Featured in this lot is "Washington's Farewell Address to the People of the United States" published for the Washington Benevolent Society, printed and sold by Denio & Phelps circa 1812. At the conclusion of his second term as President, in September 1796, Washington delivered the well-known Farewell Address, which was primarily written by Alexander Hamilton. It highlighted the value of morality and unity, cautioned against the perils of political factions and sectionalism, and warned against the "insidious wiles of foreign influence." The speech sparked an instantaneous and enormously enthusiastic response, which was documented in local newspapers as well as in distinct booklets and broadsides sent across the country. Copies of Washington's address were distributed to members of the grassroots political organizations known as the Washington Benevolent Societies, which were founded by the Federalist Party between 1808 and 1816. The portrait frontispiece's engraver, Thomas Gimbrede, was a miniature painter and engraver who was born in France in 1781. In 1802, he left France to immigrate to the US. He started out making miniatures, but by 1810 he was working for New York City publishers like John Low. At the United States Military Academy at West Point, he was named instructor of drawing in 1819 and remained there until his death in 1832. Below the frontispiece engraving shows the certification page reading, "Lincoln Branch / No. 44 This certifies, That H. Willmot Mayhew has been regularly admitted a Member of the Washington Benevolent Society of the County of Franklin, instituted at ? on the fifth day of February 1812 / K.E. Newcomb, President. / Secretary". Around the engraving it reads, "Pro Patria / Washington Benevolent Society". The front cover shows a marbled design with colors of brown and beige, while the spine shows a green color and gold gilt lettering reading, "Washington". The book shows good condition overall despite its antique age. It shows wear from its age and use over the years but no signs of major damage is present. Foxing and staining is noted throughout the interior pages, but still in good, readable condition. The book measures 6 5/16" L x 3 7/8" W x 1/4" D.

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