Washington's Farewell Address

In 1792, George Washington was prepared to retire from the office of the President. He asked Congressman James Madison from Virginia to help draft a farewell address to the American people. Washington had only planned on serving one term as President and was looking forward to enjoying his retirement in Virginia at his Mount Vernon estate.

However, his thoughts on retirement would be short-lived. The conflict between Britain and France and the growth of political parties made Washington feel that it would not be appropriate to retire at this point. Many of Washington's supporters urged the President to complete a second term in office.

During his second term the President faced several daunting challenges both at home and abroad. Hamilton's Financial Plan, the growth of political parties, Jay's Treaty, and the Whiskey Rebellion all took a heavy toll on the President's health. Daily attacks on his judgement in newspapers and in Congress had made the President very irritable and prone to fits of anger. By 1796, he was ready to retire.

In May of 1796 Washington took out the address written by James Madison and gave it to Alexander Hamilton for some revisions. Washington wanted the address to be short enough to published in newspapers and readable for most Americans. Hamilton's revisions of the Washington's speech are noticable with an emphasis placed on the importance of improving the nation's credit, or financial standing amongst other nations.

The Farewell Address was published on September 19, 1796 in Claypoole's American Daily Advertiser and was soon reprinted in various newspapers across the country.