Though in reviewing the incidents of my Administration, I am unconscious of intentional error-I am nevertheless too sensible of my defects not to think it probable that I [may] have committed many errors.-[Whatever they may be I]* fervently beseech the Almighty to avert or mitigate [the evils to which they may tend.]† -I shall also carry with me the hope that my country will never cease to view them with indulgence; and that after forty-five years of my life dedicated to its service, with an upright zeal, the faults of incompetent abilities will be consigned to oblivion, as myself must soon be to the mansions of rest. [‡]

[*377]

*Relying on its kindness in this as in other things, and actuated by that fervent love towards it, which is so natural to a man, who views in it the native soil of himself and his progenitors for [several]§ generations; -I anticipate with pleasing expectation that retreat, in which I promise myself to realize, without alloy, the sweet enjoyment of partaking, in the midst of my fellow citizens, the benign influence of good Laws under a free Government,-the ever favourite object of my heart,

* I deprecate the evils to which they may tend, and-[Supra, p. 207.] † them

May I without the charge of ostentation add, that neither ambition nor interest has been the impelling cause of my actions-that I have never designedly misused any power confided to me nor hesitated to use one, where I thought it could redound to your benefit? May I without the appearance of affectation say, that the fortune with which I came into office is not bettered otherwise than by the improvement in the value of property which the quick progress and uncommon prosperity of our country have produced? May I still further add without breach of delicacy, that I shall retire without cause for a blush, with no sentiments alien to the force of those vows for the happiness of his country so natural to a citizen who sees in it the native soil of his progenitors and himself for four generations?-[Supra, p. 208.]

On the margin opposite this paragraph is the following note: "This paragraph may have the appearance of self-distrust and mere vanity."

$ four

and the happy reward, as I trust, of our mutual cares, labours, and dangers. [*]-[Supra, p. 190.]

UNITED STATES,)

GO. WASHINGTON.

17th September,

1796.

* The paragraph beginning with the words, "May I without the charge of ostentation add," having been struck out, the following note is written on the margin of that which is inserted in its place in the text:-"Continuation of the paragraph preceding the last ending with the word 'rest.'"