They will be found (so far as they relate to the belligerent powers) in the proclamation of the 22d of April, 1793; which, having met your approbation, and the confirmation of Congress, I have uniformly and steadily adhered to, uninfluenced by and regardless of the complaints and attempts of any of those powers or their partisans to change them. The acts of my administration are on record. By these, which will not change with circumstances nor admit of different interpretations, I expect to be judged. If they will not acquit me, in your estimation, it will be a source of regret; but I shall hope notwithstanding, as I did not seek the office with which you have honored me, that charity may throw her mantle over my want of abilities to do better that the gray hairs of a man who has, excepting the interval between the close of the Revolutionary War and the organization of the new government—either in a civil, or military character, spent five and forty years-All the prime of his life-in serving his country, be suffered to pass quietly to the grave-and that his errors, however numerous, if they are not criminal, may be consigned to the tomb of oblivion, as he himself soon will be to the mansions of retirement. To err is the lot of humanity, and never for a moment, have I ever had the presumption to suppose that I had not a full proportion. of it. Infallibility not being the attribute of man, we ought to be cautious in censuring the opinions and conduct of one another. To avoid intentional error in my public conduct has been my constant endeavor; and I set malice at defiance to charge me justly, with the commission of a wilful one; or, with the neglect of any public duty, which in my opinion ought to have been performed, since I have been in the administration of the government, an administration which I do not hesitate to pronounce-the infancy of the government, and all other circumstances considered-that has been as difficult, delicate, and trying as may occur again in any future period of our history; through the whole of which I have to the best of my judgment, and with the best information and advice I could obtain, consulted the true and permanent interest of my country without regard to local considerations-to individuals—to parties—or to nations. To conclude, and I feel proud in having it in my power to do so with truth, that it was not from ambitious views; it was not from ignorance of the hazard to which I knew I was exposing my reputation; it was not from an expectation of pecuniary compensation, that I have yielded to the calls of my country; and that, if my country has derived no benefit from my services, my fortune, in a pecuniary point of view, has received no augmentation from my country. But in delivering this last sentiment, let me be unequivocally understood as not intending to express any discontent on my part, or to imply any reproach on my country on that account. [The first would be untrue—the other ungrateful. And no occasion more fit than the present may ever occur perhaps to declare, as I now do declare, that nothing but the principle upon which I set out, and from which I have in no instance departed, not to receive more from the public than my expenses, has restrained the bounty of several legislatures at the close of the war with Great Britain from adding considerably to my pecuniary resources.]* I retire from the chair of government no otherwise benefitted in this particular than what you have all experienced from the increased value of property, flowing from the peace and prosperity with which our country has been blessed amidst tumults which have harassed and involved other countries in all the horrors of war. I leave you with undefiled hands, an uncorrupted heart, and with ardent vows to Heaven for the welfare and happiness of that country in which I and my forefathers, to the third or fourth progenitor, drew our first breath. GO. WASHINGTON. "This * In the margin of this passage, which is here bracketed, Washington wrote: may or not be omitted." The brackets are not in the copy of Washington's draught. No. II. FAREWELL ADDRESS. ABSTRACT OF POINTS TO FORM AN ADDRESS.* Hamilton's Works, Vol. VII, p. 570. 1796. I. The period of a new election approaching, it is his duty to announce his intention to decline. II. He had hoped that long ere this it would have been in his power, and particularly had nearly come to a final resolution in the year 1792 to do it, but the peculiar situation of affairs, and advice of confidential friends, dissuaded. III. In acquiescing in a further election he still hoped a year or two longer would have enabled him to withdraw, but a continuance of causes has delayed till now, when the position of our country, abroad and at home, justifies him in pursuing his inclination. IV. In doing it he has not been unmindful of his relations as a dutiful citizen to his country, nor is now influenced by the smallest diminution of zeal for its interest or gratitude for its past kindness, but by a belief that the step is compatible with both. V. The impressions under which he first accepted were explained on the proper occasion. VI. In the execution of it he has contributed the best exertions of a very fallible judgment—anticipated his insufficiency—experienced his disqualifications for the difficult trust, and every day a stronger sentiment from that cause to yield the place—advance into the decline of life-every day more sensible of weight of years, of the necessity of repose, of the duty to seek retirement, &c. Add, * This indorsement, together with the whole of this paper, is copied from a draught in Hamilton's hand.-ED. VII. It will be among the purest enjoyments which can sweeten the remnant of his days, to partake in a private station, in the midst of his fellow-citizens, the laws of a free government, the ultimate object of his cares and wishes. VIII. As to rotation. IX. In contemplating the moment of retreat, cannot forbear to express his deep acknowledgments and debt of gratitude for the many honors conferred on him-the steady confidence which, even amidst discouraging scenes and efforts to poison its source, has adhered to support him, and enabled him to be useful-marking, if well placed, the virtue and wisdom of his countrymen. All the return he can now make must be in the vows he will carry with him to his retirement: 1st, for a continuance of the Divine beneficence to his country; 2d, for the perpetuity of their union and brotherly affection for a good administration insured by a happy union of watchfulness and confidence; 3d, that happiness of people under auspices of liberty may be complete; 4th, that by a prudent use of the blessing they may recommend to the affection, the praise, and the adoption, of every nation yet a stranger to it. X. Perhaps here he ought to end. But an unconquerable solicitude for the happiness of his country will not permit him to leave the scene without availing himself of whatever confidence may remain in him, to strengthen some sentiments which he believes to be essential to their happiness, and to recommend some rules of conduct, the importance of which his own experience has more than ever impressed upon him. XI. To consider the Union as the rock of their salvation, presenting summarily these ideas: Safety, peace, and liberty and commerce. 1. The strength and greater security from external danger. 3. Avoids the effects of foreign intrigue. 4. Breaks the force of faction by rendering combinations more difficult. Fitness of the parts for each other by their very discriminations : 1. The North, by its capacity for maritime strength and manufacture. 2. The agricultural South furnishing materials and requiring those protections. The Atlantic board to the western country by the strong interest of peace, and The Western, by the necessity of Atlantic maritime protection. Cannot be secure of their great outlet otherwise—cannot trust a foreign connection. Solid interests invite to union. Speculation of difficulty of government ought not to be indulged, nor momentary jealousies— lead to impatience. Faction and individual ambition are the only advisers of disunion. Let confidence be cherished. Let the recent experience of the West be a lesson against impatience and distrust. XII. Cherish the actual government. It is the government of our own choice, free in its principles, the guardian of our common rights, the patron of our common interests, and containing within itself a provision for its own amendment. But let that provision be cautiously used-not abused; changing only in any material points as experience shall direct; neither indulging speculations of too much or too little force in the system; and remembering always the extent of our country. Time and habit of great consequence to every government, of whatever structure. Discourage the spirit of faction, the bane of free government; and particularly avoid founding it on geographical discriminations. Discountenance slander of public men. Let the departments of government avoid interfering and mutual encroachment. XIII. Morals, religion, industry, commerce, economy. |