This broadside (single sheet, printed on one side only) is headed: "ADDRESS of the late GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON, To the Citizens of the United States, on declining a re-election to the Office of President".
It is signed in print at its conclusion: "George Washington. United States, 17th Sept. 1796."
Washington penned this farewell address to the nation in 1796, at the end of his second term as President. He announces his intention to decline a third term in office and reflects on the current political landscape and his eight years in office.
First published in 1796 in Claypoole's American Daily Advertiser, it was reprinted in most newspapers of the day as well as pamphlets. It was also widely reprinted again after Washington's death in 1799, as is the case with this broadside, presumed to have been printed in early 1800.
Considered one of the most important documents in U.S. history, frequently reprinted and recited, the Address eventually faded from national memory. Recently, however, it regained some popular awareness when lines from the address were used in the song "One Last Time" in the hit Broadway musical "Hamilton".

The imprint is at the bottom of the broadside: "Hartford: printed by Hudson and Goodwin". It is printed in five columns within a decorative border, measures 18 by 22 1/4 inches with untrimmed margins. Even foxing to most of the broadside, the blank reverse has some archival strengthening at folds with darker staining to the upper right quadrant. Good condition.