In his Thanksgiving Proclamation, Washington describes the "blessings” of the nation: "the great
degree of tranquility, union, and plenty," the ability
to establish governments "for our safety and
happiness, especially the national One," and "civil
and religious liberty." Compare and contrast this
description to the way he describes the nation in
paragraph 5 of his Farewell Address. What does
this comparison tell you about Washington's view
of the nation throughout his presidency?