horrence and rejected with disdain, the infamous propositions contained in the anonymous address. They also requested the commander in chief, to entreat congress for a speedy decision on their memorial; an event, they said, which, in the alternative of peace or war, would be highly satisfactory, produce immediate tranquillity in the minds of the army, and prevent any further machinations of designing men, to sow discord between the civil and military powers of the United States.

Thus ended an affair, which did indeed threaten discord between the civil and military powers. And had the commander of this victorious but suffering army, been governed by that love of power so natural to man, he might probably have triumphed over the civil institutions of his country.

In communicating these proceedings of the officers to congress, on the 18th of March, general Washington, in the most earnest manner, urged a compliance with the prayer of their memorial. "If," says the general, "besides the simple payment of their wages, a further compensation is not due to the sufferings and sacrifices of the officers, then I have been mistaken indeed; if the whole army have not merited whatever a grateful country can bestow, then I have been beguiled by prejudice, and built opinion on the basis of error. If this country should not, in the event, perform every thing which has been requested in the late memorial to congress, then will my belief become vain, and the hope, that has been excited, void of foundation.

"And, if (as has been suggested, for the purpose of inflaming their passions) the officers of the army are to be the only suf ferers by this revolution; if retiring from the field, they are to grow old in poverty, wretchedness and contempt; if they are to wade through the vile mire of dependency, and owe the miserable remnant of that life to charity, which has, hitherto, been spent in honor,' then I have learned what ingratitude is, then shall I have realized a tale, which will embitter every moment of my future life."

On the 22d of March, congress granted to the officers five years full pay, in lieu of the half pay, to be paid in money, or securi

ties on interest, provided it be at the option of the lines of the respective states, not officers individually, to accept or refuse the same. This grant was accepted by the officers in the manner directed.

The news of peace soon after arrived, and arrangements for disbanding the army were made; but as the definitive treaty was not completed, those who were engaged during the war, were dismissed on furlough.

This was attended with some difficulty and delay, for want of funds, even to pay a small sum, to enable the soldiers to return to their homes; and it was not until about the middle of June, that the army left the camp.

General Washington, on the 8th of June addressed a circular letter to the several states, giving them notice of his intended resignation, and congratulating them on the happy termination of the war, and on the numerous advantages and blessings, which, as a free and independent nation, they had now a right to expect. Having in the course of the war experienced, and at times too fatally experienced the evils arising from a failure, on the part of the states, to comply with the requisitions of congress, he reminded them, that, whether these advantages and blessings would be realized, depended, in a great measure, on themselves, on their prompt and mutual co-operation, in promoting the great interests of the union. He considered four things as essentially necessary, to the existence of the United States, as an independent power.

1. An indissoluble union of the states, under one federal head. 2. A sacred regard to justice.

3. The adoption of a proper peace establishment.

4. The prevalence of that pacific and friendly disposition, among the people of the United States, which would induce them to forget their local prejudices and policies, to make those mutual concessions, which were requisite to the general prosperity; and, in some instances, to sacrifice their individual advantages, to the interest of the community.

The importance and necessity of these, he enforced with all that practical good sense, and sound political wisdom, for which he was so eminently distinguished.*

On the news of the signature of the definitive treaty, congress, by a general proclamation, finally discharged the army, from and after the 3d of November. They presented them the thanks of the United States for their long and faithful services, and bestowed on them that applause, they so justly merited, for their fortitude and magnanimity, in the most trying scenes of distress, and for a series of the most heroic and illustrious achievements, which exalted them to a high rank among the most zealous and successful defenders of the rights and liberties of mankind. The day previous to their final discharge, general Washington issued to the armies of the United States, his farewell orders.

After alluding to the proclamation of congress, he says, "It only remains for the commander in chief, to address himself once more, and that for the last time, to the armies of the United States, (however widely dispersed the individuals who composed them may be) and to bid them an affectionate-a long farewell.

"And being now to conclude these his last public orders, to take his ultimate leave, in a short time, of the military character, and to bid a final adieu to the armies he has so long had the honor to command, he can only again offer, in their behalf, his recommendations to their grateful country, and his prayers to the God of armies. May ample justice be done them here, and may the choicest of heaven's favors, both here and hereafter, attend those, who, under the divine auspices, have secured innumerable blessings for others. With these wishes, and this benediction, the commander in chief is about to retire from service. The curtain of separation will soon be drawn, and the military scene to him, be closed forever."

The British army did not finally leave the city of New York, until the 25th of November. On the same day general Washington, with some of his principal officers, and the remaining

* Note 16.

part of the American troops, accompanied by the governor, beatenant governor, some members of the council, and many of the citizens of the state of New York, marched in, and took posses sion of that city.

The joyful event of peace, was here celebrated, on the first of December. Here also four days after, the commander in chief took leave of his officers. Having met them at a place appointed, the general taking a glass of wine, thus addressed them -"With a heart full of love and gratitude, I now take leave of you. I most devoutly wish, that your latter days may be as prosperous and happy, as your former ones have been glorious and honorable." After a short pause, each one received the hand and embrace of their beloved general. Being then on his way to congress, to resign his commission, his officers, in a procession accompanied him to the boat in which he was to embark, and as it put from the shore, an alternate waving of hats, gave the last silent adieu.*

After remaining a few days at Philadelphia, for the purpose of settling his accounts, (the whole of which was only nineteen thousand three hundred pounds eleven shillings and nine pence, Virginia money,) he repaired to the seat of the general government, at Annapolis; and on the 23d of December, at a public audience, and in the presence of a great concourse of his fellow citizens, he resigned into the hands of congress, that commission, which more than eight years before, he had, with so much diffidence, and in far other circumstances, received from them. In doing this, he made the following address.

"Mr. President-The great events, on which my resignation depended, having at length taken place, I have now the honor of offering my sincere congratulations to congress, and of presenting myself before them, to surrender into their hands the trust committed to me, and to claim the indulgence of retiring from the service of my country.

"Happy in the confirmation of our independence and sovercignty, and pleased with the opportunity afforded the United

* Gordon p. 377.

States, of becoming a respectable nation, I resign with satisfaction the appointment I accepted with diffidence,-a diffidence in my abilities to accomplish so arduous a task; which, however, was superseded by a confidence in the rectitude of our cause, the support of the supreme power of the union, and the patronage of heaven.

"The successful termination of the war verified the most sanguine expectations; and my gratitude for the interposition of Providence, and the assistance I have received from my countrymen, increases with every review of the momentous contest.

"While I repeat my obligations to the army in general, I should do injustice to my own feelings, not to acknowledge in this place, the peculiar services and distinguished merits of the gentlemen, who have been attached to my person, during the war. It was impossible the choice of confidential officers, to compose my family, should have been more fortunate.

"Permit me, sir, to recommend, in particular, those who have .continued in the service to the present moment, as worthy of the favorable notice and patronage of congress.

"I consider it an indispensable duty to close this last act of my official life, by commending the interests of our dearest country to the protection of Almighty God, and those, who have the superintendence of them, to his holy keeping.

"Having now finished the work assigned me, I retire from the great theatre of action, and bidding an affectionate farewell to this august body, under whose orders I have so long acted, I here offer my commission, and take my leave of all the employments of public life."

The following answer was returned by the president.

"Sir-The United States in congress assembled, receive with emotions too affecting for utterance, the solemn resignation of the authorities, under which you have led their troops with success, through a perilous and a doubtful war. Called upon by your country to defend its invaded rights, you accepted the sacred charge, before it formed alliances, and whilst it was without funds VOL. II.

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