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liberties, the light in which I contemplated my duty, required that I should renounce every pecuniary compensation. From this

resolution I have in no instance departed.And being still under the impressions which produced it, I must decline, as inapplicable to myself, any share in the personal emoluments, which may be indispensably included in a permanent provision for the executive department; and must accordingly pray that the pecuniary estimates for the station in which I am placed, may, during my continuance in it, be limited to such actual expenditures as the public good may be thought to require,

"Having thus imparted to you my sentiments, as they have been awakened by the occasion which brings us together, I shall take my present leave; but not without resorting once more to the benign parent of the human race, in humble supplication, that since he has been pleased to favour the American people, with opportunities for deliberating in perfect tranquillity, and dispositions for deciding with unparalleled unanimity on a form of government, for the security of their union, and the advancement of their happiness; so his divine blessing may be equally conspicuous in the enlarged views,

the temperate consultations, and the wise measures on which the success of this government must depend.

"G. WASHINGTON."

Soon after his appointment to the chief magistracy, he visited the Eastern States with a view to promote agriculture, and explore the means of national improvement.The French revolution, which had excited the attention of mankind, proved a severe test to the prudence of Washington. Though he secretly disapproved of the violent measures of the French Republic, yet he saw that it was necessary for America to preserve a mutual good understanding with that nation. With this conviction, he received Mr. Genet, whose altercations with the government excited the anxiety of every good mind. The moderation of Washington triumphed over every difficulty; and though his authority was insulted by anonymous libels; though his confidential ministers were accused of being seduced to betray their trust; nay, though the populace were instigated to insurrection, his prudent measures restored peace and harmony.

Washington was twice elected President, and during his eight years administration, he performed the duties of his arduous office

with all the zeal of an honest patriot. His principal residence was in Philadelphia, where Mrs. Washington was treated with the distinction which her own amiable virtues and the dignified station of her husband claimed.

*

The President occasionally visited Mount Vernon, where in his fragrant bowers he found a pleasing relaxation from the cares of government.

In April, 1796, he had the satisfaction to sign the commercial treaty with Great Britain, an event which was facilitated by his exertions. After having spent forty-five years of his life in the service of his country, he, in September, 1796, announced his determination to retire, in an address, expressive of his gratitude and affection.

This treasure of instruction cannot fail to make a favourable impression on the mind of the reader, and it exhibits a lucid view of the state and resources of America.

*"I was struck with awe and veneration when I recollected that I was now in the presence of one of the greatest men upon earth. The great Washington, the noble and wise benefactor of the world! as Mirabeau styles him-the advocate of human nature, the friend of both worlds. Whether we view him as a general in the field, vested with unlimited authority and power, at the head of a victorious army; or in the cabinet, as the President of the United States; or as a private gentleman, cultivating his ownfarm, he is still the same great man-anxious only to discharge with propriety the duties of his relative situation." Wansey's Excursions to the U. States of North America. R

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Address of PRESIDENT WASHINGTON to the

People of America.

"Friends and Fellow-Citizens,

The period for the new election of a citizen, to administer the executive government of the United States being not far distant, and the time actually arrived, when your thoughts must be employed in designating the person who is to be clothed with that important trust, it appears to me proper, especially as it may conduce to a more distinct expression of the public voice, that I should now apprise you of the resolution I have formed, to decline being considered among the number of those out of whom a choice is to be made.

"I beg you at the same time to do me the justice to be assured, that this resolution has not been taken without a strict regard to all the considerations appertaining to the relation which binds a dutiful citizen to his country; and that, in withdrawing the tender of service, which silence in my situation might imply, I am influenced by no diminution of zeal for your future interest, no deficiency of grateful respect for your past kindness, but am supported by a full conviction, that the step is compatible with both.

"The acceptance of, and continuance hitherto in, the office to which your suffrages

have twice called me, have been an uniform sacrifice of inclination to the opinion of duty, and to a deference to what appeared to be your desire. I constantly hoped, that it would have been much earlier in my power, consistently with motives which I was not at liberty to disregard, to return to that retirement from which I had been reluctantly drawn. The strength of my inclination to do this, previous to the last election, had even led to the preparation of an address to declare it to you, but mature reflection of the then perplexed and critical posture of our affairs with foreign nations, and the unanimous advice of persons entitled to my confi dence, impelled me to abandon the idea.

"I rejoice that the state of your concerns, external as well as internal, no longer renders the pursuit of inclination incompatible with the sentiment of duty or propriety; and am persuaded, whatever partiality may be retained for my services, that in the present circumstances of our country, you will not disapprove of my determination to retire.

"The impressions with which I first undertook the arduous trust, were explained on the proper occasion. In the discharge of this trust, I will only say, that I have, with good intentions, contributed towards the or

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