How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph.Sentence)
Quote #4
In offering to you, my countrymen, these counsels of an old and affectionate friend, I dare not hope they will make the strong and lasting impression I could wish; that they will control the usual current of the passions, or prevent our nation from running the course which has hitherto marked the destiny of nations. But, if I may even flatter myself that they may be productive of some partial benefit, some occasional good […]. (42.1-2)
Talk about hedging your bets. Here, Washington is prepping for people to ignore his advice while also admitting that they shouldn't ignore his advice. What he says in the address is pretty spot-on and relevant to the times, but given what had happened with the political divisions of the era, he seems willing to admit that what he's saying might fall on deaf ears. Yet he doesn't say that they must heed his words or suffer some horrible doom—instead, he just hopes that his advice might be a little helpful…someday, maybe.
Quote #5
I am nevertheless too sensible of my defects not to think it probable that I may have committed many errors. […] I shall also carry with me the hope that my country will never cease to view them with indulgence; and that, after forty five years of my life dedicated to its service with an upright zeal, the faults of incompetent abilities will be consigned to oblivion, as myself must soon be to the mansions of rest. (49.1, 3)
Again, Washington here simultaneously explains why his words should be heeded but also why they shouldn't be. "I have a lifetime of experience, but I'm also incompetent, so don't listen too closely." It's a little hard to tell in writing if he actually feels this way, or if he's humblebragging, but given what we know about his time in politics, it seems more likely that he genuinely doubted himself. He wants to emphasize his efforts more than the outcomes of his policies.