Though, in reviewing the incidents of my administration, I am unconscious of intentional error, I am nevertheless too sensible of my defects not to think it probable that I may have committed many errors. Whatever they may be, I fervently beseech the Almighty to avert or mitigate the evils to which they may tend. I shall also carry with me the hope that my country will never cease to view them with indulgence; and that, after forty-five years of my life dedicated to its service with an upright zeal, the faults of incompetent abilities will be consigned to oblivion, as myself must soon be to the mansions of rest. Relying on its kindness in this, as in other things, and actuated by that fervent love towards it which is so natural to a man who views in it the native soil of himself and his progenitors for several generations, I anticipate, with pleas ing expectation, that retreat in which I promise myself to realize, without alloy, the sweet enjoyment of partaking, in the midst of my fellow-citizens, the benign influence of good laws under a free government—the ever favorite object of my heart and the happy reward, as I trust, of our mutual cares, labors, and dangers. GEORGE WASHINGTON. United States, 17th September, 1796. INDEX. (The Numbers refer to the Pages of the Work.) AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION, Exceptions to power of, 240. History of, 246. ANNAPOLIS, Convention at, 45. ARREST, Members of Congress exempt from, except, 90, et seq. ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION, Final ratification of, 42. When laid before Congress, 42. Result of, 44. Washington's opinion of, 44. ASSOCIATE JUSTICES, By whom appointed, 183, 202. ATTAINDER, Congress and the states prohibited to pass bills of, 137, 148. Of treason, 222, et seq. ATTORNEY-GENERAL, BAIL, What is, 218. Excessive, 218. When admitted, 218. BANKRUPT LAWS, Congress may pass, 112. What are, 112. In what cases the states may pass, 113, 154. BILLS OF CREDIT, The states cannot emit, 146. What are, 146. CENSUS, Required to be taken, 61. When the first was taken, 61. CHARGES D'AFFAIRES, 191. CHARTERS, How divided, 151. Power of the states respecting, 151, 152. CHIEF JUSTICE, Presides when the President is impeached, 76. By whom appointed, 201. Tenure of office, 201. CIRCUIT COURTS, 196. How constituted, 196. When justice of S. C. must hold, 196. Union of, 37. Distinct government of, 37. COLUMBIA, DISTRICT OF, COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, Of the army and navy, 176. Of the militia when in actual service, 175. COMMERCE, Condition of under the Confederation, 104. Meaning of, 105. Regulation of, variously applied, 106. Power over, exclusive in Congress, 106. What laws states may pass respecting, 106, et seq. With the Indians, 109. COMMISSION, What is, 193. Signing and delivery of, 184. COMMON LAW, In what states it prevails, 219. COMPACTS, The states cannot enter into, &c., 159. When accused persons entitled to, 217. CONCLUSION, 259. CONCURRENT POWERS OF LEGISLATION, CONCURRENT VOTE, CONFEDERATION, See Articles of. CONFESSION, Of accused person, 214. CONGRESS, Stamp-act, 39. Continental, 40. Measures of, 40. Second meeting of, 41. Powers exercised by 41. Adopt Articles of Confederation, 42. Submit the Constitution, 46. Organize the government, 46. Of what it consists, 52. Importance of two branches, 52. May alter state regulations as to time and manner of choosing Senators and Representatives, 79. Regulation as to manner of choosing Representatives, 79. How often to assemble, 81. Each house of, to judge of the elections, &c., of its own menbers, 82. Each house of, determines its rules of proceeding, 83. Members of, liable to punishment, 85. May punish for contempt, when, 85. May sit with closed doors, 86. Adjournments of, 88. Duration of, 88. Members of, not to be questioned elsewhere for any speech or Members of, not to hold civil office under the U. S., 93. Every bill, resolution, &c., must be presented to the President, 97. |