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ca. 1800
James Hill, engraver; after Levi Stutson (1759-1806)
USA: Massachusetts, Boston
Engraving on paper
overall: 12-1/4"h x 13-3/4"w
Special Acquisitions Fund
84.26
Dedicated to the Glorious Memory of George Washington and his Virtues engraving; after the design by Levi Stutson; engraving has design of eagle and shield, angel with trumpet, Father Time, urn with square and compasses, cherub, Miss Liberty; reads "From Washington came my chief glory/ American magnanimity and Perseverance/ Ye True Americans Never Resign their precious Acquirements but with Life/ Love, Honor and Follow the Works of Washington"; on columns: "American Decree of Independence Blessed are the fruits of rational Liberty/ May Posterity this ever support or Perish with its ruin/ May those who have truly honored these in obtaining fair freedom rest in imortal glory. Sacred Love to the Memory of the Illustrious G. Washington./ American Constitution Founded on Virtue for National Prosperity."; in center, "What heart but glows at his exalted deeds, As pondering memory his greatness reads? That sacred gift, enrich'd by those dear lines; An ample proof of virtuous Wisdom shines" "Though in reviewing the incidents of my ad/ ministration I am unconscious of intentional error./ I am nevertheless too sensible of my defects not to/ think it probable that I have committed many/ errors. Whatever they may be, I mitigate the evils to/ which they may tend. I shall also carry with me/ the hope that my country will never cease of my life dedicated to its service with an upright zeal, the faults of incompetent abil/ ities will be consigned to oblivion as myself must/ soon be to the mansions of rest"; on bottom "Dedicated to the Glorious Memory of George Washington and his Virtues"; signed "Levi Stutson, Del," "J. Hill, Sc".
When George Washington died in 1799, the country mourned. In response, printmakers produced and sold images that memorialized the first president. This example includes an excerpt from Washington’s 1796 Farewell Address, given as he was leaving the presidency. In it, he asked his fellow countrymen remember him with kindness and to regard his errors “with indulgence.”