Washington politely declines the proposition that he's to be among the people considered to lead their new government. He emphasizes that it wasn't because he didn't care about them or because he wasn't grateful for what they'd done, but because he thought it would be in their better interest for the future. He says he didn't really want to come out of retirement anyway, but the foreign situation and the fact people wanted him as a leader made him feel obligated to do it. He wants to leave politics and lead a relaxed life. He praises the stability and effectiveness of the federal government. He also issues several warnings: one, that a political party system might divide America because of conflicting interests; two, that the United States should remain neutral in foreign issues and shouldn't form permanent alliances, lest it lead to war; and three, that a large army isn't necessary to the preservation of the nation. He asks for forgiveness of any mistakes he may have made while in office, and closes with a remark on his anticipation of the relaxation he would be able to have under the new, good federal government.
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