1793–1797. Washington continues as wise and able President. In 1796 Lafayette’s son, George Washington Lafayette, comes to the United States and for a year and a half is a member of Washington’s household.
1797. Having declined nomination to a third term of office, and having, on September 15, 1796, issued a Farewell Address to the people of the United States, on March 4th, 1797, Washington retires from the Presidency and is succeeded by Thomas Jefferson.[see Tr. Notes]
1798. At Mount Vernon Washington has been following the peaceful routine of a farmer. War with France threatens, and in July he is nominated lieutenant-general and commander-in-chief of an army to be raised. He accepts and applies himself to organizing the army.
1799. December 12 he is wet and chilled with snow while riding over his land. After only twenty-four hours in bed he dies between ten and eleven o’clock at night, December 14th. December 18th he is laid to rest in the family vault at Mount Vernon. His age was sixty-seven years and ten months lacking a week.
’Tis nobly done—the day’s our own—huzzah, huzzah!
WILDERNESS TRAILS OF YOUNG GEORGE WASHINGTON
WITH GEORGE WASHINGTON
INTO THE WILDERNESS