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READY FOR RETIREMENT - GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON 1783
Washington's Resignation Speech
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George Washington.
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Washington's Resignation Speech.
It follows the full text transcript of
George Washington's Resignation Speech, delivered at
the senate chamber of Maryland in Annapolis, Maryland -
December 23, 1783.
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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superseded by a confidence in the rectitude of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
countrymen, increases 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 the service to the
present moment, as worthy of the favorable
notice and patronage of congress.
I consider it as an indispensable duty to close
this last 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.
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