agitated, than in this interesting and distressful scene. His ex cellency having filled a glass of wine, thus addressed his brave fellow-soldiers: "With an 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." These words produced extreme sensibility on both sides; they were answered by warm expressions, and fervent wishes, from the gentlemen of the army, whose truly pathetic feelings it is not in our power to convey to the reader. Soon after this scene was closed, his excellency the Governor, the honorable the Council and citizens of the first distinction waited on the general and in terms most affectionate, took their leave. The corps of light infantry was drawn up in a line, the commander in chief, about two o'clock passed through them on his way to Whitehall, where he embarked in his barge for Powles Hook. He is attended by general le baron de Steuben; proposes to make a short stay at Philadelphia; will thence proceed to Annapolis, where he will resign his Commission as General of the American armies, into the hands of the Continental Congress, from whom it was derived, immediately after which His Excellency will set out for his seat, named Mount Vernon, in Virginia, emulating the example of his model, the virtuous Roman general, who, victorious, left the tented field, covered with honors, and withdrew from public life, otium cum dignitate.-Rivington's New York Gazette, Dec. 6, and Pennsylvania Packet, Dec. 12, 1783. On Thursday noon the principal officers of the army assembled at Fraunces (alias Black Sam's) tavern to take a final leave of their much-loved commander in chief. After a while gen. Washington came in, and calling for a glass of wine thus addressed them: "With an heart full of love and gratitude I now take leave of you. I most devoutly wish that your latter days ma, be as prosperous and happy as your former ones have bee glorious and honorable." Having drank he said: "I cannot come to each of you to take my leave; but shall be obliged to you if each will come and take me by the hand." General Knox being. nearest turned to him; Washington with tears rolling down his cheeks, grasped Knox's hand and then kissed him: he did the same by every succeeding officer, and by some other gentlemen who were present. The passions of human nature were never more tenderly agitated, than in this interesting and distressful scene. The whole company were in tears. When Washington left the room, and passed through the corps of light infantry about two o'clock on his way to Whitehall the others followed, walking in a solemn, mute and mournful procession, with heads. hanging down and dejected countenances, till he embarked in his barge for Powle's Hook. When he had entered, he turned, took off his hat, and with that bid them a silent adieu. They paid him the same affectionate compliment, and the barge pushing off, returned from Whitehall in like manner as they had advanced.— Gordon's History of the American Revolution, IV., 383. The independence of his country being established, he looked forward with anxiety to its future destinies. These might greatly depend on the systems to be adopted on the return of peace; and to those systems, much of his attention was directed. Among the various interesting subjects which at this period claimed the consideration of congress, was the future peace establishment of the United States. As the experience of general Washington would certainly enable him to suggest many useful ideas on this important point, his opinions respecting it were requested by the committee to whom it was referred. His letter on this occasion, which it is presumed was deposited in the archives of state, will long deserve the attention of those to whom the interests of the United States may be confided. On a well regulated and disciplined militia during peace, his strongest hopes of securing the future tranquility, dignity, and respectability of his country were placed; and his sentiments on this subject are entitled to the more regard, as a long course of severe experience had enabled him to mark the total incompetency of the existing system to the great purposes of national defence. At length, on the 25th of November, the British troops evacuated New York, and a detachment from the American army took possession of that town. The guards being posted for the security of the citizens, general Washington accompanied by governor Clinton, and attended by many civil and military officers, and a large number of respectable inhabitants on horseback, made his public entry into the city; where he was received with every mark of respect and attention. His military course was now on the point of terminating; and previous to divesting himself of the supreme command, he was about to bid adieu to his comrades in arms. This affecting interview took place on the 4th of December. At noon, the principal officers of the army assembled at Frances' [Fraunces] tavern; soon after which, their beloved commander entered the room. His emotions were too strong to be concealed. Filling a glass, he turned to them and said, "with a heart full of love and gratitude, I now take leave of you; I most devoutly wish |