The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1906-01-26
When Washington Resigned
His Commission.
By CHARLES l.. SHIPLEY.

years ago, on the 23rd of Decem-
Der, 11S3-nearly a century and
quarter past, occurred one of
the most important events in the
history of our republic, when
George Washington, the Com
mander in Chief of the American
forces of the Revolution, resign
ed his commission of the same
and retired to private life.
TIE event took place at Au-
napolis. where Congress was then
III session. Owing to a mutiny
among the pennsylvania troops,
aud which had mensced Phlla-
delphia, Congress removed in
June, 1888, to Princeton, New
Jersey. On the 18th of Novem Der
it adjourned to meet at Annapo-
lis on the Goth. Noquorum being
present until the 18th of Decem-
Der. they did not convene until
that date.
y treaty of peace between Eng
land aud this country had been
signed at Paris on the 10th of
January. 1888. On the 18th of
November, the British troops
nnally evacuated the city of New
York, and a. they departed the
American forces under Washing.
ton entered the city from the
north. The Cross OF ST. George
which had SO long waved over
the city, now gave way 10 the
stars and stripes of the Young
republic.
On the 4th Of December Wash
lngton took leave of his officers
at traunce'> tavern. where they
had assem- bled TO hear his parting
words. Ii was a scene for the
writer aud painter. aud not soon
to be forgotten. All that they
had endured and suffered. all
that they had hoped aud feared,
now rushed before tleIr minds.
At few moments after the hour
OF noon their beloved commander
entered the room. His emotions
were too strong 10 be concealed.
Filling a glass. ne turned TO them
aud said: with heart full OF
love and gratitude | now take
leave OF You: | most devoutedlv
wish that Your latter days NAV
oe as prosperous and happy as
Your former oueS have beeu glor-
louS and honorable " Having
drank. he added: Il cauuo, cont.
( To each OF You to take my leave
out shall be obliged il each OF
!ou Will come and take ms hand. "
/ General Knox who stood near.
e>l. turned and CRASHED the hand
. Il MS commander aud embraced
Liza. MOI a word was spoken:
their emotions We're TOO deep for
u ciauce. In tie same affection
a,c manner he took leave of each
succeeding officer. Leaving the
f"pm He passed through CORPS
I OF light infantry aud walked TO
White hall, wuer" a barge wait
ed 10 convey him 10 the JERSEY
shore. From there he proceeded
70 Philadelphia. only stopping
the'e long enough to submit To
tie comptroller an account of his
expenses during tile war They
amounted TO EII.3II. every item
belug distinctly eulered by his
own hand.
From Philadelphia he com
meuced bis journey towards An
napolis. His trip was Il continu.
, Ell ovation On his arrival in
Baltimore he was entertained ar
a public dinner. al which an ad
dress prepared by committee OF
cltlzeuS selected Tor tn purpose
was presented 70 him. The doc,
uncut. as printed IN the Mary,
ldHd JoRrga! of Deeem Der 22ud,
possesses Il eettaiu amount of in.
teIest. even AT the present time.
and Is worth repeating here on
account OF is quaint wording.
threads as follows:
SIR: The Town of Baltimore
feels an Universal JOY 90 your
Excelieuey's Arrival: aud. willing
10 testify in an acceptable man,
neF- tie most grateful Sense OF
your eminent Services sad su
perlor Abilities. We are entrusted
10 congratulate your Excellency
Oh the glorious aud happy Con
cluSlon OF al unequal. precariou:
anu bloody War through which
you have successfully commanded
the Armies Of the United States,
established the Liberties and In.
dependence Of your native Coun
try, aud gained 70 yourself the
uurlvaled Appellstion or its mos
illusJrious Citizen.
May Your Excellency Ions
. survive the E2rirIr.S aud C,Tan