8693. UNITED STATES, Destinies of.—
A rising nation, spread over a wide and fruitful land, traversing all the seas with the
rich productions of their industry, engaged in
commerce with nations who feel power and
forget right, advancing rapidly to destinies
beyond the reach of mortal eye,—when I contemplate
these transcendent objects, and see
the honor, the happiness, and the hopes of
this beloved country committed to the issue
and the auspices of this day, I shrink from
the contemplation, and humble myself before
the magnitude of the undertaking.—
First Inaugural Address. Washington ed. viii, 1.
Ford ed., viii, 2.
(1801)
