How does Washington’s letter to Randolph compare to the letter he wrote to James Madison in November 1786? In what ways does his rationale for his change of mind differ between these two letters? What might account for these differences?
George Washington (1732-1799) served as General of the Continental Army during the American Revolution, remaining away from his beloved home, Mount Vernon, for nearly the entire war. Following the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783, Washington bid farewell to his fellow officers and then officially resigned from his commission. In his resignation address, Washington shared his intention to take “leave of all the employments of public life.”
The Annapolis Convention convened three years later to address challenges facing the young nation under the Articles of Confederation. While the convention failed to have enough states in attendance, it set the stage for the Constitutional Convention. As states began selecting delegates for the upcoming convention, Washington was an obvious choice for Virginia. Despite his concern for the nation’s condition, Washington initially declined the appointment in favor of continuing his retirement at Mount Vernon. In addition to honoring his public declaration of retirement, Washington was aware that his participation would likely result in his selection to preside over the convention. He was apprehensive about the implications of re-engaging in public service and the potential leadership role he might assume under the new constitution.
Washington’s command during the Revolutionary War earned him the trust and respect of the American people. Several delegates advocating for a stronger central government recognized Washington’s influence and saw his attendance as crucial to advancing their agenda and legitimizing the convention. After much persuasion, primarily from James Madison (1751-1836), Washington accepted his appointment as a delegate. In this letter to fellow Virginian Edmund Randolph (1753–1813), Washington retracted his initial decision and outlined his plans for attending the convention. While this letter gives insight into Washington’s health and his role in the broader political framework of the time, it demonstrates his commitment to public service and willingness to put the nation’s needs above his own. Washington’s letter exemplifies his continued dedication to both his state and nation, which would ultimately contribute to the creation of the Constitution.
Dear Sir:
Your favor of the 11th did not come to my hand till the 24th; and since then, till now, I have been too much indisposed to acknowledge the receipt of it. To what cause to ascribe the detention of the [letter] I know not, as I never omit sending once, and oftener twice a week to the Post Office—Alexandria.
It was the decided intention of the letter I had the honor of writing to your Excellency the 21st of December last, to inform you, that it would not be convenient for me to attend the Convention proposed to be holden in Philadelphia in May next; and I had entertained hopes that another had been, or soon would be, appointed in my place; inasmuch as it is not only inconvenient for me to leave home, but because there will be, I apprehend, too much cause to charge my conduct with inconsistency, in again appearing on a public theatre after a public declaration to the contrary1; and because it will, I fear, have a tendency to sweep me back into the tide of public affairs, when retirement and ease is so essentially necessary for, and is so much desired by me.
However, as my friends, with a degree of solicitude which is unusual, seem to wish my attendance on this occasion, I have come to a resolution to go if my health will permit, provided, from the lapse of time between the date of your Excellency’s letter and this reply, the Executive may not—the reverse of which would be highly pleasing to me—have turned its thoughts to some other character— for independently of all other considerations, I have, of late, been so much afflicted with a rheumatic complaint in my shoulder that at times I am hardly able to raise my hand to my head, or turn myself in bed. This, consequently, might prevent my attendance, and eventually a representation of the State; which would afflict me more sensibly than the disorder that occasioned it.
If after the expression of these sentiments, the Executive should consider me as one of the Delegates, I would thank your Excellency for the earliest advice of it; because, if I am able, and should go to Philadelphia, I shall have some previous arrangements to make, and would set off for that place the first, or second day of May, that I may be there in time to account, personally, for my conduct to the General Meeting of the Cincinnati2 which is to convene on the first Monday of that month—My feelings would be much hurt if that body should otherwise, ascribe my attendance on the one, and not on the other occasion, to a disrespectful inattention to the Society; when the fact is, that I shall ever retain the most lively and affectionate regard for the members of which it is composed, on account of their attachment to, and uniform support of me, upon many trying occasions; as well as on account of their public virtues, patriotism, and sufferings.
I hope your Excellency will be found among the attending delegates. I should be glad to be informed who the others are—and cannot conclude without once more, and in emphatical terms, praying that if there is not a decided representation in prospect, without me, that another, for the reason I have assigned, may be chosen in my room without ceremony and without delay; for it would be unfortunate indeed if the State which was the mover of this Convention, should be unrepresented in it. With great respect I have the honor to be Yr Excellys Most Obedt Ser.
Go. Washington
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