The great events on which my resignation depended having at length
taken place; I have now the honor of offering my sincere
Congratulations to Congress & of presenting myself before them to
surrender into their hands the trust committed to me, and to claim the
indulgence of retiring from the Service of my Country.
Happy in the confirmation of our Independence and Sovereignty, and
pleased with the oppertunity afforded the United States of becoming a
respectable Nation, I resign with satisfaction the Appointment I
accepted with diffidence—A diffidence in my abilities to accomplish so
arduous a task, which however was superseded by a confidence in the
rectitude of our Cause, the support of the Supreme Power of the Union,
and the patronage of Heaven.
The successful termination of the War has verified the more
sanguine expectations—and my gratitude for the interposition of
Providence, and the assistance I have received from my Countrymen,
encreases with every review of the momentous Contest.
While I repeat my obligations to the Army in general, I should do
injustice to my own feelings not to acknowledge in this place the
peculiar Services and distinguished merits of the Gentlemen who have
been attached to my person during the War. It was impossible the
choice of confidential Officers to compose my family should have been
more fortunate. Permit me Sir, to recommend in particular those, who
have continued in Service to the present moment, as worthy of the
favorable notice & patronage of Congress.
I consider it an indispensable duty to close this last solemn act
of my Official life, by commanding the Interests of our dearest
Country to the protection of Almighty God, and those who have the
superintendence of them, to his holy keeping.
Having now finished the work assigned me, I retire from the great
theatre of Action—and bidding an Affectionate farewell to this August
body under whose orders I have so long acted, I here offer my
Commission, and take my leave of all the employments of public
life.
https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/99-01-02-12223
