Gazette Of The United States, & Daily Advertiser

In ancient Rome, on the occasion of any great public undertaking, presages or omens were looked for with much solicitude, and good or ill success often followed, as ardor was excited or repressed, from the mode of interpretation.—Without attaching value or neglect at the present day— to like anticipations, it can be attended with no bad consequence to notice an agreeable circumstance on the present occasion. —Precisely at the hour appointed for commencing the ceremony of placing the first stone, settling it, examination of the inscription, admeasurement, &c. the sky which had been obscured for three days by heavy clouds, accompanied by tempestuous rain, which threatened a drenching continuance, suddenly cleared away, and the sun shone with encreased splendour from the state of the atmosphere, and exhibited a clear blue expanse on one side—whilst. on the other side, a Rainbow—the arch of heaven, appeared in lively hues, and in the utmost beauty, being strikingly contrasted with the august and voluminous dark clouds which were propelled by the western breeze.—On such an occurrence, if fancy can be brought in, in aid of reason in favor of good, the result may be well.

Poulson.