By: Ian Byers
Title: George Washington’s Farewell Address
Author: George Washington
Date of Origin: First published September 19th, 1796
Source: context.montpelier.org at https://context.montpelier.org/document/715
Excerpt:
The period for a new election of a Citizen, to Administer the Executive government of the United States, being not far distant,[1] and the time actually arrived, when your thoughts must be employed in designating the person, who is to be cloathed with that important trust,[2] it appears to me proper, especially as it may conduce to a more distinct expression of the public voice,[3] that I should now apprise you of the resolution I have formed, to decline being considered among the number of those, out of whom a choice is to be made.[4]
I beg you, at the sametime, to do me the justice to be assured, that this resolution has not been taken, without a strict regard to all the considerations appertaining to the relation, which binds a dutiful Citizen to his country[5]–and that, in withdrawing the tender of service which silence in my Situation might imply, I am influenced by no diminution of zeal for your future interest, no deficiency of grateful respect for your past kindness;[6] but am supported by a full conviction that the step is compatible with both.[7]
The acceptance of, & continuance hitherto in, the Office to which your Suffrages have twice called me,[8] have been a uniform sacrifice of inclination to the opinion of duty, and to a deference for what appeared to be your desire.[9] I constantly hoped, that it would have been much earlier in my power, consistently with motives, which I was not at liberty to disregard, to return to that retirement, from which I had been reluctantly drawn.[10] The strength of my inclination to do this, previous to the last Election, had even led to the preparation of an address to declare it to you;[11] but mature reflection on the then perplexed & critical posture of our Affairs with foreign nations, and the unanimous advice of persons entitled to my confidence, impelled me to abandon the idea.[12]
I rejoice, that the state of your concerns, external as well as internal, no longer renders the pursuit of inclination incompatible with the sentiment of duty, or propriety;[13] & am persuaded whatever partiality may be retained for my services, that in the present circumstances of our country, you will not disapprove my determination to retire.[14]
The impressions, with which, I first undertook the arduous trust, were explained on the proper occasion. In the discharge of this trust,[15] I will only say, that I have, with good intentions, contributed towards the Organization and Administration of the government,[16] the best exertions of which a very fallible judgment was capable.[17] Not unconscious, in the outset, of the inferiority of my qualifications, experience in my own eyes, perhaps still more in the eyes of others, has strengthned the motives to diffidence of myself;[18] and every day the encreasing weight of years admonishes me more and more, that the shade of retirement is as necessary to me as it will be welcome.[19] Satisfied that if any circumstances have given peculiar value to my services, they were temporary,[20] I have the consolation to believe, that while choice and prudence invite me to quit the political scene, patriotizm does not forbid it.[21]
In looking forward to the moment, which is intended to terminate the career of my public life,[22] my feelings do not permit me to suspend the deep acknowledgment of that debt of gratitude which I owe to my beloved country, for the many honors it has conferred upon me;[23] still more for the stedfast confidence with which it has supported me; and for the opportunities I have thence enjoyed of manifesting my inviolable attachment, by services faithful & persevering, though in usefulness unequal to my zeal.[24] If benefits have resulted to our country from these services, let it always be remembered to your praise, and as an instructive example in our annals,[25] that, under circumstances in which the Passions agitated in every direction were liable to mislead, amidst appearances sometimes dubious, viscissitudes of fortune often discouraging, in situations in which not unfrequently want of Success has countenanced the spirit of criticism,[26] the constancy of your support was the essential prop of the efforts, and a guarantee of the plans by which they were effected.[27] Profoundly penetrated with this idea, I shall carry it with me to my grave, as a strong incitement to unceasing vows that Heaven may continue to you the choicest tokens of its beneficence[28]–that your Union & brotherly affection may be perpetual–that the free constitution, which is the work of your hands,[29] may be sacredly maintained–that its Administration in every department may be stamped with wisdom and Virtue–that, in fine, the happiness of the people of these States, under the auspices of liberty, may be made complete,[30] by so careful a preservation and so prudent a use of this blessing as will acquire to them the glory of recommending it to the applause, the affection–and adoption of every nation which is yet a stranger to it.[31]
1. George Washington’s farewell address was published less than three months before the Presidential Election of 1796. Before this, very few people knew that he was planning to retire. Because of how late Washington announced his retirement, there was relatively little time for political campaigning for the upcoming election. For the average American citizen, news of Washington’s retirement would have come from reading this address in the newspaper or in pamphlet form.
2. Washington notes here how close it is to the next election. He also refers to the election process in very respectful terms, showing how important the trust of the people was to him. At this time, the Electoral College did not work as it does now. Instead, in many states people voted on who they wanted to act as electors in the College, not for specific candidates. Then, these electors would independently decide on who to vote for. Because of this, the number of people who decided who the president would be was relatively small. States began to shift to the current style of Electoral vote casting in the early 1800s.
3. Washington recognizes that he is generally well respected by the American people, and so his opinions hold significant power. He hopes that he can use this to keep the country unified in what is going to be the first contested election in American history. Although the first two elections had proceeded smoothly, this was the first true test of the American style of government, and many people around the world doubted that it would work peacefully. Washington himself was worried about political parties causing internal conflict in the country, and this address goes on to try and soften the divide in public opinion.
4. At the end of the first paragraph, Washington finally openly states that he will not be seeking reelection. He calls this decision a “resolution”, as it was a difficult decision which not everyone agreed with. He had to resolve to retire against the wishes of much of the general populace and politicians, and hope for the best in the following years. One of Washington’s main concerns for the future of the country was that people would become over-reliant on his leadership. This, along with his own personal wish to retire, forced him to leave office at the end of this term despite many complaints.
5. In accordance with Washington’s appreciation of the people’s approval, he appeals to them here, anticipating that there will be backlash to him retiring. He states clearly that he is fully aware of the possible difficulties for the country if he retires. Despite this, he still thinks that this is the correct choice in the long term. Washington speaks of duty multiple times in this address, and here he writes that he feels that it is in his duty to retire, as that will be best for the country.
6. Washington goes on to say that he is also not retiring because of a lack of faith in the United States. He restates his appreciation of the support that he has received, and that he still wishes the best for the country. Washington’s continued insistence on this point indicates just how worried he is about resistance to his retirement.
7. Here Washington sums up his ideas so far. He reiterates his feeling that although his retirement may cause instability at first, it will benefit the country later. Therefore, his retirement is in the best interest of his countrymen, and the best way to repay them for their kindness to him.
8. Washington was elected by unanimous vote by the Electoral College in 1788 and 1792. As mentioned earlier, Electoral voting functioned differently than it does today. Additionally, At the time this address was published, Washington was still in office. This was a job that Washington did not greatly enjoy. He had no great love for politics, and did not have the goal of becoming a politician before the revolution.
9. Washington makes it very clear that his service as president has come as a sacrifice by him to his nation. He once again brings up his sense of duty, which he always used as a guide in making important decisions. He also references his popularity among most parts of the population again.
10. Washington’s dislike of politics and wishes to retire shine through here. He originally planned to retire at the end of his first term, and even wrote a draft of this address at this time with the help of James Madison. However, despite these hopes of being able to retire then, he felt that it was his duty to serve for another term.
11. This is an open reference to the first draft of his farewell address, although he does not go into great detail. This openness in his dealings is something which earned Washington quite a bit of respect. He let it be well known that he had not intended to serve for two terms as president; something that may not have gone over so well if he was not so well respected.
12. The reasons Washington outlines here are the core topics which he delves into in this address. These were his main concerns for the future of the country, and also the main reasons that he decided to stay in office for a second term. Additionally, his advisers and friends pressured him to serve a second term.
13. The “external as well as internal” concerns Washington refers to are the domestic and foreign policies which he partially referred to in the previous paragraph. In his opinion, after his second term, this issues have lined up such that his retirement would help the state of affairs of the country, and is therefore in line with his sense of duty, and is the best course of action.
14. Here Washington does recognize the possibility that his retirement could ultimately be the wrong decision. However, he came to the opinion that although some many people wished for him to continue being president, this was largely just because him being president was what they were used too. He also hoped that this address would convince enough people to accept his retirement as necessary, or even a good thing.
15. The “trust” here is Washington talking about the office of president. When he first took the office, he believed that there were good reasons for him to do so, and was therefore convinced to take the position. However, his description of the presidency as “arduous” fits perfectly with his other descriptions of his political life.
16. Almost all significant political actions taken by Washington and his administration became precedents by which later administrations followed. For this reason, the general form of the government remained quite similar in form through the early 1800s. Washington’s organizational decisions were only expanded upon slowly, and with great caution, so as to not step on Washington’s legacy.
17. In a more humble tone, Washington recognizes that his presidency was not perfect. Although he did have popular support, the Whiskey Rebellion in Western Pennsylvania made it clear that Americans were willing to continue their fight for freedom if they felt that their new liberties were being stepped on. There was also disagreement in government about what should be done in concern to foreign policy and the wars between France and Great Britain.
18. Washington continues his humble tone as he lays out reasons as to why he was reluctant to accept the office of president. He had practically no political experience, instead spending most of his life in the military. Washington did not have any established or strong feelings on major policy in the way we would expect politicians to today. This was a major criticism from those who had wished to be president instead, and the main argument leveraged against him. Washington, however, never denied this flaw, but instead accepted it worked with his cabinet and others to overcome it.
19. At the time of this address, Washington was 65, and he only lived to be 67. Although he did suffer from dental problems for most of his life, they had never been life threatening, and this was not what finally killed him. However, he was aware of his age and wanted to spend his final days back on his estate with his family. Also, he did not want to die in office and cause any disruption to the government process.
20. Again referencing those who would disagree with his decisions in office, Washington refers to these decisions as “temporary”. This turned out to be entirely true, for although the government changed slowly, there is no denying that the United States government today, or even in the late 1800s, is anything like the first few administrations.
21. Here again Washington attempts to convince the American people that his retirement is in fact a good thing for their future. Based on Washington’s incredible sense of duty to his country, there is no doubt that he would have pushed aside his personal preference to serve another term if he had deemed it best for the country. However, he also needed to convince the public that it was okay for him to step down, so that the next administration could receive public goodwill as well.
22. Although Washington did publish this address not long before the 1796 election, presidents were not inaugurated as early in the next year as they are now. Because of this, Washington actually did not officially leave office until March 4th of 1797. Surprisingly, even after returning to his home at Mount Vernon, he remained somewhat politically active, showing strong support for the Alien and Sedition Acts, and generally supporting the Federalist party.
23. If the American Revolution had not been successful, Washington would likely be a barely know historical figure. He owed all of his fame to the success of the American people, and made sure to often profess his appreciation for this. Before the revolution, he had only served in the British Militia, and achieved no great fame. Although he was a wealthy person and important in the elite Virginia social circles, the revolution and his subsequent service as president were what gave him the historical importance he now holds.
24. Washington’s constant outpouring of thanks for his supporters was a constant in his public writings and speeches. He fully recognized the fact that he could be unmade if he lost public support at any time, and is humble in his assessments of himself here. He marks his services to his country as less useful than his “zeal”, again showing that he wished that he could have done more.
25. Washington selflessly attributed any possible success of his own as the success of the people who supported him. He also thought that this opinion should be shared and remembered by future politicians, so that they would be more moderate in their policy, and be more likely to keep the country unified politically.
26. Although the years of Washington’s presidency were not too troubled, aside from the Whiskey Rebellion, this was in stark contrast to the years that came before. Not only had the Revolution caused great devastation all over the country, but the years under the Article of Confederation had also strained the states. The type of political system that was being attempted in the United States was the first of its kind, and people had very strong and differing opinions on what should be done. At times, it truly did not look like the young republic would hold together.
27. To wrap up a very long sentence, Washington attributes praises the tenacity of the American people in their struggle to make this country work. Although Washington phrases this as though support for the Revolution was extremely common, this was not actually the case. Although the exact numbers vary, most historians agree that less than half of colonists supported the revolutionary cause, with the rest either being loyalists to Britain or neutral.
28. When using religious terms, Washington usually used words like “Heaven” or “Providence”, but mostly avoided using specific names like “Jesus”. Washington was part of the Anglican Church, which became the Episcopal Church after the revolution in the United States. However, he was very accepting of other forms of Christianity, and did not try to force his particular denomination on others.
29. Although Washington is not generally credited with having a significant hand in writing the Constitution, he did oversee the Constitutional Convention, where it was written. Even though the Constitution was written by a relatively small amount of people, the delegations of the states were seen as the representatives of the people of that state.
30. The meaning of auspice in this time period is “any indication of the future (especially favorable)”. It was also associated with the guiding influence of a higher power. This goes along with Washington’s tendency to be vague and general talking about any sort of spiritual or religious topic. Some historians speculate that this was in an effort to make himself more approachable for all Americans.
31. At the time of the publication of this address, the United States was one of the only countries which had a democratic form of government. Elections had also technically taken place in France in 1792, but the French Revolution was still ongoing at this point. The American and French Revolutions lead to the eventual downfall of absolute monarchies, but Washington only saw the very beginning of this process in his lifetime.
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