accounts, he found himself a considerable loser, having frequently, in the hurry of business, neglected to credit himself with sums drawn from his private purse in moments of exigency. The schedule of his public account furnishes not the least among the many noble and impressive lessons taught by his character and example. It stands a touchstone of honesty in office, and a lasting rebuke on that lavish expenditure of the public money too often heedlessly, if not wilfully, indulged by military commanders."

When Washington arrived at Annapolis, the 23rd of December was the day fixed for him to resign his commission to Congress. Writing to Baron Steuben on the morning of that day, he said, "This is the last letter I shall write while I continue in the service of my country. The hour of my resignation is fixed at twelve to-day, after which I shall become a private citizen on the banks of the Potomac."

The ceremony took place in the Great Hall of Congress. The hall was crowded; ladies clustered in the galleries, citizens in the body of the building. The members of Congress were seated, with their heads covered. Washington, with two of his aides-de-camp, came into the hall at twelve o'clock, and sat in the place prepared for him. When he was told that Congress was ready to receive his communication, he rose and said: "Mr. President,—The great events on which my resignation depended having at length taken place, I have now the honour 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 sovereignty, and pleased with the opportunity afforded the United States of becoming a re

CONGRESS RECEIVES WASHINGTON'S COMMISSION. 207

spectable 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I accepted with diffidence-a diffidence in my abilities to accomplish so arduous a task, which, however, was superseded by a confidence in the rectitude of our cause, the support of the supreme power of the Union, and the patronage of Heaven. I consider it as an indispensable duty to close this last solemn act of my official life by commending the interests of my dearest country to 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."

He then handed to Congress his commission; that commission which he had accepted with modesty, which he had preserved stainless, and had executed with patience and heroism. The president replied as he received it: "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 doubtful war. Called upon by your country to defend its invaded rights, you accepted the sacred charge before it had formed. alliances, and whilst it was without funds or government to support you. You have conducted the great military contest with wisdom and fortitude, invariably regarding the rights of the civil power through all disasters and changes.

You have persevered till these United States, aided by a magnanimous king and nation, have been enabled, under a just Providence, to close the war in freedom, safety, and independence, on which happy event we sincerely join you in

congratulations.

For you we address to God our earnest prayers, that a life so beloved may be fostered with all His care; that your days may be as happy as they have been illustrious, and that He will finally give you that reward which this world cannot give."

Many were in tears as the general left the hall.

The next day was Christmas-eve, and Washington hurried to Mount Vernon, determined to spend Christmas in his own home, for war was over, and the time of "peace and good-will" remained to him.

PART III.

WASHINGTON THE FIRST PRESIDENT OF THE AMERICAN REPUBLIC.

"Love thyself last : cherish those hearts that hate thee,

Corruption wins not more than honesty.

Still in thy right hand carry gentle peace,

To silence envious tongues. Be just, and fear not :

Let all the ends thou aim'st at, be thy country,

Thy GoD's, and truth's."-Henry VIII., Act 3, Scene 2.

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