In the following we have a hit at Congress,
which does not accord with the received notion
of the dignity and gentlemanly breeding of



THB PLAOB I3f JEFFEBSOK'b TDOB. 101

those who first attained that position in our
country:

" The richer and more respectable members
of Congress had, for the most part, always in-
clined to vote for returning to Philadelphia, or
selecting some other town of practical impor-
tance, but every such proposal had been distaste-
ful to the majority, it being in a great measure
composed of rough and unfashioned persons, to
whom it is of consequence to be in a place
where they could be attended to more than in a
large city. This majority had usually found
support in the Government, so long composed
of Virginians, who naturally preferred Washing-
ton to any remoter situation ; but the removal
could hardly, he apprehends, have been avoid-
ed, but for the determined personal opposition
of Jefferson, This President alleged as his
reason the danger of throwing open again a
question so difficult and delicate as that of the
choice of the Seat of Government,"

CmZENS.
Of private citizens, Sir Augustus says:
" Very few private gentlemen have houses in
Washington. I only recollect three : Mr. Brent,
Mr, Tayloe, and Mr. Carroll." He enumerates,
however, several country seats within an easy



102 WHAT A FQBEIOir MiBHtfTJfitt SAID OF

distance, where there was abnndant and even
elegant hospitality ; particularly those of Mr.
Key, an eminent lawyer, originally an officer in
the English service; Mr. CalvOTt, Mr. Ogle,
and Mr. Lewis.
