![George Washington’s handwritten Farewell Address; script handwriting on browned, old paper](/sites-drupal/default/files/styles/max_scale_640x640/public/field_ers_item_record_image/2021-09/PROG14.png?itok=-uvS0AcX)
George Washington (1732–1799)
George Washington’s handwritten Farewell Address
1796
Manuscripts and Archives Division
George Washington’s handwritten Farewell Address
George Washington’s Farewell Address marked the end of his second term as president and was based on drafts, like this one written in Washington’s own hand, in which he collaborated with both James Madison and Alexander Hamilton to articulate his hopes and concerns for the future of the United States. The address first appeared in a Philadelphia newspaper in 1796 and was frequently reprinted. Washington attempted to chart a course of action for the country to follow after he left office, stressing the importance of national unity over political party and wishing for the country to stay neutral in foreign affairs, avoiding “the necessity of those overgrown military establishments which … are inauspicious to liberty.” James Lenox, one of the Library’s founding donors, purchased this manuscript at auction in 1848.
: Manuscripts and Archives Division
Currently on View at Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
The New York Public Library believes that this item is in the public domain under the laws of the United States, but did not make a determination as to its copyright status under the copyright laws of other countries. This item may not be in the public domain under the laws of other countries. Though not required, if you want to credit us as the source, please use the following statement, "From The New York Public Library," and provide a link back to the item on our Digital Collections site. Doing so helps us track how our collection is used and helps justify freely releasing even more content in the future.
Items in Beginnings
View All Items in This Section-
Thomas Jefferson’s handwritten copy of the Declaration of Independence
Not currently on view
-
The “Goddard Broadside” printing of the Declaration of Independence
Not currently on view
-
Broadside of the Declaration of Independence
Not currently on view
-
The Goddard Broadside printing of the Declaration of Independence
Not currently on view