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.

PART V.] ADDRESSES. 243
their expressions of confidence, attachment, and affection; and for their honorable testimonies, that my
public cares and labors have been useful to my country. With great satisfaction I receive your additional
testimonies, that, as a public man, I have not lived
in vain.
Though now seeking that repose, which retirement
and the tranquil pursuit of rural affairs are calculated
to afford, and which my time of life requires, the love
of my country will indeed suffer no abatement; its
safety and prosperity will be essential to thQ enjoyment of my remaining years. And I confide in the
discernment and patriotism of my fellow-citizens for
the choice of wise and virtuous men, who will successively administer every branch of the government
in such manner, as, under divine Providence, to insure the general happiness.
For your affectionate wishes for my present and
future happiness, accept, Gentlemen, my cordial thanks.
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
TO THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
OF MASSACHUSETTS, IN A LETTER TO THE SENATORS IN CONGRESS FROM THAT STATE.
FEBRUARY, 1797.
GENTLEMEN,
The sentiments expressed in the Address you have
delivered to me from the Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
sentiments as honorable to them as to me, have excited the most grateful emotions. Whatever services
I have rendered to my country, in its general appro