My friends, no one, not in my situation, can appreciate my feeling of sadness at this parting. To this place and the kindness of these people, I owe everything. Here I have lived a quarter of a century, and have passed from a young to an old man. Here my children have been born, and one is buried. I now leave, not knowing when, or whether ever, I may return, with a task before me greater than that which rested upon Washington. Without the assistance of that Divine Being who ever attended him, I cannot succeed. With that assistance I cannot fail. Trusting in Him who can go with me, and remain with you, and be everywhere for good, let us confidently hope that all will yet be well. To His care commending you, as I hope in your prayers you will commend me, I bid you an affectionate farewell.
我的朋友们，我在这离别时的悲伤，他人不处于我的境地，是无法能体会到的。我的一切都来自于这块土地、来自于这里人们的善良。我在这里生活了四分之一个世纪，从一个年轻人变成了一个老人。我的孩子们出生在这里，其中一个已经被埋葬了。我现在离开，不知道什么时候可以回来，或者是否能回来，因为我面前的任务比华盛顿所肩负的更加沉重。如果没有曾经陪伴他的上帝的帮助，我就无法成功。有了他的帮助，我就不会失败。相信上帝，他与我同行，与你同在，永远为了良善而无所不在，让我们满怀信心地希望一切都会好起来。我将你们托付于他，也希望你们在祈祷中祝福我，让我向你们深情告别。
