Title: To George Washington from Hugh Martin, 8 December 1783
From: Martin, Hugh
To: Washington, George

                            Sir.
                            Decr 8th 1783

                        A desire of serving my Countrey, from a motive of doing what little was in my power to procure her freedom,
                            first induced me to Join the Army. a Natural inclination for the investigation of knowledge and the Attention I paid to my
                            Duty as Surgeons Mate, for several Campaignes, procured for me promotion to a Regimental surgeon, which Commission I held
                            to the end of the War—In the time of Actual service, this discovery fell into my hands; well known to your Excellency by
                            the Cure of several officers of Distinction in the Army. From the most accurate enquiry, which I have made the Medicine is
                            peculiar to the groth of America which make it an object of importance for Exportation to other Countries; But should it
                            be made known, and no restraint put on it, it would be infroced in such a manner, as would afford us,
                            little or no profit, as a staple Commodity. Should the Consideration of these Circumstances, be thought worthy of Your
                            Patronage in Communicating the inclosed to the public, either, with your own observations on the subject, or leave to
                            publish it without, and at the same time giving you the fullest ashurance, by the strongest ties of honor, that my future
                            Exertions shall be equally Uniform, to merit any Attention which you might see cause to honor it with—satisfied that a few
                            words from you would be attended with the most happy Consequences. to the afflicted part of the Community, as well as to
                            me as an Individual. Divine Providence having deprived me of all relations; tho not without Substituting in their room,
                            the most Affectionate friends; And the Officers of the Army, being my near and dear Connections, I therefore to you dear
                            General as our head and Patron, with more freedom look up for those indulgences, which you may think their entitled to.
                            The Volume mentioned in the enclosed will be at least an octavo, the publication of which by subscription from the vast
                            number wanted both here and in Europe, and the light which it will Cast on that branch of Medicine, will be a means of
                            Vending a vast number of them which will soon enable me to Extend it in any manner, the public may be most benefitted by
                            it—I have the honor to be with the greatest Esteem and Regard your Excellency; most Obedient and very humble servant.

                            H. Martin


Title: To George Washington from Patience Lovell Wright, 8 December 1783
From: Wright, Patience Lovell
To: Washington, George

                            Honered Sir
                            London Decemb. 8th 1783

                        My Friends Write to Me from America that Joseph Wright (my Son) "has Painted a Likeness and also moddel’d a
                            Clay Bust of General Washington which will be a very great honour to My Famaly."
                        I most heartly thank my god for Sparing My life to See this hapy day.
                        I joyne with all My friends in the pleasing prospect that Posterity will See, and behold the Statue of the
                            man who was apointed by his Contry, and the voice of the Enlightend Part of Mankind to be the great general to Save the
                            Liberties of the Christian Religion and Stop the Pride and Insolence of old England. and by his truly great and Noble
                            Example in all human Vertues he has Restord Peace on Earth, good Will toward mankind.
                        Truly hapy are You Sir, to have the greatful thanks of all Europe—with the Prayir of the Widows and the
                            Fatherless—You have my most greatful thanks for your Kind atention to my Son in taking him in to your Famaly to encourage
                            his genii and giving him the pleasing opertunity of taking a Likeness that has I Sincerly hope, gave his Contry and your
                            Friends Sir, Satisfaction.
                        I am Impatient to have a Copy of what he has done that I may have the honour of making a model from it in Wax
                            Work—it has been for some time the Wish and desire of my heart to moddel a Likeness of generel Washington, then I shall
                            think my Self ariv’d at the End of all my Earthly honours and Return in Peace to Enjoy my Native Country. I am Sir with
                            gratitude an Respect Your very humble Servnt

                            Patience Wright


Title: To George Washington from George William Fairfax, 9 December 1783
From: Fairfax, George William
To: Washington, George

                            My Dear Sir
                            Bath 9th Decr 1783

                        From your very Wise resolution of retiring to your own Estate and biding adieu to public life for ever, made
                            me determine not to break into that Felicity, with and affairs of my own, much more about that of others. But I have been
                            so repeatedly sollicited by Mr S: Athawas, a worthy & steady friend to me, and the American cause, for a line to
                            your Excellency, that I trust, and hope you’l be so good as to pardon the liberty I am going to take. Of stating a short
                            Case that has come to my knowledge, by being acquainted with the family it concerns.
                        Mr Peter Lyons of Hanover County who had the care of all the late Mr Bristows Estate in Virginia, wrote in
                            May last to the unhappy Mother, that the whole of her infant Sons property had been Confiscated. This information, you may
                            suppose alarmed the Executors, as well as myself, for upon an application of the good Lady some time since, I did venture
                            to give it as my Opinion, that they certainly would not touch Minors Estates much more the Childs I then saw, who could
                            not possibilly even a thought of taking any part in the contest.
                        The Executors hearing that the General Assemblys intend taking up those matters again, have drawn up a
                            Petition & Memorial to the State in behalf of their Ward, and I think from the knowledge of that Legislature (when
                            I come to know the Facts) they will if possible give the little Boy every redress in their power, And whether my Dear Sir
                            you attend the Assembly or not, you may have opportunity of assuring some of the Delegates, that I
                            personally do know the party concern’d, and do believe the allegations of the Petition to be true. I have only at this time
                            to ask your forgiveness for this intrusion, and to assure your Excellency that nothing but the honor of our State should
                            have induced me, to have touched upon the subject. I am happy in catching every occasion of expressing my highest respect
                            and Esteem and hope your Excellency will believe me very sincerely. Your Affecte and most Obed. &c.

                            Go: Wm Fairfax


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, 9 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Franklin, Benjamin

                            Dr Sir,
                            Philada 9th Decr 1783

                        Doct: Witherspoon I believe is known to you, consequently it is unnecessary for me to inform you that he is
                            among the most respectable Citizens we have in the United States. Business carries him to Gt Britain, & business
                            or inclination may possibly lead him to France—in which case I persuade myself he will partake of those Civilities and
                            attentions, which you bestow so liberally upon every American. I am &ca

                            G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 9 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

                            My Dear Marqs
                            Philadelphia 9th Decr 1783

                        I have the honor of introducing to your acquaintance, Doct: Witherspoon President of the College of New
                            Jersey & the bearer of this letter—It is with pleasure I can recommend him to your notice, as a Gentleman well
                            known on this side the water for his Abilities & Literature; I therefore the more readily take the liberty of
                            presenting him to you as worthy of your civilities.
                        We have just now my Dear Friend closed the military scene by taking possession of New York—I am now on my way
                            to Annapolis to lay my resignation before Congress—from thence I shall retire directly to Mount Vernon, where I anticipate
                            the pleasing moment when I shall embrace My Dr Marqs—being with every sentiment of esteem Yours &ca

                            G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from George Gray, 9 December 1783
From: Gray, George
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            In General Assembly, December the 9th 1783

                        In your return from the Supreme command of the Armies of the United States to private life, accept that
                            gratitude and respect which your unexampled conduct justly creates in the breasts of a free and happy people. In our own
                            names Sir, and in the names of the citizens of Pennsylvania whom we represent in General Assembly, we embrace this
                            opportunity of transmitting to posterity the just and high sense we entertain of those exalted abilities and virtues
                            which, under divine providence, have been so signally instrumental, in establishing the freedom and independence of this Country.
                            At the same time we cannot omit to acknowledge the obligations we owe to your Excellency for the inestimable legacy
                            bequeathed to your country in your circular letter, when your sword was no longer necessary for our defence, you have
                            shewn us how to preserve, by wisdom and justice, that liberty and honor which as our natural inheritance we maintained by
                            Arms. May your Excellency be long spared to this Country, and among the sweets of domestic life, may you have the happiness
                            of beholding a growing empire wise, just and united. This from our knowledge of you, we are convinced will be the most
                            acceptable return that can be made for your faithful and disinterested services to the United States and to Mankind in
                            general. Nothing less Sir, can make you happy.

                            Signed by order of the House.
                            George Gray Speaker


Title: From George Washington to George Gray, 9 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Gray, George

                            Gentlemen
                             9 December 1783

                        I consider the approbation of the Representatives of a free and virtuous People as the most enviable reward
                            that can ever be conferred on a public Character.
                        A sense of duty impelled me to contribute, whatever My Sword or my Pen could effect, towards the
                            establishment of our Freedom & Independence—The smiles of Providence on the united exertions of my fellow Citizens
                            have compleated our successes—And it remains to be my first and most earnest desire that the United States may profit by
                            the happy occasion, and preserve by wisdom & justice that liberty & honor they have so nobly maintained by
                            Arms.
                        Anticipating the encreasing happiness & lustre of this growing Empire, I shall return to private life
                            with a degree of satisfaction more easily to be conceived than expressed.
                        As this is the last time, I shall have the honor of seeing you Gentlemen in my official character, I cannot
                            bid you a final farewell, without acknowledging the assistance I have frequently derived from your State, and the pleasure
                            I have lately recd from a contemplation of the illustrious Example of the Legislature in adopting the recommendations of
                            congress with so much promptness & unanimity—May the Representatives & Citizens of this Commonwealth
                            continue to possess the same good dispositions, and may they be as happy in the enjoyment of Peace as it is possible for a
                            wise, just, & united People to be.


Title: To George Washington from John Dickinson, 9 December 1783
From: Dickinson, John
To: Washington, George

                            In Council
                            Sir,
                            Philadelphia December 9th 1783

                        Your return in Safety and Health to this City (from which you first set out commissioned to defend the
                            Liberties of your Country), and after so successful a performance of that high Trust, affords us a most Sincere Joy.
                        We heartily congratulate You on the late honorable Peace, by which the Freedom Sovereignty and Independence
                            of the United States are acknowledged, their Territorial Rights ascertained, and the Calamities of War terminated.
                        When we contemplate your Conduct in every period of the eventful Contest, and the various proofs you have
                            exhibited of your Love for your Fellow Citizens, our Minds are filled with sentiments, which we are convinced, you would
                            rather deserve, than have expressed—if they could be expressed.
                        They are sentiments, Sir, representing you in such a Light to us, that ardently wishing You every Happiness
                            of this Life, we feel ourselves equally moved by duty and affection to beseech the Best and Greatest of Beings, in his good
                            Time to bestow upon you the Felicities of that to come.
                        When I thus communicate the sense of Council, I rejoice in the opportunity of testifying with how perfect an
                            Esteem. I am Sir, Your Excellencys Most obedient Servant

                            John Dickinson


Title: From George Washington to Pennsylvania Legislature, 9 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Pennsylvania Legislature

                            Gentlemen
                             9 December 1783

                        I am duly affected by the wellcome reception I have met with on my return to this City; & with
                            unusual pleasure accept your obliging congratulation.
                        But I feel myself particularly indebted to you Gentlemen, for that delicate sensibility, which hath spared my
                            feelings, and by suppressing your sentiments of my conduct, placed it in but too fair a point of light.
                        It is from a heart overflowing with gratitude for your past assistance & present politeness, that I
                            reciprocate all your benevolent wishes.
                        While my farewell blessing thus attends you, permit me to give this last public testimony of the great
                            respect & esteem with which I have the honor to be Gentlemen Your Most Obedt Hbl. Servt.


Title: To George Washington from Charles Pettit, 9 December 1783
From: Pettit, Charles,Nixon, John
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Philadelphia 9th December 1783

                        We beg leave to present to your Excellency our Congratulations on the perfect Establishment of American
                            Independance. We cannot look back upon past Events, nor compare them with present Prospects, without feeling a Glow of
                            Gratitude and Joy. The Boldness of the Attempt and the Success of our Efforts have equally surprized Mankind.
                        But amid the various Orders of Citizens who have contended for the equal Rights of Men, the foremost Rank
                            most undoubtedly belongs to our Patriot Army. Brave with native Courage, they have opposed superior Discipline, numbers
                            and Resources; Firm in the Sense of collected Dignity, they have patiently endured unparalleled Calamities; they have
                            borne Want without Complaint, sustained Defeat without Despair, and enjoyed victory without Exultation. To have been a
                            Member of this heroic Band; to have shared their sufferings, partaken of their Toils, been familiar to their Dangers and
                            the Companion of their Glories, is in itself a Title to the most durable Fame; But to you, their Chief, your Country turns
                            her admiring Eyes, and hails you her favourite Son. When she called you from domestic Ease to act a distinguished Part on
                            the Theatre of Nations, she confided in your moderation, and that Confidence has been amply repaid. The History of former
                            Times has recorded many Instances of the great Actions of Patriot Citizens; but it remained for the present Age to furnish
                            the illustrious Example of a Citizen called by a free People to the Exercise of supreme Command, and after having so
                            eminently contributed to effect a mighty Revolution which has raised his Country to Empire returning with Dignity to a
                            private Station with the universal Esteem and applause of his fellow Citizens.
                        Convinced from our professional Habits how important is the Duty of performing Engagements; taught by
                            Reflection the sacred nature of Public Faith, and feeling from Experience what fatal Consequences result from a violation
                            of it, we know that a due Provision for the Public Debts is inseparably connected with our National Prosperity and
                            Reputation. We pray Heaven therefore that each of the United States may properly feel those Sentiments which you have so
                            forcibly inculcated. Thus shall the Miseries of Thousands be relieved; thus shall the Happiness of our Country be secured;
                            and thus, Sir, shall you enjoy the supreme Consolation of reflecting that you have established by Justice those Rights
                            which you had rescued by Arms. In Behalf of the Merchants of Philadelphia

                            Chas Pettit
                            John Nixon
                            Thos FitzSimons
                            J: Ross
                            I.M. Nesbitt
                            Isaac Hazlehurst
                            Clement Biddle


Title: From George Washington to Charles Pettit, 9 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Pettit, Charles,Nixon, John

                            Gentlemen
                             9 December 1783

                        The perfect establishment of American Independence is indeed an event of such infinite importance as to fill
                            the mind with gratitude & joy; and afford the fairest occasion for mutual congratulations.
                        The honorable sentiments you are pleased to express respecting the Merits of the Army, the just idea you
                            entertain of their bravery, sufferings, and magnanimity; and the honest desire you manifest of making an adequate
                            compensation for their Services; are circumstances highly satisfactory to me, as well as extremely flattering to the
                            gallant men who are more immediately concerned. And I must take the liberty to add, that the punctuality of the Merchants
                            & other Citizens of Philadelphia in raising their proportion of Taxes for the support of the war, and their
                            chearfulness in affording every other assistance in their power, are marks of Patriotism which deserve the warmest
                            acknowledgements.
                        I am happy in having one more opportunity of expressing the personal obligations I feel myself under to you
                            Gentlemen, for your favorable opinion & for the present as well as for every former instance of your polite
                            attention.
                        Having long since been convinced of the expediency & even necessity of rendering compleat justice to
                            all the public Creditors; and having at the same time been impressed with a belief that the good sense of my Countrymen
                            would ultimately induce them to comply with the requisitions of Congress—I could not avoid being greatly pleased with the
                            Example set by the State of Pennsylvania; nor can I conceal my satisfaction at finding your sentiments coincide so exactly
                            with my own. Let us flatter ourselves, that the day is not remote, when a wise and just system of polity will be adopted
                            by every State in the Union; then will national faith be inviolably preserved, public credit durably established, the
                            blessings of Commerce extensively diffused and the reputation of our new-formed Empire supported with as much Eclat as has been acquired in laying the foundation of it.


Title: From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 9 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de

                            Dr Sir,
                             Decr 9th 1783.

                        I take the liberty to introduce to the honor of your acquaintance Doctr Witherspoon president of the College
                            in New Jersey, & formerly member of Congress. a Gentleman whose abilities exerted in favour of America, have
                            obtained him much credit & esteem.
                        Any civilities you may have it in your power to shew him whilst in France, will greatly oblige Dr Sir Yrs
                            &ca

                            G: W——n


Title: To George Washington from Elhanan Winchester, 9 December 1783
From: Winchester, Elhanan
To: Washington, George

                            Worthy and great Sir,
                            Philadelphia Decr 9th 1783

                        You will perhaps be surprized to receive a letter from such a poor unworthy creature as I am, and one with
                            whom you have no acquaintaince, but I can assure you, Worthy Sir, that you will find the language of gratitude and respect
                            without disguise or flattery in these lines; and therefore permit me among Millions, (even the happy Millions of the
                            Inhabitants of the united States, who owe their Liberty under God to your Excellency) to give you a small part of that
                            tribute of thanks that I owe you, and which flowing from an humble and grateful heart may be acceptable to your
                            Excellency, notwithstanding the meanness, and low estate of the Writer.
                        But first of all, I return hearty thanks to the great JEHOVAH, the Lord of Heaven, and Earth, who has been
                            pleased to raise you up, as our Deliverer, in such a time as this, and to endow you with those extraordinary gifts and
                            abilities which were necessary for the accomplishment of the great work in which you engaged. I praise my God that He has
                            preserved your valuable Life to see that grand Event brought to pass, which will astonish future generations to hear of;
                            and which has happened under your direction and in a great measure by your means God hath highly honoured you, above Any
                            General in the known World, by making you the Deliverer of your Country; and I hope and trust that you will ever love,
                            honour, and adore that great Author and giver of every good and perfect Gift who hath inspired you with such amazing
                            Wisdom, Fortitude, and Confidence in his Providence; whereby you have conquered and surmounted those grand difficulties
                            that many looked upon as insuperable.
                        I scarcely know which to admire most, your disinterested engagement in the Cause at first, your Constancy and
                            perseverance under the greatest difficulties, your great moderation in the use of your power, the secret and wise Counsels
                            by which you defeated the designs of the Enemy, the Skill by which you ruled the army and quieted the murmurs of the
                            Soldiers, or your great humanity and generosity. But there are two things in your Excellency’s conduct, which above all
                            others endear you to me, The first is your great regard to the Deity, which has preserved you from those abominable vices
                            which have sullied the Actions of many consummate generals; and the other is, your retiring to a private Life, without
                            interfering in the Affairs of government. This Conduct, might, forever endear you to all the lovers of God and man.
                        And now, dear Sir, my earnest wish, and fervent prayer is, that the great God Would still regard you with a
                            favourable Eye, and that after many years of Service here, he may be pleased of his free mercy and grace to receive you to
                            the Mansions of Glory, and give you that Abbrobation which is infinitely superior to the highest Applause of Mortals,
                            "Well done, thou good and faithful Servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things; I will make thee ruler over many
                            things; enter thou into the Joy of thy Lord." There you shall drink at the fountain Head of pleasure, and be refreshed
                            with the emanations of original Life and Joy, you shall hear the voice of uncreated Harmony speaking peace, and ineffable
                            Consolation to your soul.
                        I have wrote a lengthy and free letter, but the great love I have for you may be my excuse, and tho’ at
                            present you will have congratulations more worthy of your Attention, than this poor servant of mine, yet when you come to
                            retire to your delightful Seat perhaps it will not be disagreable to you to accept of this small mark of esteem from a
                            poor individual who has the honour, and takes the Freedom to subscribe himself, Your Excellency’s most humble servant

                            Elhanan Winchester


Title: To George Washington from William Shippen, Jr., 10 December 1783
From: Shippen, William, Jr.
To: Washington, George

                            Mount Place Decr 10. 1783

                        Doctr Shippens most respectful Compliments to Genl Washington And instead of waiting
                            upon his Excellency in the present ceremonious form takes this method of expressing the great Satisfaction & Joy
                            he feels in his Excellency’s preservation through the manifold, difficult distressing and dangerous exercises he has long
                            been engaged in for his country. And rejoices with him in the extraordinary Success with which his Wisdom, Prudence,
                            Fortitude, and laborious perseverance, has by the frequent and very remarkable interpositions of Divine Providence been
                            blessed; and Sincerely prays that his Excellency in his peaceful retirement to his Family and domestic concerns, may enjoy
                            all the happiness that can reasonably be expected in this life, and be prepaid for all the blessedness of the life to
                            Come.


Title: To George Washington from Charles, marquis de La Rouërie Armand Tuffin, 11 December 1783
From: Armand Tuffin, Charles, marquis de La Rouërie
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Philadelphia Xbre December 11th 1783

                        Although I intend to remains some months in america in order to obtain from Congress some advantage &
                            justice for the officers of the legion in their final settlement of accounts, it is of the greatest importance to the
                            succés of my future military life to receive at this time from your Exellency a recommendation to the Court of france for
                            my services & conduct in America—from the letters I have received lately & the opinion which the chevalier
                            de la luzerne has on that head, it is probable that I shall be made a brigadier general in france before or immediately
                            after my return there—the weight of your recommendation will have this effect to bring the minister at war to a favorable
                            determination and to place me in a very advantageous light in the mind of my king—it will fix my military
                            character—& I dare say my respectuous remimbrance of his Exellency general Washington & my unalterable
                            veneration & attachment to him will at all time support me in it in a manner worthy the esteem of his Exellency.
                        as the ministre at war has in a great measure the disposal of the several employment in the french army, I
                            take the liberty to requeist you would write to him—I shall keap the lettre untill I go to france & by the first
                            opportunity I shall send to Court a Copy of it.
                        Since my return from france I had no other occasion but the siege of york to go to the Ennemy—I made it not
                            only a point of honor but, what I do esteem as high, a point of my duty towards your Exellency to act as a soldier at the
                            head of the americain column that stormed the redoubt of the ennemy & otherwise during the siege to Evidence that
                            if your Exellency had honored me with thestimony of his esteem, I did all in my power to deserve it—Since that I rised
                            & disciplined a corps, which I dare say was brought to that point of instruction & order which place
                            troops in the streight road to succés, & whose conduct in being regular & agreable to the people has
                            answered our ambition to evidence that a corps under your protection could not be otherwise but respectable.
                        from your former kindness to the french officers I have been induced to promise to those of the legion who
                            served with credit that I would request your Excellency to give them certificates—as their services were performed under
                            me I have given to each of them my thanks in writing & observed with great attention to do them justice—I have
                            given to Colo. Cobb a copy of my lettres to those gentlemen that your exellency may be better acquainted with their conduct.
                        the last personal favour, which I have to request from your Exellency is the one which my heart is the most
                            anxious to see granted—it is your leave to have your portrait made here & your permission to carry it on me—I beg
                            your Exellency not to deny me this request—if granted I conceive it the most honorable reward that could be bestowed on a
                            man so deeply attached to you as I am—I have the honor to be with the highest respect Sir your Exellency’s the most obedt
                            hbl St

                            Armand Mqs de la Rouerie


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Hodgdon, 11 December 1783
From: Hodgdon, Samuel
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Philadelphia 11th December 1783

                        Want of time this Morning prevented my giving the reasons that operated in my mind against the delivery of
                            the duplicate Cannon inscribed for Count De Grass—duty obliges me to inform your Excellency that the two pieces ordered by
                            Congress were executed in this City and forwarded by the Ship Washington previous to any knowledge of those now on hand
                            being preparing in the vicinity of camp—On their Arrival I waited on the Minister of France and informed him through Mr
                            Marbois of the circumstance; the reply gave me to understand that it was probable an application would be made to Congress
                            at a future day for their disposal, and requested me to keep them until their pleasure was known, this and the impropriety
                            of finding them which in every view to me appeared in a glaring light, has actuated my conduct in refusing the order from
                            the secretary of the War Office—Congress (by whom alone distinguishing honours for military services rendered to the United
                            States are granted) having thought fit to order only two pieces of Cannon to be given to Count De Grass, it appeared to me
                            that to send him four would be contravening the views of Congress, if it were not deemed a derogation from their dignity
                            and other Officers on whom similar marks of distinction have been bestowed might think themselves injured. However, if I
                            have your Excellencies order to offer in justification I will deliver the additional cannon requested immediately. With
                            the Most profound respect I have the honour to be your Excellencies Most Obedient servant
                        Samuel Hodgdon

                            Comy Mil. Stores


Title: To George Washington from American Philosophical Society, 12 December 1783
From: American Philosophical Society
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Philadelphia Decr 12th 1783.

                        The American Philosophical Society, which boasts the name of your Excellency in the list of their Members,
                            are happy in this opportunity of presenting their Congratulations on the establishment of Peace. While they anticipate the
                            influence of this event on the important object of their institution, they contemplate with pleasure, that the Arts and
                            Sciences, those friends to learning and virtue, will not only join in the tribute universally paid to your Merits, but
                            will transmit them to an admiring posterity.
                        May you enjoy all possible felicity in the retreat to private life, which remained an additional source of
                            Lustre to your Character, and to which you are followed by the Love of your grateful Country.

                            By order and in behalf of the Society,
                            Philadelphia
                            Decr 12th 1783.


Title: To George Washington from Martha Deberdt, 12 December 1783
From: Deberdt, Martha
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                             12 Decr 1783

                        You did me great Honor the other Morning in Calling on me, and I was not a little mortifide I was not at
                            home. I could not leave America without paying you my Compliments of Congratulations on your great Success.
                        And now My dear Sir you have one more Battle to fight, the good fight of Faith, may that God: who has Enabled
                            you to Conqure your Natural Enemies, give you his Grace to Conquer your Spiretual ones, you have had the applause of your
                            fellow mortals, but when you have Conquerd your Spiratual Enemies you will have that Divine Sentance part well done, good
                            and faithfull Servant, Enter thou in to the joy of they Lord. please Sir to give my kind love to your good Lady whome I
                            Esteme and Love; I have Simpothiz’d with her and now pertake of joys, if there is any thing I can be of Servis to her in
                            London I Shall obay her Commands and Execute them with pleasur if I should be Honord with any Commands please to Direct
                            for me at Mr Dennis De Berdts merchants in broad Street Building No. 29. Adiue My Dear Sir and belive me to be with real
                            Esteme your obedient Humble Servant

                            Martha DeBerdt


Title: To George Washington from Decabanes, 12 December 1783
From: Decabanes
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Metz 12th Decr 1783

                        The veneration I entertain for your Excellency, from your great feats as Citizen, and General; with wc., all
                            Europe resounds; causes me to take the freedom of proposing to you a plan of a Republic wc. I had composed at the time of
                            your revolution; and, if I had been happy enough to have done it then, would have prevented the effusion of much blood.
                            Your Country would not have been long acquiring its independance; & by my constitution, wc. could not have failed
                            being relished at once, your government would have been immoveable, & you would have been already a respectable
                            power, cherished by all the world.
                        You may say, I am late in addressing to you my reflections—But I cannot think so, as there appears to prevail
                            among you, a spirit of discenion, that cannot fail being injurious—This I predicted, from the impossibility of thirteen
                            States different in wealth, genius, & strength, long subsisting in harmony—It will one day, be productive of more
                            mischief, than the yoke your Excellency has just shaken off.
                        I will tell you Sir, for my justification, that I did all in my power at the begining of the war to pass over
                            to you, at first with the consent of my court; afterwards, I addressed myself to Mr Dean, of whom I requested (not as an
                            adventurer) a rank & the title of Citizen, when transported to America at my own expence—But it was in vain I
                            desired to sacrifice myself for you. Having served in Spain with the rank of Lieutenant Coll, & knowing the Count
                            d’Aranda Ambassador in France, I besought him to get me employed in the suit of the Minister, France should send to you. I
                            hoped in this manner to have made you acquainted with my ideas. My star, perhaps those of your Country still worse,
                            allways operated to prevent me.
                        I will tell you further, the desine I had of being employed, & emerging from the solitude in wc. I had
                            inconsiderately thrown myself, by quitting Spain at thirty years old, in seventy, put my mind to studying some way of being
                            useful—In this perplexity I discovered a method of infallibly reconciling you to England: but as a subject to the house
                            of Bourbon was greatly interested, that this should never take place; my integrity would not suffer me to broach my secret
                            to England—An ambitious landless man would not have been influenced by this consideration, hoping to make his fortune by
                            it; and secure lasting fame—I allow, I was strongly tempted to do it; and if I had you would surely have fallen back afresh in to despotism—But you would perhaps have been as happy then, as you will now
                            be, under such embarrassed goverments—It is not Sir, this latter plan, that I have the honor of
                            proposing to you; from wc. I have derived none of the advantages I expected from it; having communicated it to Messrs de
                            Vergennes and d’Aranda—The former promised me to keep it a secret, & to support me; if Spain would vouchsafe
                            to recompense me for it, by allowing me to desert her, as it was her interest to do.
                        It is my republick I propose to you from a perswasion, you will find things in it, wc., it
                            will be too late to execute if long delayed.
                        Sir, if any of my plans should be adopted, as advantageous to your Country, and it should deign to receive
                            among you, I believe, I should make an effort to pass over: Hoping I might be the more useful to you, to have my services
                            acknowledged towards my children; notwithstanding one of my brothers who fought with you at York town, a Captain in the
                            Regiment of deux Pons, who has the highest respect for you & America, tells me, he does not think the Climate
                            would suit me. In this case, I shall only wish to live, ’till I shall have inculcated on my children, those sentiments of
                            gratitude, wc. may render them worthy of the favour shewn them, in being permitted to pass over to you. I have the honor
                            to be with the greatest respect Sir, Your very Hble & Obnt Servant

                            M. Decabanes


Title: To George Washington from James Irvine, 12 December 1783
From: Irvine, James
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Philada 12th Decr 1783

                        Your Excellency’s late happy return to this City, after so much personal hazard and eminent service is an
                            event, upon which the Militia Officers of the City and Liberties of Philadelphia cannot possibly be silent.
                        It has been reserved for your Excellency to unite in the most eminent degree the Characters, of the Citizen
                            and the Soldier, and exhibit a new and glorious spectacle in the annals of Mankind: The Hero and deliverer of his Country
                            retiring in the zenith of glory and power to the shade of private life—Such virtue Heaven only can reward.
                        We look back on those hours in which we were honoured with your Excellency’s commands in our occasional
                            military services, as the most pleasing of our lives, and cannot form a wish more expressive of our gratitude and
                            affection, than that your Excellency’s future life may be as happy, as your former has been useful and glorious. In behalf
                            of the Militia Officers

                            James Irvine M. Genl


Title: From George Washington to James Irvine, 12 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Irvine, James

                            Gentlemen
                            Philadelpa 12th Decr 1783

                        The honorable manner in which you are pleased to notice my return to this City, is particularly acceptable to
                            me.
                        It would have been a proof of the want of Patriotism and every social Virtue, not to have assumed the
                            character of a Soldier when the exigency of the Public demanded, or not to have returned to the Class of Citizens when the
                            necessity of farther Service ceased to exist—I can therefore claim no merit beyond that of having done my duty with
                            fidelity.
                        While the various Scenes of the War, in which I have experienced the timely aid of the Militia of
                            Philadelphia, recur to my mind; my ardent prayer ascends to Heaven that they may long enjoy the blessings of that Peace
                            which has been obtained by the divine benediction on our common exertions.


Title: From George Washington to Charles, marquis de La Rouërie Armand Tuffin, 13 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Armand Tuffin, Charles, marquis de La Rouërie

                            Dear Sir,
                             13th Decr 1783.

                        Your letter of the 11th inst: has been delivered to me—I am extremely sorry to be obliged to deny any request
                            which comes from you; but never having opened a corrispondence with the Minister of War in France, & having
                            refused the like application from other Officers, it is impossible to comply with it in this instance. I shall however be
                            very happy in giving you a Certificate or letter, expressive of my approbation of your services.
                        I feel myself exceedingly flattered by your proposition of wearing my picture & would sit for you
                            with great pleasure if the multiplicity of business I have to do in a short time would permit me; a good copy may however,
                            be had in Town, & I sincerely wish it may constantly impress on your mind the great regard esteem with which I am
                            &ca &c.

                            G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Ewing, 13 December 1783
From: Ewing, John
To: Washington, George

                             Saturday Evening 13th Decr 1783

                        Dr Ewing presents his most respectful Complemts to his Excellency Genl Washington, and informs him that Dr Khun one of the Medical Professors of the university was prevented, by an unavoidable
                            Accident, from signing his Excellency’s Diploma, before the Faculty had the Honour of presenting it, & that Dr
                            Ewing will be much obliged to the General for permitting this young gentleman to carry it to Dr Khun) that he may sign
                            it, and it shall be returned in a few Minutes.


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Hodgdon, 13 December 1783
From: Hodgdon, Samuel
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Philada Decr 13. 1783

                        The Cannon and Carriages are delivered—Your Excellency will please to Sign the inclosed Order for their
                            delivery—I have sent two truncks you will please to keep that one that answers best—The silk with the bill is in the
                            smallest trunk, should be glad to know what other Articles your Excellency leaves to be forwarded, with those now on hand.

                            S.H.


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Hodgdon, 13 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Hodgdon, Samuel

                            Sir,
                            Phila. 13th Decr 1783

                        The Trunk, & two boxes or Cases which you brought from New York for me, with a few other Articles
                            which I shall send to you tomorrow, I would have go on by Land as my Papers, & other valuable things are contained
                            in them.
                        The Boxes & other parcels which were sent from Rocky hill by Colo. Morgan, may go by Water to
                            Alexandria, for which place a Vessel (Colo. Biddle informs me) is just on the point of Sailing, & will probably
                            be the last for that River, Potomack, this Season—let me entreat therefore that the opportunity may not be best by sending
                            them by her.
                        Inclosed is 40 Dollars—5 more than your Acct. I am Sir Yr most Obedt Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Armand-Louis de Gontaut Biron, duc de Lauzun, 13 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Lauzun, Armand-Louis de Gontaut Biron, duc de

                            Dear Sir,
                             13th Decr 1783.

                        Doct: Witherspoon president of the college in New Jersey, will have the honor to deliver you this Letter.
                        This Gentn by a very early exertion of his abilities in favor of this Country obtained a seat in Congress,
                            where he served with much credit during some of the most critical periods of the late contest. As he is now going to
                            Europe, I have taken the liberty to introduce him to the honor of your acquaintance, & to request the favor of
                            your Civilities to him whilst in France. I am &ca

                            G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Hugh Martin, 13 December 1783
From: Martin, Hugh
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Chesnut Street Philadelphia Decr 13th 1783

                        Being Elated with the pleasure of Seeing your Excellency added to the appearance of real joy in every
                            Countenance on his Arival here, Induced me to come before you without any formal introduction, Although I Acknowledge I
                            was in suspence whether you remembered me or not, as I have grown Considerably Since 79 when I had the honor of being
                            introduced to you, at the time we lay at Middle Brook when your Head Quarters was at Mr Wallaces, But I hope my youth and
                            a want of more Experience will Appologize for my freedom. tho I ashure your Excellency that it is my sincere wish to do right
                            and never intendedly to be in the wrong. The honor your Conduct has reflected on us as the head and Patron of the Army
                            & whose Examples of Virtue and Patriotism, I hope will be imitated by every member, (And notwithstanding the
                            Sarcasms and unjust reflections cast on mankind by low partial or disappointed beings) mankind whom heaven by every mark
                            has dignified above all his other works, and whose Voluumes only serve to  and
                            Contrast the minds—The reflection of these and the ornament you are this day to human nature as well as a Patron to the
                            Universe, gives me such sweet sensations as scarce to be accounted for, by the most equal Union I can form of all the
                            powers of my soul, or Mind, and are productive When they occur to me, of an involuntary flow of grateful, pleasing and
                            Joyous Tears. I have the honor to be with the Greatest Esteem and regard, your Excellencies most obedient and very humble
                            Servant,

                            H. Martin


Title: To George Washington from John Ewing, 13 December 1783
From: Ewing, John,Bradford, William, Jr.
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                             13 December 1783

                        We beg leave to congratulate your Excellency on the happy conclusion of the War. At length the hazardous
                            Conflict is over, The Blessings of Peace and Independence are ours, And we approach your Excellency as you retire from the
                            field, with the mingled Emotions of Joy, Gratitude & Affection.
                        Let others, Sir, recount your military Atchievments, and draw the honorable Comparison between them &
                            the Deeds of those other Heroes whose Names adorn the Records of Time. It is ours to view you in another light, and to see
                            your Character surrounded with a glorious Splendor, before which the Star of a Caesar or an Alexander hides it’s
                            diminished Head. The mad Ambition of unlimited Conquests was not your Incentive to Action, Your Aim was not to exalt
                            yourself upon the Ruins of your Fellow Citizens: It was the Voice of your Country that called—It was the Genius of Freedom
                            that led you to the Field. In Defence of property, Liberty and the Rights of Mankind your Sword was drawn. It was
                            consecrated by Religion. By Law and by Humanity it was revered as their Guardian. The purest principles directed the Management of the War.
                            Undissembled Piety could, without the fear of offending Heaven, implore it’s Assistance to your Arms. Virtue, Philosophy
                            and the Sciences considered their Cause as involved in that which you have so illustriously supported. Heaven has smiled
                            upon the glorious Struggle. Our Freedom is established, the Sciences flourish, and the Gates of Happiness are thrown open
                            to Mankind.
                        The Scene of military Glory is now closed, and you leave the field amidst the grateful Acclamations of a
                            happy People. May the Example you have set, May the Instructions you have given, never be forgotten. May all the Blessings
                            of Peace & domestick Life crowd to Your Retirement. Long, very long, may you enjoy them. Your Country has still a
                            deep Interest in you; No Retreat can prevent your continuing the distinguished Object of the Affection, Esteem &
                            Confidence of her Friends. The learned professions in particular will ever consider you as their patron &
                            protector, & gratefully remember him, who, under the blessing of God, hath enabled Science once more to lift up
                            her Head.
                        In behalf of the Clergy, Gentlemen of the Law and Physicians of the City of Philadelphia.

                            Ferdinand Farmer
                            W. White.
                            John Ewing
                            Fras Hopkinson
                            Wm Bradford Jun.
                            James Wilson
                            Th. Bond
                            W. Shippen jr
                            James Hutchinson


Title: From George Washington to John Ewing, 13 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Ewing, John,Bradford, William, Jr.

                            Gentlemen
                             13 December 1783

                        I entreat you to accept my grateful thanks for your affectionate Address; and to be assured that the kindness
                            & partiality of your sentiments respecting me, as well as the elegance & urbaninity of your expressions;
                            have made an impression on my mind, never to be effaced.
                        Conscious of no impropriety in wishing to merit the esteem of my fellow Citizens in general; I cannot
                            hesitate to acknowledge that I feel a certain pleasing sensation in obtaining the good opinion of men eminent for their virtue,
                            knowledge & humanity—but I am sensible, at the same time, it becomes me to receive with humility the warm commendations
                            you are pleased to bestow on my conduct: for, if I have been led to detest the folly & madness of unbounded ambition—if
                            I have been induced from other motives to draw my sword & regulate my public behaviour—or if the management of the War
                            has been conducted upon purer principles: let me not arrogate the merit to human imbecility, but rather ascribe whatever
                            glory may result from our successful struggle to a higher & more efficient Cause. For the re-establishment of our
                            once violated rights, for the confirmation of our Independence, for the protection of Virtue, Philosophy & Literature,
                            for the present flourishing state of the Sciences, and for the enlarged prospect of human happiness, it is our common duty
                            to pay the tribute of gratitude to the greatest and best of Beings.
                        Tho the military Scene is now closed, and I am hastening with unspeakable delight to the still and placid
                            walks of domestic Life; yet even there will my Country’s happiness be ever nearest to my heart—and, while I cherish the
                            fond idea, I shall still retain a pleasing remembrance of the able support the Public has often received from the learned
                            Professions; whose prosperity is so essential to the preservation of the Liberties, as well as the augmentation of the
                            happiness & glory of this extensive Empire.


Title: To George Washington from Plunket Fleeson Glentworth, 13 December 1783
From: Glentworth, Plunket Fleeson
To: Washington, George

                            Sir.
                            Philadelphia Decemr 13th 1783

                        The Magistrates of the City of Philadelphia, in Behalf of themselves and their Associates the Magistrates of
                            the County—beg Leave to present to Your Excellency our Congratulations on the present happy AEra, which confirms to the
                            United States of America the inestimable Blessings of Peace, Liberty and Independance.
                        The great Share Your Excellency has had in obtaining these Blessings, demands our most grateful
                            Acknowledgements; Should we indulge ourselves in expressing Your Merit therein, we are Fearful we should offend in Point
                            of Delicacy.
                        We are impressed with the highest Sensibility of the Value of the brave Officers and Soldiers of the American
                            Army, and can never forget how much we owe to our magnanimous Ally the King of France, for his Support and Assistance,
                            particularly in that of His brave Officers and Forces both by Sea and Land. But above every other Consideration, we are
                            bound to acknowledge the infinite Goodness of the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, who has so remarkably interfered in our
                            Behalf, through every Period of this important Struggle for the Freedom and Happiness of Mankind; and we conceive, in no
                            Instance more apparently than in inspiring and directing our Great National Councils, and by graciously raising up among
                            us an illustrious Personage, with the most shining Abilities and conspicuous Virtues to lead, direct and animate by His
                            Conduct and Example. Who this great Character is, shall be a Blank in our Page; being confident that every grateful Heart
                            and generous Hand will be ready to fill it up.
                        May Your Excellency find in the Retirement You contemplate, all the Happiness which must arise from the
                            Reflection of having served Your Country in their Hour of Distress; And may the Gratitude of America be most eminently
                            displayed, in following those wise and salutary Councils, which have distinguished the Period of Your Command. To a Soul
                            like Yours, Sir! we are perswaded, No Return can be more acceptable.

                            Signd in behalf of the Magistrates
                            Plunket Fleeson, Prest


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Sterett, 13 December 1783
From: Sterett, Samuel
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                             13 December 1783

                        The Trustees and Faculty of the University of the State of Pennsylvania view with peculiar joy the conclusion
                            of the war, and congratulate your Excellency on the establishment of Peace.
                        When they consider how many important interests were involved in the late Contest, they cannot suppress their
                            acknowledgments to your Excellency, under whose Auspices it has been so happily conducted.
                        In this arduous struggle for "Peace, Liberty, and Safety," the welfare of the Arts and Sciences was
                            intimately concerned; they trembled at the dangers that surrounded them, they crouded to your Standard for Safety, and in
                            you they have found aProtector.
                        Sensible of her obligations, and ambitious of enrolling your (justly celebrated) Name in the Catalogue of her
                            Sons, this University presents your Excellency with her highest honours, and joins the wreath of Science to the Laurels of
                            the Hero.
                        We shall deem ourselves honoured by your accepting this Testimony of our Gratitude and Estimation of your
                            literary merits; and we hope the rising generation under our care, when hereafter they shall see their names enrolled with
                            yours, will be fired with emulation to copy your distinguished virtues, and learn (from your example) to grow great in the
                            service of their Country. Long may you live to enjoy the sweets of that prosperity and peace which your arms under God
                            have given to America. We pray Heaven to reward you with its choicest blessings, & make you as happy in the shades of
                            retirement, as you have been illustrious in the field of Glory.


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Sterett, 13 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Sterett, Samuel

                            Gentlemen
                             13 December 1783

                        I experience a singular satisfaction in receiving your congratulations on the establishment of Peace and the
                            security of those important interests which were involved in the fate of the War.
                        Desirous of being considered the friend, and (as far as consists with my abilities), the Patron of the Arts
                            & Sciences; I must take the liberty of expressing my sense of the obligations I am under to the Trustees and Faculty of
                            the University of Pennsylvania for paying me so flattering a Compliment, & on so pleasing a subject.
                        I accept, Gentlemen, the honors you have had the goodness to confer upon me, with the greatest deference &
                            respect.
                        May the Revolution prove extensively propitious to the cause of Literature—may the tender plants of Science
                            which are cultivated by your assiduous care under the fostering influence of Heaven, soon arrive at an uncommon point of
                            maturity & perfection—and may this University long continue to diffuse throughout an enlightened Empire, all the
                            blessings of virtue, learning & urbanity.


Title: Washington’s Account, 28 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To:

                             13-28 December 1783

                        Drs. The United States in acct with G: Washington Cr.
                            1783Dollarsab/ 1783Dollarsab/

                                th

                                th

                                Decr

                                13

                                To

                                Balle of Acct given in this day
                                 £
                                217.
                                16.
                                8Decr13Bymy Warrt on the Pay master

                                15

                                To

                                Sundry Accts paid by Colo. Cobb

                                General for 726 8/72 Dollrs @ 6/217.16.8

                                herewith rendered—amountg

                                ByBalle due G: Washington &

                                in Pensylva Cy to £61.11.9 eql to

                                49.
                                5.
                                 5charged in New Acct213. 8.
                                 4

                                To

                                Waiters, Washing, & other

                                small Expences in Phila. during

                                8 days stay there

                                7.
                                4.
                                0

                                16

                                To

                                an Express for riding from the

                                head of Elk to Susquehanna 1/2 Guina

                                .14.

                                To

                                Ferry men, & other Waiters at

                                that place

                                .12.

                                23

                                To

                                Servants, and other small

                                Expenditures in travelling to, in, & from

                                 Baltimore & Annapolis

                                1.
                                16.

                                To

                                Renos Baker & Stephen Amos

                                pr Rect—assistg with my Bagge

                                1.
                                16.

                                24

                                To

                                Ferriages & Ferrymen crossing

                                the Potomack

                                1.
                                4.

                                To

                                Philip Walmsley for sundries

                                pr Acct £5.5.3 equal to

                                3.
                                18.
                                11

                                To

                                Lieutt Colo. Walkers acct of

                                the Expenditures from Phila. to Virga

                                 149 60/90 Dollars @ 6/

                                44.
                                18.

                                To

                                Philp Wamsley in full for his

                                Wages, & all other demds 40 Dollrs

                                12.

                                28

                                To

                                Colonels Humphreys, Cobb and,

                                Walker; to bear their Expens.

                                back to their respective States

                                & not to be charged to them—

                                viz, 100 Dollrs each—in all 300

                                    90.

                                £

                                    431.

                                    5.

                                – £431. 5. 0

                                1783

                                th

                                Decr

                                28

                                To

                                Balle as pr Contra
                                £
                                213.
                                8.
                                4

                                E. Excepted

                                Go: Washington

                        Note, The remainder of the liquor wch had been provided at public expence for my Table (consisting of a few
                            Boxes of Claret & some Madeira Wine) was, when I broke up Housekeeping at Rocky hill sent off with my Baggage for
                            Philadelphia; but as it is not yet come to my hands, and the precise quantity unknown to me—the value of it must be
                            credited hereafter.


Title: From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 14 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Biddle, Clement

                             Sunday Morng 14 December 1783

                        Gen: Washington’s Complimts to Colo. Biddle—Begs to know if the Vessel for Alexandria will Sail today—and
                            whether Colo. Biddle has procured the Articles required. If more money is wanted Colo. Biddle will please to name the
                            Sum—and the Genl would be glad to receive the Acct.


Title: To George Washington from William Clajon, 14 December 1783
From: Clajon, William
To: Washington, George

                            Sir;
                            Philadelphia December 14h 1783

                        It is very distressing to me that it is not within the Line of Your Excellency’s Power to issue a Warrant in
                            my Case; for, I am confident you feel Pleasure, when you can relieve.
                        I am sensible that I have not the Advantage of being personally known to you; but if you would honour me with
                            a Letter to Congress, grounded on General Gates Recommendation of me to Your Excellency, it is not unreasonable in me to
                            believe my Promotion would be obtained without Difficulty. This Favour I entreat Your Excellency to grant me. It is the
                            first I ever solicited from the Public. With the greatest Respect I have the Honour to be, Sir, Your excellency’s Most
                            humble and most obedient Servant

                            Wm Clajon
                            Late Secry to Major Gl Gates and
                            Interpretor to the N: Dept.


Title: From George Washington to Anne-César, chevalier de La Luzerne, 14 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: La Luzerne, Anne-César, chevalier de

                            Sir,
                            Philadelphia 14th Decr 1783

                        I have just received a Letter from General McIntosh in Georgia praying me to use my intrest with your
                            Excellency in favor of a young frenchman under the name of Du Coins whose situation is explained in the Letter I now do
                            myself the honor to enclose.
                        Tho’ I am unacquainted with the young Gentleman otherwise than by that Letter, yet having served with
                            Credit in our Army, and being represented to me as deserving, I must confess I feel myself interested in his favor,
                            and if there will be no impropriety, shall be much obliged by any thing your Excellency can do for him. With very great esteem and respect, I have the
                            honor to be Sir Your Excellencys Most Obedient humble Servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Anthony Wayne, 14 December 1783
From: Wayne, Anthony
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir
                            Wayne’sboroug’ 14th Decr 1783

                        long want of health, occasioned by the extreme of fatigue & loss of blood, in assisting to Vindicate
                            the rights & liberties of America from her coldest, to her hotest sun, deprived me the honor & pleasure, of attending your Excellency into New York, & now adds
                            to my unhappiness, by preventing me from paying you my personal respects in the City of Phila., however I have one
                            consolation i.e. that my Countrymen will have an Opportunity of expressing (not only by words but actions) the gratitude
                            of their hearts, to their Chief and Protector!
                        Permit me Sir to assure you from my own knowledge, that your address has had more influence upon their
                            councils, than Volumns from an other quarter:& I fondly flatter myself, that the same influence will shortly
                            pervade the Councils of every State in the Confederation!
                        My physicians affect to have discovered a happy change in my constitution, which affords a pleasing prospect
                            of returning health, I shall therefore not bid you a final adieu, but rather anticipate the pleasure of paying frequent
                            visits at Mount Vernon as I occasionally pass & repass, from this place to my Estate in
                            Georgia: In the interim permit me to assure your Excellency, that I feel with gratitude, the many favors you have confered
                            upon me: & that I am with the highest esteem Your Most Obt Humbe Servt

                            Anty Wayne


Title: From George Washington to Anthony Wayne, 14 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Wayne, Anthony

                            Dear sir
                            Philadelphia 14th Decr 1783

                        I have only time before my departure from this City to acknowledge the receipt of your two favors of the 1
                            Novr and 14 December with the several inclosures which I will take an opportunity of laying before Congress at as early a
                            period as possible.
                        I should have been very happy to have seen you—here—and am sorry your health did not permit it—I hope however
                            I shall soon have that pleasure at Mount Vernon. being with great regard—Dear sir Your very humble and Obed. Servant

                            G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from George Weedon, 14 December 1783
From: Weedon, George
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir
                            Fredericksburg Decr 14th 1783

                        I had the honor of addressing a letter to Your Excellency from Baltimore on the Subject of our state
                            proceedings respecting the Order of Cincinnati. I have never been able to procure the printed Copies till lately which are
                            now inclosed with a Copy also of the proceeding of the Georgia line. Wishing You the compliments of the season. Am with
                            every Sentiment of Esteem Your Most Obt Servt

                            G. Weedon


Title: From George Washington to Charles, marquis de La Rouërie Armand Tuffin, 15 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Armand Tuffin, Charles, marquis de La Rouërie

                            My Dear Marqs
                            Philada 15th Decr 1783

                        Among the last acts of my public life none afford me more pleasure than to acknowledge the assistance I have
                            received from those worthy men whom I have had the honor to command & whose exertions have so much contributed to
                            the safety & liberty of my Country.
                        In the number of these, you my dear sir, cannot pass unnoticed: the great zeal, intelligence &
                            bravery you have shewn, & the various distinguished services you have performed, deserve my warmest thanks.
                        It is impossible for me at this moment to recollect all the particular times at which you have signalized
                            yourself: Your conduct at the Short hills, where out of eighty men, you had thirty killed, & where you saved a
                            piece of artillery, which, but for your spirited behaviour, would have been taken by the enemy—Your behaviour at the Head
                            of Elk, where you commanded the rear guard in the retreat—Your conduct in the actions of Brandy-wine & White
                            Marsh; and particularly when under the Marquis de la Fayette & next in command to him in the Jersey’s—you, with the
                            militia & a few rifle men, made a successful attack on the rear of Lord Cornwallis’s army. Your conduct, I say, in
                            these times, while it did you infinite honor, was of singular service to the Country. But among
                            all the services you have performed, I must not forget the very handsome partizan stroke you made in West-Chester, where
                            with all the address & bravery of a complete partizan officer you surprized a  &
                            some men of the Enemy in quarters, a considerable distance within their pickets, & brought them off without any
                            loss on your side.
                        Tho’ I had not the opportunity of being a witness to your conduct in 1780 when you were to the southward—the
                            reports I had of it, did not lessen the good opinion I before had of you: And the next year I was particularly obliged to
                            you for your very spirited behaviour in becoming a volunteer & going in that character at the head of the column
                            to the attack & storm of the redoubt at York Town.
                        After such a series of behaviour in the field, as could not but gain my applause; the great zeal &
                            activity shewn in raising & disciplining a new corps, & the good order caused to be observed during the
                            whole time you were quartered at York-town, confirmed my opinion of your character, as an excellent officer.
                        While I give you this last public testimony of my approbation, I beg you to be persuaded of the real
                            friendship & esteem, with which I am My Dr Marquis Yrs &ca

                            G: W——n


Title: From George Washington to George Clinton, 15 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, George

                            My dear Sir,
                            Philada 15th Decr 1783

                        It was with exceeding great concern I heard by Mr Gouvr Morris that you had had a return of your Fever—I hope
                            it was slight, and that you are now perfectly restored to health—No man wishes it more sincerely than I do.
                        I have been able to negotiate a matter with Mr Robt Morris by which about Seventeen hundred pounds York
                            Currency will be thrown into your hands on my Acct which sum, when received, I pray you to carry to the credit of my Bond.
                        I am within a few Minutes of setting off for Virginia—passing thro’ Annapolis—where I shall stay two or three
                            days only—My very best wishes always attend Mrs Clinton & your family—and with much respect, and sincere affection
                            I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Lachlan McIntosh, 15 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: McIntosh, Lachlan

                            Dr Sir
                            Philadelphia 15th Decr 1783

                        I have within a few days past received your two favors of the 15 October and 1st Novr the latter inclosing
                            your application to Congress.
                        Inclosed is my Letter to the Minister of france on the subject of Captain Du Coins—I have yet no answer, if
                            it comes before I close this, I will send it you.
                        Tomorrow I set off for Annapolis on my way home and will deliver your application with the other inclosure to
                            Congress—but I must observe, that the Resolve of your assembly of 1 feby last, on which Congress must found their
                            Resolution for Rescinding their former Resolve Respecting you, may, for want of its being authenticated properly, be
                            deemed insufficient for Congress to act on. I will however give your application all the support in
                            my power and have no doubt Congress will be happy in doing you Justice. With great Regard—I am Dear Sir Your very humble
                            & Obedt Servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from George Martin, 15 December 1783
From: Martin, George
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Dubn Decr 15th 1783

                        With the purest Sentiments of Esteem and respect I took the earliest Opportunity of acknowledging the Honor
                            of your Letter by the hands of My Nephew Mr Geo: Martin who was preparing to embark for Virginia from England, but I since
                            find that unexpected Occurrences have detain’d him so long that it is more than probable this Letter will reach your hands
                            before he can present his—give me leave however to refer to my former one, which I trust he will soon have the honor of
                            delivering in person, as it contains a more explicit declaration of the exalted Opinion I entertain of
                            your worth & Character.
                        Satisfied as I am, as well as all other impartial Persons, that your Retirement will never
                            preclude your best Services from your Countrys wellfare, and observing from your public Declaration in Augst last on an
                            Invitation from Congress to assist their Deliberations for establishing a permanent Legislative thro’ out America, that
                            you were ready to cooperate with the Sovereign Power, at least for a limitted time, to adjust & accomplish such a
                            desirable Event. I take the liberty at present to transmit for the perusal of Congress, an Act of Parliament now going
                            thro’ the usual Forms here for facilitating the Commerce between the United States of America & Ireland, which
                            however is to continue only three months in force, being intended as a kind of Foundation Stone for raising a more perfect
                            Super structure upon, and which cannot as yet be established untill Treaties of Amity & Commerce are adjusted
                            between the Two Countries, and also between G:B: & America, for altho’ Ireland is now a Seperate Independant State
                            yet being so closely connected with G:B.—it is thought adviseable by Government here to wait the final Adjustment of the
                            British Treaty, in Order that nothing may be done wch may hereafter create any jealousy or animosity between the Sister
                            Kingdoms—Nothing cou’d make me so happy as the Estimation of my Country men to be thought a proper Object of Confidence and
                            honorable Trust, to guard and watch over their Interests—But I have no Idea that a simple Consulate Commission can be at
                            all equal to the Services requisite—In such Cases every poor paltry Comes in Office wou’d give
                            himself Airs and think it sufficient to inform the Consul when and how he pleasd of any Transaction necessary to be
                            known.
                        Whereas a Commission appointing a Person Resident and Consul General with the Apellation
                            of Honourable & Sacredness of Person from all Legal restraints save in Cases Criminal &
                            Breaches of the Peace wou’d give Weight, Dignity, respect, attention & Importance to the
                            Officer & his Solicitations, being in some degree the Representive of the United States of America; by wch means
                            he wou’d at all times be intitled to Access by Government & in every particular more likely to be useful than if
                            less rais’d, honour’d, & trusted by his own State. I shou’d think the Office of Consul-General might be annex’d
                            to the Commission with power to appoint Seven Deputies to the different Posts mention’d in this
                            Bill—but then the question is whether the ordinary Emoluments of such an office here wou’d defray the Expence attending
                            it.
                        No man can be more sensible than I am of the absolute necessity of Oeconomy in American Disbursements of
                            Finance, but est modus in rebus Penury in a State is perdition to its Existance the Labourer is worthy of his hire, and
                            reasonable Compensation is not only an act of natural Justice but it is in some measure the secundum Mobile of faithful
                            Services. Far be it from me to arrogate the power or even presume to dictate on a Subject where I wish to be employ’d, but
                            I humbly think that £250 paid quarterly cou’d not be deem’d extravagant or burthensome for establishing a Resident in
                            Ireland to protect American Interests; and the addition of Consul General with such Emoluments as usually affect such
                            offices and of which I am utterly Ignorant, cou’d be annex’d without any disadvantage whatever. Having thus pretty fully
                            explain’d my thoughts in a matter of public Concern let me entreat your favorable representation of them to Congress in
                            such manner as seems most agreeable to you, forgive me leave to assure you from the very bottom of my Soul, that I have
                            the highest conceptions of your Judgement as well as inexpressible admiration of your Military Talents—Under these
                            Impressions I shall live and die, ever esteeming myself highly flatter’d and gratified with the Friendship and good Wishes
                            of a Gentleman so eminently Conspicuous in the Annals of Mankind and I beg you will Sir believe me to be your Constant and
                            Sincere Admirer, & devoted faithful and Obedt hb. Servt

                            Geo: Martin


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Shallcross, 16 December 1783
From: Shallcross, Joseph
To: Washington, George

                            May it please your Excellency,
                            Wilmington 16th Decr 1783

                        We the Burgesses and Common Council of the Borough of Wilmington, in behalf of themselves, & the
                            Inhabitants thereof, being penetrated with Sentiments of the most perfect Respect, beg leave to approach, & to be
                            permitted to congratulate Your Excellency, that your glorious Endeavours, to rescue our Country from a determined Plan
                            of Oppression, has been not only attended with the most complete & brilliant Success, but crowned with the noble
                            rewards of Liberty & Independence, & the final Accomplishment of an honorable Peace
                        When we reflect on the Magnitude of the Object for which we contended, & the greatness of the Power
                            we had to Oppose, the boldest among us have sometimes shuddered at the Prospect; whilst your Magnanimity was our
                            invincible Shield on the most gloomy Occasions.
                        Convinced that our humble Talents cannot express, in Language suitable to the Subject, either the grateful
                            Sensations we feel, in the contemplation of your great & eminent Services, or the Love & Admiration of your
                            many amiable Virtues, which fill the Bosoms of the Friends of Freedom, in America, & in distant nations; yet,
                            rather than wound that Delicacy which hears with Reluctance even less than our Duty & Inclination prompts us to
                            mention, we will conclude with embracing this Opportunity of joining the general Voice of America, which hails you the
                            Deliverer of our Country; & we flatter ourselves You will believe that our most fervent Wishes will accompany your
                            illustrious & long meditated Retirement, that You may long enjoy Health, Tranquility, & every other
                            Felicity, and permit us to indulge the pleasing Hope that ever in the serene enjoyment of that Retirement which will
                            astonish Mankind little less than the Splendour & Greatness of your Services, that, with a partial consideration,
                            your Excellency will occasionally contribute with your Advice & Influence to promote that Harmony & Union
                            of our Infant Governments, which are so essential to the permanent Establishment of our Freedom, Happiness, &
                            prosperity. Signed by Order of the Burgesses & Common Concil.

                            Joseph Shallcross Jun
                            Town Clerk


Title: From George Washington to Joseph Shallcross, 16 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Shallcross, Joseph

                            Gentlemen
                            Wilmington Decr 16th 1783.

                        I earnestly wish to convince you of the pleasure I take in reciprocating your congratulation on our glorious
                            successes, and the attainment of an honorable Peace.
                        Altho’ the prospect of our public affair has been sometimes gloomy indeed; yet the well-known firmness of my
                            Countrymen, and the expected aid of Heaven, supported me in the trying hour and have finally reallised our most sanguine
                            wishes.
                        In the course of your Address you have sufficiently convinced me of your abilities to excite very pleasing
                            emotions—and you must permit me to say, that the genuine approbation of my fellow-Citizens is far more satisfactory, than
                            the most lavish encomiums could be.
                        Under a deep impression of your generous sentiments and wishes, I return to a long meditated retirement—And
                            let me assure you, Gentlemen, ’tho I shall no more appear on the great Theatre of Action, the Wellfare of our infant
                            States can never be indifferent to me.

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Purviance, Jr., 18 December 1783
From: Purviance, Samuel, Jr.,Williams, Otho Holland
To: Washington, George

                            His Excellency General Washington
                            Baltimore 18th Decr 1783

                        The Town of Baltimore feels an unusual joy on your Excellency’s arrival; And, willing to testify, in an
                            acceptable manner, the most grateful sense of your eminent services and superior abilities, We are intrusted to
                            congratulate your Excellency on the Glorious and happy conclusion of an unequal, precarious and bloody War, through which
                            you have successfully Commanded the Armies of the United States, Established the liberties and Independence of Your native
                            Country; and gained to yourself the unrival’d appellation of its most illustrious Citizen.
                        May your Excellency long survive the fatigues, and calamities of War—May Health, Ease, and domestic
                            tranquility Smooth your path of life; and Heaven, hereafter, grant the only adequate reward of your exalted Merit. We have
                            the Honor to be with perfect respect and Esteem Your Excellency’s, Most obedient, and Most Humble Servts

                            W. Smith
                            Saml Purviance
                            Jno. Sterett
                            O.H. Williams


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Purviance, Jr., 18 December 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Purviance, Samuel, Jr.,Williams, Otho Holland

                            Gentlemen
                            Baltimore Decr 18th 1783

                        The acceptable manner in which you have wellcomed my arrival in the Town of Baltimore, and the happy terms in
                            which you have communicated the congratulations of its Inhabitants, lay me under the greatest obligations.
                        Be pleased, Gentlemen, to receive this last public acknowledgment for the repeated instances of your
                            politeness; and to believe, it is my earnest wish that the Commerce, the Improvements, & universal prosperity of
                            this flourishing Town, may, if possible, increase with even more rapidity than they have hitherto done. I have the honour
                            to be &c.


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Hodgdon, 18 December 1783
From: Hodgdon, Samuel
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Philadelphia 18th Decemr 1783

                        Inclosed you have Capt. King’s duplicate receipt for the boxes given him in charge for your Excellency, they
                            have been carefully put on board his Vessell and I hope will come safely and speedily to hand—The other things are putting
                            up with the greatest care and will probably be on their way to Morrow. With every sentiment of respect I have the honour
                            to be Your Excellencies Most Obedient servant

                            Saml Hodgdon
                            Asst Q. Master

                     Enclosure

                                Philada Decr 18th 1783

                            Recd of Saml Hodgson Esqr. A. Q. Mr four Cases mark’d for his Excellency Genl Washington which I am to
                                deliver to him or his orders on my arrival at Alexandria or George Town, duplicate sign’d of same tenor &
                                date.

                                John King


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Hodgdon, 20 December 1783
From: Hodgdon, Samuel
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Philada Decr 20th 1783

                        Inclosed you have a Duplicate receipt of the owner and driver of the Waggon which has in all the Articles
                            left with me to forward to your Excellency such precautions have been taken, as leaves me no room to doubt of their coming
                            safe to hand—You will please to give the waggoner a receipt for the Articles delivered—the Vessel with the other things
                            sails tomorrow—the keys of the Trunks are in the Square Box.

                            S.H.