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 favors, both here and hereafter, attend those who, under the Divine auspices, have secured innumerable blessings to others.

With these wishes, and his 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 for ever.

1783.

FAREWELL TO CONGRESS, AT THE CLOSE OF THE WAR.

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I accepted with diffidence ; a diffidence in my abilities to accomplish so arduous a task, which, however, was superseded by a confidence in the rectitude of our cause, the support of the supreme power of the Union, and the patronage of Heaven.

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.

1783.

ON HIS RETURN TO MOUNT VERNON, AFTER THE WAR.

The scene is at last closed On the eve of Christmas, I entered these doors, an older man by nine years than when I left them. I am just beginning to experience that ease and freedom from public cares, which, however desirable, takes some time to realize.

It was not till lately, I could get the better of my usual custom of ruminating, as soon as I waked in the morning, on the business of the ensuing day; and of my surprise at finding, after revolving many things in my mind, that I was no longer a public man, nor had any thing to do with public transactions. 1783.

CONSECRATION OF THE PATRIOT'S WEAPONS.

To each of my nephews, William Augustine Washington, George Lewis, George Steptoe Washington, Bushrod Washington, and Samuel Washington, I give one of the swords, or couteaux, of which I may die possessed; and they are to choose in the order they are named.

These swords are accompanied with an injunction, not to unsheath them for the purpose of shedding blood, except it be for self-defence, or in defence of their country and its rights; and in the latter case, to keep them unsheathed, and prefer falling with them in their hands to the relinquishment thereof.

IV. DOMESTIC LIFE.

To his equals he was condescending, to his inferiors kind, and to the dear object of his affections exemplarily tender. General HENRY LEE, Dec, 26, 1799.

Favored of heaven, he was blest in the most endearing relation of human society. The amiable and much respected partner of his happiness, enjoyed his affection and esteem, and was worthy to participate the honors of his exalted station.

Major WILLIAM JACKSON, Aid-de-camp to Washington,

He deserved and enjoyed both success and repose. Of all great men, he was the most virtuous and most fortunate. In this world, God has no higher favor to bestow. M. GUIZOT.

AT MOUNT VERNON, JUST AFTER HIS MARRIAGE.

I am now, I believe, fixed at this seat, with an agreeable partner for life; and I hope to find more happiness in retirement, than I ever experienced amidst the wide and bustling world.

1759.

* He married, on the 6th of January, 1759, Mrs. Martha Custis, widow of Colonel Daniel Parke Custis. Her maiden name was Dandridge. At the time of her marriage to Washington, she had a son and a daughter, both under seven years of age.

HOME.

I can truly say, I had rather be at Mount Vernon, with a friend or two about me, than to be attended, at the Seat of Government, by the Officers of State, and the Representatives of every Power in Europe.

1790.

CONJUGAL AFFECTION.

You may believe me, my dear Patsy, when I assure you, in the most solemn manner, that, so far from seeking this appointment, I have used every endeavor in my power to avoid it, not only from my unwillingness to part with you and the family, but from a consciousness of its being a trust too great for my capacity; and that I should enjoy more real happiness in one month with you at home, than I have the most distant prospect of finding abroad, if my stay were to be seven times seven years. June, 1775.

I shall rely, confidently, on that Providence, which has heretofore preserved and been bountiful to me, not doubting but that I shall return safe to you in the fall. I shall feel no pain, from the toil or the danger of the campaign. My unhappiness will flow from the uneasiness I know you will feel from being left alone.

1775.

Commander-in-chief.

I shall hope, that my friends will visit, and endeavor to keep up the spirits of my wife, as much as they can; for my departure will, I know, be a cutting stroke upon her.

PROVISION FOR HIS WIFE, IN CASE OF HIS DEATH.

As life is always uncertain, and common prudence dictates to every man the necessity of settling his temporal concerns, whilst it is in his power, and whilst the mind is calm and undisturbed, I have, since I came to this place,* (for I had not time to do it before I left home,) got Colonel Pendleton to draft a Will for me by the directions I gave him; which Will I now inclose.

The provision made for you in case of my death, will, I hope, be agreeable.

1775,

To my dearly beloved † wife, Martha Washington, I give and bequeathe the use, profit, and benefit of my whole estate, real and personal, for the term of her natural life, except such parts thereof as are specially disposed of hereafter.

* Philadelphia.

On the night of his death, his attendants discovered on his breast, suspended by a ribbon, the miniature likeness of Mrs. Washington. He had worn it for more than forty years.