Presidential Quotes - George Washington

 

President George Washington began most speeches to Congress with good news, a trend that he sought to continue throughout his Presidency.

"Fellow Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives: 

"I embrace with great satisfaction the opportunity which now presents itself, of congratulating you on the present favourable prospects of our public affairs.  

"The recent accession of the important State of North Carolina to the Constitution of the United States, of which official information has been received; and the rising credit and respectability of our Country; and the general and increasing good will towards the Government of the Union; and the concord, peace, and plenty with which we are blessed are circumstances auspicious in an eminent degree to our national prosperity."

He spoke in eloquent language, as was normal in that era. The key points of his speech was to welcome North Carolina into the Union; to congratulate Congress on the state of the country's financial affairs; to acknowledge the good will and support of the New Government by the nation's citizens; and applaude that the national credit and ultimate prosperity (the Treasury) is growing.

- January 8, 1790 - President George Washington's First Annual Message to Congress