Posted on 12/23/2024 2:30:00 PM PST by untenured
[23 Dec. 1783]
Mr. PRESIDENT
The great events on which my resignation depended having at length taken place; I have now the honor of offering my sincere Congratulations to Congress and of presenting myself before them to surrender into their hands the trust committed to me, and to claim the indulgence of retiring from the Service of my Country.
Happy in the confirmation of our Independence and Sovereignty, and pleased with the opportunity afforded the United States of becoming a respectable Nation, I resign with satisfaction the Appointment I accepted with diffidence. A diffidence in my abilities to accomplish so arduous a task, which however was superseded by a confidence in the rectitude of our Cause, the support of the Supreme Power of the Union, and the patronage of Heaven.
The Successful termination of the War has verified the most sanguine expectations, and my gratitude for the interposition of Providence, and the assistance I have received from my Country-men, encreases with every review of the momentous Contest.
While I repeat my obligations to the Army in general, I should do injustice to my own feelings not to acknowledge in this place the peculiar Services and distinguished merits of the Gentlemen who have been attached to my person during the War. It was impossible the choice of confidential Officers to compose my family should have been more fortunate. Permit me Sir, to recommend in particular those, who have continued in Service to the present moment, as worthy of the favorable notice and patronage of Congress.
I consider it an indispensable duty to close this last solemn act of my Official life, by commending the Interests of our dearest Country to the protection of Almighty God, and those who have the superintendence of them, to his holy keeping.
Having now finished the work assigned me, I retire from the great theatre of Action; and bidding an Affectionate farewell to this August body under whose orders I have so long acted, I here offer my Commission, and take my leave of all the employments of public life.
A great and good man. May he rest in glory.
George Washington, after eight years of putting substance onto the frame of the Constitution, could offer this hopeful benediction and prayer for the future. “I shall carry it with me to my grave as beneficence – that your union and brotherly affection may be perpetual – that the free Constitution which is the work of your hands, may be sacredly maintained – that its administration in every department may be stamped with wisdom and virtue – that, in fine, the happiness of the people of these states under the auspices of liberty, may be made complete by so careful a preservation and so prudent a use of this blessing as will acquire to them the glory of recommending it to the applause, the affection – and adoption of every nation which is yet a stranger to it.”
He was truly the indispensable man.
Thank you for posting.
George III, who had no reason to love Washington, upon hearing the news said, “If he does that, he’s the greatest man in the world.”
America’s Cincinnatus.
I could be mistaken, but Washing resigned his commission in 1783, and after six years was called upon to become the first US President, in which capacity he served from 1789 to 1797.
I think it was upon hearing that Washington intended to voluntarily leave the Presidency and turn over the Office to the next president, George II made the comment you quoted.
oops, “Washing” -> “Washington”
and “George II” -> “George III”
shouldn’t post while I’m eating.
Nope, you’re right, my error. (I looked it up)
The Federalist Society has a great video about this very topic. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMYaDMVbZtU
Many nations did follow our Founders' lead in forming their constitutions. What a shame today's ignorant and churlish people throw away what they never understood.
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