“Philadelphia, 5th March, 1797. 
“My Dearest Friend,

“Your dearest friend never had a more trying day than yesterday.[Footnote:  The day of his inauguration as President.] A solemn scene it was indeed; and it was made more affecting to me by the presence of the General, [Washington,] whose countenance was as serene and unclouded as the day.  He seemed to me to enjoy a triumph over me.  Methought I heard him say, ’Ay!  I am fairly out, and you fairly in!  See which of us will be happiest.’  When the ceremony was over, he came and made me a visit, and cordially congratulated me, and wished my administration might be happy, successful, and honorable.

“It is now settled that I am to go into his house.  It is whispered that he intends to take French leave to-morrow.  I shall write you as fast as we proceed.  My chariot is finished, and I made my first appearance in it yesterday.  It is simple, but elegant enough.  My horses are young, but clever.

“In the chamber of the House of Representatives, was a multitude as great as the space could contain, and I believe scarcely a dry eye but Washington’s.  The sight of the sun setting full orbed, and another rising, though less splendid, was a novelty.  Chief Justice Ellsworth administered the oath, and with great energy.  Judges Cushing, Wilson, and Iredell, were present.  Many ladies.  I had not slept well the night before, and did not sleep well the night after.  I was unwell, and did not know whether I should get through or not.  I did, however.  How the business was received, I know not; only I have been told that Mason, the treaty publisher, said we should lose nothing by the change, for he never heard such a speech in public in his life.

“All agree that, taken altogether, it was the sublimest thing ever exhibited in America.

“I am, my dearest friend, most affectionately and kindly yours,
          
                                        “John Adams.”

On entering upon the duties of the Presidency, John Adams was greatly embarrassed in regard to the line he should adopt toward his son.  True, the younger Adams had been entrusted by Washington with an important embassy abroad, and had acquitted himself with great credit in his responsible station; but the father, with a delicacy highly honorable, hesitated continuing him in office, lest he might be charged with unworthy favoritism, and a disposition to promote the interest of his family at the expense of public good.  In this exigency, not daring to trust his own judgment, lest its decisions might be warped by parental solicitude, he resorted to the wisdom and experience of Washington.  Writing him for advice on this subject, he received the following reply:—­

“Monday, Feb. 20, 1797. 
“Dear Sir,