The painted ceilings, the crimson damask canopies and hangings, and the handsome furniture were considered by many political agitators to be a great violation of republican simplicity.

The architect was first censured in the public press and then, because of disputes, received no pay for his time and trouble, although, had he accepted a grant of city lots offered by the town council he would have received a compensation that would have turned out to be very valuable.
Federal Hall had been completed and presented to Congress before Washington started for New York.

The local arrangements for his reception were upon a corresponding scale of magnificence, but with these Washington had had nothing to do.

The barge in which he was conveyed from the Jersey shore to New York was fifty feet long, hung with red curtains and having an awning of satin.

It was rowed by thirteen oarsmen, in white with blue ribbons.