SC1896_FF1_069

67
[un]rivalled eloquence & unlimited popularity, added
to the want of popularity of his opponent, John
Pope, who as a Senator from Kentucky, voted
against the War, carried him through.
Col. Johnson had also great personal popularity,
had been severely wounded in the battle of the
Thames & was generally believed to have killed
Tecumseh and withal was opposed by a mean
ungrateful relation, who attempted to take
advantage of a temporary popular excitement
to put down his friend & relation & get into Congress
in his place - but fortunately he was disappointed.
I was not a candidate for reelection.
Col. Soloman P. Sharp, a very talented
young man, and deservedly popular, was beaten
by an overwhelming majority - but for my having
voted for that bill, no man in the District
would have ventured to oppose me.
At the next session of Congress, I have made several
speeches - one particularly in favor of the
repeal of the famous "Compensation Bill", having
taken some pains in the preparation of
it. It was listened to attentively by a full house
and I had the satisfaction to know, that I acquitted
myself with credit. The speech was
published, the next day in the National Intelligencer.
I am sorry that I have not a copy of
it.
{copy}
Congress adjourned on the 3rd of March and on the
4th Mr. Monroe, who had been elected President was
inaugurated into office, on a temporary platform erected
in front of the house in which Congress had held
its sessions. The oath of office was administered to