The storm was bitter while it lasted, but at length it died down
and the men who had flung insults at Washington saw in time that
he had been right. He had kept peace; and as a young nation America
stood in need of peace more than anything else.
Washington's second term of office now came to an end. He was
utterly weary of public life, and he resolutely refused to stand
for President again. It was nearly forty years, now, since he had
first begun to work for his country. He felt that his work was
done, and all he wanted now was to spend his last days quietly in
his beloved home, Mount Vernon.
This time Washington had his way and laid down his office. Then,
as second President, the people chose John Adams, who had already
been Vice-President.
__________
Chapter 65 - Adams - How He Kept Peace with France
The crowd which gathered to see John Adams take the oath was almost
as great as that which had gathered when Washington had first been
made President.
But it was upon the old and not upon the new President that all
eyes were turned. And when the ceremony was over the people seemed
still loath to part from their beloved President, and a great crowd
followed him in silence to his home. At the door, before entering,
he turned, and with tears running down his cheeks he signed a last
farewell to his people.
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