hem, to denote wisdom.
Facing the throne, appears the helmet of Minerva; and over the windows,
glory is represented by St. George with a superb gloria.

"But the saloon may be styled the _chef-d'oeuvre_, and in every ornament
discovers great invention. It is hung with a figured lemon satin. The
window-curtains, sofas, and chairs are of the same colour. The ceiling is
ornamented with emblematical paintings, representing the Graces and Muses,
together with Jupiter, Mercury, Apollo, and Paris. Two ormolu chandeliers
are placed here. It is impossible by expression to do justice to the
extraordinary workmanship, as well as design, of the ornaments. They each
consist of a palm, branching out in five directions for the reception of
lights. A beautiful figure of a rural nymph is represented entwining the
stems of the tree with wreaths of flowers. In the centre of the room is a
rich chandelier. To see this apartment _dans son plus beau jour_, it
should be viewed in the glass over the chimney-piece. The range of
apartments from the saloon to the ballroom, when the doors are open,
formed one of the grandest spectacles that ever was beheld."

In the _Gentleman's Magazine_, for the very same month and year--March,
1784--is an account of another festival, in which another great gentleman
of English extraction is represented as taking a principal share:--

"According to order, H.E. the Commander-in-Chief was admitted to a public
audience of Congress; and, being seated, the president, after a pause,
informed him that the United States assembled were ready to receive his
communications. Whereupon he arose, and spoke as follows:--

" 'Mr. President,--The great events on which my resignation depended having
at length taken place, I present myself before Congress to surrender into
their hands the trust committed to me, and to claim the indulgence of
retiring from the service of my country.

" 'Happy in the confirmation of our independence and sovereignty, I resign
the appointment I accepted with diffidence; which, however, was superseded
by a confidence in the rectitude of our cause, the support of the supreme
power of the nation, and the patronage of Heaven. I close this last act of
my official life, by commending the interests of our dearest country to
the protection of Almighty God, and those who have the superintendence of
them to His holy keeping. Having finished the work assigned me, I retire
from the great theatre of action; and,