I have read too much of Washington’s writing to agree with you. Oh my, the man was brilliant.
He understood that every act, no matter how trivial, would become precedent. He had to stay for two terms or the country would fall apart, but knew he couldn’t stay for three. He thought if he died in office, it would set a very bad example to have Adams just “assume” the presidency. He wanted Adams elected on his own. He (Trump like) made one speech to Congress on a treaty to explain it to them, and when they questioned it, he blew up and said he’d never return to that chamber again. And didn’t.