Washington, George (1732-1799) to Henry Lee re: his reluctance in accepting a second term
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02793.002 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1793/01/20 Pagination: 2 p. + addr 23 x 19 cm Order a Copy
Written as President to Lee, Governor of Virginia, who has congratulated Washington for his re-election. The president writes "to say I feel pleasure from the prospect of commencing another tour of duty, would be a departure from truth" and continues that it has been "my fixed determination to return to the walks of private life, at the end of my term." He concludes with news of acquaintances and his nephew, and sends with Mrs. Washington his best wishes for the new year.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
[Draft Created by Crowdsourcing]
Philadelphia Jan. 20th 1793
Dear Sir,
I have been favored with your letter of the 6th instant, congratulatory on my reelection to the Chair of Government. A mind must be sensible indeed, not to be gratefully impressed by so distinguished & honorable a testimony of public approbation & confidence; and as I suffered my name to be contemplated on this occasion it is more than probable that I should, for a moment, have experienced [illegible] if my reelection had not been by a pretty respectable vote. But to say I feel pleasure from the prospect of commencing another tour of duty, would be a departure from truth; for however it might savour of affectation in the opinion of the world Who by the bye can only guess at my sentim, as it never has been troubled with them) my particular, & confidential friend well know, that it was after a long and
[2]
and painful conflict in my own heart, that I was withheld (by considerations which are not necessary to mention) from requesting, in time, that no votes might be thrown away upon me; it being my fixed determination to return to the walks of private life, at the end of my term. I am sorry to be informed by your letter, that death has snatched from us my old acquaintance & friend Coro. Bassett. The manner of it, adds to the regret. We shall all follow; some sooner & some later; & from accounts, my poor Nephew is likely to be amongst the first.
Mrs. Washington joins me in wishing you the return of many new & happy years. With very great esteem & regard
I am always
Your affecte. Servt.
Go. Washington
His Excelly.
Henry Lee.
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Pres. Washington
20 January 1793
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