In May 1796, President George Washington asked Alexander Hamilton, arguably his most devoted and trusted assistant, to draft a letter informing the country of his intention of retiring from public life and explaining Washington’s reasons for doing so. This American masterpiece was crafted and word smithed by Hamilton, but all the ideas were Washington’s.
The letter they drafted, which came to be known as the Farewell Address, was a beautifully written, nonpartisan assessment of where the United States stood as a nation and provided guidance for the country to follow after President Washington left the stage.
It first appeared in the American Daily Advertiser on September 19, 1796, under the heading “To the people of America” and began with the words “Friends and fellow citizens,” clearly addressing his words to the true source of sovereignty in America, the people, rather than to Congress. It begins with President Washington stating that his decision to retire from public life does not mean he is any less attached to the country and his fellow citizens.
He tells Americans his decision is “influenced by no diminution of zeal for your future interest, no deficiency of grateful respect for your past kindness.” He also emphasizes that he believes the country is in a place where it can continue to thrive without him in charge. Were it not for this belief, President Washington assures his countrymen he would not step down.
Furthermore, Washington acknowledges “that debt of gratitude which I owe my beloved country, for the many honors it has conferred upon me; still more with the steadfast confidence with which it has supported me.” President Washington next offers “some sentiments which are the result of much reflection, of no inconsiderable observation” and hopes Americans will “see in them the disinterested warnings of a parting friend.”
First, Washington discusses the need for America to stay united. He states the “Unity of government…is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of your tranquility at home, your peace abroad, of your safety; of your prosperity; of that very Liberty, which you so highly prize.” Washington also reminds his countrymen of their duty to respect the rule of law: “The very idea of power and the right of the people to establish government presupposes the duty of every individual to obey the established government.”
The President expresses his belief that although the country is vast, the different geographical regions are more similar than dissimilar, and they cannot let one area consider another its foe. Washington stated, “The name of American, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of patriotism” and “With slight shades of difference, you have the same religion, manners, habits, and political principles.”
Washington truly believed all parts of the country benefited the whole, and that the various sections were stronger together than apart. Moreover, he felt the preservation of their liberty was dependent on remaining united. He stated, “your Union ought to be considered as a main prop of your liberty, and that the love of the one ought to endear to you the preservation of the other.”
Washington next warns against the rise of attachments to political parties and the danger they pose to America. He stated, “The alternate domination of one faction (party) over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension…is itself a frightful despotism.” Moreover, “It agitates the community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms; kindles the animosity of one part against another.”
Washington discusses how religion and morality are essential to the future success of the nation explaining, “of all dispositions and habits, which lead to political prosperity, Religion and Morality are indispensable supports.” He saw these two foundational elements as “the great pillars of human happiness, those firmest props of the duties of Men and Citizens.”
Additionally, Washington wrote Americans should “promote…institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge.” He found “it is essential that public opinion should be enlightened” and felt strongly that public debate should be an open dialogue and that free expression, and the exchange of differing viewpoints, were critical to preserving our society.
Washington’s appeal for unity in his Farewell Address is a clarion call for Americans today. George Washington understood that for this great nation to succeed it must remain united. Although differences of opinion were to be expected, discussions on contentious topics should be informed and civil and, most importantly, Americans should not allow these disagreements to split the country apart.
As Washington pointed out, despite different regions of the country having somewhat different interests, Americans braved the storm together to create the country: “You have in a common cause fought and triumphed together. The independence and liberty you possess are the work of joint councils and joint efforts; of common dangers, sufferings and successes.”
Tom Hand is a local historian of note.