Desire to Escape, No Exit, Bad Omens and Earthquake Faults Summary and Analysis

In the spring of 1791, Washington takes a trip into the Southern states and finds that people are generally satisfied with the new government. The following year is an election year and Washington announces to his friends that he will not seek another term. This decision is not based on unwillingness to serve, but rather the fear of being thought too much like a monarchy if Washington were to stay in office until his death. Washington also fears his own diminishing personal health and mental capabilities and shares those fears with his closest friends and colleagues.

During this time, Washington designates the site of the new Federal city, now known as Washington DC, near the Potomac and appoints a town planner, Pierre Charles L'Enfant...