GENERAL WASHINGTON. 107 
and the audience lasted till three in the after¬ 
noon. The society of the Cincinnati, the 
clergy, the officers of the militia, and several 
others, who formed a distinct body of citizens, 
came by themselves separately. The foreign 
ministers attended in their richest dresses and 
most splendid equipages. Two large parlours 
were open for the reception of the gentlemen, 
the windows of one of which towards the street 
were crowded with spectators on the outside. 
The sideboard was furnished with cake and 
wines, whereof the visitors partook. I never 
observed so much cheerfulness before in the 
countenance of General Washington * but it 
was impossible for him to remain insensible to 
the attention and the compliments paid to him 
on this occasion. 
The ladies of the city, equally attentive, paid 
their respects to Mrs. Washington, who receiv¬ 
ed them in the drawing room up stairs. After 
having visited the General, most of the gentle¬ 
men also waited upon her. A public ball and 
supper terminated the rejoicings of the day. 
- , ■ • ■ , , / 
General Washington’s self-moderation is well known to 
the world already. It is a remarkable circumstance, which 
redounds to his eternal honour, that while president of the 
United States he never appointed one of his own relations to 
any office of trust or emolument, although he has several 
that are men of abilities, and well qualified to fill the most 
important stations in the government. 
