George Washington: First Annual Message to Congress

( 1790 ) Commentary by John P. Kaminski, University of Wisconsin—Madison

“To secure the blessings which a gracious Providence has placed within our reach, will in the course of the present important session, call for the cool and deliberate exertion of your patriotism, firmness and wisdom.” - Paragraph 2
“To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.” - Paragraph 3
“Knowledge is in every country the surest basis of publick happiness.” - Paragraph 11
“The welfare of our country is the great object to which our cares and efforts ought to be directed.” - Paragraph 15
“I shall derive great satisfaction from a cooperation with you, in the pleasing though arduous task of ensuring to our fellow citizens the blessings which they have a right to expect, from a free and equal government.” - Paragraph 15

George Washington's First Annual Message to Congress (National Archives and Records Administration)

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