a 
204] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1796. 
It has often happened, nay it the most brilliant talents and vire 
has most frequently happened, that tues, in politicians and warriors, 
have 
General Washington, in September (1796), published a little piece, entitled “A 
Letter from General Washington, on his Resignation of the Office of President ofthe 
United States.” This letter, written by the fatherand saviour of his country to his 
countrymen, on an occasion when his heart was warm, and open, and the tenor and 
grand object of his life in his full recollection,paints the man in juster and livelier co- 
lours than any thing we can record. He begs the people of the United States to be as- 
sured, that his resolution to resign the presidency had not been taken withouta strict 
regard appertaining to the relations which bind a dutiful citizen to his country; and 
that, in withdrawing the tender of service, which silence,in his situation, mightimply, 
he was influenced by no diminution of zeal fer their future interests; no deficiency of 
gratitude for their past kindness; but was supported bya full conviction,that the step 
was compatible with both. Having mentioned the motivesjhat induced him to accept 
and continue in the high office,to which their suffrages had twice called him,and those 
which had urged him to lay it down, he says, “ In looking forward to the moment 
which is intended to terminate the career of my public life,my feelings do not permit 
me to suspend the deep acknowledgment of that debt of gratitude which I owe to my 
beloved country,for the manyhonoursit has conferred upon me; still more, for the sted- 
fast confidence with which it hassupported me; and for the opportunities [have then 
enjoyed, of manifesting my inviolable attachment, by services faithful and persever- 
ing, though in usefulness unequal to myzeal. Ifbenetits have resulted to ourcountry 
from these services,let it always be remembered to your praise, and as an instructive 
example in ourannals,that under circumstances in which thepassions, agitated in every 
direction, liable to mislead ; amidst appearances, sometimes dubious; vicissitudes of 
fortune,often discouraging; in situations in which, not unfrequently, want of success 
has countenanced the spirit of criticism,the constancyof your support was the essen- 
tial prop of the efforts,and a guarantee of the plans,by which they were effected. Pro- 
foundly penetrated with this idea, I shall carry it with me to the grave, asa strong in- 
citement to unceasing vows, that Heaven may continue to you the choicest tokens of 
its beneficence; that your union and brotherly affection may be perpetual; that the 
free constitution, which is the work of your hands, may besacredly maintained; that 
its administration,in every department,may be stamped with wisdom and virtue; that, 
in fine,the happiness of the people of these States,under the auspicies of liberty, may 
be made complete by so careful a preservation and so prudent ause of this blessing,as 
will acquire to them the glory of recommending jit to the applause, the affection, and 
adoption of every nation which is yet a stranger to it. 
“ Here, perhaps, I ought to stop; but solicitude for your welfare, which cannot end 
but with my life, and the apprehension of danger, natural to that solicitude, urge me, 
on an occasion like the present, to offer to your solemn contemplation, and torecom- 
mend to your frequent review, some sentiments, which are the result of much reflec- 
tion, of noinconsiderable observation,and which appear to me all important to the 
permanency of your felicity asa people. These will be offered to you with the more 
freedom, as you can only see in them the disinterested warnings of a parting friend, 
who can: possibly have no personal motives to bias his counsel. Nor can I forget, 
as an encouragement to it, your indulgent reception of my sentiments on a former, 
and not dissimilar occasion.” 
He recommends the love of liberty; the unity of government to which they were 
powerfully invited and urged by everyinducement of sympathy and interest; guards 
them against the causes by which this union may be disturbed; all obstructions to the 
execution of the|aws,all combinations and associations,under whatever plausible cha~ 
racter,with the real design to direct,controul,and counteract,or awe regular deliberas 
tion and action of the constituted authorities; the spirit of party,and all encroachments 
ofonedepartment ofgovernment on another.—“Ofall thedispositions and habitswhich 
lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensible supports. In baie 
, ~ wou 
