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be happy as they have been illustrious; and that he shall finally give you that reward which this world cannot give."

This scene being closed, a scene rendered peculiarly interesting by the personages who appeared in it, by the great events it recalled to the memory, and by the singularity of the circumstances under which it was displayed; the American chief withdrew from the hall of congress, leaving the silent and admiring spectators deeply impressed with those sentiments which its solemnity and dignity were well calculated to inspire.

Having laid down his military character, general Washington retired to Mount Vernon, to which place he was followed by the enthusiastic love, esteem, and admiration of his countrymen. Relieved from the agitations of a doubtful contest, and from the toils of an exalted station, he returned with increased delight to the duties and the enjoyments of a private citizen. In the shade of retirement, under the protection of a free government, and the benignant influence of mild and equal laws, he indulged the hope of tasting that felicity which is the reward of a mind at peace with itself, and conscious of its own purity.-Marshall's Life of Washington.

[No. 5265.]

Admiral Digby Requests Several Concessions from Governor Clinton-The Governor Promises to Cooperate with the Admiral.

Amphion off New York, 25th Nov'r., 1783. Sir, As I find many of the Houses in the Dock Yard that have been reserved will not be wanted, I have given Directions that they may be given up to your Excellency's Orders, but desire still to reserve the use of the Dock Yard, and one Room as an Office. The Brewery I find also will be of no use to us any longer, I have therefore given directions that that shall be delivered up

to your Excellency's Orders, and I have given Orders that all the Buildings now remaining upon Governors Island shall be left untouched whenever I am able to leave it.

I am, Sir, Your most obed't. humble Servt.

(signed)

His Excellency Governor Clinton.

Robt. Digby.

Amphion off Staten Island

25th November, 1783.

Sir, As it will be necessary to leave several of the Transports that want Repair and some that may not arrive till after I leave this Port, I propose to order Captain Cochrane of La Sophie to remain till they are fitted, and shall direct him to apply to your Excellency in case he should want Assistance, which I am to request your Excellency will give him.

I have the honor to be, Your Excellency's Very Obed't. humble Servant

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Sir, I do myself the honor of acknowledging the Receipt of your letters of Yesterday and in answer thereto Your Excellency may be assured of every Aid in my power which Captain Cochrane may apply for in fitting out such Transports as may remain after your Departure.

I have the Honor to be Your Excellency's most obed't. humble Servant.

(signed)

His Excellency Rear Admiral Digby.

Geo. Clinton

Amphion off Staten Island 25th November, 1783.

Sir, As there are some few Boats which I shall want untill I leave this Port and which I shall not be able to send to Nova Scotia as I intended, I am to request Your Excellency will give leave for their being left under the care of some person the Storekeeper will find out till next Summer.

I have the honor to be Your Excelency's Very Obed't. humble Servant.

His Excellency Gov'r Clinton.

(signed)

[No. 5268.]

Rob't. Digby.

St. Jean de Creveweur to Governor Clinton, Announcing the Establishment of a Line of French Mail Packets Between L'Orient and New York.

New York, 26th November, 1783

Sir, I have the Honor to inform your Excellency, that I am charged by the Minister of the Marine Department in France, to Say, That His Most Christian Majesty anxious to cement the Bonds of Friendship between his Kingdom and The United States of America, has been favorably pleased to Establish Five Packets to sail between Port L'Orient and New York to carry the Mails to and from each Country, that Commerce may have the fullest Assistance;

This Establishment was made so early after the Peace, in full confidence That the Posts throughout the whole United States would be so regularly and effectually conducted, that the subject of both Nations may derive every possible advantage from this most useful Establishment.

I have the honor to be with the most perfect Respect, your Excellency's Most Obedient and. Most Humble Servant.

His Excellency Governor Clinton.

St. Jean de Creveweur.

[No. 5286.]

Statement of the Troops of the Enemy, at the Time of the Evacuation of New York.

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Governor Clinton to Colonels Willet and Lasher, Orders, With Instructions, to Take Possession and Charge of All Forfeited Houses and Lands in New York Till the Legislature Shall Dispose of the Same.

By His Excellency George Clinton Esquire Governor of the State of New York General and Commander in Chief of all the Militia and Admiral of the Navy of the same

To

.Greeting

Whereas it is requisite that Measures should be taken for preventing Waste and Destruction in and Intrusions on Lands and Tenements within the City and County of New York and deemed forfeited to the People of this State until the Legislature can be convened and make Provision respecting the same, And whereas, the public Peace may be endangered by Contentions between persons who may attempt to take possession of such Lands or Tenam'ts; these are, therefore, to authorize You on

behalf of the People of this State forthwith, to enter on and have and take the Possession Care and Custody of all Lands and Tenements within the City and County of New York and deemed forfeited to the People of this State and You are in the Execution of the Trust hereby reposed in You, to demean Yourself agreeable to such Orders and Instructions, as You shall from time to time receive from Me or other Person administring the Government of this State for the time being And this shall be Your Warrant Given under my Hand.

Instructions to Marinus Willet & John Lasher, Esquire appointed by Warrant from His Excellency the Governor to enter on and have and take the Possession Care and Custody of Lands & Tenements within the City and County of New York and deemed forfeited to the People of this State.

1-You will not take Possession of any Lands or Tenements now held or possessed by virtue of any bona fide Lease, Demise or Contract from any Person or Persons made at any time before the British Garrison was withdrawn from the City. 2-Whenever You have taken Possession of any Lands or Tenements you may permit the same to be occupied by any Person or Persons who removed from this City on the Invasion thereof in the Year 1776 and who shall appear to You to be destitute of Habitations on the said Persons respectively, previously signing a Note or Memorandum in Writing purporting that they respectively held the Lands and Tenements which they may respectively be permitted so to occupy as Tenants out Will to You, or sent other Person or Persons as may hereafter be appointed for the like purpose on behalf of the People of this and that they will respectively pay such Rents for the same as shall thereafter be determined by the Legislature. 3-You shall from time to time make return to Me of the Lands and Tenements of which you shall take Possession and the names of the several persons whom you shall permit to occupy the same and which Return shall also contain a Description of all such lands and Tenaments as you shall deem forfeited to the People of this State notwithstanding the same may be possessed and held by Virtue of such Lease Demise or Contract as abovementioned together with the names of the several Persons possessing the same and the Rents reserved in the same by virtue of such Lease Demise or Contract. New York Nob'r 27th, 1783.

[No. 5307-a.]

Governor Clinton Asks Admiral Digby to Give Early Notice of His Intention to Quit Governors Island.

New York, 27th November, 1783.

Sir, I have this day had the honor of receiving your Excellency's letter of the 25th Instant.

I have not the least objection to your leaving the Boats mentioned in it in the care of some person in this City, and you may be assured of his having the protection of Government in the discharge of his Duty.

Another Letter from Your Excellency of equal date has also been received, and I take this opportunity of thanking you for

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