General Washington proceeded into the city under a triumphal arch where a large company of ladies, including Mrs. Lowrey, banked the road to greet him. Thirteen lovely young ladies, dressed in white, with wreaths of buds and blossoms on their heads and baskets of flowers in their hands, sweetly sang an ode composed for the occasion.The arch was decorated with laurel leaves and flowers and bore this legend:
Will Be The Protector of the Daughters
A prominent feature of the display was a large sunflower. The sunflower, which always faces the sun, was symbolic of the affection and hopes of the people being directed toward Washington.