THE NEWPORT MERCURY, Rhode Island, May 9, 1797  Page 3 has a lengthy letter to George Washington from the Rhode Island General Assembly concerning his retirement from public office. It begins: "Having felt in common with our constituents the importance of your military and civil services, and being deeply affected by the resolution you have formed of retiring from public life, we beg leave to express to you our sentiments...".
This is followed Washington's thankful reply, signed by him in type at Mount Vernon, April 3, 1797: Geo. Washington.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, nice condition.