Martha Washington was known to be reluctant for her husband to enter into the public life of the President at the age of 57, but no more so than George Washington was himself. This letter, written by Washington to Henry Knox shortly before he set off for New York and his inauguration, illustrates his wish to not become President and instead to retire to his country estate and watch from the sidelines the development of the nation he helped to build. Ultimately, however, he accepted the role and his time as President began the traditions that are held to this day.

The Presidency of the United States of America was an unknown entity at the time. Reports tell of the public’s reaction to Washington’s travel to the capital and his inaugural address being equivalent to that of a King, the only comparable example they knew. They shouted “Long Live” and “God Save”. Language and mentalities had not yet fully developed to encompass the republican status of the nation and consequently the addresses bestowed on the President had not yet been developed. Aware of this confusion, Washington was keen to set clear guidelines during his time as President. His nervousness and reluctance shown in this letter may have stemmed from this responsibility – everything he did from then onwards would set a precedent and have far reaching symbolism. So, instead of 'Your Royal Highness' or 'Your Majesty', George Washington was ‘Mr. President’. His refusal to run for a third term meant that no other President could ever stand for longer than two. His initial refusal to accept a salary for the public role would have limited those who could have run for office to only those who could afford to do it for free – a limitation he soon recognized and consequently he opted to accept a yearly wage despite his wealth. Amongst many others, the little things he did would set the traditions for America’s government.

George Washington wrote in this letter of his fear and his concern at not being able to do a good job. He describes his appointment as President as similar to a convict walking to his execution. He dreads the difficulty of standing as head of the government and he wishes for the peace of a retired life. However, as the votes and the voices of the majority told him, this was what the people and his companions in government wanted. Aware of a duty to the newly-constructed country, he ends the letter promising integrity and firmness whilst serving in the role. After this letter, he began his journey to the temporary capital of New York and was greeted and celebrated along the way in an ever excitable and enlarging procession. He served as President successfully for two terms, before refusing urgings to serve a third and finally retiring to Mount Vernon, just as he had wished to do so, when writing this reluctant letter of acceptance of the role of President of the United States of America.