548
Interpreting and Preserving the Constitution
Relying on its kindness in this as in other things, and actuated by that
fervent love towards it, which is so natural to a man who views in it the
native soil of himself and his progenitors for several generations, I anticipate with 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, the ever favorite object of my heart, and the happy reward, as I
trust, of our mutual cares, labors, and dangers.
george washington.
Gazette of the United States, September 17th, 1796.