GEORGE WASHINGTON, letter of (unwelcome) advice sent to governors of the 13 states, 1783 \u0096 as the army began to disband. It may have been unwelcome advice to the governors whose attitude was: “It’s pretty presumptuous of an army commander to tell us how to set up the country…” But it is obvious, in the following words, why he was chosen as our first President:<\/p>\n
Americans are now sole lords and proprietors of a vast tract of continent comprehending all the various soils and climates of the world and abounding with all the necessaries and conveniences of life \u0085 Heaven has crowned all other blessings, by giving a fairer opportunity for political happiness, than any other nation has been favored with \u0085 This is the time of their political probation; this is the moment when the eyes of the whole world are turned upon them; this is the moment to establish or ruin their national character forever; this is the favorable moment to give such a tone to our federal government as will enable it to answer the ends of its institution; or this may be the ill-fated moment for relaxing the powers of the Union, annihilating the cement of the Confederation and exposing us to become the sport of European politics, which may play one state against another, to prevent their growing importance and to serve their own interested purposes. For, according to the system of policy the states shall adopt at this moment, they will stand or fall; and by their confirmation or lapse it is yet to be decided whether the Revolution must ultimately be considered a blessing or a curse \u0096 a blessing or a curse, not to the present age alone, for with our fate will the destiny of unborn millions be involved.<\/p>\n
[He states that there are 4 requirements for the new America<\/i>]<\/p>\n
First. An indissoluble union of the states under one federal head. Secondly. A sacred regard to public justice (that is, the payment of debts). Thirdly. The adoption of a proper peace establishment (that is, an army and a navy). Fourthly. The prevalence of that pacific and friendly disposition among the people of the Union, which will influence them to forget their local prejudices and policies; to make those mutual concessions, which are requisite to the general prosperity; and, in some instances, to sacrifice their individual advantages to the interest of the community. These are the pillars on which the glorious future of our independency and national character must be supported.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n