384 APPENDIX. 



mind than that principle, not men is now, and will be, the object 

 of contention ; and that I could not obtain a solitary vote from 

 that party ; that any other respectable Federal character would 

 receive the same suffrages that I should ; that at my time of life 

 (verging towards threescore and ten) I should expose myself, 

 without rendering any essential service to my country, or answer 

 ing the end contemplated; prudence on my part must arrest any 

 attempt of the well-meant but mistaken views of my friends to 

 introduce me again into the chair of government. 



Lengthy as this letter is, I cannot conclude it without express 

 ing an earnest wish that some intimate and confidential friend of 

 the President's would give him to understand that his long absence 

 from the seat of government, in the present critical conjuncture, 

 affords matter for severe animadversion by the friends of govern 

 ment, who speak of it with much disapprobation ; while the other 

 party chuckle at and set it down as a favorable omen for them 

 selves. It has been suggested to me to make this communication, 

 but I have declined it, conceiving that it would be better received 

 from a private character, more in the habits of social intercourse 

 and friendship. 



With the most sincere friendship and affectionate regard, 

 I am, always, 



Your obedient servant, 



G. WASHINGTON. 



His Excellency 



JONATHAN THUMB ULL. 



GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GOVERNOR TRUMBULL. 



MOUNT VERNON, 3Qth August, 1799. 



MY DEAR SIR, Your favor of the 10th instant came duly to 

 hand. It gave me pleasure to find, by the contents of it, that 

 your sentiments respecting the comprehensive project of Colonel 

 Trumbull coincided with those I had expressed to him. 



A very different state of politics must obtain in this country, 

 and more unanimity prevail in our public counsels, than is the 

 case at present, ere such a measure could be undertaken with the 

 least prospect of success. By unanimity alone the plan could be 

 accomplished : while, then, a party, and a strong one too, is hang 

 ing upon the wheels of government, opposing measures calculated 



