“As the last sentence was pronounced,” says the National Intelligencer, “the general advanced, and, while the tears poured over his venerable cheeks, again took the President in his arms. He retired a few paces, but, overcome by his feelings, again returned, and uttering in broken accents, ‘God bless you!’ fell once more on the neck of Mr. Adams. It was a scene at once solemn and moving, as the sighs and stealing tears of many who witnessed it bore testimony. Having recovered his self-possession, the general stretched out his hands, and was, in a moment, surrounded by the greetings of the whole assembly, who pressed upon him, each eager to seize, perhaps for the last time, that beloved hand which was opened so freely for our aid, when aid was so precious, and which grasped, with firm and undeviating hold, the steel which so bravely helped to achieve our deliverance. The expression which now beamed from the face of this exalted man was of the finest and most touching kind. The hero was lost in the father and the friend: dignity melted into subdued affection, and the friend of Washington seemed to linger with a mournful delight among the sons of his adopted country. 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.”
Another writer says:—
“The parting being over, the carriage of the general, preceded by the cavalry, the marine corps, and Captain Edwards’ rifle corps, and followed by the carriages containing the corporate authorities of the cities, of the district, and numerous military and high civil officers of the government, moved forward, followed by the remaining military companies. In taking up the escort the whole column moved through the court in front of the President’s mansion, and paid him the passing salute as he stood in front to receive it. The whole scene—the peals of artillery, the animating sound of numerous military bands, the presence of the vast concourse of people, and the occasion that assembled them—altogether produced emotions not easily described, but which every American will readily conceive.
“On reaching the bank of the Potomac, near where the Mount Vernon steam vessel was in waiting, all the carriages in the procession, except the general’s, wheeled off, and the citizens in them assembled on foot around that of the general. The whole military body then passed him in review, as he stood in the barouche of the President, attended by the secretaries of state, of the treasury, and of the navy. After the review, the general proceeded to the steam vessel, under a salute of artillery, surrounded by as many citizens, all eager to catch the last look, as could press on the large wharf; and at four o’clock, this great and good and extraordinary man trod for the last time the soil of America, followed by the blessings of every patriotic heart that lives on it.
“As the vessel moved off, and for a short time after, the deepest silence was observed by the whole of the vast multitude that lined the shore. The feeling that pervaded them was that of children bidding a final farewell to a venerated parent. The crowd remained gazing after the retiring vessel, until she had passed Greenleaf’s Point, where another salute repeated the valedictory sounds of respect, and these again were, not long after, echoed by the heavy guns of Fort Washington, and reminded us of the rapidity with which this benefactor and friend of our country was borne from it.
“The general was accompanied to the Brandywine by the Secretary of the Navy, the mayors of the three cities of the district, the commander-in-chief of the army, the generals of the militia of the district, Commodore Bainbridge, Mr. Custis, of Arlington, and several other gentlemen.”
The trip to the Brandywine, and the ceremonies on board of the frigate on the reception of the general, are thus described by one of the passengers in the steamboat Mount Vernon:—
“The moment of separation arrived. The Mount Vernon received her venerable freight, and the general, from the midst of the suite, whom the government had detailed as an escort of honor, waved his hand and bowed to the thousands who thronged the shores, an affectionate adieu.
“Under the discharge of artillery, and the fervent benedictions of the vast assemblage who still lingered and looked, when they no longer spoke, a last farewell, the Mount Vernon proceeded on her way.
“On passing Alexandria, the wharves and shipping were crowded with citizens and neighbors, all business was suspended, and the ‘hum of men’ was hushed in the respectful silence which pervaded this ‘parting hour.’ The general, uncovered, took the station which would place him nearest to his friends, where he could best give and best receive the salute of mutual attachment and esteem. So abstracted from ordinary considerations were the minds of all parties, that the steersman neared the town till the general became enveloped in the smoke of the cannon, which, however appropriate to enemies, were nearer than is usual to friends. The boat, after passing, returned, and repassed the town, again and again producing the most enthusiastic expressions of affectionate farewell. The ramparts of Fort Washington paid their honors, as the mansion, the groves, and the tomb of Mount Vernon opened to view. The progress of the little fleet was arrested, that the last of the generals might pay his pious homage and filial duty to the tomb of the paternal chief.