The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1821-07-24

his resignation 10 writing, or al an audience.
The Congress answered that they appointed
the twenty third OF December for that cereno
ny. When This day arrived, the hall OF Con-
gress was crowded with spectators the legIs-
latIve and executive characters OF the state,
several general officers. and the consul gener
al otFrsnce were present The me nbers Of
Congress remained seated and covered. The
spectators were Standing and uncovered. The
general was introduced by the secretary, and
conducted 10 a, seat near the president At
and short f1use ensued. The president,
general MifhIG, thSn informed him. that the
Usiled States in CAcgress assembled were
prepared toreceiye his communications. Wash
instOn rose, and with an air of inexpressible
dignity, delivered the following address:
Il" Mr. President the great events on
winch my resignation Dope lded, having at
length taken place, have now the honor of
Offering my sincere congratulations 10 Con-
gress, and of presenting myself before them
TO surrender into their hands the trust commit
ted TO me, and TO claim the indulgence of re-
tIrng from the service ofmy county. Happy
IN the confirmation Of our independence and
sovereignty, and pleased with the opportun-
~ afforded the United States of becoming
respectable nation, ] resign with satisfaction
the appointment accepted with difiidence
dlfhdence in my abilities to accomplish so
arduous task, which, however, was suppressed
ed by confidence la 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 ssnguine expectations and my graf
irIde tor the InterpostiOn OF Providence, and
/ the assistance have received from my coun-
trymeD, increases with every review of the
momentous contest. While repeat my obi
! cations TO The army IN general, | should do
injustice 10 my own feelings not 10 acknowl
distinguished merits Of the gentlemen who have
been attached TO my person during the war
Ii was impossible the choice Of confidential Of
hces to compose ny family should have been
more fortunate. Permit me, sir, TO ret ommend
| ~ particular, those who have continued 10 the
! service TO the present moment, as worthy Of
The favorable notice and patronage OF Con-
gress.
g consider it as an indispensable duty,
to close this last act of my Official life by COM
mendIng the interests OF our dearest country
10 The protection of Almighty God, aud those
who have the SUPERINTENDENT of them to his
holy keeping Having now finished the work
assigned ne, retire from the great theatre Of
action, and bidding an afectonate farewell to
TINS august body, under whose orders | have
so long acted, | here offer my commission, and
take my leave OF all The employments of pub
lie life"
Having spoken thus, he advanced to the
chair OF the president and deposited the com.
mission in his hands The president made
him, in the name Of Congress, the following
| answer:
60 Sir, the United States in Congress as
sembled, receive with emotions too affecting
Tor utteranCe, the solemn resignation ot the au-
thorties under which YOU have led heir troops
with success through perilous and doubt
lul war. Called upon by your country 10 de-
iend its Invalid rights, YOU accepted the sacred
charge, before It had formed alliances, and
whilst il was without funds or a government 10
support you. You have conducted The great
military contest with wisdom and forlitude.
invariably regarding the rights Of the civil
power, through all di,asters and changes. You
have, 10y the love and confidence OF your fel
low citizens, enabled them 10 display their
martial genus, and transmit their fame 10 DOS.
ieriiy. fou have perse, cred, until the United
States, aided by magnanimOus king and ma
ton, have been enabled, under iu,t Provi
dence. to cloee he war 10 freedom, safety and
independence on which happy event, we sin
cereiy JON you IN congratulations. Having
defended The standard OF liberty IN this New
World, having taught lesson useful 10 those
who lnfhci. and 10 those who feel oppression.
you retire from the great theatre ofaction, with
the blessing Of your felIow-citizens but the
glory OF your virtues will not terminate with |
your military command it will continue TO
the remotest ages We feel, with
you, our obligations 10 the army in general. !
and will particularly charge ourselves with the I
interests OF those confidential officers who have
attended your person 10 TINS affecting moment |
We join you IN commencing the interests of !
our dearest country 10 the pro ection Of Az |
mighty God Seseecting HIM 10 dispose The |
hearts and minds OF is citizens to improve the |
afforded them of becoming hap
py and respectable aalion. And for you. We
ADDRESS 10 him our earnest prayers that life |
so beloved, may be fostered with all lis care |
that your days may DC happy as they have !
been Ilustrious and that he will finally give |
you that reward which this world cannot give"
When TIE PRESIDENT had terminated his dis /
course, long and profound silence pervaGed
the whole assembly. All minds appeared in
pressed with the grandeur OF he scene, the