George Washington's Farewell Address

“The acceptance of and continuance hitherto in the office to which your suffrages have twice called me have been a uniform sacrifice of inclination to the opinion of duty and to a deference for 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.”

In his lifetime, Washington was often compared to Cincinnatus, the legendary Roman (and namesake of the city Cincinnati) who, in the fifth century BC, was given dictatorial power to defend the city against an invading army and, after defeating that army, immediately relinquished power and returned to his farm. Here Washington implicitly connects himself with that story by describing his public service as a burden placed upon him that he would cast off as soon as possible to return home.

“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 my determination to retire.”

Washington’s phrasing suggests that while forces beyond his control have required him to stay in office, those matters have sufficiently calmed to permit his retirement. Washington also subtly congratulates himself and his administration for solving the problems that beset them in the second term. For all of the humility put forth in the address, Washington finds ways to bolster his accomplishments.

“I shall carry it with me to my grave as a strong incitement 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 be sacredly 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 auspices of liberty, may be made complete by so careful a preservation and so prudent a use of this blessing as will acquire to them the glory of recommending it to the applause, the affection, and adoption of every nation which is yet a stranger to it.”

This long sentence is a peroration, the high point of emotion and inspiration in a speech, which usually comes at the conclusion. Washington hints at a very brief statement to announce his retirement and express gratitude, urging the American people not only to live happily under a free and effective government but also, in doing so, to inspire those around the world who lack but nevertheless seek freedom.