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, Of heroes too often the aim; From a king or his favours indignant he turn’d, Only feeling his country’s high claim. To this ever true, in her trouble’s dark night, Intent on her welfare alone, Against her proud tyrants, he urged the dread fight, Till lie forced them her freedom to own. Next in France a strange demon uplifted its head, All the nations of earth to bewray, And into its snares would Columbia have led, Had not Washington warn’d her to stay. Best and wisest of men! when counsell’d by thee, Could thy people their treasure withhold? When ruled by another, then could they agree To lavish their millions untold? By Genet insulted, by slander aggrieved, If thy wrongs unrevenged could remain, For denouncing the men whom false he believed, By a mob could thy Lingan be slain? Can the voice of the country for whom he had bled, E’er sanction a murder so base, Or the tear-drops of millions, piously shed, The deep stain from our annals efface? 656. As soon as the last words in the preceding verses were recited, I was thrilled by the following effusion: 657. _My Friend_: How my heart swells with grateful emotion, at hearing that beautiful effusion from your lips! Yes, my friend, I strove while on earth, to carry out the impressions which were made on my mind by superior intelligences, and if I failed, my countrymen will bear testimony. 658. Your noble father is a friend of mine, and I feel a love for you commensurate with his worth. He is foremost in the ranks of spiritual intelligences, and ready to act when duty calls. 659. My friend, I sympathize with you in your arduous undertaking; but let me assure you that your reward will be greater than the suffering you have endured. Yes, most nobly you have fought against error; and you will yet place the banner of freedom high upon the battlement of truth. Farewell, noble scion of a noble man! GEO. WASHINGTON. APOLOGY FOR MY CONVERSION.