Editing George Washington (section)

===First presidential election===
{{Main|1788–1789 United States presidential election}}
Just prior to the first presidential election of 1789, in 1788 Washington was appointed [[chancellor of the College of William & Mary]].{{sfn|Morrison|2009|p=6}} He continued to serve through his presidency until his death.<ref name="chancellor">{{cite web |title=Duties and History |url=https://www.wm.edu/about/administration/chancellor/duties/index.php |publisher=[[College of William & Mary]] |accessdate=April 2, 2021 |archivedate=March 7, 2021 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307230012/https://www.wm.edu/about/administration/chancellor/duties/index.php |url-status=live }}</ref> The delegates to the convention for the first presidential election anticipated a Washington presidency and left it to him to define the office once elected.{{sfn|Alden|1996|pp=226–227}} When the state electors voted on February 4, 1789,{{sfnm|1a1=Chernow|1y=2010|1pp=559–560|2a1=Ferling|2y=2009|2p=361}} Washington was unanimously elected, unique among U.S. presidents.{{sfn|Chernow|2010|p=551}} John Adams was elected vice president.{{sfn|Ferling|2009|p=274}} Despite writing that he felt "anxious and painful sensations" about leaving Mount Vernon, Washington departed for New York City on April 16.{{sfnm|Ferling|2009|1pp=274–275|Chernow|2010|2pp=559–561|Rhodehamel|2017|3loc=10: "On Untrodden Ground"}}