Washington, George, first President

The Last Official Address, of his Excellency General Washington, to the Legislatures of the United States. Hartford: Hudson & Goodwin, 1783



8vo (8 3/4 x 5 3/8 in.; 222 x 136 mm, uncut); somewhat browned, a few spots and stains on title. Modern cloth.

Howes W136;Sabin 101533

spotting, dampstaining
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NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Washington's last circular letter to the states as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. Copies of the address were sent to the governors of all thirteen states. This is one of several 1783 imprints; others appeared in Annapolis (Maryland), Exeter (New Hampshire), London, and Newport (Rhode Island), but this is the only edition to contain the "Collection of Papers relative to Half-Pay and the commutation of Half-Pay" which was of more immediate concern.

In announcing his resignation, Washington bids farewell to the new nation in whose service he labored for eight years. His address is eloquent with philosophical overtones and potent language, exhorting the American public to strive for the great future he sees. Washington asks his countrymen to protect the independence and liberties they achieved at such high cost. He writes: "This is the moment when the eyes of the whole World are turned upon them, this is the moment to establish or ruin their National Character forever, this is the favourable moment to give such a tone to our federal Government as will enable it to answer the ends of its institution, or this may be the ill-fated moment for relaxing the powers of the Union, annihilating the cement of the Confederation."