There are contradictory reports of when George Washington’s Farewell Address was first published.  I will stick with the date being September 15, 1796 until I can confirm otherwise.  This is the date I have read previously.  The second date I see most often frequently mentioned is September 19, 1796.   I have yet to lay eyes on an actual physical document.

At the close of President Washington’s second term in office, he determined that he would retire to Mount Vernon.  Prior to doing so he penned an address to the people of the United States of America.  Interestingly, he had wanted to retire from office at the end of his first term but was convinced by two political enemies Jefferson and Hamilton to stay in office for the good of the country.

This dutiful and honorable gentleman wrote his farewell address taking the nature of friendly advice to the nation that he so loved.  There are so many topics that are still pressing on issues still of interest today that I believe it worthy of the reading by all who might be interested in the history of the United States.  Particularly, this should be read by a nation that is increasingly polarized and unable to even countenance listening to their opposition’s positions.

That being said, you can read the Farewell Address at:

http://www.bartleby.com/43/24.html

Alternatively, it may be listened to in an audiobook format at: