Below are excerpts from George Washington’s Farewell Address to the people of the United States, which was never actually delivered orally by Washington. It appeared as directed by George Washington in a Philadelphia newspaper and the in The Independent Chronicle. In it, he gives advice to his fellow Americans. The Farewell Address also becomes a precedent set my Washington that all other Presidents adopt at the end of their terms.
“Friends and Fellow Citizens:
“The unity of government … is a main pillar in the edifice (building of) of your real independence…of your tranquility at home, your peace abroad; of your safety; of your prosperity; of that very liberty which you so highly prize…
…I have already intimated to you the danger of parties (factions) in the State…It serves to distract the Public Councils, and enfeeble the Public Administration…agitates the Community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms; kindles the animosity of one…against another…
…It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world…
…the name of American, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the pride of Patriotism…
“Friends and Fellow Citizens:
“The unity of government … is a main pillar in the edifice (building of) of your real independence…of your tranquility at home, your peace abroad; of your safety; of your prosperity; of that very liberty which you so highly prize…
…I have already intimated to you the danger of parties (factions) in the State…It serves to distract the Public Councils, and enfeeble the Public Administration…agitates the Community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms; kindles the animosity of one…against another…
…It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world…
…the name of American, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the pride of Patriotism…