Title: To George Washington from Lachlan McIntosh, 20 December 1783
From: McIntosh, Lachlan
To: Washington, George

                            Sir.
                            Savannah 20th Decem: 1783.

                        I was honored yesterday by your Excellency’s favor of the 24th October. and have directed the secretary of
                            our State Association of the Cincinnati to Copy such extracts from the minutes of our proceedings as will give you all the
                            information you require, which he will inclose herewith, as I am obliged to go out in the Country.
                        The reason I have not done myself the honor of writing to your Excelly Before upon this subject is, that we were not informed of your
                            Acceptance of the appointment of President General of the Society, and some envious persons had asserted that you refused
                            it, which made me at a loss who to direct to, as such, but for the deficiency, as well as to commence that communication
                            and correspondence recommended in the original Institution with our Sister Society, in the Neighbouring States, I have
                            transmitted Copys of our proceedings to those of South & North Carolina and Virginia, and expected by that Means
                            they would be conveyed through the other States.
                        I have only to request your Excellency will inform me in time of the place of the General Meeting in May next, as
                            we are at such a distance. and have the Honor to be Yr Excellencys, most obedt humble Servant

                            Lachn McIntosh.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Mifflin, 20 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Mifflin, Thomas

                            Sir
                            Annapolis 20th Decembr 1783

                        I take the earliest opportunity to inform Congress of my arrival in this City, with the intention of asking
                            leave to resign the Commission I have the honor of holding in their Service.
                        It is essential for me to know their pleasure, and in what manner it will be most proper to offer my
                            resignation, whether in writing or at an Audience; I shall therefore request to be honored with the necessary information,
                            that being apprized of the sentiments of Congress I may regulate my Conduct accordingly. I have the honor to be with great
                            respect Sir Your Excellency’s Most Obedient humble Servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Paca, 20 December 1783
From: Paca, William
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            In Council. Annapolis 20th December 1783.

                        Amidst the general Joy on the happy and honourable Termination of the War we beg Leave to welcome your
                            Excellency’s return to this City with Hearts Full of Gratitude and Affection.
                        As long Sir as Mankind shall retain a proper Sense of the Blessings of Peace Liberty and Safety, your
                            Character in every Country and in every Age will be honor’d admir’d and rever’d: but to a Mind elevated as your’s, the
                            Consciousness of having done Great and illustrious Deeds from the purest Principles of Patriotism; of having by your
                            Wisdom and Magnanimity arrested the Arm of Tyranny—saved a dear Country and Millions of Fellow Citizens—and Millions yet
                            unborn—from Slavery and all the Horrors and Calamities of Slavery, and placed their Rights and Liberties on a Permanent
                            Foundation—must yield a Satisfaction infinitely supperior to all the Pomp and Eclat of applauding Ages and admiring
                            Worlds.
                        Attached to your Excellency by the strongest Obligation; and feeling the most lively Impression of your
                            unequall’d Worth and Public Usefulness, we beg you to accept of our warmest wishes that your Life may be prolonged to a
                            far distant Period—and that it may be as happy in your Retirement as it has been glorious in the Field. With every
                            Sentiment of Respect and Regard We have the Honor to be Your Excellency’s Most Obedient and Humble Servants

                            Wm Paca


Title: To George Washington from Philip John Schuyler, 20 December 1783
From: Schuyler, Philip John
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir
                            Saratoga December 20th 1783

                        I have the honor to inclose Your Excellency, two letters from General Haldimand, which he transmitted under
                            cover to me, by an express who arrived here this day. I suppose this will find you by that fire side from which your
                            public Avocations have so long witheld you and from which, philosopher as you are, you will probably hardly be inclined to
                            retire unless on some urgent Occasion in which your interference in behalf of Your Country may be indispensibly necessary.
                        Altho the Country in general feels, and I believe gratefully too, the effects of Your measures, It is only
                            for those, who have not only, seen the inside of the political cards, but attended to the vast variety of difficulties you
                            have had to surmount, efficiently to love and to Admire, God bless you I  think of you without
                            emotions too sensible for communication. Pray my respects to your Lady In whose felicity on your happy
                                 this family partakes. I am Dear Sir Affectionately & Sincerely ever Yours
                            &c. &c. &c.

                            Ph: Schuyler


Title: To George Washington from Jacob Van Braam, 20 December 1783
From: Van Braam, Jacob
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Au Chateau de Rouville near Malesherbes. France Decbr 20th 1783

                        The latter end of 1775, when I was settled on a good farm in Wales with Mrs Van Braam and her Mother, I
                            received a letter from the agents of the 60th Regt: the purport of which was to enquire if
                            battalion should be added to the regiment whether I would choose to come in! Forseeing the nature of the service they were
                            to be employ’d uppon, and prefering the life I had addopted for eight years past, I answred in the negative, but to my
                            very great mortification was shortly after ordered up to London by Lord Amherst, who was then Commander-in-Chief of the
                            Army. Obedience was nearly all I remembered of military discipline—accordingly set out immediately; on my arrival, his
                            Lordship told me he had appointed me eldest Captain in the 3d Battn: I pleaded hard to be left out, but all my
                            remonstrances of leaving my farm abbrubtly after spending so much time and incuring debts, could not avail; I was either to
                            embark with a couple hundred recruits picked up in London and sail for East florida, or lose my half pay.
                        As I had been very free in all companys and country meetings in giving my oppinion against the American War,
                            and may be with some weight being known to have some knowlledge of that Country, I have always suspected that one of our
                            country members had represented me to the minister in such a light that it was thought proper to send me out of the
                            way, for what else could induce Lord Amherst to treat me as he did, knowing very well that half pay was a reward for past
                            services and not a retaining fee.
                        The beginning of 1776, I sayled for St Augustine, with a resollution to sell out of the Army the first
                            opportunity should offer, which I thought to have found the year after. A letter from a friend in London acquainted me
                            that the Major of our Battn had obtained leave to sell, as he had not purchased his commission more than myself I
                            certainly had the same right: Being the eldest Captn I obtained leave to go to England to purchase the Majority, tho’
                            in fact with a contrary view. But what was my surprise, when on my arrival in London I was informed that Mrs Van Braam and
                            her Mother were sail’d to joyn me in florida, the same day I left St Augustine. As commissions sold much cheaper at home
                            than in America, and having once bought I was at liberty to sell when I pleased, those considerations determined me to the
                            purchase, notwithstanding my being nearly at the head of the Captains in the Army, which made me sure of the rank in a
                            month or two when there was to be a general promotion. I returned once more to America with a firm resollution to quit the service as soon as possible, but by then
                            miscariage of a letter from Captn Mackenzie, Secretary to General Howe, was oblidged to make the campaign in Georgia and
                            could not obtain leave to sell till 1779: when I quited the service with as much pleasure as ever a Young man entered it.
                        My sentiments in regard to the proceedings of the Ministry were too well known for me to remain in their
                            Army, and even in Devonshire where I retired for some time after; which determined me to leave England and look for an
                            retreat in this Country, and have luckly found in the nighbourhood of one of the most worthy carracters in Europe.
                        No doubt but Monsieur de La Luzerne has given your Excellency an account of his aimable and learned relation
                            Monsieur de Mallesherbes. Amongst the many civilities I receive from that Gentleman he was pleased to acquaint me that
                            in a letter he had received from Monsieur de La Luzerne You had condesended to send Your compliments to me. The
                            satisfaction I felt Sir on recieving such a distinguishing mark of Your remembrance has given me assurance to trouble
                            You with this letter, which I thought necessary to begin by giveing some account of myself during the time I had last the
                            honor of writing to You from Wales.
                        I beg pardon for the liberty I take to inclose a letter, two reasons induced me to it—first the probability of
                            its coming to hand by going under Your Excellency’s cover, the other to introduce to Your  Acquaintance a near relation of
                            mine, Mr Van Braam Houckgeest is a brother of Admiral Van Braam who distinguished himself on the
                            Doggers bank; And himself as well as his Lady every way deserving the honor I intend them by making them known to You.
                        Give me leave Sir before I conclude my letter to pour out the sentiments of my Soul, in congratulations for
                            Your Successes in the American contest: and in wishing You a long life to enjoy the blessing of a great people whom You
                            have been the Chief instrument of freeing from bondage. I have the honour to be with the most profound respect, Sir, Your
                            Excellency’s Most obedient & Most devoted humble Servent,

                            J: V: Braam


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Mifflin, 21 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Mifflin, Thomas

                            Sir
                            Annapolis 21st Decr 1783

                        In my last dispatch to your Excellency, I had the honor to inform Congress that the American Troops had taken
                            possession of the City of New York, and had delivered it to the Government of the State; and that the British Troops had
                            retired to Staten and Long Islands. I had also the honor to inclose to you Sir Guy Carleton’s last letter, informing me of
                            his intention to take his final departure from the Continent, with the Troops under his Command, on the 4th of this Month.
                        As there was no longer a necessity for retaining so many Troops in service for the Posts at present in our
                            possession, and as the terms of service of the Men, were expiring so fast, that 1500 or 2000 would have been discharged by
                            June next, I thought it most consistent with the state of our public affairs, to lessen the expence as soon as possible,
                            and therefore gave directions to Major General Knox before I left New York, to reduce the whole of the Troops, to one
                            Batallion of Infantry of 500 Rank and file, and about 100 Artillery, and these to be of the Men who had the longest time
                            to serve.
                        To carry this arrangement into effect, and to collect and put into a state of preservation, the Ordnance and
                            other valuable Military Stores belonging to the United States, it was necessary there should be some Officer of Rank and
                            abilities, and as the latter business was in the particular line of General Knox, and none understood or could attend to
                            it so well, I directed that Officer to continue in command, untill the further pleasure of Congress should be made known
                            to him.
                        Among the Officers of the Army who have been obliged to retire at the conclusion of the War, are many who
                            from various motives are desirous of being arranged on any Peace Establishment that may take place, I take the liberty to
                            lay before Congress the several applications that have been made to me on the subject, and in addition to the testimony
                            which accompanies them, I can only add mine, that most of the Gentlemen, whose names are on the list, are personally known
                            to me as some of the best Officers who were in the Army.
                        Before I left the Northward; Brigr General Michl Jackson delivered me a Memorial which he requested me to lay
                            before Congress: but as, from some accident, it has been mislaid, I will take the liberty of mentioning the purpose of it
                            to that honorable Body.
                        This Officer in 1776 when Major of one of the Massachusets Regiments, received a Wound in one of his legs, at
                            the attack on Montresors Island, which ever since and still continues to be extremely painfull and inconvenient to him,
                            and totally incapacitates him from any Violent exercise. he has a large family and solicits some further provision. At the
                            time I promised to lay his Memorial before Congress, I gave him my opinion that it was not probable the subject would be
                            taken up partially, but that some general provision might be made for all under the same circumstances—A Petition of the
                            like nature has been shewn me from some wounded Officers of the Corps of Invalids.
                        Inclosed I have the honor to transmit your Excellency a Letter from General Wayne, with sundry papers
                            accompanying it—also a Letter from General McIntosh and one from General DuPortail in favor of Captain Castaing.
                        It having become necessary last Spring to send some Troops into West Chester County in the Sate of New York to
                            take possession of that part of it which the British had evacuated, and to support the Magistrates in re-establishing the
                            Civil Government of the State—Colonel Hull was sent on that service, and from the particular nature of it was put to much
                            additional expences, he has applied to me to be reimbursed, but altho’ I think his demand of 24 dollars per month during
                            five Months he was on that service just and reasonable. I could only recommend him to Congress, which I now take the
                            liberty of doing. With great respect—I have the honor to be Sir Your Excellency’s Most Obedient and most humble Servant

                            Go: Washington

                            P.S. I must take the liberty to mention that Colonel Richard Butler, in case he cannot be employed on a
                                Peace Establishment would be glad to be appointed a Commissioner for Indian Affairs—from the knowledge I have of his
                                character I think him a proper person for that Employ and as such beg leave to recommend him to Congress.

                     Enclosure

                                 c.21 December 1783

                            List of Officers who have signified to His Excellency General Washington, their desire to be placed on
                                the Peace Establishment.

                                    Colo. Richd Butler
                                    of
                                    Pensylvania

                                    Lt Colonel Harmar

                                    Do

                                    Lt Colo. Mentzers

                                    Do

                                    Lt Colo. Smith

                                    New York

                                    Lt Colo. Humphrys

                                    Connecticut

                                    Major Moore

                                    Pensylvania

                                    Major Hamtramek

                                    New York

                                    Capt. Fowler

                                    Do

                                    Capt. Vanderberg

                                    Do

                                    Capt. Bowen

                                    Pensylvania

                                    Capt. Zeigler

                                    Do

                                    Capt. McCully

                                    Do

                                    Capt. Armstrong

                                    Do

                                    Capt. Singleton

                                    Virginia

                                    Capt. Dyer

                                    Maryland


Title: To George Washington from J. Foy Chase, 22 December 1783
From: Chase, J. Foy
To: Washington, George

                            Annapolis 22d Decr 1783

                        The Mayor Recorder Aldermen and Common Council of the City of Annapolis congratulate your Excellency on the
                            Restoration of Peace and the Establishment of the Freedom and Independence of the United States of America. The Citizens
                            feel themselves particularly happy in this Opportunity afforded them of expressing their sincere Approbation of your most
                            disenterested and unexampled Conduct through every Stage of the War and the high sense they entertain of your excellent
                            Virtues, Fortitude and unremitting Perseverance under the Pressure of the greatest Difficulties; To you they esteem
                            themselves principally indebted under the Favor and Smiles of Providence for the inestimable Blessings of Peace and
                            Freedom; this Acknowledgment flows from Hearts filled with Gratitude and the most perfect Respect and Veneration for your
                            Person and Character.
                        In your Retirement to the peaceful and pleasing Scenes of domestic Tranquility may America long experience
                            the benign Influence of your Example and benefit by the salutary Suggestions of your Wisdom, and may you Sir, long enjoy
                            your Health and the heavenly Sensations arising from a consciousness of having done every thing for your Country and
                            wrested her from oppressive Hand of unrelenting Tyrany without the Hope of any Reward but the Approbation of a free
                            People. We are with every Sentiment of Esteem and Respect Your Ecellencys Most obedient Servants

                            J. Foy Chase Mayor

                            Signed by Order and on
                            behalf of the Corporation


Title: From George Washington to J. Foy Chase, 22 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Chase, J. Foy

                            To the Mayor Recorder Aldermen & Common Council of the City of Annapolis
                             Decr 22. 1783

                        Permit me, Gentlemen, to offer to you my sincere thanks for your Congratulations on the
                            happy events, of Peace and the Establishment of our Independence.
                        If my Conduct throughout the War has merited the confidence of my fellow Citizens—and has been instrumental
                            in obtaing for my Country the blessings of Peace and Freedom—I owe it to that Supreme being who guides the hearts of
                            all—who has so signally interposed his aid in every Stage of the Contest and who has graciously been pleased to bestow on
                            me the greatest of Earthly rewards—the approbation and affections of a free people.
                        Tho I retire from the employments of public life I shall never cease to entertain the most anxious care for
                            the welfare of my Country—May the Almighty dispose the heart of every Citizen of the United States to improve the great
                            prospect of happiness before us! and may you Gentlemen, and the Inhabitants of this City long enjoy every felicity this
                            World can Afford!


Title: To George Washington from Daniel Carroll, 22 December 1783
From: Carroll, Daniel
To: Washington, George

                            Sir.
                             22 December 1783

                        The General Assembly of Maryland embrace this Opportunity of expressing the grateful Sense which they and
                            their Constituents entertain of your distinguished Services; services which under the smiles of divine providence have
                            secured the peace, Liberty, and Independance, of these states! Your retirement to private life is a full evidence of that
                            true patriotism which Induced you to draw your sword in defence of your Injured Country, and made you persevere to the end
                            of the Arduous struggle, in which you have Surmounted difficulties, that with prudence less than yours could not have been
                            Surmounted. Having by your conduct in the Field Gloriously Terminated the war, you have taught us by your last Circular
                            Letter how to value, how to preserve, and to improve that Liberty for which we have been contending. We are Convinced that
                            public liberty can not be long preserved but by Wisdom, Integrity, and a Strict adherence to public Justice, and public
                            engagements: This justice, and these engagements, as far as the influence and example of one state can extend, we are
                            determined to promote and fulfill, and if the powers given to Congress by the Confederation Should be found to be
                            incompetent to the purposes of the Union, we doubt not our Constituents will readily consent to enlarge them; in
                            expressing these Sentiments, and by thus engaging to Comply with the dictates of public faith and justice, and to satisfy
                            the Just Demands of a meritorious Army, we make the most Acceptable returns for all those cares which you have felt and
                            all the Toils you have undergone, during your Command. permit us in addressing, you for the last time in your public
                            Character to express our warmest Wishes that you may long enjoy the Sweets of domestic ease and retirement and that
                            Cordial satisfaction which must arise from a Consciousness of Having Merited and gained the Universal love of your
                            Countrymen.

                            Danl Carroll Presdt of the Senate
                            Thos Cockey Dey, Speaker of the
                            House of Delegates


Title: From George Washington to Daniel Carroll, 22 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Carroll, Daniel

                            Gentlemen
                             22 December 1783

                        I feel myself particularly happy in receiving the approbation of the Genl Assembly of Maryland, for those
                            services which my Country had a right to demand, and which it was my duty to render in defence of it.
                        Having happily attained the object for which we had drawn the Sword, I felicitated myself on my approaching
                            return to private life, and I must acknowledge I anticipated an unusual degree of self-gratification in that retirement
                            which you have pleased to consider as an evidence of patriotism.
                        You have rightly judged, Gentlemen, that public Liberty cannot be long preserved, without the influence of
                            those public virtues which you have enumerated. May the example you have exhibited, and the disposition you have
                            manifested, prevail extensively and have the most salutary operation! for I am well assured, it is only by a general
                            adoption of wise & equitable measures, that I can derive any personal satisfaction, or the public any permanent
                            advantages from the successful issue of the late Contest.
                        I am deeply penetrated with the liberal sentiments & wishes contained in your last Address to me as a public
                            character. And while I am bidding you a final farewell in that capacity, be assured Gentlemen, that it will be my study in
                            retirement not to forfeit the favorable opinion of my fellow Citizens.


Title: From George Washington to United States Congress, 23 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: United States Congress

                             23 December 1783

                        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 & 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.
                        Happy in the confirmation of our Independence and Sovereignty, and pleased with the oppertunity 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 more sanguine expectations—and my gratitude for the
                            interposition of Providence, and the assistance I have received from my Countrymen, encreases 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 Service to the present moment, as worthy
                            of the favorable notice & patronage of Congress.
                        I consider it an indispensable duty to close this last solemn act of my Official life, by commanding the
                            Interests of our dearest Country to the protection of Almighty God, and those who have the superintendence 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 so long acted, I here offer my Commission, and take my
                            leave of all the employments of public life.


Title: To George Washington from United States Congress, 23 December 1783
From: United States Congress
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                             23 December 1783

                        The United states in Congress assembled receive with emotions too affecting for utterance this solemn
                            resignation of the authorities, under which you have led their troops with success through a perilous and a doubtful war.
                        Called upon by your country to defend its invaded rights you accepted the sacred charge before it had found
                            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 fellow citizens 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 & 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 inflict
                            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 command: it will continue to animate remotest ages.
                        We feel with you our obligations 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 commanding 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.

                        The above is a copy of the Answer of the United States in Congress assembled to his Excellency George
                            Washington Commander in chief upon his resigning his Commission Decr 23 1783

                            Chas Thomson secy


Title: From George Washington to William Paca, 23 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Paca, William

                            Sir
                            Annapolis 23 Decr 1783

                        I shall ever cherish a pleasing remembrance, of the welcome reception I have experienced from your Excellency
                            and the Council, on my return to this City, after the happy and honorable termination of the War.
                        The flattering sentiments you entertain of my exertions in defence of our Country, and the favorable point of
                            light in which you place my Character, too strongly demonstrate your friendship, not to claim the most gratefull return
                            from me.
                        Convinced from experience, of the wisdom and decision which have signalized the Government of Maryland, I
                            cannot form a better wish for the future prosperity of the State, than that the same spirit of Justice and Patriotism,
                            which actuated its Councils during a long and eventfull War, may continue to dictate its measures thro’ a durable and
                            happy Peace. With the most perfect consideration I have the honor to be Sir Your Excellencys Most Obedient and Most humble
                            Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 23 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von]

                            My dear Baron.
                            Annapolis Decr 23d 1783

                        Altho’ I have taken frequent opportunities, both in public & private, of acknowledging your great
                            zeal, attention & abilities in performing the duties of your Office; yet I wish to make use of this last moment
                            of my public life, to signifie in the strongest terms my entire approbation of your conduct, and to express my sense of the
                            obligations the public is under to you, for your faithful & meritorious Services.
                        I beg you will be convinced, My dear Sir, that I should rejoice if it could ever be in my power to serve you
                            more essentially than by expressions of regard & affection—but in the meantime, I am perswaded you will not be
                            displeased with this farewell token of my Sincere friendship & esteem for you.
                        This is the last Letter I shall ever write while I continue in the service of my Country—the hour of my
                            resignation is fixed at twelve this day—after which I shall become a private Citizen on the Banks of the Potomack, where
                            I shall be glad to embrace you, and testify the great esteem and consideration with which I am—My dear Baron Yr most
                            Obedt & Affecte Servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Louis-Antoine de Bougainville, 24 December 1783
From: Bougainville, Louis-Antoine de
To: Washington, George

                                Monsieur
                                Paris 24 Xbre 1783

                            Votre Excellence ne doit pas être surprise que ceux, qui ont eté assez heureux pour cooperer par leurs
                                services au grand acte de la liberté de l’Amerique, vous temoignent le plus grand empressement d’entrer dans une
                                association faite pour consacrer à jamais la memoire de ce grand evenement. J’avouë à Votre Excellence que je ne vois
                                pas des françois admis dans l’illustre Societe de Cincinnatus, sans ressentir le plus grand desir de participer a cet
                                honneur. Ayant celui d’être aujourdhui officier general de terre et de mer, Mr Le Cte D’Estaing, sous lequel je
                                commandois un Vaisseau de 74 canons, voulut bien, en ma qualité de Brigadier d’Infanterie, me confier en 1778 le soin
                                de la defense de la rade de Nantasket, avec un corps de 2000 hommes. Les ouvrages et les batteries que je fis executer
                                pour cet objet ont merité l’approbation des generaux Americains qui sont venû les visiter. Je crois donc être dans le
                                même cas que les Colonels de l’armée de Mr. Le Cte De Rochambeau. J’ai depuis eu l’honneur de commander l’avantgarde de
                                l’armée Navale françoise dans le combat qui assurat les importantes operations executées dans la Baye de Chesapeak et
                                les eloges de Votre Excellence sur ma conduitte en cette occasion ont fait ma plus glorieuse recompense. Ce desir,
                                aures je d’être admis dans la societé de Cincinnatus, je le partage avec les officiers generaux et les capitaines de
                                vaisseau qui ont eu le bonheur de servir en Amerique et notre desir à cet egard est d’autant plus fondé que servans
                                dans la marine, nous esperons être souvent dans le cas de retourner sur des côtes amies et d’y jouir de la mémoire des
                                actions illustres qui ont veneré un grand peuple libre. Je vous supplie, Monsieur de vouloir bien tre aupres de la
                                respectable société, qui vous a si justement elû pour President, l’interprêt et l’appui des voeux que je forme pour y
                                être admis. Ce me sera le comble de l’honneur, si je dois cette grace à la demande que vous en ferez, pour moi. Je
                                suis avec respect de Votre Excellence Le tres humble et tres Obeissant serviteur

                                De Bougainville

                        Translation
                            Paris 24th Decemr 1783your Excellency will not be surprised that those who have had the happiness to cooperate in the great
                                deeds—Which gave Liberty to America, shoud express the greatest anxiety to enter into an association formed to
                                commemorate for ever the great event—I declare to your Excellency that I do not see a French man who has been admitted
                                into the Order of Cincinnatus without feeling the most sensible desire to participate in
                                the honor being now a General officer on Land and on the Sea—Mr. Le Comte D’Estaing under whom I commanded a ship of
                                seventy four Guns was pleasd, in my quality of Brigadier of Infantry to intrust to my care
                                in 1778 the defence of Nantasket Harbour, with a Corps of 2000 men, the works and Batteries I constructed for this purpose met
                                the strongest approbation of the American Generals who went to visit them. I look on myself then to be in the same
                                situation with the Colonels of the army under the Count de Rochambeau. I had afterwards the honor to Command the
                                advance Guard of the French Fleet in the Combat which insured success to the important operations carrying on in
                                Chesapeak Bay, and the Praise of your Excellency bestowed on my Conduct in that affair has been my most glorious
                                recompense. Admission into the Society of Cincinnatus is also earnestly solicited by the Generals and Captains of
                                Ships who have had the good fortune to serve in America and our desire is the better founded because by Serveing in
                                the Marine we hope hereafter to return to those friendly shores, and to enjoy the remembrance of those illustrious
                                actions which have conferd Liberty on a great people. I beg of you, Sir that you will be pleased to Lay before the
                                respectable Society of which you with so much propriety are elected President, explaining and supporting my anxious
                                wishes to be admitted a member of the Society. it will be conferring great honor on me if I owe this favor to the
                                request which you will make in my behalf. I am with great respect &c

                                De Bougainville


Title: To George Washington from Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle Duportail, 24 December 1783
From: Duportail, Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle
To: Washington, George

                            Dear general
                            paris 24 dec. 1783

                        I arrived here ten days ago from london—I landed at plimouth traveled through england about three hundred
                            miles—and stayd at london five days & i intended to stay some time longer but was prevented by different news I
                            heard from here—your Excellency will not be surprised of that tour of mine—after the americain
                            war it was Certainly Curious to see england & to observe the effect of their misfortunes, the alteration it ought
                            to produce in their government &c. so for those Reasons I propose to Return there in two months hence—there is now
                            in that City and throughout that Country another Cause of fermentation. it is the affair of the east indies—as you Receive
                            probably the english papers, I think it superfluous to give your excellency any account of it—but I will be satisfied with
                            saying to you that after all what I heard of the situation of their affairs in that part of the world it is a great pity
                            that france has made peace with england so four one year more and probably they were irrecoverably lost there. it is what I
                            imagined while in america—I Cannot give you any interesting news from this place. pleasure, diversions are the first
                            objects which strike the attention here, and a person who is arriving should think that there are no other affairs in
                            paris. to know that it is not so Requires some times so as I Cannot give you any thing interesting in politics. I am almost
                            tempted to give you something in the phisical way. but I suppose this same ship will Carry you from every one of your
                            Corrispondents great particulars about the merveille of the time, your Excellency Conceives
                            that I am speaking of the air balloon, the most extraordinary discovery ever made—but in that
                            very matter I am yet pretty ignorant, I had not yet time since I am here of penetrating into all the proceedings. Chv. de
                            Chastillux to whom I delivered your letter told me that he intended to give your Excellency an account of it. nobody Can
                            do it better than that gentleman.
                        every body here, dear general, asks me if you intend to Come over—I give them little hope after what you Told
                            me. you may be Certain that your Excellency should be Receivd in france with great pleasure but nobody Could have a
                            greater satisfaction to see you than myself—you may be an object of admiration for those who are at a distance and who
                            know only your military and political life—but for those who are so happy as to be particularly acquainted with your
                            excellency’s private Character you are equally an object of veneration and attachment—however if I have little hopes of
                            seeing you in france I hope to see you in america—for I am far from Renouncing to that Country for ever. may be I shall be
                            able to tell you more about it a few weeks hence. I suppose this letter will find your Excellency in virginia. permit me
                            to present my Respects to Mrs Washington, and my Compliments to the gentleman our Companions in the war who are so happy
                            as to live near you. I have the honour to be with great Respect and attachement dear general Your most obediant humble
                            Servant

                            duportail


Title: To George Washington from Charles-Hector Theodat, comte d’ Estaing, 25 December 1783
From: Estaing, Charles-Hector Theodat, comte d’
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Paris 25th Decer 1783

                        I must beg leave to gratify a desire, I cannot resist of paying your Exellency in a private letter the most
                            unfeigned homage of my unalterable attachement for you. I shall take particular delight in carrying the marks of an
                            association which you are President-General of. it belonged to a Chief of your merit, who gives to the World in his Person
                            the example of every thing that is great, to foster more and more the ties that link the Citisen-soldiers together, that
                            write the Civil and military Virtues, and that put us constantly in mind of the duties they impose on us. your portrait
                            has hitherto serv’d us as a Cincinnatus’s Medal. I could wish it represented to the life your Excellency’s features. it
                            should be alone more expressive than the strongest and most elaborate inscriptions. Our Common friend the Marquis de la
                            Fayette and I talk frequently of you. during our conversations we often cast our Eyes on your picture which makes a chief
                            ornament of our respective houses. we many times repeat to each other that among the celebrated men whom Antiquity boasts
                            of, none have performed actions of such difficulty and importance as those which you just so  gloriously terminated. they
                            reflect the greater honour on humanity, as it was to defend its’ cause, that you became a Conqueror, and that you had no
                            other view whilst you were fighting to assert its’ rights: you are, Sir, the only such hero we know of. Your Exellency
                            will not I hope, be offended at my expressing so nakedly these truths, as every of a Society has a privilege of opening
                            freely his mind to his President.
                        I can not here but say something in favour of the gallant Officers whom I conducted twice into North America.
                            I’m perfectly satisfi’d that, upon recollecting the proofs they gave of their Courage and Zeal, neither your Exellency nor
                            the Society should be surprised at my being mortified were they not as well treated as their fellow Soldiers who were out
                            under the Command of the Count de Rochambeau: it is impossible for me to tell you how much I should wish they could be
                            made to believe, that; if they have not been specially named in the institution of the Cincinnati-Society, it was a
                            mistake, and that they were supposed and looked on to be included therein.
                        This favour I most earnestly request you will be so Kind as to grant me for four Sea-officers called, the
                            Baille de Suffren, d’Albert de Rions, the Chevalier de Borda, and the Elder of the Chevalier du Rumain’s nephews. the
                            motives that actuate me, will I hope, appear worthy of your Exellency’s attention. in Case even the Captains of men of War
                            are not to be comprised in the association, and that none are to be admitted but the General Officers who have served on
                            your Coasts, I shall beg you will make use of all your influence to obtain that particular honour for the four gentlemen I
                            have mention’d to your Exellency. I’m, by my rank, the first officer of the french Marine. in this quality I have a right
                            to represent whole corps, and to point out those who have rendered the greatest services and whom this mark of distinction
                            would be of the highest consequence to. it was I who conducted to America the first fleet and the first Troops that were
                            sent there. I took on myself, any orders from my Court, to bring back thither all the forces I could muster up—they were
                            not idle. I say nothing of the wounds I have receiv’d. I look on it as a most distinctive reward of my
                            labours to have been the only french-General-officer who has shed his blood for America. the Pain I shall feel in
                            consequence all my life, is a sensation I shall find my happiness in, as it will constantly remind me that I have done for
                            that Country every thing that lay in my power. it was our arrival at Savannah that caused the evacuation of Rhode-Island.
                            had Count de Grasse executed, as well as the Marquis de Vaudreuil, the orders I had given them both of going with their
                            divisions to the bay of the Chesapeak, Charles Town had not been attacked. When I was called upon again to take the Command,
                            and that I was charged to form the plan of the following campaign, matters were so combined that Peace immediately ensued.
                            I was the first that had the pleasure of announcing it to the Americans. the Marquis de la Fayette, who was the only one
                            entrusted with the secret, will make your Exellency sensible of the infinite importance of the articles concerning
                            America. I’m the more desirous of his explaining them fully to you, as they do great honour to the personal views of his
                            Spanish Majesty. this Prince was so gracious as to trust me with his Land and Sea forces. when he permitted me to conduct
                            them to America, it was really sending them to serve under the command of your Exellency.
                        I beg you will be convinced that it is not self-love or vanity that has made me enter into this detail. I
                            take the liberty of looking on you in all this affair as my advocate. it was then but natural I should furnish you with
                            arguments to plead and gain my Cause.
                        I cannot sufficiently paint to you the worthy manner that Major l’Enfant has acquitted himself of your
                            Exellency’s commission. his conduct has given him a just Claim to my esteem and friendship. With the greatest
                            consideration, respect, and esteem I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedient and most humble servant

                            Estaing


Title: To George Washington from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 25 December 1783
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Paris December the 25th 1783

                        On the Receipt of Your Excellency’s letter, I took Measures to fulfill the intentions of the Society in which
                            I Have the Honour to be a Member.
                        As our institution was differently interpreted, I wrote a letter to Count de Vergennes of which the inclosed
                            is a Copy, and the Account I gave was printed in a Court Gazette which I Have also the Honour to send—at a King’s Council,
                            this day was a week, it Has been decided that Count de Rochambeau, His Generals and Colonels, and Also the Admirals
                            should be permitted to wear the Order, and a very proper letter upon the Subject Has Been writen By Marshal de Segur to
                            M. de Rochambeau.
                        As to our American officers, I shall Examine into the Claims of Every one—when the point is Clear, deliver or
                            Refuse the order, and in doubtfull Cases take the Advice of a Board of American officers Members in the Society.
                        No foreign Badge but the Golden fleece is permitted to French men in this Service. from the distinction shown
                            to our Society, And the testimony it Bears of Hhaving Acted a part in this War, our Badge is Highly Wished and Warmly
                            Contended for By all those who Hope they Have Some Claim to it— The Nation Have Been Very Much pleased With the Attention
                            our Society Has paid to the Alliance, and Have found there is Some thing Very interesting in that Brotherly Association.
                        Major L’enfant is Employed in the Execution of Your orders—A Good Number of Eagles will Be Made in twelve
                            days, when I intend to Call for the few American officers Now Here, and together to wait upon the Generals and Admirals of
                            the French Army with the Marks of the order.
                        Count d’Estaing Has Represented that Mr de Bougainville Count dillon, and, I think, two other Colonels were
                            with this Auxiliary to our troops, and that Savahna, tho’ the Attempt Was Unsuccessful, Has been Attended with Great
                            Fatigues and dangers—the Claim I think to Be Very proper and as the Candidates are few, we might Act According to the
                            known Sense of the Society—But Claims are Raising for Captains of Ships, which Seem to me quite an other affair, the
                            Consideration of which Cannot, in My Opinion, But Be differed Untill the Grand Society Meeting.
                        Major L’enfant Having it from you that M. de Vaudreuil Had been left out through Mere Mistake, and should Be
                            Considered as the other Admirals, I Have Advised the Major to pay Him a Visit, and will not Advise Him Against delivering
                            to Him One of the Marks, Which M. de Vaudreuil Will not Wear Untill the official letter is Arrived— My Reasons for it are
                            that such a Mistake Could not But Hurt His feelings, and that, Circumstanced as He is we ought not to give such an officer
                            a ground of Complaints.
                        in all these Matters, I Had nothing to do But to Hazard an opinion—Major l’enfant knows your orders and the
                            Society’s intentions So far as Respects the Business entrusted to me, I shall execute it in the Best Manner I Can, and I
                            am glad to see our Society Meets with Approbation—Objections are made, as is the Case in Every Novelty—the Hereditary part
                            of the institution Has its Comments—But the General Voice is in favour of our Brotherly Society, and General Washington’s
                            Name as president Adds a weight to the Association. With the Highest and Most Affectionate Respect I Have the Honour to Be
                            My dear General Your obedient Humble Servant

                            Lafayette


Title: To George Washington from Robert Adam, 26 December 1783
From: Adam, Robert,Ryan, Michael
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Alexandria Decembr 26. 1783

                        Whilst all Denomination’s of People bless the happy occasion of your Excellency’s return to enjoy private and
                            domestic felecity, Permit us Sir, (the Members of Lodge No. 39 lately establish’d in Alexandria) to assure Your Excellency
                            that We as a Mystical Body rejoice in having a Brother so near us, Whose pre’eminent Benevolence has secured the Happiness
                            of Millions, and that We shall esteem ourselves highly honor’d at all times, Your Excellency shall be pleased to join us
                            in the needful Business. We have the Honor to be in the Name and behalf of No. 39 Your Excellency’s Devoted Friends
                            & Brothers

                            Robert Adam Master
                            Michael Ryan Senr W.
                            Will: Hunter Junr W.
                            Robert McCrea Treasr


Title: To George Washington from Marie-Adrienne-Françoise de Noailles, marquise de Lafayette, 26 December 1783
From: Lafayette, Marie-Adrienne-Françoise de Noailles, marquise de
To: Washington, George

                            sir
                             26 December 1783

                        I seize with eagerness, the first moment, in which you enjoy the charms, of a peaceful retirement, and the
                            Satisfaction to find yourself restored, to those, to whom you are dear, after So many dangers, and So
                            much glory; to offer you my hommage, and my felicitations, on the glorious peace, obtained by your Labours, and your
                            success. I have, sir, many rights to partake your Sentimens, on this occasion, and every one, is very precious to me. it is
                            as a french as an american woman, as the wife of Mr De La fayette, that I feel the public joy, and the peculiar part, that
                            General Washington must take in it. I cannot read, without being moved the circular Letter, that you have written, before
                            your left publick affairs. I believe, that I should be as happy to See you as present, at mount–vernon as Ms de La fayette
                            was to See you, at mon–moath, or yorktown. then, and during all the time of my anxiety for him, one of my greatest
                            consolation, was to know, that he was with you. I was always, sensible how happy he was, to Learn at the School, of such a
                            master, and above all, I felt whose charms he found, in the Sentimens of Such a friend. I judged, by my own experience of
                            the Sufferings of mistress Washington during the war, and I feel, and partake the Sweets, of her present situation. I
                            entertain my self, in the hope, to see you both, in our Country, and to go and see you in america. I not think without a
                            great emotion, on the moment, in which I would find my self on a ground, So dear to us, for So many accounts. I cannot
                            express, sir, the Smallest part of my Sentimens, nor only on account of my ignorance, of your Language, but because they
                            could not be expressed, your name, is one of the first, that our Children Learn to Lisp, and we would yet, inspire them
                            with the sentimens of our heart, for you, the name of George, and Virginie; Shall be a perpetual remembrance, of our
                            sentimens, for you, and your Country, and give them a peculiar right, to your benevolence. I beg you sir, in favour of
                            their father, to have Some goodness for them, and I flatter myself that it is not necessary to intreat you that. it is in
                            the confidence, that I come and I offer the assurance, and the hommage, of our gratitude, to you, requiring for my self,
                            Some part in the sentimens, which our Little family, is honoured, with. I deserve it sir, by those of the highest esteem and
                            regard, with which I am sir, your most humble, and very most obedient servant

                            noailles De la fayette


Title: From George Washington to Robert Adam, 28 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Adam, Robert,Ryan, Michael

                            Gentlemen
                            Mount Vernon 28th Decr 1783

                        With a pleasing sensibility I received your favor of the 26th, and beg leave to offer you my sincere thanks
                            for the favorable sentiments with which it abounds.
                        I shall always feel pleasure when it may be in my power to render service to Lodge No. 39, and in every act
                            of brotherly kindness to the Members of it; being with great truth Your affecte Brother and Obedt Servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Mifflin, 28 December 1783
From: Mifflin, Thomas
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Annapolis 28th December 1783

                        This Letter will be presented to your Excellency by Mr Godin, a Relation of Mr Van Berkel; who is on his
                            Journey to South Carolina, with Mr Backer & Mr Barron : These Gentlemen have been
                            introduced to me by Mr Robert Morris; a Copy of whose Letter I enclose. Many Foreigners of Distinction, who have been
                            desirous of viewing your Excellency at The Head of an Army, and still more anxious to see you in the Retired Scene of
                            Domestic Life: and I could not refuse to Mr Godin & his Friends, this Opportunity of paying their respectful
                            Compliments to your Excellency at your own House.
                        Ive have had no Account, from the Potowmack since your Departure; and have been under great Apprehensions
                            that the Journey was disagreeable and difficult, from the Snow which fell on Wednesday Night.
                        General Hand arrived here on Thursday; and brought with him Instructions to the Delegates of Pennsylvania in
                            Congress, from the Executive of that State—I have copied the first Part of the Instructions, which relate to your
                            Excellency; & now enclose them, as one Proof among Thousands of the affectionate Regard of your Fellow Citizens.
                            Mrs Mifflin requests me to present her respectful Compliments to Mrs Washington & to your Excellency which I
                            entreat you to accept from Your Excellencys most Obedt & humble Servt

                            Thomas Mifflin


Title: To George Washington from Richard Conway, 31 December 1783
From: Conway, Richard
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                             31 December 1783

                        The Mayor and Commonalty of Alexandria, impressed with the liveliest Sentiments of affection and gratitude,
                            do most sincerely congratulate your Excellency on your return from the conclusion of a glorious and successful war, to
                            domestic happiness and tranquillity.
                        We, experience a Singular Satisfaction in reflecting that your residence in our neighbourhood will have a
                            happy influence as well on the growth & prosperity, of this infant Town, as on the morals and conduct of its
                            inhabitants.
                        Penetrated with a Sense of the inestimable Services which you have rendered your Country; and attached to
                            your person by a long acquaintance with your virtues, it is and shall be our prayer, that Heaven may preserve you in
                            health; and prolong a life which it has decreed should be of a much importance to mankind.

                            Signed by order and in behalf
                            of the Commonality
                            Richd Conway Mayr


Title: From George Washington to Richard Conway, 31 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Conway, Richard

                            Gentlemen
                             31 December 1783

                        Nothing could have contributed more essentially to encrease the satisfaction I experience on my return from a
                            successful War, to the tranquillity of domestic life, than your affectionate Congratulations.
                        To find that neither time nor absence have interrupted or diminished the harmony of our happy neighbourhood,
                            and that the circumstances are most favorable to the growth & prosperity of your rising Town, affords sensations
                            of a very pleasing Nature—May the agreeable prospects be soon reallized! and may the Morals & conduct of the Inhabitants
                            of Alexandria ever continue to insure its felicity.
                        While your friendly concern for my future welfare demands my best acknowledgments, I beg you will be
                            persuaded, Gentlemen, that there is a certain homefelt gratification in receiving the approbation & good wishes of
                            those, with whom we have been long acquainted & whose friendship we value, which can more easily be conceived than
                            described.


Title: Record of Birth and Baptism of James Madison, Jr., [16 March] 1751
From:
To:

[16 March 1751]

James Madison junr. was born on Tuesday Night at 12 o’Clock it being the last of the 5th. & begining of the 6th. day of March 1750–1 & was Baptized by the Revd. Mr. Wm. Davis, Mar. 31. 1751 and had for God-Fathers Mr. John Moore & Mr. Jonatn. Gibson & for God-Mothers Mrs. Rebecca Moore, Miss Judith Catlett and Miss Elizabeth Catlett.