A considerable period was then occupied in conversing with various individuals, while refreshments were presented to the company.  The moment of departure at length arrived; and having once more pressed the hand of Mr. Adams, he entered the barouche, accompanied by the Secretaries of State, of the Treasury, and of the Navy, and passed from the capital of the Union.  An immense procession accompanied him to the banks of the Potomac, where the steamboat Mount Vernon awaited to convey him down the river to the frigate Brandywine.  The whole scene—­the peals of artillery, the sounds of numerous military bands, the presence of the vast concourse of people, and the occasion that assembled them, produced emotions not easily described, but which every American heart can readily conceive.  As the steamboat moved off, the deepest silence was observed by the whole multitude that lined the shore.  The feelings that pervaded them was that of children bidding farewell to a venerated parent.

When the boat came opposite the tomb of Washington, at Mount Vernon, it paused in its progress.  La Fayette arose.  The wonders which he had performed, for a man of his age, in successfully accomplishing labors enough to have tested his meridian vigor, whose animation rather resembled the spring than the winter of life, now seemed unequal to the task he was about to perform—­to take a last look at “The tomb of Washington!” He advanced to the effort.  A silence the most impressive reigned around, till the strains of sweet and plaintive music completed the grandeur and sacred solemnity of the scene.  All hearts beat in unison with the throbbings of the veteran’s bosom, as he looked, for the last time, on the sepulchre which contained the ashes of the first of men!  He spoke not, but appeared absorbed in the mighty recollections which the place and the occasion inspired.

After this scene, the boat resumed its course, and the next morning anchored in safety near the Brandywine.  Here La Fayette took leave of the Secretaries of State, the Treasury, and the Navy, and the guests who had accompanied him from Washington, together with many military and naval officers and eminent citizens who had assembled in various crafts near the frigate to bid him farewell.  The weather had been boisterous and rainy, but just as the affecting scene had closed, the sun burst forth to cheer a spectacle which will long be remembered, and formed a magnificent arch, reaching from shore to shore—­the barque which was to bear the venerable chief being immediately in the centre.  Propitious omen!  Heaven smiles on the good deeds of men!  And if ever there was a sublime and virtuous action to be blessed by heaven and admired by men, it is when a free and grateful people unite to do honor to their friend and benefactor![Footnote:  National Intelligencer.]

CHAPTER IX.

JOHN ADAMS AND THOMAS JEFFERSON—­THEIR CORRESPONDENCE—­THEIR DEATH—­MR. WEBSTER’S EULOGY—­JOHN Q. ADAMS VISITS QUINCY—­HIS SPEECH AT THE PUBLIC SCHOOL DINNER IN FANEUIL HALL.