The writings of George Washington; being his correspondence, addresses, messages, and other papers, official and private, selected and published from the original manuscripts; with a life of the author, notes and illustrations. By Jared Sparks.

6ET. 64.] LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 5I5
so early a day, as to enable his fellow-citizens to turn
their thoughts to other candidates, and prepare for a
new election.
Accordingly his Farewell Address to the people of
the United States was published on the 15th of September, nearly six months before his term of office
expired. In this paper are embodied the results of his
long experience in public affairs, and a system of policy,
which in his opinion was the best suited to insure to
his. country the blessings of union, peace, and prosperity, and the respect of other nations. For the vigor
of its language, the soundness of its maxims, the wisdom of its counsels, and its pure and elevated sentiments, this performance is unrivalled; and the lapse
of forty years has rather increased than diminished the
admiration with which it was universally received. The
sensation, which it produced in every class of the come
munity, was as strong as it has been permanent. Even
the fierce spirit of party could not resist the impulse,
nor weaken its force. The State legislatures, when
they assembled, and other public bodies, voted addresses and thanks to the President, expressing a cordial
approbation of his conduct during the eight years in
which he had filled the office of chief magistrate, and
their deep regret that the nation was to be deprived
of his services. In some of the States, the Farewell
Address was printed and published with the laws by
order of the legislatures, as an evidence of the value
they attached to its political precepts, and of their affection for its author.*
The two houses of Congress came together in December, and Washington met them for the last time.
* See the FAREWELL ADDRESS, and various particulars relating to it,
in Volume XXII. pp. 214, 382.