ial conversations, the single objects
of discussion and consideration were your freedom and happiness. You
well remember the state of things which again called forth Washington
from his retreat to lead your armies. You know that he asked for
Hamilton to be his second in command. That venerable sage knew well the
dangerous incidents of a military profession, and he felt the hand of
time pinching life at its source. It was probable that he would soon be
removed from the scene, and that his second would succeed to the
command. He knew by experience the importance of that place--and he
thought the sword of America might safely be confided to the hand which
now lies cold in that coffin. Oh! my fellow citizens, remember this
solemn testimonial that he was not ambitious. Yet he was charged with
ambition, and, wounded by the imputation, when he laid down his command
he declared in the proud independence of his soul, that he never would
accept any office, unless in a foreign war he should be called on to
expose his life in defense of his country. This determination was
immovable. It was his fault that his opinions and his resolutions could
not be changed. Knowing his own firm purpose, he was indignant at the
charge that he sought for place or power. He was ambitious only for
glory, but he was deeply solicitous for you. For himself he feared
nothing; but he feared that bad men might, by false professions, acquire
your confidence, and abuse it to your ruin.

Brethren of the Cincinnati--there lies our chief! Let him still be our
model. Like him, after long and faithful public services, let us
cheerfully perform the social duties of private life. Oh! he was mild
and gentle. In him there was no offense; no guile. His generous hand and
heart were open to all.

Gentlemen of the bar--you have lost your brightest ornament. Cherish and
imitate his example. While, like him, with justifiable and laudable
zeal, you pursue the interests of your clients, remember, like him, the
eternal principle of justice.

Fellow citizens--you have long witnessed his professional conduct, and
felt his unrivaled eloquence. You know how well he performed the duties
of a citizen--you know that he never courted your favor by adulation or
the sacrifice of his own judgment. You have seen him contending against
you, and saving your dearest interests, as it were, in spite of
yourselves. And you now feel and enjoy the benefits resulting from the
firm energy of his