Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1854-09-16
Extracts from the Farewell Address Of
WASHINGTON
TO HIS FELLoW-CITIZENs.

WASHINGTON
TO HIS FELLOW CITIZENS.
Friends and Felov- Citizens
The period for the new election Of a citizen
administer the Executive Government of the Tn
ted States, being not far distant, and the time a
tually arrived when your thoughts must be en-
ployed in designating the person who is to
clothed with that important trust, it appears to n
proper, especially as it may conduce to a mo
distinct expression of the public voice. that
should now apprlse you of the resolution l ha,
formed, to decline being considered among Il
number of those out of whom a choice is to |
made.
| beg you, at the same time, to do me the ius
ticc to be assured, that this resolution has not bee
taken without a strict regard to all the considera
tions appertaining to the relation which binds
dutifnl citizen to his country; and that in with
drawing the tender of service which silence in m,
a%ituation, might imply, | am influenced by no di
minution of zeal for your future interest; no def
cheney of grateful respect for your past kindness
but am supported by a full conviction that tn
step is compatible with both.
The acceptance OF, and continuance hitherto il
the office to which your suffrages have twice call
ed me, have been a uniform sacrifice of inclination
to the opinion of duty, and to a Difference for wha
appeared to be your desire. constantly hopet
that it would have been much earlier in nv DOW
er, consistently with motives which | was no
at liberty TO disregard, TO return to that retirement
from which ! had been reluctantly drawn. The
strength of my inclination to do this, previous te
the last election, had even led to the preparation
of an address to declare it to you; but mature re-
Election on the then p~erplexed and critical posture
of our affairs with foreign nations, and the unani-
NOUS advice of persons entitled to my confidence,
rppoIIad NJ 70 abandon The iIoo
/ rejoice that the state of your concerns. exter-
nal as well as internal, no longer renders the pur-
suit Of inclination incompatible with the senti-
ment Of duty or proprety; and am persuaded,
whatever Partially may be retained for my SER
vices, that, in the present circumstances of our
country, you will not disapprove my determine
ton to retire.
The impressions with which I first undertook
the ardqous trust, were explained on Inc proper
occasion. In the discharge of this trust | will on
ly say, that / have with good intentions contribu.
ted towards the organization and administration
of the Government. the best e~xertions of which a
very fallible judgement was capable. Not uncon-
scious in the outset, of the inferiority Of my quail
%hcations. experience in my own eyes, perhaps
still more in the eyes of others, has strengthened
the motives to diffidence of myself; and every day
the increasing weight of years, admonishes me
more and more, that the shade Of retirement is as
necessary to me as it will be welcome. Satisfied
that if any circumstances have given peculiar va
lue to my services, they were temporary, | have
the consolation to believe, that while choice and
prudence invite me to quit the political scene, pa
triotism does not forbid it.
In looking forward to the moment which in.
tended to terminate the career of my public life,
feelings do not permit me to suspend the deep ac-
acknowledgement Of that debt of gratitude which |
owe to my beloved country, for the many honors
It has conferred upon me; still more for the stead
fast confidence with which it has supported me:
and for the opportunities ! have thence enjoyed,
of manifesting my inviolable attachment. by SER
vices faithful and persevering. though il useful
ness unequal to my zeal. If benefits have result
ed to our country from these services, le,it always
be remembered to your praise, and as an instruct
i've example in our annals. that, under circum. }.
stances in which the passions, agitated in every
direction, were liable to mislead. amidst appear
ances sometimes dubious, vicissitudes of fortune,
often discouraging in situations in which, not un.
frequently, want Of success has countenanced the
spirit OF criticism the constancy Of your support
was the essential prop OF the efforts, and a guaran.
tee OF the plans by which they were effected
Profoundly penetrated with this idea, | shall car
ry II with me to my grave, as a strong Indictment
to unceasing vows, that Heaven NAV continue to |
you the choicest tokens of its benefcence: that |
your union and b~rotherly affection may be per. !
petual; that the free Constitution, which is the
work OF your hands, may be sacredly maintained:
that It's administration, inevery department, may
stamped with wisdom and virtue; that. in fine.
the happiness of the People of these States under
the auspices of Liberty, may be made complete.
oy so careful a preservation, and so prudent a use
OF this blessing, as will acquire to them the glory
OF recommending it to applause, the affection, and
adoption OF every nation which A. is yet a stran-
ger to it.
Here, perhaps, ! ought to stop; but a solicitude
lor your welfare which cannot end but with nv
life, and the approximations of danger natural to
hat solicitude, urge me, on an occasion like the
to offer to your solemn contemplation and
o recommend to your frequent review, some sem
which are the result of much reflection
" no inconsiderabIe observation, and which an,
'ear to me all important to the permanency of
'our felicity as q people. These will be afforded
o you with the more freedom. as you can only
ee IN them the dlsinterested warnings of a part
ne frend, who can possibly have no personal mo-
i've TO bias his council; nor can | forget, as an en-.
engagement to il, your indulgent reception of nv
on a former and not dissimilar occa.
interviewer as is the love of liberty with every
gament Of your hearts, no recommendation oHf
is necessary 10 fortify or confirm the attach.
tent.
The unity of Government which constitutes
GU one people, is also now dear 10 YOU. Il is
'stly so; far it Is a main pillar in the edifce Of
our real Independence; the support of your tram
utility at home, your peace abroad; of your safe
7; Of your prosperity; Of that very liberty 50
igh'y, priced. But as i is easy 10 faresee, that
ON different causes and from different q~uar,ers
luch pains will be taken, many articles emplov.
!, to weaken, in your minds, the conviction Of this
nth; as this is the point in your political fortress
,ainst which the batteries Of internal and exter-
l enemies will be most constantly and actively
houga often oovertly and insidiously) directed,
OF INFINITE moment that you should properly :
to your collective and individual happiness: :
It you should cherish a cordial, habitual. and
attachment to it; ac~customing YOUR
YES to think and speak Of it as Of the palladium
your political safety and prosperity; watching .
It's preservation with jealous anxiety, discount =
4nClUg whatever NAV c,,uwoct ox,np : ,o... .