Washington, George (1732-1799) to Henry Knox

Philadelphia 2d March 1797.
My dear Sir;
Amongst the last Acts of my political life, and before I go hence into retirement, profound, will be the acknowledgement of your kind and affectionate letter from Boston - dated 15.th of January. -
From the friendship I have always borne you - and from the interest I have ever taken in whatever relates to your prosperity & happiness, I participated in the sorrows which I knew you must have felt for your late heavy losses. - But it is not for man to scan the wisdom of Providence. The best he can do, is to submit to its decrees. Reason, religion & Philosophy, teaches us [inserted: to do] this, but 'tis time alone that can ameliorate the pangs of humanity, & soften its woes.
To the wearied traveller who sees a resting place, and is bending his body to lean thereon, I now compare myself; but to [inserted: be suffered to] do this in peace, is [inserted: I perceive] too much, to be endured by some. To misrepresent my motives; to reprobate my politics; - and to weaken the confidence which has been reposed in my [2] administration are objects which cannot be relinquished by those who, will be satisfied with nothing short of a [inserted: change in our] political System. - The consolation however, which results from conscious rectitude, and the approving voice of my Country, unequivocally expressed by its Representatives - deprives their sting of its poison, and places in the same point of view both the weakness, and malignity of their efforts: -
Although the prospect of retirement is most grateful to my soul, - and I have not a wish to mix again in the great world, or to partake in its politics, yet, I am not without my regrets at parting with (perhaps never more to meet) the few intimates whom I love, among these, be assured you are one. -
The account given by Mr Bingham and others, of your agreeable situation, and prospects at S.t George's; gave me infinite pleasure; and no one wishes more sincerely than I do, that they may increase with your years. The remainder of my life (which in the course of nature cannot be long) will be occupied in rural amusements [3] ments, and though I shall seclude myself as much as possible from the noisy and bustling crowd, none more than myself, would be regaled by the company of those I esteem, at Mount Vernon: - More than 20 miles from which, after I arrive there, it is not likely I ever shall be. -
As early in next week as I can make arrangements for it, I shall commence my journey for Mount Vernon. - Tomorrow, at dinner, I shall, as a servant of the public, take my leave of the President Elect. - of the foreign characters, - head of Departments, - &cw. - And the day following, with pleasure, I shall witness the inauguration of my Successor to the Chair of government. -
On the subject of Politics I shall say nothing; - you will have an opportunity of seeing & conversing with many of the Legislators; from who, so far as it relates to the proceedings of their own body, they can give you the details. - The Gazettes will furnish the rest. - M.rs Washington unites with me in every good wish for you, M.rs Knox & family, and with unfeigned truth, I am Yours always, & affectionately
Go: Washington
Genl. Knox
[docket]
Philadelphia 2 March
1797 Genl Washington
from the President
of the United States,
dated, the last day
but one of his adminis-
tration as President of
the United States
Sparks
[second docket]
Washington
to Knox
1797
original
No. 10