ARGUMENT.
The characters to whom the poem is addressed, and the subject of
it—peace—dissolution of the army—General Washington's
farewell advice and retirement—apostrophe to him—the happiness
of the Americans considered as a free and agricultural
people—articles which contribute to their felicity during the
different seasons—winter's amusements, which produce a digression
concerning the late war and the author—the pleasures
which succeeded the horrors of war—invocation to connubial
love—description of the female sex and character, marriage
and domestic life in America—the present state of society there
—the face of the country at and since the period of its discovery
—the pleasant prospects exhibited by the progress of agriculture
and population—eulogy of agriculture—address to Congress
—the genius of the western world invoked to accelerate
our improvements—a treaty of commerce proposed with Great-Britain
—superior advantages for a marine—America called
upon to employ her sons on discoveries in the carrying trade,
fishing, whaling and commerce.
