Presidential Speech Assignment
9/11/13
George Washington's Farewell Address

George Washington, the first President of the United States, released his farewell address on September 19, 1796. The President gave his address in published form, due to his failing health.

Washington began the address by informing the American people that he would not be running for a third term in office.

The opportunity to serve his first two terms was a privilege granted by the people, Washington said, and he expressed his gratitude for the support he received during his presidency.

After explaining his intention to retire, Washington went on to offer to American citizens “some sentiments which are the result of much reflection.”

These sentiments included unity among different factions of the country, the separation of powers, morality and education, economics and foreign affairs.

Washington’s warnings on unity began with an acknowledgement that liberty is dear to the hearts of United States citizens, and a suggestion that “unity of government which constitutes you one people is also now dear to you.”

Americans should seek for cooperation between North and South, East and West and different political factions, Washington said.

“It is important, likewise,” said Washington, “that the habits of thinking in a free country should inspire caution in those entrusted with its administration, to confine themselves within their respective constitutional spheres, avoiding in the exercise of the powers of one department to encroach upon another.” The United States Constitution is the way to maintain separation of power, Washington said.

The president then urged citizens to “promote, then, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge.”

Washington also emphasized the importance of religion and morality as “indispensable supports” of the nation.

The president then suggested that neutrality is the best foreign policy. “If we remain one people under an efficient government, the period is not far off when we may defy material injury from external annoyance…when we may choose peace or war, as our interest, guided by justice, shall counsel,” Washington said.

Washington concluded his address with a plea that the country would forgive the mistakes he made while in office.

The president closed his remarks with the “pleasing expectation that retreat in which I promise myself to realize, without alloy, the sweet enjoyment of partaking, in the midst of my fellow-citizens, the benign influence of good laws under a free government,” Washington said.