Thank you for visiting SNEWPapers!
Sign up free
The New Hampshire Gazette
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
On February 21, 1797, members of the Pennsylvania Society of the Cincinnati and other state societies in Philadelphia address George Washington, expressing affection, gratitude, and attachment upon his retirement from the presidency. Washington responds on February 22, reciprocating their sentiments and affirming his esteem for his former comrades.
Merged-components note: The President's answer directly responds to the address from the Society of the Cincinnati, forming a single coherent exchange.
Clipping
OCR Quality
Full Text
The Address of the Members of the Pennsylvania Society of the Cincinnati, and of the Members belonging to other State Societies of the Cincinnati, at present in Philadelphia; to GEORGE WASHINGTON, President of the United States.
SIR,
UPON this auspicious day, and in contemplation of an approaching public event, the most affecting which can ever occur, to us, either as men, as citizens or as your former fellow soldiers. we desire to congratulate, and address you.
As men we offer to you the homage of a pure and heartfelt affection,-As citizens we express to you the gratitude, which results from a just sense of the highest obligations. And as fellow soldiers we declare the respectful and inviolable attachment which we feel to a beloved and venerated Chief.
The moment in which America is to lose the public services of her most illustrious Citizen, would indeed be inconsolable, did not the review of his wise, firm, and virtuous administration, as Chief Magistrate, present a series of conduct. which it will be the pride and happiness of his successors to emulate and sustain.
With this consolatory reflection, we naturally associate the proud sentiment that, in the instance of your dignified retirement from office, our country will exhibit to the world the rare and interesting spectacle that official station and authority are not required to obtain and to continue the utmost distinction among mankind, or to command the highest degree of their admiration and applause.
To that gracious providence, whose goodness has heretofore preserved you a prime Agent of human happiness, we offer our fervent supplications for your present and future felicity.
Signed by order, and on behalf of the society,
THO. MIFFLIN.
February 22, 1797
PRESIDENT'S ANSWER.
To the Members of the Pennsylvania Society of the Cincinnati; and the Members of the other State Societies of the Cincinnati, at present in Philadelphia.
GENTLEMEN,
YOUR congratulations and the expressions of your attachment and approbation of my public services, are received with gratitude, and reciprocated with sincerity.
Endeared to me by every consideration of public and private worth, I shall carry into that retirement which you are pleased to mention in terms so flattering, an invariable affection and esteem, towards the faithful Comrades of my military career; and my best prayers will be offered for their present and future happiness.
G. WASHINGTON.
United States, Feb. 22, 1797.
What sub-type of article is it?
What themes does it cover?
What keywords are associated?
What entities or persons were involved?
Where did it happen?
Story Details
Key Persons
Location
Philadelphia
Event Date
February 21 22, 1797
Story Details
The Society of the Cincinnati addresses Washington on the eve of his presidential retirement, offering congratulations, affection, gratitude, and attachment as men, citizens, and former soldiers, while reflecting on his virtuous administration and dignified retirement. Washington responds with gratitude, sincerity, and enduring esteem for his comrades.