Nearly 5 years have passed since George Washington surrendered as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army in 1793. In the intervening years, a constitutional convention in Philadelphia (with Washington presiding) has drafted a new constitution that, for the first time, would unite the 13 independent states into one federation.

Deeply hurt by farmers rebelling against an unpopular whiskey tax and delicate diplomacy with England and France, Washington rebuffs all efforts to persuade him to accept a third term. He is free to return home and leave the public service he never sought.