George Washington actually said...

Peace ought to be pursued with unremitted zeal before the last resource, which has so often been the scourge of nations, is contemplated.

My confidence in our minister plenipotentiary in London continues undiminished.

I have thought proper to nominate, and do hereby nominate, John Jay as envoy extraordinary of the United States to His Britannic Majesty.

A mission like this will announce to the world a solicitude for a friendly adjustment of our complaints and a reluctance to hostility.