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- GLC#
- GLC02437.09419-View header record
- Type
- Letters
- Date
- 1 April 1789
- Author/Creator
- Washington, George, 1732-1799
- Title
- to Henry Knox
- Place Written
- Mount Vernon, Virginia
- Pagination
- 1 p. : docket Height: 23.2 cm, Width: 19.1 cm
- Primary time period
- The New Nation, 1783-1815
- Sub-Era
- The Early Republic
One of Washington's most famous letters, written shortly before going to New York for his inauguration. Washington writes about his apprehensions on assuming the presidency: "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..." Promises integrity and firmness at his post.
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