University of Virginia Library

8714. UNITED STATES, Permanence.

—Looking forward with anxiety to the future
destinies [of my countrymen] I trust that, in
their steady character unshaken by difficulties,
in their love of liberty, obedience to law, and
support of the public authorities, I see a sure
guarantee of the permanence of our Republic;
and retiring from the charge of their affairs,
I carry with me the consolation of a firm persuasion
that heaven has in store for our beloved
country long ages to come of prosperity
and happiness.—
Eighth Annual Message. Washington ed. viii, 110. Ford ed., ix, 225.
(Nov. 1808)