George Washington was the only President ever to do that, and his experiences on two days decided him not to repeat the occasion. He simply informed the Senate on August 21, 1789, that on the next day he would meet to advise with them concerning an Indian treaty. That he did being received under the Senate rule of those days as the head of the Senate, though occupying a seat on the floor. The tradition is that he liked so little the cross-questioning to which his treaty was subjected that when he left the chamber after the second session, he muttered to a member of his cabinet. "I've been to the Senate and I'll be damned if I ever go there again."Get the Story:
Wonkblog: Senate Fears and Treaties (The Washington Post 1/28)
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