Downhill, Washington's Farewell Address, The End of the Presidency and Home Again Summary and Analysis

For the first time in his life, Washington feels anger and impatience from the American people whose concerns have always been foremost to the leader. The ratification of the Jay Treaty, the Randolph scandal, and Washington's failing personal finances are fodder for the restless public. Even Washington's ill-fitting false teeth are the subject of jokes and ridicule. Washington, in typical form, does not retaliate and bides his time hoping that events will take an upswing so that public perception will change favorably and Washington can leave a unified nation not laboring under any ill will or discontent.

In May of 1796, the cabinet believes that Washington will retire and the possible candidates to replace him are Thomas Jefferson and John...