In Washington's conduct during the American war, we may easily see how far his actions were governed by his principles, and the happy conclusion proved their merits."

Towards the close of the year 1783, Congress issued a proclamation, in which the armies of the United States were applauded for their "long, eminent, and faithful services." Congress then declared it to be their pleasure, "that such part of their federal armies, as stood engaged to serve during the war, should from and after the third day of November next, be absolutely discharged from the said service."

Washington's "Farewell orders to the armies of the United States," dated Rocky Hill, near Princeton, November 2d, 1783, is a pathetic exhortation, in which the disinterestedness of the PATRIOT is blended with the wisdom of the PHILOSOPHER. It contains the following interesting and impressive passages:

"It only remains for the commander in chief to address himself once more, and for the last time, to the armies of the United States, and to bid them an affectionate, a long farewell.

"It is universally acknowledged, that the enlarged prospects of happiness opened by

the consideration of our independence and sovereignty, almost exceed the power of description; and shall not the brave men, who have contributed so essentially to these inestimable acquisitions, retiring victorious from the field of war to the field of agriculture, participate in all the blessings which have been obtained? In such a republic, who will exclude them from the rights of citizens, and the fruits of their labours? To these hardy soldiers, who are actuated by the spirit of adventure, the fisheries will afford ample. and profitable employments; and the extensive and fertile regions of the West will yield a most happy asylum to those, who, fond of domestic enjoyment, are seeking for personal independence.

"The commander in chief conceives little is now wanting to enable the soldiers to change the military character into that of a citizen, but that steady and decent tenour of behaviour, which has generally distinguished not only the army under his immediate command, but the different detachments and separate armies, through the course of the war; from their good sense and prudence, he anticipates the happiest consequences; and while he congratulates them on the glorious occasion which renders their services in the,

field no longer necessary, he wishes to express the strong obligations he feels himself under, for the assistance he has received from every class, and in every instance. To the various branches of the army, the general takes this last and solemn opportunity of professing his inviolable attachment and friendship. He wishes more than bare professions were in his power; that he was really able to be useful to them all in future life. And being now to conclude these his last public orders, to take his ultimate leave, in a short time, of the military character, and to bid a final adieu to the armies he has so long had the honor to command, he can only again offer, in their behalf, his recommendations to their grateful country, and his prayers to the God of armies. May ample justice be done them here, and may the choicest of Heaven's favours, both here and hereafter, attend those, who, under the Divine auspices, have secured innumerable blessings for others! With these wishes, and this benediction, the commander in chief is about to retire from service. The curtain of separation will soon be drawn, and the military scene to him will be closed forever!"

To this address the army that remained at West-Point, on the banks of the Hudson,

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sent a most respectful and affectionate anAfter returning thanks to their general, for his exertions in their favour, they express their feelings in the following bold and figurative language:

"Regardless of present sufferings, we looked forward to the end of our toils and dangers, to brighter scenes in prospect. There we beheld the genius of our country, dignified by our sovereignty and independence, supported by justice, and adorned with every liberal virtue. There we saw patient husbandry fearless extend her cultured fields, and animated commerce spread her sails to every wind. There we beheld fair science lift her head, with all the arts attending in her train. There blest with freedom, we saw the human mind expand; and throwing aside the restraints which confined it to the narrow bounds of country, it embraced the world. Those animating prospects are now changed and changing to realities; and actively to have contributed to their production, is our pride, our glory."

New-York was evacuated by the British troops about three weeks after the discharge of the American army. Meanwhile, Washington, having finished the great work of the revolution, and founded a republic, he wish

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ed to retire from the eye of observation to the peaceful rural shades of his patrimonial inheritance. Accordingly, he took leave of his officers in the most solemn manner.Having been previously assembled for that purpose, Washington joined them, and calling for a glass of wine, he addressed them in the following words: "With a heart full. of love and gratitude, I now take leave of you: I most devoutly wish that your latter days may be as prosperous and happy, as your former ones have been glorious and honourable." The officers were deeply affected; they came up to him successively, and he took an affecting leave of each. He then left the room, and passed between the ranks of a corps of light infantry that lined his way to the side of the North River. The officers followed him in a solemn silent train; their eyes were suffused with tears. They felt a strong emotion of regret at parting with a hero who had participated their dangers, and so often led them to glory. When Washington entered the barge, he turned towards his fellow-soldiers with a countenance expressive of his feelings, and waved his hat as a last adieu.

He proceeded to Annapolis to resign his commission to Congress, and was accompa