APPENDIX. 381 



to the right path with more avidity. I can never believe that 

 Providence, which has guided us so long, and through such a 

 labyrinth, will withdraw its protection at this crisis. 



Although I shall resign the chair of government without a sin- 

 gle regret, or any desire to intermeddle in politics again, yet there 

 are many of my compatriots (among whom be assured I place you) 

 from whom I shall part sorrowing ; because, unless I meet with 

 them at Mount Vernon, it is not likely I shall ever see them more, 

 as I do not expect I shall ever be twenty miles from it after I am 

 tranquilly settled there. To tell you how glad I should be to see 

 you at that place is unnecessary ; but this I will add, that it would 

 not only give me pleasure, but pleasure also to Mrs. Washington 

 and others of the family, with whom you are acquainted ; and who 

 all unite in every good wish for you and yours, with, dear sir, 

 Your sincere friend and affectionate servant, 



G- WASHINGTON. 



JONATHAN TRUMBULL, Esq. 



The early part of the following letter relates to a plan 

 for emancipating the Southern dependencies of European 

 powers in America, and of combining with them in a system 

 of common defence. This scheme had been broached in 

 a letter of Colonel Trumbull to Washington.* The con- 



& 



eluding portion of the annexed letter, together with the 

 communication from Washington which follows it, presents 

 an interesting disclosure of his feelings in view of a proposi- 

 tion that he should stand as a candidate for the Presidency 

 for a third term. His sentiments in regard to the position 

 of the Federal party and the character of their opponents, 

 are clearly set forth. 



GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GOVERNOR TRUMBULL. 



MOUNT VERNON, July 21, 1799. 



MY DEAR SIR, Your favor of the 22d ultimo got to my 

 hands yesterday, only. It came safe, and without any apparent 

 marks of violence ; but whence the length of its passage, I am 

 unable to inform you. 



* The letter of Colonel Trumbull with the response of Washington, may 

 be found in Coloiiel Trumbull's Reminiscences, Appendix, (p. 379, seq.) 



