- George Washington’s Farewell Address, September 19, 1796 : Paragraphs/ Breaks 1-7
- Document Originally found on ConText
- Link: https://context.montpelier.org/document/715#passage-15
By: Kristen English
George Washington’s Farewell Address
September 19, 1796[1]
Friends, & Fellow–Citizens.
The period for a new election of a Citizen, to Administer the Executive government of the United States, being not far distant, and the time actually arrived[2], when your thoughts must be employed in designating the person, who is to be cloathed with that important trust[3], it appears to me proper, especially as it may conduce to a more distinct expression of the public voice, 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 same time, to do me the justice to be assured, that this resolution has not been taken, without a strict regard to all the considerations[5] appertaining to the relation, which binds a dutiful Citizen to his country–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[6], no deficiency of grateful respect for your past kindness[7]; but am supported by a full conviction that the step is compatible with both.
The acceptance of, & continuance hitherto[8] in, the Office to which your Suffrages[9] have twice called me, have been a uniform sacrifice of inclination to the opinion of duty, and to a deference for what appeared to be your desire. 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; 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[11].
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; & 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[12].
The impressions, with which, I first undertook the arduous trust, were explained on the proper occasion[13]. In the discharge of this trust, I will only say, that I have, with good intentions, contributed towards the Organization and Administration of the government, the best exertions of which a very fallible judgment was capable[14]. 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[15]; 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. Satisfied that if any circumstances have given peculiar value to my services, they were temporary, I have the consolation to believe, that while choice and prudence invite me to quit the political scene, patriotizm does not forbid it[16].
In looking forward to the moment, which is intended to terminate the career of my public life[17], 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; still more for the stedfast confidence with which it has supported me[18]; and for the opportunities I have thence enjoyed of manifesting my inviolable attachment, by services faithful & persevering, though in usefulness unequal to my zeal[19]. 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, that, under circumstances in which the Passions agitated in every direction were liable to mislead[20], amidst appearances sometimes dubious, vicissitudes of fortune often discouraging, in situations in which not unfrequently want of Success has countenanced the spirit of criticism, the constancy of your support was the essential prop of the efforts, and a guarantee of the plans by which they were effected[21]. 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[22]–that your Union & brotherly affection may be perpetual–that the free constitution, which is the work of your hands, 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, 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[23].
1.Washington’s 32-page written address was printed in Philadelphia’s American Daily Advertiser on September 19, 1796. The document was published in the fall of 1796 approaching the end of his second presidential term. (Washington Papers, “Washington’s Farewell Address”)At the time of the written address, September of 1796, the government was preparing for a new election for the president position. Washington was nearing the end of his second term, which meant that it would be time for a new election for the President position.
2.At the time of the written address, September of 1796, the government was preparing for a new election for the president position. Washington was nearing the end of his second term, which meant that it would be time for a new election for the President position.
3. The right of the United States people to vote and elect their leadership was granted through the Federal Constitution and through state law. Since the Constitution did not define who was eligible to vote, the states themselves were eligible to decide who could vote in elections. Unfortunately, due to the time period and common societal ideals at the time, states excluded women and people of color from this right as well as men who were not tax-payers or who did not own land. Due to this fact, when Washington addressed the “Citizens” who are designating the next person to be “clothed with that important trust” (Washington, “Farewell Address – Transcription”) the statement only applies to property-owning or tax-paying white males as they were the only eligible voting body at the time. (Wikipedia, “Voting Rights in the United States”)
4. Due to “burdens of the presidency and attacks of political foes” and increased desire to retire to a simpler lifestyle, Washington had decided not to seek a third term as President of the United States early in 1796 and started again working on his “political testament to the nation” in the form of his farewell address. (United States, Congress, Cong. Senate, “Washington’s Farewell Address to the People of the United States”). In this first paragraph, Washington is setting the stage for the rationale behind his decision to refrain from a third term. (Independence Hall Association, “Farewell Address”)
5. There were many aspects that Washington held into consideration when determining that he would not run for a third term. One of these was the fact that Washington did not want to seek unfair power as a government official and to be charged with “concealed ambition”. Another consideration that led to his decision was the tension between the two distinct political parties that had formed. Washington was a very partial man who had gained the respect of most people from both parties. However, at the end of his second term, as a man who shared ideals with the federalist side, believed he would not gain the vote from the anti-federalist party. He had taken his first term and ran for his second out of a sense of duty and respect for the nation he had helped build. Ultimately though, his main reasoning for not taking a third term was that he wished to live out the rest of his life as a humble farmer at his home in Mount Vernon. (The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, “Washington on a Proposed Third Term and Political Parties”)
6. Washington did not want the American citizens to believe that his decision was based on a lack of patriotism or concern for future of the nation. He hints towards this fact when he states that his decision is not influenced by a lack of concern or excitement for the nation’s future. Washington cared a great deal about the future of nation and its leadership which is the part of his reasoning behind his address and its content and also a reasoning of his to decline running for a third term. His address to the nation was primarily written as a guide and to inspire future generations of government on his political testaments to society. (United States, Congress, Cong. Senate, “Washington’s Farewell Address to the People of the United States”)
7. It has been documented that Washington, despite his extremely high profile in the country at the time, had the utmost respect and admiration for peoples from all levels of society. He remained a modest man throughout the entirety of his presidency and lifetime which is stated as a reasoning for why he was so respected and revered. To this fact, he was aware of how the public admired him and his leadership. To his character, it was important to Washington to stress in his farewell address to the public that he appreciated the support that they had always shown him and that he was grateful for their past kindness and faith in allowing him to serve two terms as the leader of their nation. (Stazesky, “George Washington, Genius in Leadership”)
8. Hitherto is defined in the Merriam-Webster dictionary as “up to this or that time”. (Merriam-Webster, “Hitherto”). This term was first used in 13th century England and was brought over to the New World with the settlers who spoke the dialect current to Great Britain at the time. This term is rarely used in a conversational sense in the modern dialect spoken by the majority of the United States and is considered by some to be an outdated or archaic term. (English Language & Usage Stack Exchange, “Is the Word ‘Hitherto’ Outdated”). It is currently used in many formal writings and publications. Washington is using the term here to describe his acceptance of and continued acceptance up until this point of his call to serve his country.
9. In this context, Suffrages is defined as “a vote given in electing a person for an office or trust”, also as “the right of voting or the exercise of such right”. (Merriam-Webster, “Suffrage”) Washington’s use of the term is referring to the public exercising their right to vote, given by the constitution, and how their votes and right to do so led to his election to office for his two terms.
10. “Washington was never a man to shirk responsibility. Though he might have liked nothing better than to retire to Mount Vernon after the Revolution, he was, as he wrote to Trumbull, always ready to “render an essential service to my country”. (The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, “Washington on a Proposed Third Term and Political Parties”). Jonathan Trumbull Jr., who was the governor of Connecticut and had served as Military Secretary under Washington, had written to Washington to urge him to consider third presidential term. In Washington’s response he makes it rather clear that while he served his country as one should and would always carry out any national responsibility called upon him, his heart truly lied with his humble home and life in Mount Vernon. (National Archives and Records Administration, “From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull”)
11. Here, Washington is referencing the fact that at the end of his first term as president in 1792, James Madison drafted an address to the nation declaring his intent to not seek another term as president. (National Archives and Records Administration & Madison, “Madison’s Draft of the Farewell Address”). His original decision to serve only one term was repealed due to overwhelming advice received from his peers as well as the fragile state of the nation’s foreign affairs. Washington saved Madison’s original draft however and “wove it into the structure of a new address he was preparing”. (Washington Papers, “Washington’s Farewell Address”)
12. In this paragraph, Washington is assuring the public that the nation’s affairs are seemly in order at the moment with the tensions calmed between Great Britain over its war with France. He is reassuring the public that the nation is in prime condition and no longer needs his expertise and leadership. The nation would ultimately be safe and benefit from welcoming a new leader. (Lurie, “George Washington’s Farewell Address.”)
13. As the first president of the United States, Washington had the power to shape the American Presidency. He believed that any precedents he set must be powerful and effective enough to hold their own and function successfully in the national government. He was also wary of too strong of precedents that could elude to dictatorship or monarchy. Washington used his best judgment when setting forth these practices and expectations of the position. (Stockwell, “Presidential Precedents”.)
14. When Washington first accepted the Presidency he explained to the public what he believed to be required of him through precedents he set and his organization of the Executive branch. Here his stating that he feels as if he has fulfilled his duties as the first president and the duties of shaping the government with the best judgement and intentions one man could. (Putman, “Forum – George Washington’s Farewell Address in Modern English”.)
15. Diffidence, “the quality or state of being diffident; hesitant in acting or speaking through lack of self-confidence.” (Merriam-Webster, “Diffident”). Washington is referring to his awareness of his lack of expertise or qualifications, by himself as well as others, when initially taking office. This awareness stood as motivation for Washington not to boast about his position and go forth with a humble and reserved approach to leadership. (Putman, “Forum – George Washington’s Farewell Address in Modern English”.)
16. At the time of the written address Washington was 64 years of age. (Wilf, “George Washington: The Man Who Would Not Be King.”). The stresses and responsibilities of office had taken an extreme toll on Washington and it was becoming more and more necessary, given his age, to retire from the political scene. He explains that he is comforted in the fact that it was choice to leave the political scene and that it was not due to a lack of patriotism on his part.
17. Throughout Washington’s life he had previously tried to retire a total of three times and no longer be in the public spotlight. The first time was his retirement from the military to become a planter on his estate, the second was his retirement from Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, and the third was the retirement from his presidency that he is referring to as terminating his public career. Washington was an extremely humble man who kept being called into service due to his duty and responsibility felt for the country. At the time the address was published, he intended for his presidential retirement to be the end of his public career. (Abbot, “The Washington Papers”.)
18. Washington is stating that while he does wish to retire from the public eye and end his political affairs, these feelings of his cannot take away the gratitude that he feels towards the public for allowing him to serve two terms and for placing their confidence in him to effectively lead the newly born nation.
19. The entire opening of this paragraph is Washington’s testament to his unwavering loyalty and patriotism he feels for his country. He feels he needs to assure the public once again that this decision was not due to a lack of love and respect for the nation. He recognizes the fact that he has more to owe to America than anyone and is willing to publically publish his love and duty to the nation that gave him so much out of his life. Which can be argued that this trait of Washington, his unwavering loyalty to the nation coupled with his humble nature, was one of the reasons that he is revered as one of the most respected and studied leaders of all time. (Stazesky, “George Washington, Genius in Leadership”.)
20. The passions Washington refers to at this point in the address is the divide of the two political parties that had become increasingly more prevalent throughout his second term. At this time, according to Washington, “The line between Parties,” had become “so clearly drawn” that politicians would “regard neither truth nor decency; attacking every character, without respect to persons – Public or Private, – who happen to differ from themselves in Politics.” (National Archives and Records Administration & Washington, “Founders Online: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull”). There were many different opinions from each party that pulled Washington in every direction and many of which could have misled him from his original ideals.
21. Throughout his time as President there were many different events that took place that tested his leadership and the strength of the nation. He makes reference to it here by referencing the moments that he could appear hesitant, the change in fortune of events in the nation that had to be dealt with, and moments that the need of others and himself had for success of the nation fostered criticism. However throughout all of this, the unwavering support of his peers and the public was the essential backbone to his efforts and his effective leadership. (Stazesky, “George Washington, Genius in Leadership”.)
22. In modern language, Washington is stating that keeping in mind the steady support he received from the nation as a whole during his time as president, he shall up until his final days carry with him the prayer and vow that Heaven will continue to bless the United States with its generosity.
23. This final closing statement of this paragraph has perhaps the most contextual and deep meaning towards Washington’s wish for the future of the nation than we’ve seen up to this point throughout the document. It is here that Washington reveals his ultimate hopes and goals for the nation’s future, which sets the stage for the remainder of his address. He wishes that the citizens of the nation keep their union and admiration for each other intact throughout time, that the constitution which grants the freedom and rights of the people be forever sacredly held close, and that every political official after he departs be granted unlimited wisdom and virtue. He states that should these goals and hopes of his persevere and become the reality of the nation’s future, the country would become so glorious that every nation who is yet a stranger would strive to adopt the same ideals. It is here that his personal testament to the presidency and his reasoning towards retiring comes to a close and the address moves towards his political advice to the nation moving forward. (Independence Hall Association, “Farewell Address”.) (Shmoop Editorial Team, “Washington’s Farewell Address: Glossary.”)
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