ACTOR AS GEORGE WASHINGTON: I think

it is a duty incumbent on me to make this my last official

communication.

The citizens of America are now possessed of absolute freedom

and independency.

At this auspicious period, the United States came

into existence as a nation.

And it appears to me there is an option still left to the United

States of America, that it is in their choice

and depends upon their conduct whether they will be

respectable and prosperous or contemptible

and miserable as a nation.

This is the moment to establish or ruin

their national character forever,

for with out fate will the destiny of unborn millions

be involved.

There are four things which I humbly

conceive are essential to the existence of the United States

as an independent power.

First, an indissoluble union of the states

under one federal head.

Secondly, a sacred regard to public justice.

Thirdly, the adoption of a proper peace establishment.

Fourthly, the prevalence of that friendly disposition

among the people of the United States

which will induce them to forget their local prejudices

and policies and, in some instances,

to sacrifice their individual advantages to the interest

of the community.

These are the pillars on which the glorious fabric

of our independency and national character must be supported.

Liberty is the basis.

Whoever would dare to sap the foundation

will merit the severest punishments

which can be inflicted by his injured country.

RICHARD NIXON: Effective at noon tomorrow.

ACTOR AS GEORGE WASHINGTON: It is only in our united character

as an empire that our independence is acknowledged,

that our power can be regarded, or our credit supported

among foreign nations.

I have thus freely disclosed what

I wished to make known before I surrendered

up my public trust to those who committed it to me.

The task is now accomplished.

It remains then to be my final and only request

that these sentiments be considered as the legacy of one

who has ardently wished on all occasions

to be useful to his country and who,

even in the shade of retirement, will not fail to implore

the divine benediction upon it.

[SOLEMN MUSIC]

With the greatest regard and esteem, I have the honor to be,

sir, your excellency's most obedient and most humble

servant, George Washington.

[SOLEMN MUSIC]