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"Though habitually grave and thoughtful" - says Irving he was of a social disposition, & loved cheerful company; hearty laughter, however, was rare with him" -- "His general habit was a calm seriousnessm easily softening into a benevolent smile." and I may add, that this smile was permanently marked by what are called Crowfeet wrinkles spreading from the corners of his eyes - which are recorded in the best of his Portraits. Notwithstanding our reverence for the habitual dignity & Sedateness of Washington, which suited the rank he held among those who moved around him, who were influenced by his example &obedient to his authority - yet it is satisfactory & profitable to know that, like other men, he was susceptible of strong emotions, which he subdued, making them subservient to his higher aspirations.. That he could give expression to his anger, was heard at the Battle of Monmouth, and at the siege of Yorktown; that he could be pleasant and familiar, as at West-point, we learn from Wm. Rush; that he indulged in humour we know from Latrobe; and I can bear testimony that he laughed hearttly whilst he sat to me for his Portraits.

The autographs of distinguished persons are procured as interesting Relics, and often regarded as evidences of character, In this respect the handwriting of Washington, amid the turmoil of War, the cares of Government, as well as the calm of private life, is remarkable for its uniformity - always clear, Steady, bold and free.

Compare, or rather contrast, the tranquil grandeur of Washington's autograph with the impatient scrawl of the restless Napoleon, of whom Lord Byron thus speaks,

"A single step into the right, had made
This man the Washington of world's betrayed;
A sincle step into the wrong has given
His name a doubt to all the winds of Heaven;
While Washington's a watchword, such as He'en
Shall die while there's an Echo left to hear."

In accordance with Byron's sentiment, an anecdote was told me by the celebrated Delametrie, whilst Bonaparte, then First Consul, with other members of the National Institute, was examining the Military Roads of France, Washington was named as a great General - "He was indeed a great General" - said Bonaparte. Suddenly he seemed plunged in a profound reverie, and Delametrie thought, now he is reflecting whether or not to be a second Washington; but from that moment it became manifestly his decision to pursue a different course.

The celebrated British Statesman, Lord Brougham in estimating the character of Washington - His courage in battle & in Council - unshaken steadiness of purpose - the most absolute self-denial - and subjugation of all the passions which carry havoc through ordinary minds - "Clothed with these attributes" - says Lord Brougham - "we must regard him as the Greatest man that ever lived."

In my schoolboy days, the celebration of his Birth was a holiday of the greatest excitement, It was my own Birth-day, 1778 - a petty distinction among my Companions, which, however, gave the first impulse to my Curiosity, before I could appreciate the character of Washington.

After his election to the Presidency, "his progress to the seat of Government" - says Irving - "was a continual ovation" at his arrival in Philadelphia,