Holograph manuscript (32 pp.), dated United States, 1796 September 19, of President George Washington’s Farewell Address to the nation, with his emendations. In this document, Washington informs his “Friends & Fellow Citizens” that he will not seek office for a third term, leaving them with his views on the country’s present situation, his recommendations for its sound governance and relations abroad, and his hopes for the future. This is the final version, which he delivered to the printer of the American Daily Advertiser in Philadelphia on September 19, 1796. Alexander Hamilton helped Washington substantially in the preparation of the address, both men consulting an earlier address drafted by James Madison in 1792.
