When the second President of the United States passed through Hartford on August 2, 1798, the people of the city had less than two hours notice of his arrival. However, according to the Courant report, "In a very short time were collected a great number of our most respectable gentlemen on horseback who together with as many of the Governor's Horse Guards as considering the shortness of the notice could be mustered, under Major Jones, rode immediately out of town to meet the President". The group met President Adams in Wethersfield and escorted him to Hartford amidst the ringing of church bells and the cheering of the crowds. Here, the escort was joined by Captain Root's Company of Foot Guards, under arms and in uniform. The whole then proceeded to Mr. David Bull's tavern where the President alighted and received from the two military companies the customary salute - after which the people retired. "The official welcome for the President was brief, indeed, but the Guards had made it a spectacle, which, if not brilliant had every appearance of a high regard to his political conduct and character." As President Adams was undoubtedly fatigued by his journey, his early time of retiring left the Guards with the evening for their own special brand of entertainment

February 22, 2004
Article edited for inclusion in "Battalion Review" by Major L. Schave

From An Honor to the State, by Lloyd Fowles.
Used with permission