Honoring Washington and Quoting His Farewell Address (Drafted by Hamilton)

The central image has a full length Standing Portrait of George Washington as President with his sword, after the original painting by Gilbert Stuart painted for William Constable, better known as the "Landsdowne Portrait." Washington's portrait is framed by a portion of his farewell address on the left, and his epitaph on the right. The bottom bears three panels, including the Great Seal of the United States, a sailing ship scene labeled "Commercial Union," and "The British Lion."

GEORGE WASHINGTON. A rare glazed cotton kerchief printed in black bearing a full length portrait of George Washington and a portion of his Farewell Address. Germantown Print Works, c. 1806.

Complete Transcript

THE EFFECT OF PRINCIPLE

BEHOLD THE MAN

[Left side:]

Though in reviewing the incidents of my administration, I am unconscious of intentional error, I am nevertheless too sensible of my defects not to think it probable that I may have committed many errors whatever they may be, I fervently beseech the Almighty to avert or mitigate the evils to which they may tend.I shall also carry with me the hope that my country will never cease to view them with indulgence; and that after forty five years of my life dedicated to its service with an upright zeal, the faults of incompetent abilities will be consigned to oblivion, as myself must soon be to the mansion of rest.

[Right side:]

GEORGE WASHINGTON

Born 11th February OS 1732

Died 14th December 1799

Who from his integrity of conduct was unanimously elected President of the united States of America & after discharging the duties of his office for many Years voluntarily resigned in a speech the conclusion of which the annexed is a brief extract.

At the end of his second term, Washington sent an open letter emphasizing the importance of unity and warning Americans against entanglements with foreign powers. Though he had initially solicited the aide of Madison in crafting his remarks, he sought out Alexander Hamilton in the composition of a second draft, and most of the material remained Hamilton's upon completion. The Address, first delivered to Congress in writing, warns against the dangers of sectionalism, and criticizes "the insidious wiles of foreign influence," referring to the pro-French sentiments of Jefferson and the Republicans. Washington's policy during the wars between Great Britain and France in the early 1790s had been one of strict neutrality, and in the closing paragraphs of his Address he argues for continued American isolationism. America heeded his advice against joining a permanent alliance for more than a century and a half.