Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1836-07-29
EsO!fs ES'EEC.


WASHINGTON and .iadiSon.-Wc are happy in he'ng
able lay before readers, opporuney tins ioo"
ing documents anticipation of their appearance among
the MANY very important and Interesting historical pa
nara noyer before published with which Mr. Sparks most
valuable work abounds These papers show the extent
OF the agency of Mr. Madison in the production o, Inc
Farewell Address, which was written tour years aer INC
date of the draft here given, ct which time 1t is known
the relations between Gen. Washington and Mr. AadI-
son were materially changed.
WASHINGTON'S FAREWELL ADDRESS.
To Tic Editor Of Tie Dniiy .7drertiscr:
SlR,-n several Of the public Journals: remarks nave
been made eSpec,ing the agency OF Mr. Madison IN pre-
parnr Washiugton's FarctrcH .3ddrcss, which have
tendency to produce erroneous impression 1t has
been said that this Address originally drawn up by
Mr. Madison and that his draft, with very slight alto
rations," was ultimately published
As the papers relating to this subject will be contained
in one Of the volumes OF u Washington writings,
there improperly in anticipating their appear
ance in that publications. so lar, at eas as ID c"Ie'.
the mistake implied in the above statement: FOR 'hat
purpose General Washingtons letter, and f' Alao'-
sons draft are herewith communicated. -
Il will be perceived that the letter was written To-
wnrds The close of the first Presidential term before
WASHINGTON had made up his mind 10 he candidate tor
another election and also, that he had held previous
conversation with Mr. Madison on the SUBJECT
LETTER TO MR. MADISON.
"Alorxr VERNON, May %, 1879.
"My Dear Sir-As there is possibility, if not pro-
liability that shall not you your return home; or,
if should you, il may be on the road and under c-
cunSanCeS,
the subject last convcrsed upon take the liberty of
committing paper the following thoughts and requests
81 have not been unmndful of the sentiments en-
pressed by in the conversations just alluded To-
On the contrary have again and again reyoired them
with thoughtful anxiety but without being able 10 dis
pose my mind to longer continuation in the oiace
have Dowsehe honor to hold. therefore still look Tor
ward to my ondes and most ardent wishes TO spend the
remainder Of my days. which cannot expect 10 ue longs
in ease and tranquility.
"Nothing but conviction, that my declining the
chair of government, if it should be The desire {" The
people to continue in it, would involve the country
in serious disputes respecting the Chief Magistrate, and
the dsagrecable consequences WHICH IN Iht result there
from in the floating and divided opinions which seem
to prevail present, coua in anywlse, induce me to re-
Inqush the determination | have formed; and OF THIS
do not sec how any evidence be obtained previous
to the election My vanity, am sure, is rot OF that
cast as to allow me to view The subject in this light
Under these impressions, then, permit me to reile-
rate the request made TO you at our last meeting name
w. 10 think of the proper time and the best mode of an
nouncins the intention, and that you would prepare the
latter In revolving this subject myself, my judgment
has always been embarrassed On the one hand, ple
vious declaration TO retire. not only carries with 1t The
appearance of vanity and semporance but II may be
construed into manGuvre, TO be invited to'!ela and
on the other hand &c sag nothing implies coHssst Or
at any rate would leave Tie matter: doubt and c de-
cline afterwards might be deemed BAD sr&4,ncanod.
81 would fam carry my request to you farther Than is
asked above, athoug! am sensible that your compA-
snce with must add TO your trouble But as the recess
afford
positions TO oblge me will, without apology, desire, if
tue measure itself should strike you as pr"peEo Sc
ly to produce public good or private honor; tlat you
would turn your thong hts to Falcdicory f"'
me TO the public expressing in plain and ''iet terms
that having been honored with the Presidential CHAIR
and 10 the best of my abilities contributed to t'e orgaa
cation and administration ef the Government; mat
having arrived at period OF lille, wnen Inc private "a'As
of it in the shades of retirement became necessary ana
will be most pleasing to me- and the spirit OF the 10
vernment may render rotation in the elective officers
of il more congcnia with their ideas OF liberty and sale
w. that take my leave of them public man and,
in bidding them adeu retaining no other concern than
such as will arise from rvent wishes for eProsperly ct
nv country take the liberty at my departure from civil,
formerly did at my military exit, to INVOKE con-
tnuaon of the blessings Of Providence upon it, and up
on all those who the supporters OF Its Interests and
the promoters Of harmony ORDER and good Government
"That to impress these things, It might among other
topics be observed that all the children OF the
same country; country great and rich in ITSELF capable
and promising to be as prosperous and happy as any
which the annals of history have ever brought TO GU!
view that our interest, however diversified IN local
md smaller matters is the in all the great end cs
senal concerns of the nation that the extent OF our
country the diversity of our climate aud SOIL anc The
various productions Of the States consequent OF bohaTe
such as 10 make part not only convenient baVper
haps indspcnsably necessary to the other part and may
render the whole ut distant PERIOD one OF tie most
independent (naons) in the world; that the established
government being the work OF our own hands, with the
seeds of amendment engrated IN the Constitution, may
by wisdom good dispositions, and mutual allowances,
aided by experience, bring it as near 10 perfection as
any human institution ever approximately and therefore
the only strife among US ought to be- VINO shouu DC lore
and desirable Objects by giving every possible support
and cement 10 the Union that however necessary II
NAV be to keep watchfu eye over public servants ana
public yet there ought to be limits to IT. Tor sus'
pcions unfounded and eaousies too lively are irritating
to honest feelings and oitenmes are productive OF more
evil than good. "
ITO enumerate the various subjects, which might be
introduced into such an address, would require thoush
md to mention them to you would be unnecessary, as
YOUR own Judgment will comprehend all that wbc pro-
per- Whether to touch specifically any OF the exceP
tionable parts of the Constitution, may be doubted All
shall add therefore, present is, to beg the favor OF
YOU to consider First the proprety of such an address
Secondly if approved the several matters which ought
to be contained in it; Thirdly, the time should appear
that is whether at the declaration of my intention to
withdraw from the service Of the public, or to ela be the
closing act Of my administration, which will end with
the next session of Congress- the probability being that
that body will continue sitting until March, when Tie
House of Representatives will also dissolve.
although do not wish to hurry you, (be not
pressng in the execution of either of the publications
before mentioned, yet should be Glad to hear from you
generally both, and to receive them in time, if you
should not come Philadelphia before the session com.
mences in the form they finally to take beg leave
TO draw your attention also to such things us Won shall
conceive fit subjects for communication that occasion
and noting them as they occur that you would be good
as to furnish me with them in time to be prepared and
eprrafted with others for the opening of the session.
With very sincere and atfec,ionate regards,
am ever yours -
GEORGE WASHINGTON"
At the time of receiving this letter, Mr. Madison was
at his residence in Virginia In compliance with the re-
quest contained in it, he drew up the following paper
carried it with him when he returned to Congress- and
gave it into the hands of the President:
Mr.. MADlsoN'S DRAFT
"The period which will close the appointment with
which my ellowcitizens have honored me, being not
very distant and the time actually arrived at which their
minister the Executive Governmen, Of the United States
during the ensuing term, it may be requisite to more