...published by him at the period of announcing his intention of retiring from public life at the expiration of the present constitutional term of the presidency of the United States. To which is added, his speech to the congress, at their present session, which terminates his political career, Philadelphia: Printed by H. Sweitzer & J. Ormrod, December 10th, 1796, old custom binding, full red leather with gilt ruled boards and gilt lettering "C. Seckle", black morocco spine label, marbled endpapers, aeg, Sabin 101578

Provenance: Private Collection

Note: This scarce title represents the first version of George Washington's famed Farewell Address printed in book form. In this iconic speech that marked the end of his presidential career, Washington expressed his concerns for the young nation's future, warning of the potential dangers of becoming involved in foreign entanglements, and of increasing "factionalism" or partisanship in government. Above all, Washington urged unity among Americans: "The name of American, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism, more than any appellation derived from local distinctions." Washington's words were circulated widely in newspapers and pamphlets of the time, but contemporary copies of this celebrated speech are rare to today's market.