Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-02-28
FAREWELL ADDRESS
PRESIDENT WASHINGTON,
TO THE
PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STA 7ES.


FRIENDS AND FELLOW CITIZENS:
The period for new election of citizei to adj
minister the executive Government of the United
States being not far distant, and the time Ftually
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 more distinct expression Of
the public voice. that should now apprize you Of
the resolution have formed, to decline being con-
sidered among the number of those out of whom a
choice is to be made.
| beg you at the same time to do me the justice
to be assured that this solution has not been taken
without strict regard to all the considerations ap-
pertaining to the relation which binds dutIul citi
zen to his country and that, in withdrawing the
tender Of service which silence in my situation might
imply, am influenced by no diminution of zeal for
your future interest deficiency of grateful respect
for your past kindness; but supported by a full
conviction that the step is compatible with both
The acceptance of and continuance hitherto in, the
Office to which your suffrages have twice salled me,
have been uniform sacrifice of inclination to the
opinion of duty, and to Difference for wha appear
ed to be your desire. constantly hoped that it
would have been much earlier in my power, consis-
tently with motives which l was not at hbrty to
disregard, to return to that retirement from which
had been reluctantly drawn. The strength # my
inclination to do this, previous to the last election,
had even led to the preparation of address de-
clare it to you; but mature reflection on thu then
perplexed and critical posture of our affairs with
foreign nations, and the unanimous advice q per-
entitled to my confidence, impeled me {, ADAM
don the idea
l rejoice that the state of your concerns external
well internal, no longer renders the purut of
inclination incompatible with the sentiment Of duty
proprety and persuaded whatever partially nay be
retained for my services that the present circumstances
of country you viii not dsapprove my determination
to retire.
The impressions with which first undertook The ar
duous trust explained the proper occasion In
the discharge of this will only say that have with
good intentions contributed towards the organization and
administration of the Government the best exertions
which very falble judgment was capable Not uncon-
scious in the outset of the neriory of my qualifications
experience in my eyes perhaps still mon, the eyes
of Others has strengthened the motives idence of
myself and every day the increasing weight If years ad
monishes and that the shade of retirement
is necessary it win be welcome. Satisfied that
if any circumstances have given peculiar value to ser
vices they temporary, have the consolation to be-
leve that while choice and prudence invite quit the
political scene, patriotism does not forbid it,
In looking forward the moment which is intended to
terminate the of my public life my feelings do not
permit to suspend the deep acknowledgment of that
debt Of gratitude which to my beloved country for
the many honors it has conferred upon me; still for
the steadfast confidence with which t has supported
and for the opportunities have thence enjoyed Of mani
Testing my nvolabe attachment by services faithful and
pcrseverng though in usefulness unequal my zeal
benefits have resulted to country from these services
let it always be remembered your praise and in
in which the passions agitated in every direction
liable misead amidst appearances sometimes dubious,
vcissudes of fortune often dscouragng, in situations in
which not unequenty Of has countenanced
the spirit Of criticism the constancy of your support
the essential prop of the efforts and guarantee Of the
plans by which they effected Profoundly penetrat-
ed with this idea, shall carry it with my grave,
strong nctement to unceasing that Heaven may
continue you the choicest tokens Of its benecence
your union and brohery affection may be perpetual
the free constitution which the work Of your hands,
may be sacredy maintained that its administration
every department may be stamped with wisdom and vr-
tue that in ne the happiness Of the people of these
States under the auspices Of liberty may be made
plete by careful preservation and so prudent
of this blessing viii acquire to them the glory Of
commencing it to the applause the affection and the
adoption Of every nation which yet stranger to it.
Here, perhaps, ought 10 stop but solicitude for
your welfare which end but with my fe and the
apprehension Of danger natural to that soicude urge
occasion like the present offer to your solemn
contemplation and to recommend your frequent review
sentiments which the result Of much reflection
Of nconsderabe observation and which appear to me
all important TO the permanency Of your felicity as peo-
pie. These viii be afforded to you with the more free
DOM you only in them the disnterested warn
ings Of parting friend who possibly have no person
al motive to bias his counsel forget as m en-
enlargement to it, your ndugen reception Of my senti-
ments on a former and not dissimilar occasion.
interviewer is the love Of liberty with every gament
Of your hearts, recommendation Of mine is necessary
to fortify confirm the attachment
The unity of Government which constitutes you ono
people, is also now dear you 1t is justly so FOR it
main pillar in the edihce Of your neutrality-suspicious. the
support Of your tranquility at home, your peace abroad
Of your safety Of your pro erty Of that very liberty
which you highly prize But as il is easy to oresee
that from different and from different quarters
much pains viii be taken, many articles employed, tc
weaken in your minds the conviction Of this truth as this
is the point in your political fortress against which the
batteries of internal and external enemies will be most
constantly and actively Though often cevertly and insd
ousy) directed it is Of infinite moment that you should
properly estimate the immense value Of your national
Union to your collective and individual happiness thai
YOU should cherish cordial, habitua and mmovabe at
achment to IL accustomng yourselves think and speak
Of as Of the palladium of your political safety and
perty watching for its preservation with jealous ankle
ty notwithstanding whatever may suggest a
picon that IL in any event be sbandoned and ndg