Book dossier

Farewell address

by George Washington

I own an original 1812 copy of THE VALEDICTORY ADDRESS OF WASHINGTON TO THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES, in pristine condition, published by the "Washington Benevolent Society of Massachusetts". It is crimson red, hardback, slightly smaller in size to one of those small bibles people use to carry in their vest pockets (~2" X 4"). There are 62 printed pages and the cover (not the edge) has the word "WASHINGTON" imprinted in gold leaf. On the faceplate is hand-written, :"Mary E. Lincoln, from her uncle F.W.E." On the backplate is hand-written," F.W. Eliot May 1814" and on the opposing page is hand-written, "Washington Benevolent Society May 1814"