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Subject Area: Political Theory
Topic: The American Revolution and Constitution

TO HENRY LEE, GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA. - George Washington, The Writings of George Washington, vol. XII (1790-1794) [1891]

Edition used:

The Writings of George Washington, collected and edited by Worthington Chauncey Ford (New York and London: G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 1890). Vol. XII (1790-1794).

Part of: The Writings of George Washington, 14 vols.

About Liberty Fund:

Liberty Fund, Inc. is a private, educational foundation established to encourage the study of the ideal of a society of free and responsible individuals.


TO HENRY LEE, GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA.

Philadelphia, 20 January, 1793.

Dear Sir,

I have been favored with your letter of the 6th instant, congratulatory on my re-election to the chair of government. A mind must be insensible indeed, not to be gratefully impressed by so distinguished and honorable a testimony of public approbation and confidence; and as I suffered my name to be contemplated on this occasion, it is more than probable that I should, for a moment, have experienced chagrin, if my re-election had not been by a pretty respectable vote.1 But to say I feel pleasure from the prospect of commencing another tour of duty would be a departure from truth; for, however it might savor of affectation in the opinion of the world (who, by the by, can only guess at my sentiments, as it never has been troubled with them), my particular and confidential friends well know, that it was after a long and painful conflict in my own breast, that I was withheld, (by considerations which are not necessary to be mentioned,) from requesting in time, that no vote might be thrown away upon me, it being my fixed determination to return to the walks of private life at the end of my term.

I am sorry to be informed by your letter, that death has snatched from us my old acquaintance and friend Colonel Bassett. The manner of it adds to the regret.1 We shall all follow; some sooner and some later; and, from accounts, my poor nephew is likely to be amongst the first.

Mrs. Washington joins me in wishing you the return of many new and happy years. With very great esteem and regard, I am always your affectionate servant.

[1 ]In the last session of Congress, an act relative to the election of a President and Vice-President, and declaring the succession in case of vacancies, had been passed, and under it the election was held. Fifteen states chose electors; in nine, Vermont, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, South Carolina, Georgia and Kentucky, they were chosen by the legislature; and in five, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia, by the people. A temporary expedient was resorted to in North Carolina, the state being arbitrarily divided into four districts, and the members of the legislature in each district meeting to choose three electors. Some attempt was made to urge George Clinton as the President, but proved unsuccessful. Washington received the full vote of the college, one hundred and thirty-two votes. Adams received seventy-seven, sufficient to elect; while fifty were cast for Clinton, four for Jefferson (the Kentucky vote), and one for Burr. New York, Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia were unanimous for Clinton.

[1 ]His death was caused by a fall from his horse.