The purpose of the address was to appeal to the better judgment of the people, so that they might act in the situation in which they found themselves, thoughtfully, deliberately, reasonably; so that they might exercise patience and keep in mind the best interests of the nation. The style of the address is admirably suited to this purpose. It is dignified, and somewhat over-formal perhaps, but one would expect this if it was to be in harmony with the character of Washington. "My wish is that the whole may appear in a plain style; and be handed to the public in an honest, unaffected, simple garb," he wrote to Hamilton with reference to the address, and these few words well characterize the style. Clearness, simplicity, and force are its strong qualities. Few notes are necessary to the perfect understanding of it; there is a homeliness and a directness which appeal to us even to-day, far removed as we are from the conditions which then existed. It holds the attention and arouses interest, and the modest close leaves with the reader the highest respect for George Washington. Friends, & Fellow. Citizens. агли The period for a new elec tion of a citizen to administer the Executiv Government of Hallnited States, beixpner fardistante, and the time actually red, when your thoughts must be employ ed in designation; the person, who is to be cloathed with that important trust formazio ; it appears to ma proper, espace ally as it may conduce to a more distinct expression of the public voice, that I showe now apprises on of the resolution. I have formed, to decline being considered am the rumber of those out of thema choice is to be made. I be you, at the sametimes, to do ma the justice to be assured that this resale lion has pace the convidaration, appart repared ing to the relation, which bind a dutifu Citizen to his country — and that, in wike mawing the tender al service which silen is my situation might imply, Jaminflue ced by no diminution of soal for your futu interest, godeficiency of grateful respecti Supported by for your past lindrass; but had a ful per been taken without a strict conviction FACSIMILE (REDUCED) OF THE FIRST PAGE OF THE MS. OF WASHINGTON'S FAREWELL ADDRESS, PRESERVED IN THE LENOX LIBRARY, NEW YORK CITY. WASHINGTON'S FAREWELL ADDRESS TO THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES FRIENDS, AND 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 when your thoughts must be employed in designating the 5 person who is to be clothed with that important trust, 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 10 out of whom a choice is to be made. 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 appertaining to the relation which binds a dutiful citizen to his country; 15 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; but am supported by a full conviction that the step is com- 20 patible with both. The acceptance of, and continuance hitherto in, the office to which your suffrages 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 25 desire. I constantly hoped that it would have been much |