George Washington Takes Leave of his Officers
"George Washington Takes Leave of his Officers" refers to a significant moment in American history when George Washington, the commander in chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution, bid farewell to his officers on December 4, 1783. This event occurred after the successful conclusion of the war and the departure of British troops, marking an important transition as Washington chose to return to civilian life at his estate in Mount Vernon, Virginia. The farewell took place at Fraunces Tavern in New York City, where Washington expressed deep gratitude to his officers for their service and leadership throughout the conflict.
The occasion was emotionally charged, with Washington and his officers sharing heartfelt embraces, particularly with General Henry Knox, which drew tears from the general. Attendees later reflected on the profound sorrow of parting from a leader who had guided them through a tumultuous period in American history. After the farewell, Washington embarked on a journey to Philadelphia and Annapolis, where he was celebrated for his military achievements. Ultimately, on December 23, 1783, he formally surrendered his commission to the Continental Congress, signaling the end of his military service and his commitment to a peaceful civilian life. This farewell exemplifies Washington's dedication to the principles of democracy and civilian governance, establishing him as a pivotal figure in the founding of the United States.
George Washington Takes Leave of his Officers
George Washington Takes Leave of his Officers
George Washington served as the commander in chief of the Continental army throughout the course of the American Revolution. After the 13 colonies achieved independence, however, he had no desire to retain his powerful post. Washington believed that his usefulness to the nation ended on December 4, 1783, when the last British troops set sail from New York City harbor. On that day, he prepared to take leave of the army and return to his Mount Vernon estate in northern Virginia.
Before leaving New York City, Washington had one last meeting with his officers. At noon on December 4 most of the army officers in the city and its environs gathered at Fraunces Tavern in lower Manhattan. The general's farewell was brief:
With a heart full of gratitude, I now take leave of you. I most devoutly wish that your later days may be as prosperous and happy as your former ones have been glorious and honorable.
Washington then went on to say: “I cannot come to each of you, but shall feel obliged if each of you will come and take me by the hand.” General Henry Knox, his successor as commander in chief, approached first. Emotion so gripped Washington that he broke into tears. He embraced Knox and, in turn, each of the other officers. Many years later, a participant described the farewell:
Such a scene of sorrow and weeping I had never before witnessed.…The simple thought that we were then about to part from the man who had conducted us through a long and bloody war, and under whose conduct the glory and independence of our country had been achieved, and that we should see his face no more in this world seemed to me utterly insupportable.
After embracing the last officer, Washington went to the door of the tavern, raised his arm in a silent farewell, and then stepped outside. An honor guard lined the route to Whitehall, where a barge awaited him, and crowds had assembled along the path to pay him tribute. Washington was too moved to speak. He walked quickly to the wharf and boarded the barge. As the vessel departed he stretched out his arms to bid good-bye to all of the assembled people.
From New York, Washington went by barge to Paulus Hook (later in Jersey City). There a small cavalcade waited to accompany him to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and then to Annapolis, Maryland, where Congress was meeting. Both Philadelphia and Annapolis marked his arrival with special festivities and celebrations. However, the glory of a military hero that was accorded Washington was overshadowed by his wish to return to civilian life. On December 23, 1783, he surrendered his commission to the Congress.