to Law.

SECTION 4. The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may, at any time, by Law, make or alter such Regulations, except as to the places of choosing Senators.

The Congress shall assemble at least once in every Year, and such meeting shall be on the first Monday in December, unless they shall, by Law, appoint a different day.

SECTION 5. Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members, and a Majority of each shall constitute a Quorum to do Business; but a smaller Number may adjourn from Day to Day, and may be authorized to compel the attendance of absent Members, in such Manner, and under such Penalties as each House may provide.

Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceedings, Punish its Members for disorderly Behaviour, and, with the Concurrence of two-thirds, Expel a Member.

Each House shall keep a Journal of its Proceedings, and from time to time publish the same, excepting such Parts as may, in their Judgement require secrecy; and the Yeas and Nays of the Members of either House, on any question, shall, at the Desire of one-fifth of those Present, be entered on the Journal.

Neither House, during the Session of Congress, shall, without the Consent of the other, Adjourn for more than three Days, nor to any other Place than that in which the two Houses shall be sitting.

SECTION 6. The Senators and Representatives shall receive a Compensation for their Services, to be ascertained by Law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States. They shall, in all Cases, except Treason, Felony, and Breach of the Peace, be privileged from Arrest during their attendance at the Session of their respective Houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any Speech or Debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other Place.

No Senator or Representative shall, during the Time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil office under the Authority of the United States, which shall have been created, or the Emoluments whereof shall have been increased during such time; and no Person holding any office under the United States, shall be a Member of either House during his continuance in Office.

SECTION 7. All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on other Bills.

Every Bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the Senate, shall, before it become a Law, be presented to the President of the United States; if he approve he shall sign it, but if not he shall return it, with his Objections to that House in which it shall have originated, who shall enter the Objections at large on their Journal, and proceed to Reconsider it. If after such Reconsideration two-thirds of that House shall agree to pass

the Bill, it shall be sent, together with the Objections, to the other House, by which it shall likewise be Reconsidered, and if approved by two-thirds of that House, it shall become a Law. But in all such Cases the Votes of both Houses shall be determined by Yeas and Nays, and the Names of the Persons voting for and against the Bill shall be entered on the Journal of each House respectively. If any Bill shall not be returned by the President within ten Days (Sunday excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the same shall be a Law, in like manner as if he had signed it, unless the Congress by their adjournment prevent its Return, in which case it shall not be a Law.

Duty may be imposed on such Importation, not exceeding

ten Dollars for each Perrit Person.

The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the Publick Safety may require it.

No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto Law shall be passed.

No Capitation, or other Direct Tax, shall be laid, unless in Proportion to the Census or Enumeration herein before directed to be taken.

No Tax or Duty shall be laid on articles exported from any State.

No Preference shall be given by any Regulation of Commerce or Revenue to the Ports of one State over those of another; nor shall Vessels bound to, or from, one State, be obliged to enter, clear, or pay Duties in another.

SECTION 8. The Congress shall have Power to lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts, and Excises, to Pay the Debts, and Provide for the Common Defence and General Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;

To borrow Money on the credit of the United States; To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes ;

To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States;

To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and to fix the Standard of Weights and Measures;

To provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting the Securities and current Coin of the United States;

To establish Post Offices and Post Roads ;

To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing, for limited Times, to Authors and Inventors, the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries;

To constitute Tribunals inferiour to the Supreme Court; To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, and Offences against the Law of Nations ;

To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;

To raise and support Armies-but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years;

To provide and maintain a Navy;

To make Rules for the Governinent and Regulation of the Land and Naval Forces ;

To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections, and repel Invasions;

To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to the States, respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of Training the Militia, according to the Discipline prescribed by Congress;

To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District, (not exceeding ten Miles square,) as may, by Cession of particular States, and the Acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of the Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, Dock-yards, and other needful Buildings;-And

To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof.

SECTION 9. The Migration or Importation of such Persons as any of the States now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior to the Year one thousand eight hundred and cight, but a Tax or

No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any Present, Emolument, Office or Title, of any Kind whatever, from any King, Prince or foreign State.

SECTION 10. No State shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation; grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal; coin Money; emit Bills of Credit ; make any Thing but Gold and Silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts; pass any Bill of Attainder, ex post facto Law, or Law impairing the Obligation of Contracts, or grant any Title of Nobility.

No State shall, without the Consent of the Congress, lay any Imposts or Duties on Imports or Exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for executing its Inspection Laws and the nett Produce of all Duties and Imposts, laid by any State on Imports or Exports, shall be for the Use of the Treasury of the United States; and all such Laws shall be subject to the Revision and Control of the Con

The Electors shall meet in their respective States, and vote by Ballot for two Persons, of whom one at least shall not be an Inhabitant of the same State with themselves. And they shall make a List of all the Persons voted for, and of the Number of votes for each; which List they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the Seat of the Government of the United States, directed to the President of the Senate. The President of the Senate shall, in the Presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all the Certificates, and the Votes shall then be counted. The Person having the greatest Number of votes shall be the President, if such Number be a Majority of the whole Number of Electors appointed; and if there be more than one who have such Majority, and have an equal number of votes, then the House of Representatives shall immediately choose by Ballot one of them for President; and if no Person have a Majority, then from the five highest on the List the said House shall, in like manner choose the President. But in choosing the President, the Votes shall be