Washington's Farewell Address to the People of the United States, Published for the Washington Benevolent Society, First Edition, 1808

Washington's Farewell Address to the People of the United States. Published for the Washington Benevolent Society. New York: J. Seymour, 1808. First edition. 12mo. In original marbled paper over boards, with red Moroccan leather spine and gilt titles. Retains subscription member page for Thomas Parsen. With a new archival cloth slipcase with inlay. 

Presented is a first edition printing of Washington's Farewell Address to the People of the United States, printed in 1808 by J. Seymour for the Washington Benevolent Society. The Farewell Address is bound in its original marbled paper over hardcover boards with a red leather spine with gilt titles. It retains its original Washington Benevolent Society membership form, accomplished in manuscript for Thomas Parsen, as well as later ownership inscriptions for William Jones, Sr. and John J. Thomas, dated 1826. 

Written by Alexander Hamilton with a few sections by James Madison, Washington’s famed Farewell Address was never publicly delivered. Rather, it first appeared printed in the Philadelphia newspaper, American Daily Advertizer on September 19, 1796, with the title: "The Address of General Washington To The People of The United States on his declining of the Presidency of the United States." This was an important decision, as explained by biographer Ron Chernow, “while Washington could have informed Congress of his resignation, he went instead to the source of all sovereignty, the people, just as the Constitutional Convention had bypassed state legislatures and asked the people to approve the document directly through ratifying conventions.”

The Address begins with Washington’s decision to not seek re-election for a third presidential term. He explains his reasoning and then goes on to offer his advice, “the disinterested warnings of a parting friend,” to the American people. Washington emphasizes the importance of unity and morality, while also warning against geographical sectionalism, political factionalism, and the "insidious wiles of foreign influence." 

The reaction to the address was mostly positive, printed in many regional newspapers and then later as separate pamphlets and broadsides throughout the United States. This is one such example, a first edition printed by J. Seymour in New York for the Washington Benevolent Society. The Washington Benevolent Societies were grassroots political clubs operating in the Northeastern United States, from 1808 to 1816. The first society was founded in New York, as a charitable organization. But later the societies became more political, aligned with the Federalist Party.  Printed copies of Washington's Farewell Address were given to new members. This bound pamphlet has the original member page for Thomas Parsen, of the New York chapter, signed by Issac Sebring, President, and G. C. Verplank, Secretary. This copy was passed down to an enthusiastic owner, John J. Thomas, who exuberantly inscribed the front free endpapers multiple times, including in mirrored writing. The most lengthy inscription reads: "John J. Thomas is the  [owner] of this Book given to him by William Jones Sr. August the 28th 1826 AD in New York." 

CONDITION: 

Very good condition. First edition. 12mo. Original marbled paper over hardcover boards with red Moroccan leather spine and gilt titles. Gilt is faded. Original boards with wear, bumping, and scratches due to age. Recent archival conservation to re-tip the endpaper. Partly-printed Washington Benevolent Society form accomplished in manuscript for Thomas Parsen, signed by Issac Sebring, President, and G. C. Verplank, Secretary. Interior pages with scattered foxing, stains, and moderate toning to paper. Numerous ownership inscriptions in ink on front and back endpapers by previous owner John J. Thomas. One of the free endpapers has a missing section. Lacking the frontispiece portrait of Washington. Presented with a new archival cloth slipcase with inlay. 

Book Dimensions: 7" H x 4 3/8" W x 1/4" D.

Slipcase Dimensions: 7 3/8" H x 4 9/16" W x 3/4" D.

REF: Sabin 101605.

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.