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"Heaven Alone Can Foretell": Washington's Reluctance to Become President
As the Constitution was being written and ratified in the late 1780s, everyone assumed that Washington would be the first president. In this April 1789 letter to General Henry Knox, his friend from the
Continental Army who now served as Secretary of War, Washington accepts the inevitability of his election to the presidency, but with remarkable reluctance. His tone suggests how precarious the future of America seemed to him. Just twenty-nine days later Washington would be inaugurated in the (then) capital, New York City, and would advise his fellow citizens that "the destiny of the Republican model of Government [is] staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people."
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Mount Vernon April 1st. 1789
My dear Sir;
The Mail of the 30th. brought me your favor of the 23d. For which, & the regular infor-
mation you have had the goodness to transmit of the state of things in New York, I feel
myself very much obliged, and thank you accordingly.
I feel for those Members of the new Congress, who, hitherto, have given an unavailing
attendance at the theatre of business. For myself, the delay may be compared to a re-
prieve; for in confidence I can assure you - with the world it would obtain little credit
- that my movements to the chair of Government will be accompanied with feelings
not unlike those of a culprit who is going to the place of his execution: so unwilling am
I, in the evening of a life nearly consumed in public cares, to quit a peaceful abode for an
Ocean of difficulties, without that competency of political skill, abilities & inclination
which is necessary to manage the helm. I am sensible, that I am embarking the voice of
my Countrymen and a good name of my own on this voyage, but what returns will be
made for them - Heaven alone can foretell. Integrity & firmness is all I can promise;
these be the voyage long or short, never shall forsake me although I may be deserted by
all men. For of the consolations which are to be derived from these (under any circum-
stances) the world cannot deprive me. With best wishes for Mrs. Knox, & sincere friend-
ship for yourself. I remain
Your affectionate
Go: Washington
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Click to see Washington's letter.
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GLC 2437.53.74. George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, April 1, 1789.
Editors: James G. Basker, President, Gilder Lehrman Institute; Paul W. Romaine, Former Curator and Executive Director, Gilder Lehrman Collection.
With special thanks to Dr. Spencer Crew, Director, and the staff of The National Musuem of American History, Behring Center, Smithsonian Institution.
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