FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19.

At Annapolis, Maryland: "The congress of the United States being then in session, at the city of Annapolis, general Washington arrived there with suite, on Friday, the 19th December, 1783, for the purpose of resigning his commission into their hands. He was met a few miles from the city, by generals Gates and Smallwood, accompanied by several of the principal inhabitants of the place, who escorted him to Mr. Mann's hotel, where apartments were prepared for his reception. His arrival was announced by the discharge of cannon. After receiving visits from many of the citizens, he waited on the president of congress."Annals of Annapolis.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20.

At Annapolis: Dines with the President of Congress, in company with the members of that body and the principal military and civil officers of the State.

"In Congress, Annapolis, December 20.-A letter, of this day, from the commander in chief was read, informing Congress of his arrival in this city, with the intention of asking leave to resign the commission he has the honor of holding in their service, and desiring to know their pleasure in what manner it will be most proper to offer his resignation; whether in writing or at an audience; Whereupon, Resolved, That his excellency the commander in chief be admitted to a public audience on Tuesday next, at twelve o'clock. Resolved, That a public entertainment be given to the commander in chief on Monday next."-Journal of Congress.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21.

At Annapolis: "On Sunday morning, he returned the visits of the citizens and others who had waited on him."Annals of Annapolis.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 22.

At Annapolis: "On Monday, congress gave general Washington a public dinner, at the ball-room, where upwards of two hundred persons of distinction are said to

have been present; and where every thing was provided by Mr. Mann, in the most elegant and profuse style. After dinner many toasts were drunk, accompanied by the discharge of cannon. At night the state-house was illuminated, where a ball was given by the general assembly, at which a very numerous and brilliant company of ladies was present. On this occasion general Washington opened the ball with Mrs. James Maccubbin, of this city, one of the most beautiful women of her day. An address was made to general Washington, on this occasion, by the corporate authorities of the city."-Annals of Annapolis.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23.

At Annapolis: "Congress assembled. Present Massachusetts, Rhode-Island, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina; and from the state of NewHampshire, Mr. Foster, and from the state of South-Carolina, Mr. Read.

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According to order, his excellency the commander in chief was admitted to a public audience, and being seated, the president [Thomas Mifflin], after a pause, informed him, that the United States in Congress assembled, were prepared to receive his communications; Whereupon, he arose and addressed as follows:

"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.

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Happy in the confirmation of our independence and sovereignty, and pleased with the opportunity afforded the United 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 has 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 favourable 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 superintendance 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 the 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.'"-Journal of Congress.

Upon concluding the address, the Commander-in-Chief delivered his commission to the President of Congress, who, in receiving it, made an appropriate reply. The ceremony ended-a remarkable scene had been witnessed; a memorable action performed-and GEORGE WASHINGTON, a private citizen, withdrew from the room. On the following morning he set out for Mount Vernon, his eight years and a half of service completed,— a service which, for unwearied devotion, unselfish patriotism, and unwonted forbearance, stands unequalled in the annals of this world's history!

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INDEX.