1796 FLOWING HAIR LARGE 1C, LIBERTY CAP MS63+ Brown

In order to preserve the dignity of the U.S. Constitution George Washington stepped down from his presidency via his farewell address in the American Daily Advertiser in 1796. Historians now claim that his final draft - finished on September 17, 1796 - was mostly written by Alexander Hamilton. Hamilton was Washington's trusted aide during the Revolutionary War and someone with whom he often confided in during his presidency. Even though Hamilton penned the address, he stuck to Washington's style and tone. In the address Washington explains that his resigning is, "in the best interest of the country," despite the public's assumption that he would stay a third term or even until his death. Also included in the address were his future hopes for America and a call to the end of partisan politics, which he knew would divide the country. Before concluding, the exhausted president added that he was looking forward to the "shade of retirement" and reminded the public that the presidential position was designed to be temporary. Ultimately, Washington's voluntary resignation paved the path for American Democracy and sculpted the model that future presidents should maintain.