654. In this, my first interview, I premised that I wished to let him know that I had always been one of his most devoted political advocates, having always styled myself a Washington Federalist, and that I had as early as 1812 embodied my sentiments in some verses. He said he was aware that such verses were written by me, but would wish me to repeat them. I obeyed his request. They are as follows:
655. Hail glorious day, which gave Washington birth,
To Columbia and liberty dear,
When a guardian angel descended on earth
To shed blessings o’er many a year.
Though heroes and statesmen, by glory enshrined,
May be seen in the temple of fame,
No hero or statesman unblemished we find,
Unless under Washington’s name.
Wealth, titles, and power, were by him ever spurn’d,