he explained to his earliest biographers david humfries, i may have mine as well as the rest but if i know my own heart, my ambition would not lead me into public life. to henry knox, he went further likening himself to quote, a culprit who is going to the place of his execution. washington found consolation in the possibility of resigning halfway through his term after having went the new regime the legitimacy that only he could bestow, could you imagine if he followed through on that fantasy. how you would have transformed not only the presidency which might very well become a prime ministerial position at which the government is nominally the head. this fantasy does nothing to elevate his mood on inauguration day. i fear i must bid adieu to happiness on the eve of his presidential oath taking, for i see nothing but clouds and darkness before me and i call god to witness the day which you'll carry me again into public life will be a more distressing one than anyone i may ever know. sound familiar? it should. washington used language almost as dour to denigrate, even as he downed his