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First Draft [fragment] of First Inaugural Address |
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TRANSCRIPT GLC 639.25
George Washington. Autograph manuscript: [New York], First inaugural address, first draft [fragment] [1789 Apr.]. 2 p.
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It might naturally be supposed that I should not silently pass by the subject of our defence. After excepting the unprovoked hostility committed against us by one of the Powers of Barbary, we are now at peace with all the nations of the globe. -- Separated as we are from them, by intervening oceans, an exemption from the burden of maintaining numerous fleets and armies must ever be considered as a singular felicity in our national lot. -- It will be in our choice to train our youths to such industrious & hardy professions as that they may grow into an unconquerable force, without our being obliged to draw unprofitable Drones from the hive of Industry. -- As our people have a natural genius for Naval affairs & as our materials for navigation are ample; if we give due encouragement to the fisheries and the carrying trade; we shall possess such a nursery of Seamen & such skill in maratime [sic] operations as to enable us to create a [2] navy almost in a moment. -- But it will be wise to anticipate events & to lay a foundation in time. -- Wherever the circumstances will permit, a grand provision of warlike stores, arsenals and dock-yards ought to be made.
As to any invasion that might be meditated by foreigners against us on the land, I will only say, that, if the mighty nation with which we lately contended could not bring us under the yoke, no nation on the face of the earth can ever effect it; while we shall remain United & faithful to ourselves. -- A well-organized Militia would constitute a strong defence; of course, your most serious attention will be turned to such an establishment. -- In your recess, it will give me pleasure, by making such reviews, as opportunities may allow, to attempt to revive the ancient military spirit. -- During the present impoverished state of our Finances I would not wish to see any expence incurred by augmenting our [catchword: regular]
Notes: Fitzpatrick, Writings of Washington. 30: 291-308. Washington entirely rewrote and discarded this draft of his first inaugural address. This leaf, with the rest of the address, was dispersed by the nineteenth century historian Jared Sparks after 1837. The complete address consisted of sixty-four pages of which twenty-six (including these two) survive. GLC has two other leaves from the address: pages 57-58 as contained in GLC 1589, and 49-50 in GLC 4443.01.
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