19th December 1799
My death has not yet quite arrived, but it is near and as inevitable as night follows day. I have felt myself decline for a long time now, but I fear not death. This is what I told Doctor Craik when leaving him instructions to stop the vain attempts that can only delay the inevitable. Soon, I shall join my dearest Martha.
The events of my life have swept me towards a destiny I could never have expected as a young man, when I was simply trying to provide for my family following the death of our father. I have had the honour of doing what few man have done - give birth to a nation. I have fought, first as a soldier, then as a president, to forge this nation, to make it strong. And strong it has become, so strong that no force exists that could make it disappear. Even on the brink of death, I feel pride in this.
With the little strength I have left, I am adding these words to the notebook I have kept all my life. It tells of events known by all, and others that have remained secret. Who will read these words? I especially think of Connor, the mysterious man who played such a surprising role in my destiny and that of the nation...