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Washington’s Farewell Address (1796)
Friends and fellow-citizens. The period for a new election of a citizen,
to administer the executive government 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 apprise
you of the resolution I have 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, to do me the justice to be assured, that this
resolution has not been taken without a strict regard to all the considerations appertaining to the relation which binds a dutiful citizen to his
country; and that, in withdrawing the tender of service, which silence in
my situation might imply, I am influenced by no diminution of zeal for
your future interest; no deficiency of grateful respect for your past kindness; but am suppor ѕ