CHAPTER XI. HE final evacuation of New York, by the British, occurred on the 25th of November, 1782. They had held possession of the city six years. Soon after their withdrawal, the American troops, under General Knox, took possession. They were followed by General Washington and Governor Clinton, who made a public entry on horseback, followed by civil and military officers, and a large number of citizens. Several days were devoted to festivities. The people of every class participated in the general joy. Washington began now to prepare for revisiting his home at Mount Vernon, which he had not seen from the time on which he left it to take the command of the army. The most impressive and the most painful duty before him was to take leave of his old companions in arms. On the 4th of December, at twelve o'clock, they assembled, by his re quest, at the hotel in which he lodged, where in a few minutes they were met by their general. Few words passed, for their hearts were too full to speak. Washington filled a glass of wine, turned to his fellow-soldiers, and, in a voice almost choked with his emotions, addressed them in these noble and affecting 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." Having pledged himself to them all, he added,—"I cannot come to each of you to take my leave, but shall be obliged if each of you would come and take me by the hand." The first that came was General Knox, who received the pressure of his hand in silence, and in silence returned it. He was followed, one by one, by each of the officers present, who reciprocated the cordial embrace without uttering a word. A tear from the heart filled every eye; but no word could be uttered to break the silence of the affecting scene. ington left the room, and the officers followed him, in noiseless procession, and with sad countenances, to the boat which was to convey him away from them. He stepped into it, and, turning towards the shore, waved his hat without speaking; the officers Wash returned the salutation, and continued to gaze after their beloved commander until they could no longer distinguish his form, and then returned in sadness to the place where they had assembled. Washington could not rest until he had performed all the duties which his upright mind dictated, and he proceeded to Philadelphia to give an account of the manner in which he had expended the public money. All his accounts were written by himself, and every entry made in the most exact manner, so as to give the least trouble in comparing them with the receipts with which they were accompanied. He made no charge for his services, but had spent a considerable portion of his own fortune. The regularity and minuteness with which he had kept an account of the funds received and expended during eight years, and the faithfulness with which he had, in the midst of his many employments, attended to having the public treasure used in the most economical and advantageous manner, proved that he had a right to the title of an honest man. From Philadelphia he proceeded to Annapolis, where Congress was sitting, and there he proved his patriotism by giving back the power which had been placed in his hands, when he could no longer use it for the benefit of his country. Congress appointed the 23d December for receiving his resignation, and a crowd of spectators witnessed the interesting ceremony. He was received by Congress as the "founder and guardian of the republic." Feeling the importance. of the blessings of freedom and peace which the Great Ruler of the universe had made him an agent to obtain for them, they looked at him, when about to resign his power, with emotions of admiration and gratitude; and, recollecting how closely they had been connected with him in scenes of distress and danger, there were few eyes undimmed with tears. With unambitious dignity he rose and addressed General Mifflin, the President of Congress. He said, "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 countrymen, increase with every review of the momentous contest. I consider it as an indispensable duty to close this last act of my official life, by commending the interests of our dear est 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." He then He then gave his commission to the President, who, when he had received it, answered him in the name of Congress, and said, "Having defended the standard of liberty in this new world: having taught a lesson useful to those who inflict, and to those who feel oppression, you retire from the great theatre of action with the blessings of your fellow-citizens; but the glory of your virtues will not terminate with your military command; it will continue to animate remotest ages. We join you in commending the interests of our dearest country to the protection of Almighty God, beseeching him to dispose the hearts and minds of its citizens to improve the opportunity afforded to them of becoming a happy and respectable nation. And for you, we address to Him our earnest prayers, that a life so beloved may be fostered with all his care; that your days may be as happy as |