George Washington: First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of His Countrymen

For Lesson Three: Integrity and Firmness is All I Can Promise:
The Washington Presidency

NEXT

PREVIOUS

ITEM LIST

NEW SEARCH

George Washington Papers, 1741-1799

[Letter from George Washington to Henry Knox, April 1, 1789]

Scroll Down to view the text of this document.

NOTE: This is an excerpt. The full text version of Letter from George Washington to Henry Knox, April 1, 1789 is in George Washington Papers, 1741-1799.

The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745-1799. John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor.--vol. 30

Mount Vernon, April 1, 1789.

... my movements to the chair of Government will be accompanied by feelings not unlike those of a culprit who is going to the place of his execution: so unwilling am I, in the evening of a life nearly consumed in public cares, to quit a peaceful abode for an Ocean of difficulties, without that competency of political skill, abilities and inclination which is necessary to manage the helm. I am sensible, that I am embarking the voice of my Countrymen and a good name of my own, on this voyage, but what returns will be made for them, Heaven alone can foretell. Integrity and firmness is all I can promise; these, be the voyage long or short, never shall forsake me although I may be deserted by all men. For of the consolations which are to be derived from these (under any circumstances) the world cannot deprive me.

... {excerpt ends}

Go to the complete interview from which this excerpt was taken.