The Hartford republican. (Hartford, Ky.) 18??-1926, 1913-02-21
WASHINGTON'S
FAREWELL ADDRESS
Half Dozen Writers Had a
Hand In II.
Although Early Historians Claim
Washington Was Sole
Author.

and has been admired for its rNct.
oric and its clear expression 81
Washingtonian policies. Earlier his
torians were agreed that Washington
was the author and the writer OF
all that this masterpiece in Ameri-
can politics contained. while as time
advanced We find that in this. as in
most other great acts in his life,
there were others. acting as advis-
ers and writer's. who figured in the
case.
Washington was always able to
gather about him men and minds fit
10 give expression 10 his ideas; he
was CAPABLE Of choosing the riGht
one for the task. This form OF wis
dom stamps him above the ordinary.
for 10 be able 10 choose the proper
agent for lieutenant is quite as grea,
an accomplishment as TO be able TO
co the work.
( Who wrote Washington's farewell
address? Il was as early as May -.
l1Ss. while yet in the first term Of
his presidency. that Washington con-
ceived the idea Of writing II. Writ
ers say he came TO this decision dur
ing his second term Of the presidency
but this is an error. A letter 10
James Madison of May -. 1892. asks
this distinguished writer TO assist in
preparing the contemplated message.
The letter TO Madison contains
among other thoughts the following
splendid expressions:
Il wish you would turn your
thoughts 10 a valedictory address
from me 20 the public, expressive in
plan and modest in terms. that hay-
ing been honored with the presiden-
tial chair and TO the best OF my
abilities contributed 10 the organiza-
ton and administration OF the gov
eminent; that having arrived AT a
period of life when the private walks
Of il in the shade Of retirement be-
come necessary and will be most
pleasing 10 me. and the spirit OF the
government may render rotation in
the elective officers Of il more con-
genial With their ideas OF liberty
and safety. that take my leave of
them as a man, and in bidding them
adieu retaining no other concern
than such as will arise from fervent
wishes for the prosperity OF our
country ] will take the liberty at
my departure from my civil life. as
formerly did at my military exit
10 invoke a continuation Of blessings
Of Providence upon il and upon all
those who are the supporters OF
harmony. order and sool govern
ment-
Washington then goes on 20 out
line some Of the most important tea-
lures which he hopes Madison would
INCORPORATE. and adds: Under these
impressions then permit nIe 10 re
iisrale the request made 10 you
81 our last meeting, namely, 10 think
Of the proper tine ana the best mode
OF announcing the intention and that
that YOU prepare the letter farewell
address. In revolving this subject
myself my Judgment has always teen
en- bArraSsec. On the one hand 8
previous declaration 10 retire TO,
only carries with il the appearance
Of vanity and self-importsnoe. but
]; may be consirCsd into a manner
10 be invited 10 ren8aiE; and on the
other hand, 10 say nothing, implies
consent or al any rate would leave
the matter IL doubt; and 20 decline
sftsr~xrd might De deemed as bad
and uncSndid- ! would fam carry
nv reQues; 10 Won further than is
asked above. although ] am sensible
ths; your compliance must add 10
your troubles"
Washington Continued taxing notes
on the address and the Madison draft
with Us annotsuons sAs HANDED over
10 John Jay. chief justice Of the
United States supreDe court This
wise. diplomatic ard judicial mind
gave il q thorough everlasting and
added many new IDEAS 10 IL
Then from the Jay family cane the
statement tia; the chief justice as
sisted in the framing Of the sdd~ss.
and then the creditors OF the Pick
ering people affirmed that their an
cesior, Timothy Pickering. v1s .
nos; intimate personal TREND Of
Washington and that when the lat
ter wished something expressed in
the besi OF English be always re
ferred il 10 Pickering. q man al
pro.cQns information Washington
had shown his deep confidence in
PICKERING by making him postmaster
EsnerAl secretary Of var ana ssc-
resxry Of state Later the NoHenry