Washington, George, 1732-1799 to David Humphreys re: defending actions as president, longing for retirement
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06434 Author/Creator: Washington, George, 1732-1799 Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1796/06/12 Pagination: 3 p. 22.9 x 29 cm Order a Copy
Marked private by Washington. Written to his former secretary, towards the end of his second administration, concerning his perseverance despite attacks upon him. "...the Gazette (which I presume will accompany the dispatches) will give you a pretty good idea of the state of Politics, and Parties in this country; and will shew you, at the same time (if Bache's Aurora is among them) in what manner I am attacked for persevering, steadily, in measures which, to me, appear necessary to preserve us (during the conflicts of the Belligerent powers) in a state of tranquillity. But these attacks, unjust, and unpleasant as they are, will occasion no change in my conduct; nor will they produce any other effect in my mind than to increase the solicitude which, long since, has taken fast hold of my breast, to enjoy in the shades of retirement, the consolation of believing that I have rendered my country every service to which my abilities were competent -- not from pecuniary or ambitious motives, nor from a desire to provide for any one farther than their intrinsic merit entitled them to; and surely not with a view to bring any of my own relations into Office." Washington adds "Malignity, therefore, may dart its shafts, but no earthly power can deprive me of the consolation of knowing that I have not, in the whole course of my administration (how ever numerous they may have been) committed an intentional error." In his conclusion, he invites (in an alternately humorous and macabre fashion) Humphreys to Mount Vernon. His postscript mentions the health of his family.
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