The writings of George Washington; being his correspondence, addresses, messages, and other papers, official and private, selected and published from the original manuscripts; with a life of the author, notes and illustrations. By Jared Sparks.

566 PROCEEDINGS OF CONGRESS. [APPENDIX.
Among all our original associates in that memorable league of
this continent, in 1774, which first expressed the sovereign will
of a free nation in America, he was the only one remaining in
the general government. Although with a constitution more enfeebled than his, at an age when he thought:'it necessary to prepare for retirement, I feel myself alone, bereaved of my last brother,
yet I derive a strong consolation from the unanimous disposition
which appears in all ages and classes, to mingle their sorrows
with mine, on this common calamity to the world.
The life of our Washington cannot suffer by a comparison with
those of other countries, who have been most celebrated and exalted by fame. The attributes and decorations of royalty could
only have served to eclipse the majesty of those virtues which
made him, from being a modest citizen, a more resplendent luminary. Misfortune, had he lived, could hereafter have sullied
his glory only with those superficial minds, who, believing that
character and actions are marked by success alone, rarely deserve
to enjoy it. Malice could never blast his honor, and envy made
him a singular exception to her universal rule. For himself, he
had lived long enough to life and to glory; for his fellow-citizens,
if their prayers could have been answered, he would have been
immortal; for me, his departure is at a most unfortunate moment.
Trusting, however, in the wise and righteous dominion of Providence over the passions of men and the results of their actions,
as well as over their lives, nothing remains for me but humble
resignation.
His example is now complete; and it will teach wisdom and
virtue to magistrates, citizens, and men, not only in the present
age, but in future generations, as long as our history shall be
read. If a Trajan found a Pliny, a Marcus Aurelius can never
want biographers, eulogists, or historians.
JOHN ADAMS.
JOINT RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY BOTH HOUSES OF CONGRESS.
December 23d. 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 at the
Capitol of 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.