nied by his nephew, Major George Washington, and Colonel Humphries, his aid-decamp. His progress was marked by public rejoicings; triumphal arches were erected at the entrance of every town and village. through which he passed. A train of beautiful young virgins, robed in white, met him with songs of gratulation; they strewed laurels before the benign hero, who moved slowly along, on a white charger. The name of WASHINGTON excited an universal emotion. Women and children thronged the doors and windows, eager to behold the deliverer of their country; bands of music filled the air with sprightly melody, while the men who had fought under the banners of liberty, hailed their general with acclamations. Washington received this tribute of public gratitude with his characteristic benignity, while his bosom participated the general happiness.

On his arrival at Annapolis, he informed Congress of his intended resignation; they resolved it should be in a public audience, and on the day appointed, numbers of distinguished persons attended, to behold the interesting scene. General Washington addressed the President in the following words:

2

"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 services of my country.

"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I accepted with diffidence; a diffidence in my abilities to accomplish so arduous a task, which, however, was superceded by a confidence in the rectitude of our cause, the support of the Supreme Power of the Union, and the patronage of Heaven.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 feelings, not to acknowledge, in this place,

the peculiar services and distinguished merits of the persons who had 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 favour able notice and patronage of Congress.

"I consider it as my indispensable duty to close this last solemn 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 this august body, under whose orders I have long acted, I here offer my commission, and take my leave of all the employments of public. life."

To this the President returned the following answer:

"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 them

with success, though 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 a 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, by the love and confidence of your fellowcitizens, enabled them to display their martial genius, and transmit their fame to posterity; 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.

Having defended the standard of liberty in this new world; having taught a lesson useful to those who reflect, and to those who feel oppression; you retire from the great theatre of action, with the blessings of your fellow-citizens: but the glory of your virtues will not terminate with your military comcommand: it will continue to animate remotest ages. We feel, with you, our obliga

tions to the army in general, and will particularly charge ourselves with the interests of those confidential officers, who have attended your person to this affecting moment.

"We join you in commending the interests of our dearest country to the protection of Almighty God, beseeching him to dispose the hearts and minds of its citizens to improve the opportunity afforded them, of becoming a happy and respectable nation; and for you, we address to him our earnest prayers, that a life so beloved may be fostered with all his care that your days may be happy as they have been illustrious; and that he will finally give you that reward which this world cannot give."

Washington now hastened to Mount Vernon, where he was welcomed by his affectionate consort, neighbours, and domestics, with every demonstration of joy; and divesting himself of the military robe, he once more assumed the plain garb of the farmer.

Agriculture was his favourite pursuit.His estate at Mount Vernon particularly engaged his attention, which was productive of large quantities of wheat, Indian corn, potatoes, and flax, besides flocks of sheep and herds of cattle. Under his eye his domestics manufactured linen and woollen cloth,