Washington Lays Down the Sword: The State of Maryland Welcomes General George Washington to Resign His Commission as General and Return to Private Life
A signed receipt for his final reception as general, December 22, 1783
A remarkable moment in American history, where Washington went from soldier to citizen. Documents directly relating to Washington’s farewell day or eve are very uncommon. We don’t recall seeing another
When Washington stepped down as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, he took an important step in the peaceful transition of...
A remarkable moment in American history, where Washington went from soldier to citizen. Documents directly relating to Washington’s farewell day or eve are very uncommon. We don’t recall seeing another
When Washington stepped down as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, he took an important step in the peaceful transition of power in what would become the constitutional United States. Rather than seize power under his generalship, he looked to retire from public life.
Washington set aside his military uniform for civilian dress in Maryland on December 23, 1783. Historian Thomas Fleming describes the great event and Washington’s farewell reception the night before, which he called one of the great events in American history.
“Cannon boomed 13 rounds and the stylishly dressed citizens of Annapolis, Maryland, swarmed into the streets. General George Washington was arriving, accompanied by only two aides. The next day, Washington wrote to Thomas Mifflin, the president of Congress, then meeting in Maryland, informing him of his desire to resign his commission as commander in chief. The president read Washington’s letter to Congress and they responded with plans for a public dinner on December 22, 1783, and an “audience” for the resignation ceremony on December 23.
“The dinner was described by one guest as ‘the most extraordinary feast I ever attended.” There were between two and three hundred gentlemen in the ballroom of the Maryland state house and the “cheerful voices” blended with the “clangor of knives and forks” to make a “delightful” din. Even more extraordinary, “not a soul got drunk although there was wine in plenty.” Perhaps that miracle can be attributed to Washington’s sobering toast: “Competent powers to Congress for general purposes!”
“At noon on the following day, Washington walked to the state house, where Congress was meeting. President Mifflin began the proceedings: “Sir, the United States in Congress assembled are prepared to receive your communications.”
“Washington stood up and bowed. The members of Congress briefly took off their hats in response to the general’s bow. The rulers of the United States numbered only twenty delegates from nine states… The general drew his speech out of his coat pocket and unfolded it with hands that trembled with emotion. “Mr. President,” he began in a low strained voice. “The great events on which my resignation depended having at length taken place; I now have 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.”
“A former aide, Dr. James McHenry, was sitting as a delegate from Maryland. McHenry recalled that at this point, Washington’s voice “faultered and sunk…[and] the whole house felt his agitation.” But he recovered his composure and “proceeded…in the most penetrating manner.”
“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.” The general went on to express his gratitude for the support of “my countrymen” and the “army in general.”
“Next Washington hoped Congress would do something special to acknowledge the “distinguished merits” of “the gentlemen who have been attached to my person during the war” — in particular the two young men who sat beside him…. “I consider it an 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 superintendence of them, to his holy keeping.”
Tears streamed down Washington’s cheeks… The deeply moved spectators “all wept,” Congressman McHenry recalled. “And there was hardly a member of Congress who did not drop tears.”
“General Washington drew from his coat a parchment copy of his appointment as commander in chief, dated June 15, 1775 — eight and one half years ago. “Having now finished the work assigned me, I retire from the great theater of action and bidding farewell to this august body under whom I have long acted, I here offer my commission and take leave of all the employments of public life.” Stepping forward, Washington handed the document to President Mifflin.
“This was — is — the most important moment in American history. This man could have been King George I of America, or President General for Life after dispersing a feckless Congress and obtaining for himself and his officers riches worthy of their courage,” opined Fleming.
This all began with the great dinner on the 22nd. Tavern owner Mr. Mann was called on to furnish a supper at the State House 98 bottles of wine two and a half gallons spirits, 9 pounds loaf sugar a lot of limes music and waiters. A dozen packs of cards were also supplied and the governor ordered Cornelius Mills at the coffee house to furnish the populace with punch toddy and grog.
Document signed, by Nicholas Worthington on behalf to the State of Maryland, December 22, 1783, the original order to pay by the State of Maryland and receipt of funds for the drinks served to Washington and the others at this great dinner. “State of Maryland, by order of the Governor, to Cornelius Mills.
“To punch, toddy and grog, furnished agreeable to Governor’s order at the Coffee House,” noting a payment of 10 pounds, 10 shillings.
A notation below dated the next day reads, “Passed for ten pounds ten shillings, Richmond Aud Genl.
“The above account provided according to the law before me. Nic. Worthington.”
The verso is a receipt, signed by Mills, dated December 24, 1790.
The docket reads “Expence of Entertainment on Genl. Washington’s visit…. entered State Debt.” Silked.
This remarkable document last sold in 1951 by Walter Benjamin. We are aware of nothing similar ever having sold publicly since.
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