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Maryland unveils George Washington’s resignation speech worth $1.5 million

It’s an expensive way to spend President’s Day but, by all accounts, worth it.
According to The Washington Post:

It was a speech so moving the crowd wept. It was a speech so personally important George Washington’s hand shook as he read it until he had to hold the paper still with both hands. After the ceremony, he handed the thing to a friend and sped out the door of the State House in Annapolis, riding off by horse.

For centuries, his words have resonated in American democracy even as the speech itself — the small piece of paper that shook in his hands that day — was quietly put away, out of the public eye and largely forgotten.

Today, however, amid festivities celebrating his birthday, Maryland officials plan to unveil the original document — worth $1.5 million — after acquiring it in a private sale from a family in Maryland who had kept it all these years. It took two years to negotiate the deal and raise money for the speech, which experts consider the most significant Washington document to change hands in the past 50 years.

The speech, scholars say, was a turning point in U.S. history. As the Revolutionary War was winding down, some wanted to make Washington king. Some whispered conspiracy, trying to seduce him with the trappings of power. But Washington renounced them all.

Excerpt from Washington's resignation letter

Read the full transcription and view Washington’s speech.
Footnote Members (subscription required) can see the copy of Washington’s 20 Dec 1783 letter stating his intention to resign to Congress.

Update: Almost forgot to mention this document detailing the motion of Congress regarding Washington’s resignation (subscription required).

2 Comments

  1. Betty Adair says:

    We have in our posession, the original document, signed by George Washington for the total cost of the Revolutionary War. It is damaged, but origanal.

    Please advise on appraisal…

    Betty

    or contact [email protected]

  2. Peter says:

    We wouldn’t know where to begin to appraise it, but it sure sounds like a treasure. If you ever scan it, we’d love to see a copy of it added to Footnote.

    You could probably find someone at a local university or a branch of the National Archives, who could point you in the direction of someone who could provide an appraisal.