id,
"There is but one straight course and that is to seek truth and pursue
it steadily." His only wish was to "lead the country to respectability,
wealth and happiness." He paid no attention to his own comfort or
desire. Though often misunderstood and ridiculed by men who did not
agree with him, he never failed to do what he thought was right. His
wisdom and justice were so great that, in all these years, the wisest
men have found little in the actions of Washington they would change.
Jefferson said of him that no motive of interest or friendship or hatred
could influence him; "he was in every sense of the word a wise, a good
and a great man."

At the close of his second term, 1797, Washington insisted upon
retiring, and he counted the days until he might lay aside the cares of
office and seek his rest. He sent his Farewell Address to Congress, and
it has been said that nothing finer has ever been written than his last
great message to his countrymen.

On the 4th of March, 1797, John Adams was inaugurated as the second
President of the United States. But the thought and love of the great
assembly at the inaugural ceremony were turned toward Washington, the
white-haired soldier who had led the country through war to prosperous
peace. The people followed him to his door, where, with tears in his
eyes, the "Father of his Country" waved farewell to them and to all
beloved citizens of the nation.

In a few days, Washington was at home again upon his farm. He spent his
time riding over his plantations, looking after his crops and horses and
cattle. Often he took out his surveying instruments and spent a day
laying out his land, or he planted trees and vines about his house and
lawns. To the country folks, he was a beloved neighbor and friend.
Visitors came frequently to his home, while Nelly and George and their
young friends kept the place lively. Under the care of her Grandmother,
Nelly had grown into a beautiful and well educated young lady. Her wit
and sweetness of temper were a great joy to Washington, who loved her
dearly. She had many suitors, but delighted Washington by choosing his
favorite nephew, Lawrence Lewis, for her husband. They were married on
Washington's birthday and the General wore his old Continental uniform
of buff and blue, though he had a new and finely embroidered one that
Nelly wanted him to put on.

The quiet life of Mount Vernon was broken before long. The new President
got into such trouble