Washington’s Farewell Address, to the People of the United States.

WASHINGTON, George.

Item Number: 133403

New-York: Printed by J. Seymour, at Washington's Head, 1808.

First edition of the Washington Benevolent Society’s printing of George Washington’s Farewell Address. Octavo, bound in one quarter morocco over marbled boards with gilt titles and ruling to the spine. Lacking the frontispiece portrait. Sabin 101605. In very good condition. Bookplate to the pastedown.

Written as a a valedictory to "friends and the fellow-citizens" after 20 years of public service to the United States, Washington's Farewell Address was written near the end of his second term of presidency before retiring to his home at Mount Vernon in Virginia. The letter was first published as The Address of Gen. Washington to the People of America on His Declining the Presidency of the United States in the American Daily Advertiser on September 19, 1796, about ten weeks before the presidential electors cast their votes in the 1796 election. It is a classic statement of republicanism, warning Americans of the political dangers which they must avoid if they are to remain true to their values. It was almost immediately reprinted in newspapers around the country, and later in pamphlet form.