Why did Washington give his advice in his "Farewell Address" on the EVE of his retirement?

His three main objectives in writing the address were to: establish that he was still in control; to establish a middle ground between both political parties; and to remind the American people of the importance of national unity. Washington used the Farewell Address to validate the power he held during his presidency. He emphasized the importance of a centralized government, something Jefferson did not understand, and stressed the imperative of defending the nation against domestic or foreign threats. Washington also implored the people to identify themselves as Americans, to embrace their national identity. I think his famous address helped shape American political policy as well as how the country has come to define itself.