George Washington’s Farewell

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/22/2011

Broadside SIGNED IN TYPE "George Washington, United States, 17th Sept. 1796.," 1pp, 18" x 22-1/4", on laid paper. Boldly headed "Address of the late General George Washington, To the Citizens of the United States, on declining a re-election to the Office of President." Text in five columns within ornamental borders. "Hartford: Printed by Hudson and Goodwin." Folds with light browning along mid-vertical fold, blank upper left corner torn away. Frayed edges can be easily matted over for display. Fine Condition. Evans 38983; Sabin 101596. In small part, "The period for a new election of a citizen, to administer the executive government of the United States, being not far distant ... I should now apprize 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....The unity of Government, which constitutes you one people, is also now dear to you. It is justly so; for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of your tranquility at home, your peace abroad; of your safety; of your prosperity; of that very Liberty, which you so highly prize.... Hence, likewise, they will avoid the necessity of those overgrown military establishments, which, under any form of government, are inauspicious to liberty, and which are to be regarded as particularly hostile to Republican Liberty. ... The great rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign nations, is, in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connection as possible. So far as we have already formed engagements, let them be fulfilled with perfect good faith. Here let us stop. ... I anticipate with pleasing expectation that retreat, in which I promise myself to realize, without alloy, the sweet enjoyment of partaking, in the midst of my fellow-citizens, the benign influence of good laws under a free government, the ever favorite object of my heart, and the happy reward, as I trust, of our mutual cares, labors, and dangers."

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