Existing comment:
"The Leveled Cannon or Pointed Musket"
William Maclay, Journal, April 30, 1789
William Maclay (1737-1804), senator from Pennsylvania, 1789-1791, was present in Federal Hall on April 30, 1789 when George Washington delivered his inaugural address. He described what he saw in his journal, noting that: "This great man was agitated and embarrassed more than ever he was by the leveled cannon or pointed musket. He trembled, and several times could scarce make out to read, thought it must be supposed he had often read it before." |