George Washington to Edward Carrington, 1 May 1796

Between April and May of 1796, George Washington exchanged letters with Virginia statesman Edward Carrington about the context and expectations set forth by the Constitution. After much political debate, the Jay treaty had been approved by the Senate, but the House of Representatives was withholding funding. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were setting the stage for the next presidential election and it was a time of intense discussions about politics and the public good.

Understanding that these discussions were an important step in the relationship between the government and the citizens, Washington wrote to Carrington explaining his perspective on these issues: “Whatever my own opinion may be on this, or any other subject, interesting to the Community at large, it always has been, and will continue to be, my earnest desire to learn, and to comply, as far as is consistent, with the public sentiment; but it is on great occasions only, and after time has been given for cool and deliberate reflection, that the real voice of the people can be known.” He reflected on the fact that the current debates were not about the Treaty itself, but whether or not there should be a treaty at all.

Full Letter: http://www.mountvernon.org/education/primary-sources-2/article/george-washington-to-edward-carrington-may-1-1796/