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Here is the full entry for your selection:
Gilder Lehrman Document Number:
GLC02437.09419
Title: to Henry Knox
Author: Washington, George (1732-1799)
Year: 1789/04/01
Place: Mount Vernon, Virginia
Type of document: Autograph letter signed
Quotation: "Feelings not unlike those of a culpritgoing to the place of his execution"
Description: One of Washington's most famous letters, written shortly before going to New York for his inauguration. Washington writes about his apprehensions on assuming the presidency: "my movements to the chair of Government will be accompanied with 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 & inclination which is necessary to manage the helm..." Promises integrity and firmness at his post.
Annotation: Washington was sworn in as the nation's first president 30 April 1789.
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