H. OF R.] Washington's Remains. [FEB. 13, 1832. The reso- mains of General Washington to be removed from the the House, by their joint act, requested from his widow place which he had himself selected to receive them? the treasure of his remains, that excellent lady wil Was it that the capitol would be in the place of a vast lingly acquiesced in their removal. Surely if there was monument over his bones? This vast monument had any person who, better than all others, might be sup. nearly been destroyed during the last war. That was one posed to have known the wishes and feelings of General reason why he should be opposed to placing them here. Washington, it was the partner of his bosom. He had another reason. If the good people of Virginia lution, therefore, must be acquitted on that score. had wished that those remains should be removed, they the only additional objection was confined to the unfortu would have done it by the authority of their own State nate event which had once wrapped this capitol in flames. Legislature. It had been said that Congress was called None could deplore such a national calamity more heartily to redeem the pledge which they had given in 1799; but than he did. Yet it was his firm belief that excited as if that pledge was binding, why had it never been re- was the hostile feeling of the foe, had the venerated redeemed before now? And he would ask, where was the mains of Washington been entombed in this building, the stopping place should Congress commence with celebrat- capitol would have been spared; and he believed further, ing the birthday of this distinguished individual? It that, by placing those remains at the base of this edifice, would be manifest that there could be no stopping place. Congress would perform an act which, next to our beloved It would, he supposed, be insisted that Congress were constitution itself, would tend to consolidate the Union of bound to carry the resolution of 1799 into full effect. these States. Consecrated by the ashes of Washington, But the Congress of 1799 had set many precedents which none would be so barbarous as to lay a hostile hand upon he did not hold himself bound to follow. Among others, an edifice which, while it enclosed the representatives of the sedition law and alien law, and divers others which the people, held, at the same time, the sepulchre of him the good people of the United States were not well pleas- whom all civilized men united to honor. Long as he ed with. These were the reasons for which he was op- trusted that capitol would stand, he felt assured that it posed to disturbing the remains of the venerable patriot. would stand many centuries longer for being known to all Mr. MERCER, of Virginia, rose in reply, and said, the world as the tomb of Washington. that, as to the precedents which had been set in 1798 and Mr. GORDON, of Virginia, expressed his deep regret 1799, he was not responsible; for so far as he was con- that, on an occasion like this, there should be any division cerned, he had been adverse to both the obnoxious laws of sentiment amongst those who were called to celebrate referred to by his respected colleague; but the connexion the birthday of the most illustrious of our citizens; and of those precedents with the resolution which it was pro- he could not but think that there would have been a posed to carry into effect, was quite too remote, to make unanimity more worthy of the occasion, had not the select it proper to refer to them on the present occasion. A committee thought proper to introduce a resolution, calmore proper reference would have been to the unanimity culated in its very nature to produce division. The quesof the vote which passed without a dissenting voice at tion it involved had from the beginning been an exciting that mournful period which bedewed this land with the and a dividing question. General Washington had died tears of the children of Washington. Such was the uni- in the bosom of his family, after a long life, glorious to versal grief, that every individual in the country sought himself, to his country, and to mankind. He had been some way of giving expression to it. It was expressed buried upon his own estate, amidst his own connexions, publicly, in solemn assemblies of the people, and in pri- by his family and his neighbors; and what was now provate, by the almost universal adoption of some outward posed to be done? To violate the sanctity of the grave; token of mourning in the dress of both sexes. All were to take his bones from their honored deposite, and transunanimous in declaring their sorrow for the loss of him of late them to another spot. whom it had justly been said that he was "first in war, Mr. G. said he knew it had been common, when our first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen." heroes had perished in foreign lands, to redeem their Mr. M. earnestly protested against all reference to the bones by a national act from the estrangement into which politics of the day, which was marked by his untimely they had been accidentally thrown. But he suspected death. He called it so, for it was untimely, whether re- that the present was the first instance, when it had been gard was had to the age, strength, and health of his proposed or was thought of, to take their remains from frame, or to the interests and fondest wishes of his coun- the home of the deceased, and from his native soil. And try. Mr. M., however, had not risen, he said, for the for what? For a monument to his memory? Had it not purpose of making these remarks, but to correct his been once said of an illustrious foreigner that "all Flocolleague in another respect--in a statement which, if it rence was his nonument?" And might it not with equal had been correct, would induce him to agree in opposing truth and force be asked, is not this city a monument to the resolution. His colleague had referred to the wishes Washington? Nay, we might ask, was not the entire of the people of Virginia; but Virginia had not been country his monument? and her liberty and happiness unmindful of what she owed to the memory of the great. his best, his noblest memorial? He must disagree with est of her sons. In the year 1816, a proposition had one of his colleagues [Mr. MERCER] in the sentiment that passed both branches of her Legislature, to remove the the removal of the ex-animated bones of the patriot would venerated remains of Washington, and to deposite them have any great efficiency towards cementing the union of beneath a suitable monument in Richmond; but when the the States. The way to cement the Union was to imitate resolution to that effect had been submitted to the surviv- the virtues of Washington; to remove not his body, but, ing head of the family, the late Judge Bushrod Washing- if possible, to transfer his spirit to these Halls. Gentleton, that gentleman entertained the opinion that the removal was inhibited by the disposition which Washington had made of his own remains. men could not suppose that the mere removal of his dust would infuse into their breast any higher veneration for his virtues. Let it rather be their part, instead of disturbMr. M. said that he must confess he had regarded with ing his bones, each to go to the altar of his country, and great astonishment the conclusion to which that highly swear to imitate the example of Washington. Besides, respected citizen had brought his mind in reference to the there was another aspect of the subject, which, though will of his relative. The clause on which his objection he was sorry to advert to, yet, as a Virginian, he could not was founded was one found in almost all wills, and was not for his soul repress; Congress had no right to remove that intended as any special direction forbidding the removal dust. Washington had given his life to the United States, of his remains. His colleague must remember, nor could and Virginia rejoiced to remember it. But his bones the Speaker have forgotten, that when the Senate and belonged to her soil. Her sons honored the spot where FEB. 13, 1832.] Washington's Remains. [H. OF R. they reposed, and they thought that that was a spot where, a Virginia Legislature had provided for this event, and a if any where, union and peace should ever dwell. The fund had been accumulated to carry her resolutions into act proposed in the resolution was but a vulgar honor. It effect. Why should Congress anticipate the wishes of degraded Washington to the measure of little men, who those who knew him best, who most appreciated his needed a monument to preserve their name. Since the worth, and who were, above all others, disposed to pay art of printing had been invented, pillars and monuments honor to him as one of themselves? It was, he repeated, were but idle records. Letters were the best, the endur- the first wish of Virginia to enshrine his remains in her ing monument. They held the name and the deeds of own capitol. Washington, and would hold them forever; and it was Mr. C. went on to observe that the wish of Virginia, in vain to attempt, by an empty pageant, unchristian in its this respect, was not all that could be adduced in opposicharacter, and every way in bad taste, to add any thing to tion to the resolution. The will of George Washington Washington's immortality. Such a celebration would be itself gave the most explicit direction as to his own partisure to dissatisfy the people of his native State. In a cular wish on the subject of his interment. He desired great association of republics such as ours, the best and to have no ostentatious funeral-no pomp or parade in fairest competition was this: who should furnish citizens ceremonial observances were to be had over his grave. most devoted to their country; who should be farthest He specified the spot where his body was to be returned from that selfishness which degrades a patriot. Let such to its mother earth, and had already marked out its limits. be our emulation, and let the virtues of Washington be Would the House then violate his known and expressed set before us as our model. If we practise these, then wishes? Would they intrude upon the sanctity of the grave? will our Union be immortal. But let not the House, by Perhaps, however, as it had been said, and might be reseparating the remains of Washington from his own belov- lied upon as an argument for concurring in the resolution, ed State, and making them an object of the vulgar gaze, that the proposition for removing his remains had received seek to gratify men who never could be moved by a con- the sanction of the venerated widow of Washington. But sideration of his great example. what did that lady say? Let it be remembered that, in her letter in reply to the communication requesting her consent to the proposition contained in the resolution of 1799, she said that she sacrificed her own wishes to the wishes of the representatives of the people. It had been said that a victorious army might again have a brief possession of our sacred soil; that the visit of an infuriate enemy might once more take place. God forbid that such should ever take place; but even in the recurrence of such an event, which none could predict and none apprehend, the place where the remains of Washington lay in silent repose was sacred: for never could there be found a spirit of vandalism so barbarous as to profane that hallowed spot. Mr. COKE, of Va., said it had not been his intention to trouble the House with any remarks upon the subject, because he was averse to a protracted debate on a question where the vote, he had thought, should be both immediate and unanimous. His feelings, however, had controlled that intention, for he could not reconcile to himself silence on such an occasion. He begged the House to pause in the matter, and reflect upon the operation of the resolution upon the feelings of Virginia, before it came to a determination to remove the mortal remains of Washington from the last home which those remains had found in the soil of that State. He would beg them, in language of the most earnest supplication, not to give their sanction to the proposition. For his own part, he Mr. DEARBORN, of Massachusetts, said he had been could scarcely give utterance to his feelings in regard to gratified by the patriotic opposition of several of the memit. He felt as if he, as a Virginian, and the State of which bers from Virginia to this proposition; he was not surhe was a native, were on the verge of losing something in prised at their reluctance to part with the remains of their comparison with which all the riches of the world would, departed hero. But whatever claim might be asserted by in his and her estimation, weigh but as dust in the balance, the State of Virginia, it was certain that the United States and he begged them, under the influence of such a feel- owed a debt of gratitude paramount to that of Virginia. ing, whilst the sad decree was yet unexecuted, to refrain Those who were not citizens of Virginia, wished the interfrom depriving them of that which was beyond all price. ment of those remains in common ground, which equally The proposition contained in the resolution was to remove belongs to the whole United States. We did no wrong to the ashes of George Washington. That illustrious man Virginia in discharging this duty which had been too long was a native of Virginia; his life and his services had been postponed. History shows us no nation that has not been devoted to the common cause of his country; to those ser- ambitious to commemorate the great deeds of their illus vices, and to that life, his whole career showed that the trious citizens. There is no security that Mount Vernon country was welcome; but he [Mr. C.] implored them in will remain the property of the present family. Such is the name of God not to deprive the land which had given the state of our laws, that it may be sold at auction, and him birth, and which was justly proud of his virtue and those sacred remains may be purchased by a foreigner. renown, of the last consolation of being the depository of He wished something done that might effectually guard his bones. He begged the House to make allowance for against such events. He wished those remains might be the feelings of Virginia in this matter. There were at the placed under the protection of the whole nation. So far present time, in the flag of the confederacy, the glittering from regarding this step as sacrilegious or unchristian, as stars of twenty-four sovereign and independent States; it had been termed, he considered it one of the highest but the time might perhaps arrive, when, at some distant acts of christianity and virtue to commemorate the merits period, those stars should be dimmed of their original of departed worth. A monument was of no consequence brightness, and present to the view twenty-four fragments to Washington. He might have declined such an honor, of a great and powerful republic, warring the one with had he been consulted during his life. But does this conAt that lamentable time, then, he would ask, sideration absolve us from our duty? It was for ourselves should Virginia, in offering homage to the memory of the and our posterity that a permanent monument should be mighty dead, be forced to pay a pilgrimage to the remains erected--a point to which our children might be instructof her own son, through scenes of blood, shed perhaps ed to look up, and to emulate the virtue of the man in by kindred hands? But why should it be wished to strip whose honor it was established. Virginia of the last sad relics of him who stood pre-emi- Mr. E. EVERETT, of Massachusetts. I do not rise nent among the wise, the virtuous, the patriotic, and the to make a speech on this occasion; but to say a very few brave? Virginia did not desire the removal of his remains words, chiefly in reply to the gentleman from Virginia, from her own land. Already had preparations been made [Mr. McCox,] who opposes the passage of this resolution. to transfer his honored dust to Richmond. The vote of One of his objections was, that the resolution of 1799, the other. H. OF R.] Washington's Remains. [FEB. 13, 1832, proposing the removal of the remains of Washington to The gentleman from Virginia [Mr. McCor] asked, if the capitol, was one of the bad precedents set by the Con- we begin this way, where shall we end? Sir, I wish it gress of 1799. I was very sorry to hear such an allusion might even become more difficult to answer that question. from so respectable a source. The gentleman must have I wish it may even be hard to say, where shall we end forgotten that the resolution of 1799, instead of being one with these testimonials of respect paid to a worth like of the measures to which he alluded, as dividing the opi- that of Washington. Be it, sir, that we know not where nions of the country, and on which a majority of the we shall end. I know where we ought to begin, and that people dissented from the majority of that Congress, was is, with the man who was "first in war, first in peace, and a measure in which that Congress was unanimous. In a first in the hearts of his countrymen." Sir, I will begin time of as great political excitement as probably ever ex- with him. If, hereafter, another shall arise, who will live isted, when the parties in Congress and in the country like Washington, when he dies, let him be laid by his were exasperated against each other, to a degree never side. surpassed, if ever equalled, every member of that Con- Mr. THOMPSON, of Georgia, said that he had to pergress gave his vote for that resolution; and it was proba- form what he was apprehensive would by some be consibly the only subject, in the wide compass of human dered an ungracious task; for, like the gentleman from feeling and action, on which that Congress could have Virginia, [Mr. McCoy,] who first addressed the House, voted as one man. And yet the gentleman classes a reso- he, too, was unfortunate enough to be a member of the lution, thus passed, and for the purpose of doing honor committee who reported the resolution now under consito the memory of Washington, with those measures of a deration. Unfortunate, he said, because, as he heretofore political character, which divided Congress and distracted had been, and now was opposed to the proposition conthe country. tained in this resolution, he ought, perhaps, to have asked But it is said we are going to violate the repose of the to be excused from serving on the committee when it was dead; to break into the sepulchre, and rifle it of its pre- announced. But, said he, the novelty of the proposition, cious deposite. Sir, do we do any such thing? Shall we as connected with the centennial anniversary of the birthnot go to that venerated tomb, with every possible warrant day of George Washington, was so imposing that it scarceboth of authority and delicacy? Was not the consent of ly admitted reflection. For such was the intensity of feelthe consort of the father of his country obtained, at a ing excited by the occasion, that, notwithstanding a dissent to moment when her feelings were bleeding under the re- the passage of the resolution was distinctly heard in some cent loss of the illustrious partner of her life? Fortified parts of the Hall, the impression was general that the vote with her consent, deliberately given, and at that moment, was unanimous, and I believe was so entered on the jourwho shall question the right or the propriety of the pro-nal. If feeling had given place to reflection, the propocedure? Violate the repose of the grave! Sir, we are sition would have met what it has met on former occasions discharging toward that sacred depository a most impera- somewhat similar, a decided opposition. I expressed my tive duty. If there is one darker spot in the history of dissent in the committee; but I there admitted, as I now this Union than another, it is that we have left so long un- frankly admit, that if it could be right, under any circumredeemed the solemn pledge which was given by the stances, to remove the remains of the illustrious deceased people of America, through their representatives here, in from their present deposite, I cannot conceive of an occathe first moments of bereavement. Violate the repose of sion more appropriate than the approaching anniversary the dead! Sir, we are going to pay a tribute of respect of his birth. During my service in this House, the proto the ashes of the father of his country, such as the his- position now under consideration has been frequently made, tory of the world cannot match with a parallel. If this and it has uniformly met determined opposition on fixed resolution is adopted, and on the 22d of February the re- and immutable principles. The opposition wanted not mains of our beloved hero and patriot shall be removed such an occasion as now approaches, to induce it to yield. from Mount Vernon to this capitol, it will be a transaction It was founded on principles quite different--consideraof a character of extraordinary solemnity, grandeur, and tions of higher and paramount character. I will state interest. Such a procession as will be formed to receive some of the reasons which have heretofore dictated oppothese sacred remains, the multitudes of old and young-sition to this proposition, and which will influence my vote the constituted authorities of the nation, the citizens of upon the subject. First, then, that great man in his lifethis District, and of the neighboring region, who shall time pointed to the spot intimately connected with the hisassemble to witness the awful spectacle of the remains of tory of his family and of his own glorious life, where he the father of his country, on their way to their resting desired his remains should be permitted to repose. place beneath the foundation of this capitol-all this, sir, will constitute a transaction unexampled in the history of the world for its effects on the minds and hearts of those who may take part in it, or witness it. This spot is Mount Vernon. I presume there is scarcely an individual within this Hall, or within the United States, at all conversant with passing events and political aspects, who does not feel compelled to look to the possibility of I agreed more with a gentleman from Virginia, [Mr. a severance of this Union. Indeed, some profess to think COKE,] who said he rose to co-operate with his colleague, that such an event is probable. God forbid. May this [Mr. GORDON,] than I did with that colleague, who com- Union be continued through all time! Remove the replained that we were going to break in upon the repose mains of our venerated Washington from their association of the grave. The gentleman [Mr. COKE] was willing to with the remains of his consort and his ancestors, from open the sacred portals of that grave, and remove its de- Mount Vernon and from his native State, and deposite posite, not indeed to this capitol, but to Richmond. Now, them in this capitol, and then let a severance of this sir, I cheerfully admit, that of the titles of Virginia to the Union occur, and behold! the remains of Washington on respect and consideration of her sister States, it is among a shore foreign to his native soil. Again, in the march the first, that she is the parent of our Washington. But of improvement, and the rapid progress of the increase let her not forget that, though Washington was by birth of population in the United States, it is probable that our a native of the colony of Virginia, he lived and died a settlements will not only extend to the Rocky Mountains, citizen of the United States of America; united more by but reach beyond, stretching down on the Pacific coast. his labors, counsels, and sacrifices, than those of any other But say that the foot of the Rocky Mountains will form individual. The sacred remains are, as the gentleman their western boundary-and we may reasonably suppose well said, a treasure beyond all price, but it is a treasure that this will happen at no distant period-then bring of which every part of this blood-cemented Union has a the great, the powerful West to act upon a proposition right to claim its share. to remove the site of the Federal Government, and who FEB. 13, 1832.] Washington's Remains. [H. OF R. that the family, so far from objecting to the removal, would regard it as a high compliment. can doubt that a location more central will be found and established on the banks of the Ohio? Shall the remains of our Washington be left amidst the ruins of this capitol, Mr. THOMPSON resumed. Sir, the gentleman's statesurrounded by the desolation of this city? But, sir, is ment still leaves an impression on my mind that there is no respect due to the rights and feelings of his native somewhere a condition, strongly implied, if not expressed, State? Has not Virginia a right to the possession of the that the remains of George Washington, in their removal, remains of her most distinguished son, which cannot be should be accompanied by the remains of Martha Washproperly divested without her consent? It is true that ington. But if in this I am mistaken, then my objections the fame of that illustrious individual belongs, not only to to the proposition now before us are very much strengthVirginia, but to the United States, and to the world; ened; for every feeling of my heart revolts at a proposibut Virginia's interest is more immediate, intimate, and tion to separate them. Would either of them, could direct, and his remains now lie entombed within her they be consulted, consent to the proposed separation? limits. Sir, after an appropriation has been made by his Who can consent to it? But why separate them? Why native State to erect a monument to his memory, shall disturb the repose of the tomb by a removal of those rethat State be forestalled by an act of this Government? mains to this capitol? Can any thing which man can do, Shall those grand moral associations exhibited in the his- add to the fame of George Washington? No, sir, he has tory of his glorious life and lamented death, be severed, reared for himself a monument more durable than brass. by tearing his remains from the spot where he desired The gentleman from Massachusetts told us that Mount they should repose, at his family seat, Mount Vernon, by Vernon may fall into unfeeling hands, or be disposed of the side of his ancestors, within the limits of his native under the auctioneer's hammer. I should deplore such Virginia? And do not these associations favor Mount an event; but may not this be obviated? I have long Vernon as the most appropriate repository of the remains been of opinion that the United States ought to purchase, of that great man? Sir, I appeal to my honorable col- and consecrate to the memory of Washington, the ground league, [Mr. WILDE, ] with whose nice discriminating pow-where his remains are deposited. It would be an act worers of mind, and warm and generous feelings, I am well thy the magnanimity of the United States. There let his acquainted, and ask him, if, even as a stranger or fo- remains repose, as associated by his history, and the hisreigner, who had read the history of the life of George tory of our country, with his beloved Virginia--Mount Washington, and had therefore felt an interest in his fame, Vernon, his family seat--by the side of his ancestors. Sir, he should be permitted, some centuries hence, to return in veneration of the name, and respect for the character to this imperfect state of being, and visit Mount Vernon, and fame of George Washington, I yield to none. I would would he not be disappointed, were he not to find the re- therefore maintain those grand moral associations which mains of Washington associated with that spot? Must not form, in the history of the illustrious deceased, and of our only those grand moral associations be severed, but shall country, a feature so interesting. the remains of the husband be torn from the side of the Mr. DODDRIDGE observed that the statement repeatremains of his wife? Every generous feeling of the hearted by several of his colleagues, that Virginia did not desire revolts at the idea. Sir, were the illustrious dead permit- the proposed removal, induced him to say that though ted to participate in human concerns, what would the such an assertion might comport with their own obsergreat Washington, what would Mrs. Washington say to vations, they were not entitled to speak for all Virginia. this proposition? Could he now press back the curtain Mr. D. for one desired that the resolution might be which veils him from our sight, and stand confessed be-adopted. fore us in all the majesty of his noble mind and person, He represented one of the largest districts in that State, would he, think you, assent to the proposition now under and he believed that in this matter he spoke the opinion consideration? Sir, it is impossible that any can believe of every man in his district. He had been a member of that he would. And is nothing due to this consideration? the House of Delegates in Virginia at the period referred Yes, surely, much is due to it. The second gentleman to, and had a perfect recollection of what passed both in from Virginia, [Mr. MERCER,] who addressed the House doors and out on that occasion, and of his own reasons for upon this subject, alluded to the assent of Mrs. Washing- having been in favor of the resolution then moved by his ton to a transfer of the remains of her deceased husband colleague, [Mr. MERCER.] from Mount Vernon to this capitol. Will he tell me on what condition she gave her consent? If, as the gentleman alleges, her consent was unqualified, will he allow me to enlarge the inquiry? I find I am forgetful; but I have an impression that I have seen, in some document connected with this subject, a condition distinctly expressed, or strongly implied, that the remains of those illustrious individuals should not be separated. I know that the family relatives were consulted, and that there were difficulties in acquiring their consent. Perhaps the gentleman from Virginia can refresh my memory. It had been felt by many members of the Virginia Lẹgislature, by himself among the rest, that many Congresses had passed in inglorious debate, while the pledge once given remained still unredeemed, and he felt entirely satisfied that the resolution for removing the remains to Richmond would never have passed the Assembly of Virginia, but for the loss of all hope that Congress would ever act in the matter. Mr. D. said that he had looked for the refusal of Judge Washington, but not that it would have been placed on the ground of a particular interpretation of the will of Mr. MERCER said he rose from the expression of the the deceased. He could not concur in such a view of it, wish of the gentleman for information, and would suggest but thought that entertained by Mrs. Washington was more that he had probably confounded the acts of the Legisla- correct. The article referred to merely prescribed a ture of Virginia in 1815 or '16, with the letter of Mrs. duty to his executors. The testator could not possibly Washington. He [Mr. M.] well recollected writing the have foreseen the resolution of 1799, nor the refusal of resolution on the subject, which was at that time submit- his relative in 1816, nor the effort now making in Conted to the House of Delegates. On sending the resolution gress, and therefore could not put his own call in hostility to the Senate, it was amended by adding Mrs. Washington, to that of his common country. It would have been indeto which amendment the House assented. At that time corous to make such a request during his lifetime. It Judge Washington withheld his assent to the removal, as could only take place after his death. Application was had been already stated. During the last Congress a gen- then made to his nearest and dearest surviving relative, tleman from Maryland wrote to John Washington, now and his widow, in complying with the request, supposed the proprietor of Mount Vernon, on the subject of remov- that she yielded but that assent which her husband would ing the remains of the General to this city, who replied himself have done could he have acted in the case. Mr. H. OF R.] Washington's Remains. [FEB. 13, 1832. D. asked if it could be believed that, in reference to so are paid to the memory of my dear deceased husband; and, humble a request, Washington would have countervailed as his best services and most anxious wishes were always the wishes of his country. It could not by any who knew devoted to the welfare and happiness of his country, to him. The resolution in the Legislature of Virginia had know that they were truly appreciated and gratefully rebeen occasioned, as he had stated, by despair as to any membered, affords no inconsiderable consolation. thing being done by Congress, and partly in a spirit of resentment at the neglect which had been suffered. There was nothing in the argument from the will; and as to the gloomy anticipation that this spot was to become the frontier of two hostile countries, those who thought more seriously of such a danger than he did, were at liberty to speculate for themselves. He should act for the present time. Mr. WICKLIFFE, of Kentucky, said that, before he proceeded to submit the very few remarks which it was his purpose, and he thought his duty, to make, he would ask the indulgence of the House to permit the Clerk to read the resolutions of Congress of 1799, which it was the object of the resolution to carry into effect, the letter of the President of the United States, and the answer of Mrs. Washington, yielding her assent to the wishes of Congress on this subject. I ask this, said Mr. W., not because I have not been familiar with them myself, but possibly there may be those in this House, certainly many in this nation, who have not seen or read that portion of our legislative history, and may not, therefore, duly appreciate the obligation of this Government, which it was the purpose of the resolution to discharge. The Clerk read the resolutions as follows: "Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That a marble monument be erected by the United States, in the capitol, at the city of Washington; and that the family of General Washington be requested to permit his body to be deposited under it; and that the monument be so designed as to commemorate the great events of his military and political life. "Taught by that great example which I have so long had before me, never to oppose my private wishes to the public will, I must consent to the request made by Congress, which you have had the goodness to transmit to me; and, in doing this, I need not, I cannot, say what a sacrifice of individual feeling I make to a sense of public duty. "With grateful acknowledgments, and unfeigned thanks for the personal respect and evidences of condolence expressed by Congress and yourself, I remain, very respectfully, sir, your most obedient, humble servant, "MARTHA WASHINGTON." Mr. Speaker, under the order of this House, a committee of a member from each State was directed to make the arrangements necessary for the celebration of the approaching anniversary of the birth of General Washington. The first time, in the history of this Government, that order has been taken by Congress to celebrate this or any other day. The resolution had passed without opposition or objection, clearly indicating the undivided opinion of members that it was suitable and proper Congress should pay some respect to the one hundredth anniversary of that man whose life filled his country with so many blessings, and who had given joy to the grateful hearts of millions of freemen, and whose death had clothed a nation in mourning. What was the celebration desired by this House? Did gentlemen suppose it would have been becoming in the committee to recommend a national festival," at public expense? No such measure has engaged the attention of the committee. The report upon your table, sir, has informed you that "And be it further resolved, That the President of the the committee united upon the propriety of having deUnited States be requested to direct a copy of these reso-livered on the occasion an oration by the man who seemed lutions to be transmitted to Mrs. Washington, assuring to be the only one living at this day to whom we were her of the profound respect Congress will ever bear to willing to consign the character of General Washington her person and character; of their condolence on the late for such a purpose. That measure having failed of sucafflicting dispensation of Providence; and entreating her assent to the interment of the remains of General George Washington, in the manner expressed in the first resolution." "Gentlemen of the Senate, and cess, the committee next resolved to recommend the performance of divine service in the capitol on that day. This, however appropriate, did not, in my opinion, seem calculated to meet the expectations of the House, or equal those which might be created elsewhere by the joint Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: resolution of Congress, and the appointment of a representative from each State upon this committee. The duty "In compliance with the request in one of the resolu- which had been assigned that committee, I admit, refertions of Congress of the 21st of December last, I trans-red itself to the birth of General Washington. The cirmitted a copy of those resolutions by my Secretary, Mr. cumstances of his death, the loss which his country susShaw, to Mrs. Washington, assuring her of the profound tained thereby, and the recollection of witnessing in my respect Congress will ever bear to her person and charac-boyhood the deep gloom which pervaded the Western ter; of their condolence in the late afflicting dispensation wilds, and the sadness which reigned in every hamlet of Providence; and entreating her assent to the inter- upon its annunciation, called to my mind the resolution by ment of the remains of General George Washington, in which our country proposed to do itself so much honor. the manner expressed in the first resolution. As the sentiments of that virtuous lady, not less beloved by this na- to do what our predecessors had promised, by a solemn act I thought the present a fit occasion, suitable, in every way, tion, than she is at present greatly afflicted, can never be of legislation, to do, and which, I admit, ought to have so well expressed as in her own words, I transmit to Con- been done long since. gress her original letter. "It would be an attempt of too much delicacy to make the execution of the resolution of 1799 by any vote. I I was unable to find that Congress had ever refused any comments upon it; but there can be no doubt that the could not learn that the assent of Mrs. Washington to the nation at large, as well as all the branches of the Govern-wishes of her country, expressed in terms which did her ment, will be highly gratified by any arrangement which may diminish the sacrifice she makes of her individual so much honor, had ever been withdrawn by her or by feelings. any member of the family. Under these circumstances, Mr. Speaker, I had the temerity to introduce this subject to the notice of the committee, which, I was pleased to find, met its approbation. The committee now rightfully assume all the responsibility incident to the measure proposed. And, for one, I am willing to meet it here and before the people. "JOHN ADAMS. "UNITED STATES, January 6, 1800." "MOUNT VERNON, December 31, 1799. "Sir: While I feel, with keenest anguish, the late dispensation of Divine Providence, I cannot be insensible to the mournful tributes of respect and veneration which |