and the perfect system with which it was hived and stored for seasonable use. Languages, metaphysics, philosophy, the nature of essence and of matter, mechanical art, with many more incidental subjects, were all handled by him with the same ease and familiarity that Euclid would demonstrate two halves to be equal to the whole. During the discussion, I remember that Mr. Adams, with singular frankness, declared that he had never admired the Venus de Medici. He gave the preference to Painting over Sculpture, as being a higher art, and requiring a greater variety of knowledge and talent in its exercise.

Mr. Adams was inaugurated President of the United States 1825-Mr. Calhoun being elected Vice-President.

During his Administration, Treaties were made with the Kansas, and Great and Little Osages, and, after some difficulty, with the Creeks; by which these Indian Tribes withdrew into the Territory west of the Mississippi. Internal Improvements proceeded with great vigour; manufactures flourished; nearly eight millions of dollars, the surplus of the revenue, were applied to the

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reduction of the public debt, and three millions and a half to the payment of interest. arrangements for the better adminstration of the departments of the Government were entered into; new Treaties of Amity, Commerce, and Navigation, were made with Foreign Nations; and during the whole term the United States enjoyed uninterrupted peace with all the world.

Mr. Buchanan and Mr. Adams are next door neighbours to each other in Washington, and are excellent friends. At a ball given by Mr. Adams, Mr. Buchanan conducted me to pay respects to the Venerable Host. The Secretary, with all the gentle, kindly courtesy which marks his manner, offered his cordial wishes; and added, that he had given directions to be summoned to the House of Representatives, the moment Mr. Adams should begin his promised speech on Oregon. He was accordingly present.

Of this ball I have some delightful memories of my own to record; for it was there, and not five minutes after my entrance, that the idea of the present work originated.

Mrs. Governeur (this lady is the grand daughter

of President Monroe) reproached me playfully for having omitted to call upon her. I replied, “that "I spent all day, and every day, at the Capitol,

hearing and seeing the distinguished men assem"bled there."

"And then," said she laughing, "you will go. "home to England and write a book, and abuse "them, and all the rest of the Americans."

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'Never," said Buchanan, on whose arm I leaned,

never;

I answer for her. If she puts pen to

paper it will be to do us justice."

It was then my turn to speak, and to accept this generous challenge.

"And to show," I quickly added, “that an Englishwoman has the sense to appreciate your "virtues, to admire your greatness, and to return "with gratitude your affection,-permit me to offer "to you, Mr. Buchanan, the dedication of such a "book?"

"Beautifully said," returned the Secretary, "and "I accept it with the greatest pleasure as a proof "of your regard; but what will become of your "dear friends, Calhoun and Ingersoll?"

"Mr. Buchanan," I replied, "the Secretary of

"State is the representative of the Americans in "Foreign Nations, and, therefore, my Guardian "and my Friend will both approve my choice."

This was the first time that the actual conviction ever suggested itself to my mind that I should write a book, and during the rest of the evening I was somewhat startled; I have never yet been before the Public; I have no notes, and trust to my memory alone. If this Work have any merit, it belongs to the origin and the subject; its faults are, doubtless, many and great; but its preparation has been to me a labour of love, and I offer it to Mr. Buchanan, in the name of the American people, as a tribute of affection and of gratitude for all the happiness, friendship, and hospitality which they bestowed on me.

INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. MARCH 4, 1825.

In compliance with a usage coeval with the existence of our federal constitution, and sanctioned by the example of my predecessors in the career

upon which I am about to enter, I appear, my fellow citizens, in your presence, and in that of Heaven, to bind myself, by the solemnities of a religious obligation, to the faithful performance of the duties allotted to me in the station to which I have been called.

In unfolding to my countrymen the principles by which I shall be governed in the fulfilment of those duties, my first resort will be to that constitution which I shall swear, to the best of my ability, to preserve, protect, and defend. That revered instrument enumerates the powers and prescribes the duties of the executive magistrate; and, in its first words, declares the purposes to which these, and the whole action of the government instituted by it, should be invariably and sacredly devoted-to form a more perfect Union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquillity, provide for the common defence, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to the people of this Union in their successive generations. Since the adoption of this social compact one of these generations has passed away. It is the work of our forefathers. Administered by some of the

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