CHAPTER XX.

Visit of Washington and Lafayette to the Legislature of VirginiaAddresses to them, and their Replies - Washington takes a deep Interest in the Improvement of the navigable Rivers of Virginia, to command the Trade of the West-His able Letter to Governor Harrison on the Subject laid before the Legislature — Leading and active Part taken by Mr. Madison in Coöperation with him -Washington appointed by the Legislature of Virginia a Commissioner to concert with the Legislature of Maryland the Provisions of a joint Act for improving and extending the Navigation of the Potomac - Repairs to Annapolis - Remarkable Letter addressed by him to Mr. Madison in Explanation of the Proceedings and Results of his Mission - Mr. Madison introduces Measures to carry into full Effect the Arrangements agreed upon at Annapolis Other Measures brought forward by Mr. Madison to complete the System of Interior Communications for the State Improvement of James River- Communication between Elizabeth River and Albemarle Sound - Reflections of Mr. Madison upon the vast Importance and future Consequences of these Public Works Homage rendered by him to Washington's Greatness of Mind in so earnestly engaging in them-Brings in a Bill to confer upon him, in the Name of the State, a number of Shares in the Works authorized Adjournment of the Legislature — Agitation among the People on the Assessment Bill for Support of Religious Teachers - Deep Interest felt by Mr. Madison in the Progress of the Question His Letters to Mr. Monroe on the Sub

ject

Prepares "Memorial and Remonstrance" against the Assessment, to be circulated among the People - Memorial covered with Signatures in every Part of the State-It decides forever the Fate of the Proposition before the Legislature - Extraordinary Merits of the Paper - A Monument in itself of the Genius, Ability, and Love of Liberty of the Author.

THE proceedings of the legislature, during its present session, were agreeably diversified by a visit from General Washington and his friend and companion in arms, the gallant Lafayette. Washington arrived on the 14th of November, 1784, a few days before Lafayette. On the 15th, the House of Delegates adopted the following resolution, which bears evident traces of Mr. Madison's pen:

"The House being informed of the arrival of General Washington in this city,

"Resolved, nemine contradicente, That, as a mark of their reverence for his character and affection to his person, a committee of five be appointed to wait upon him, with the respectful regards of this House, to express to him the satisfaction they feel in the opportunity, afforded by his presence, of offering this tribute to his merits; and to assure him, that, as they not only retain the most lasting impressions of the transcendent services rendered in his late public character, but have, since his return to private life, experienced proofs that no change of situation can turn his thoughts from the welfare of his country, so his happiness can never cease to be an

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object of their most devout wishes and fervent supplications."

The committee appointed to perform this grateful duty consisted of Mr. Henry, Mr. Jones of King George, Mr. Madison, Mr. Carter Henry Harrison, and Colonel Edward Carrington. General Washington replied to the committee with blended dignity and modesty, and with that tact and gracefulness of expression, inspired by true feeling, which so remarkably distinguished his addresses on such occasions.

"My sensibility, gentlemen," he said, "is deeply affected by this distinguished mark of the affectionate regard of your House. I lament, upon this occasion, the want of those powers which would enable me to do justice to my feelings, and shall rely on your indulgent report to supply the defect. At the same time, I pray you to present for me the strongest assurances of unalterable affection and gratitude for this last pleasing and flattering attention of my country."

Lafayette arrived on the 18th of the month; and a committee, of which Mr. Madison was again named a member, was appointed to welcome him with the affectionate respects of the House of Delegates. The resolution adopted on the occasion contained an appropriate and wellmerited tribute to the able military conduct of the youthful General during his command in Virginia, in the memorable campaign of 1781. The committee was instructed to assure him

"that the General Assembly of Virginia could not review the scenes of blood and danger through which we have arrived at the blessings of peace, without being touched in the most lively manner with the recollection, not only of the invaluable services for which the United States at large are so much indebted to him, but of that conspicuous display of cool intrepidity and wise conduct during his command in the campaign of 1781, which, by having so essentially served this State in particular, have given him so just a title to its particular acknowledg

ments."

In his reply, the Marquis made the following handsome and feeling allusions to his service in Virginia, to the recollections which bound him affectionately to the State, and to his personal observation of her fidelity and exertions in the

common cause.

66

Through the continent, gentlemen," he said, "it is most pleasing to me to join with my friends in mutual congratulations; and I need not add what my sentiments must be in Virginia, where, step by step, have I so keenly felt for her distress, so eagerly enjoyed her recovery. Our armed force was obliged to retreat; but your patriotic hearts stood unshaken. And while, either at that period or in our better hours, my obligations to you are numberless, I am happy in this opportunity to observe that the excellent services of your militia were continued with un

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paralleled steadiness. Impressed with the necessity of federal union, I was the more pleased in the command of an army so peculiarly federal, as Virginia herself freely bled in defence of her sister States."

The visit of these illustrious guests at the capital of Virginia continued for a week, and was a rich feast of patriotism to all, while it lasted. On the part of Washington, besides the lively gratification of renewing his personal intercourse with friends from whom he had been long separated by the stern demands of public duty, the visit had a further motive in his desire to promote with the legislature some plan for connecting the Eastern and Western waters through Virginia, for the purpose of securing to her the share which nature designed for her in the vast future commerce of the West. This great interest, immediately after the close of the war, engaged at the same moment the meditations of Washington, Jefferson, and Madison, and had been the subject of correspondence and mutual consultation between them.1

A few days before the commencement of the present session of the legislature, General Wash

1 See manuscript letter of Mr. Jefferson to Mr. Madison of the 20th of February, 1784,-letters of Mr. Madison to Mr. Jefferson of the 16th of March and 25th of April, 1784,— letter of Mr. Jefferson to General Washington of the 15th of March, 1784, (extract in

Marshall's Life of Washington, vol. II. p. 66,) — letter of General Washington to Mr. Jefferson of the 28th of March, 1784, (Sparks's Washington, vol. IX. p. 30,) — and correspondence between General Washington and Mr. Madison in November and December, 1784.