Hello and welcome to a history of the United States. Episode 183, Washington's Farewell.

Last time out, we wrapped up the Washington administration with where we began it, the French

Revolution. It had done much to define the first administration of the United States of America,

one which did so much to set the tone of how

the American government was to work. Washington had first contemplated stepping down in 1792.

He had even drafted a version of a document with Madison, but Hamilton and Jefferson

talked him into staying on another four years.

But by 1796, he had truly had enough. It was time to step down.

Hamilton reworked the initial document created by Madison, creating a more Madisonian version

and one more aligned with himself. Washington, obviously,

preferred Hamilton's. The fact that his friendship with Madison had been destroyed by his second

administration would have no doubt played on Washington's mind. But, as you will be well aware,

I like to allow our historical

characters to speak for themselves when they can. So I'm going to go through Washington's

farewell address in full. If you don't want to listen to it, fair enough. No problems. I'll see

next episode. But now, I'll hand over to George. One last time.

Friends and Citizens. The period for a new election of a citizen to administer the executive

governments of the United States being not far distant, and the time actually arrived when your thoughts must be employed

in designating the person who is to be clothed with that important trust. It appears to me proper,

especially as it may conduce to a more distinct expression of the public voice, that I should now

appraise you of the resolution I formed, to decline being

considered among the number of those out of whom a choice is to be made. I beg you, at the same time,

...