Volume CLXXVI • No. 1

The Federal Ledger

Est. 1776 • Digital Archive of the Republic

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Letter • 1783

Circular Letter to the States

George Washington
Circular Letter to the States
Facsimile — via Wikimedia Commons

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Washington's June 1783 Circular Letter to the State Governors, written as he prepared to resign his commission, named four pillars of the new nation: indissoluble Union, public justice, a peace establishment, and a friendly disposition among the people. It is his political testament before the presidency.

There are four things which I humbly conceive are essential to the well-being, I may even venture to say, to the existence of the United States as an independent Power: 1st. An indissoluble Union of the States under one Federal Head. 2dly. A sacred regard to public justice. 3dly. The adoption of a proper Peace establishment. 4thly. The prevalence of that pacific and friendly disposition among the people of the United States which will induce them to forget their local prejudices and policies.
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