CONNUBIAL LIFE.

In my estimation, more permanent and genuine happiness is to be found, in the sequestered walks of connubial life, than in the giddy rounds of promiscuous pleasure, or the more tumultuous and imposing scenes of successful ambition.

1786.

THE PRIVATE CITIZEN.

The great Searcher of human hearts is my witness, that I have no wish which aspires beyond the humble and happy lot, of living and dying a Private Citizen, on my own farm.

1788.

PEACE AND RETIREMENT.

As peace and retirement are my ultimate aim, and the most pleasing and flattering wish of my soul, every thing advancive of this end contributes to my satisfaction, however difficult and inconvenient in the attainment, and will reconcile any place and all circumstances to my feelings, whilst I remain in service.

1778.

DOMESTIC RETIREMENT.

The great object, for which I had the honor to hold an appointment in the service of my country, being

accomplished, I am now preparing to resign it into the hands of Congress, and to return to that domestic retirement, which, it is well known, I left with the greatest reluctance; a retirement, for which I have never ceased to sigh, through a long and painful absence, and in which, (remote from the noise and trouble of the world,) I meditate to pass the remainder of life, in a state of undisturbed repose.

1783.

The hour of my resignation is fixed, at twelve today; after which, I shall become a private citizen on the banks of the Potomac.

The scene is at last closed. I feel myself eased of a load of public care. I hope to spend the remainder of my days, in cultivating the affections of good men, and in the practice of the domestic virtues.

1783.

DOMESTIC EASE.

Freed from the clangor of arms, and the bustle of a camp, from the cares of public employment, and the responsibility of office, I am now enjoying domestic ease, under the shadow of my own vine and my own fig-tree. And in a small villa, with the implements of husbandry and lambkins around me, I expect to

* December 23d, 1783, when he resigned his military office. At Mount Vernon, his residence.

glide gently down the stream of life, till I am entombed in the mansion of my fathers.

1784.

A month from this* day, if I should live to see the completion of it, will place me on the wrong (perhaps it would be better to say the advanced) side of my grand climacteric; and although I have no cause to complain of the want of health, I can religiously aver, that no man was ever more tired of public life, or more devoutly wished for retirement, than I do.

TRANQUILLITY.

Under the shadow of my own vine and my own figtree, free from the bustle of a camp, and the busy scenes of public life, I am solacing myself with those tranquil enjoyments, of which the Soldier, who is ever in pursuit of fame, the Statesman, whose watchful days and sleepless nights are spent in devising schemes to promote the welfare of his own, perhaps the ruin of other countries, as if the globe was insufficient for us all, and the Courtier, who is always watching the countenance of his Prince, in hopes of catching a gracious smile, can have very little conception.

I have not only retired from all public employments, but I am retiring within myself, and shall be able to

* January 22d, 1795. He was in his 63d year.

view the solitary walk, and tread the paths of private life, with a heartfelt satisfaction.

Envious of none, I am determined to be pleased with all; and this being the order of my march, I will move gently down the stream of life, until I sleep with my fathers.

1784.

THE GOOD CITIZEN.

No wish of my retirement can exceed that of seeing our country happy; and I can entertain no doubt of its being so, if all of us act the part of GOOD CITIZENS, contributing our best endeavors to maintain the constitution, support the laws, and guard our independence against all assaults from whatsoever quarter they may come. Clouds may, and doubtless often will, in the vicissitudes of events, hover over our political concerns; but a steady adherence to these principles will not only dispel them, but render our prospect the brighter by such temporary obscurities.

1797.

AGREEABLE RECOLLECTIONS.

The affection and attachment of my fellow-citizens, through the whole period of my public employments, will be the subject of my most agreeable recollections.

The belief, which the affecting sentiments of the people of Massachusetts, expressed by their Senate and

House of Representatives, with those of my fellow-citizens in general, have inspired, that I have been the happy instrument of much good to my country and to mankind, will be a source of unceasing gratitude to Heaven.

1797.

RURAL EMPLOYMENTS.

My time is now occupied by rural amusements, in which I have great satisfaction. And my first wish is, (although it is against the profession of arms, and would clip the wings of some of our young soldiers, who are soaring after glory;) to see THE WHOLE WORLD IN PEACE, and the inhabitants of it, as ONE BAND OF BROTHERS, striving who should contribute most to the happiness of mankind.

1785.

Rural employments, while I am spared, which, in the natural course of things, cannot be long, will now take the place of toil, responsibility, and the solicitude attending the walks of public life. And with a desire for the peace, happiness, and prosperity of a country in whose service the prime of my life has been spent, and with the best wishes for the tranquillity of all nations and all men, the scene to me will close; grateful to that Providence, which has directed my steps and shielded me, in the various changes and chances through which I have passed, from my youth to the present moment.

1797.