Part II:

Timeless Treasures from George Washington
Prepared by

Andrew M. Allison, Jay A. Parry, and W. Cleon Skousen

The Real George Washington,

The Real George Washington, p.826

WASHINGTON (George), His Post-Retirement View of Public Affairs.—I am now seated in the shade of my vine and fig tree, and although I look with regret on many transactions which do not comport with my ideas, I shall, notwithstanding, "view them in the calm lights of mild philosophy," persuaded, if any great crisis should occur to require it, that the good sense and spirit of the major part of the people of this country will direct them properly.—To Charles Cotesworth Pinckney. Fitzpatrick 35:471. (1797.)