Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1841-02-22
TARBWHAA Address
GEO. WASHINGTON
To tho People OF the United states.

FRIENDS AND FELLOW CiTIzENs-The period
for new election of 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
person, who is to be clothed with that important
trust it appears to me proper especially as it may
conduce to distinct expression of the public
voice, that should apprize you of the resolu-
ton have formed, to decline being considered a.
mong tlsenumber of those, out of whom a choice is
to be made.
l beg you, at the same time, to do me the Justice
TO be assured that this resolution has not been TAX
en-, without strict regard to all the considerations
appertaining to the relation which binds a dutiful
citizen to his country and that in withdrawing the
teQder of service, which silence in my situation
might imply, am influenced by no diminution of
zeal Tor your futurefnterest deficiency of CRATE
full respect for your past kindness; but am support
ed'by full. conviction that the step is compatible
with both. .
The acceptance Of and continuance hitherto in
the Office to which your sufrages have twice called
me, have been a uniform sacrifice of inclination to
the opinion of Duty and to Difference for what APP
peared to be your desire. | constantly hoped that
it would have been much earlier in my power, con-
sistenty with motives which was not at liberty to
disregard, to return to that retirement from which
had been reluctantly drawn. The strength of my
inclination to do this previous to the last election,
had even led to the preparation Of an address to de-
clare it to you but mature reflection on the then
perpexed and critical posture of our affairs with
foreign nations and the unanimous advice of per-
sons entitled to my confidence, impelled me to a.
bandon the idea.
| rejoice that the state of your concerns, exter-
nal as well as internal, no longer renders the pur-
suit of inclination incompatible with the sentiment
of duty, or propriety; and am persuaded whatever
Partially may be retained for my services, that in
the present circumstances of our country you will
not disapprove my determination TO retire.
The Impressions with which first undertook the
arduous trust were explained on the proper occa-
sion. In the discharge of this trust, | will only
say, that have, with good intentions, contributed
towards the organization and administration of the
government the best exertons of which very fall
lible judgment was capable. 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 strengthened the motives to
difidence of myself; and every day the increasing
weight of years admonshes me more and more,
that the shade of retirement is necessary to me
as it will be welcome Satisfied, that if any cir
cumstances have gven peculiar value to my servi-
ces, they were temporary, have the consolation to
believe, that while choice and prudence invite me
quit the political scene, patriotism does not forbid
In looking forward to the moment, which is to
terminate the career my publick life, my feelings
do not permit me to suspend the deep acknowledge
ment of that debt of gratitude which owe to my
beloved country for the many honours it has con-
ferred upon me-still for the steadfast conf
dence with which it has supported me, and for the
opportunities have thence enjoyed of manifestng
my inviolable attachment by services faithful and
persevering, though i'll usefulness unequal to my
zeal If benefits have resulted to our country from
these services let it always be remembered to your
praise, and as an instructive example in annals
that under circumstances in which the passions,
itated in every direction, were liable to misead, a.
midst appearances sometimes NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
of fortune, often discouraging-in situations, in
which, not unfrequently, want of success has coun-
tenanced the spirit of criticism--the constancy Of
your support was the essential prop of the efforts
and guarantee of the plans by which they were
effected. Profoundly penetrated with this idea,
shall carry ii with me to my grave, as strong in
element to unceasing vows, that Heaven may con.
tinue to you the choicest tokens of its beneicence
that your union and brotherly affection may be
perpetual-that the free constitution, which is the
work of your hands, may be sacredly maintained
that its administration, i'll every department. may
be stamped with wisdom and virtue--that, in fine
the happiness of the people of these states, unde
the auspices of liberty, may be made complete, b.
so careful preservation, and SO prudent use, o
this blessing, as will acquire to them the glory o
recommending it to the applause, the Affection ant
the adoption, of every nation which is yet stran
ger to it
Here perhaps, l ought to STOP But solictud,
for your welfare, which cannot end but with m,
life, and the apprehension of danger, natural to tina
socitude, urge me, occasion like the pres
ent, to offer to your solemn contemplation, and t.
recommend to your frequent review, some senti
ments which are the result of much reflection of M
inconsiderable observation, and which appear to m,
all important to the permanency ofyour felicity
people. These will be offered to you with the NOR,
freedom, as you can only see in them, the dsinter
ested warnings of parting friend, who can posi-
bly, have no personal motive to bias his counsels
Nor can | forget, as an encouragement to it, you
indulgent reception of my sentiments on forme
and not dissimilar occasion.
interviewer as is the love of liberty with ever
lganent Of your hearts, recommendation O
mine is necessary to fortify or confirm the attach
ment.
The unity Of government which constitutes yo
one people, is also dear to you. IL is Justly so 10
it is main pillar in the edifce of your real indie
pendence; the support fyour tranquility at home
your peace abroad of your safety; of your pros
perity; 81 dlat very liberty which you so highl
prize. But, as it is easy to foresee that from differ
ent causes and from different quarters, much pain
will be taken, many articles employed 10 wcakc
in your minds the conviction OF this truth ; as thi
is the point in your political fortress against whic
the batteries of internal and external enemies wi
be most constantly and actively Though often GOV
ertly and nsidiously) directed; it is of infinite ma
ment that you should properly estimate the immcns
value of your national union, to your collective an
individual happiness that you should cherish
cordial, habitua, and immoveable attachment TO II
accustoming yourselves to think and speak of it,
of the palladium of your political safety and pros
perity; watching for its preservation with jealor
anxiety; dlscountenancing whatever may suggei
even suspicion that it can, in any event. be abar
doned; and indignantly frowning upon the fir
dawning of every attempt to ALLEVIATE any porto
of our country from the rest, or to enfeebe the Sc
cred ties which now link together the various part
For this you have every inducement of sympath
and interest. Citizens by birth or choice, of
common country, that country has right to concer
trate your affections. The name Of American
which belongs to you, in your national capacit
must always exalt the just pride of patriotism, moi
than any appellation derived from local discrimn,
tons. With slight shades Of difference, you hay
the same religion manners, habits, and polite
principles. You have in common cause, foug
fFiumDhad tho ind nd