It only remains for the Comdr in Chief toaddress himself once more, and that for thetime, to the Armies of the U States . . . and tobid them an affectionate, a long farewell.... It is universally acknowledged, that theenlarged prospects of happiness, opened bythe conformation of our independence andsovereignty, almost exceeds the power of description. And shall not the brave men, whohave contributed so essentially to these inestimable acquisitions, retiring victorious fromthe field of War to the field of agriculture,participate in all the blessings which havebeen obtained; in such a republic, who willexclude them from the rights of Citizens andthe fruits of their labour? To those hardy Soldiers, who are actuatedby the spirit of adventure the Fisheries willafford ample and profitable employment,and the extensive and fertile regions of theWest will yield a most happy asylum to those,who, fond of domestic enjoyments areseeking for personal independence.... The Commander in Chief conceives little isnow wanting to enable the Soldiers to changethe military character into that of the Citizen,but that steady and decent tenor of behaviorwhich has generally distinguished, not onlythe Army under his immediate command,but the different detachments and separateArmies through the course of the war. Fromtheir good sense and prudence he anticipatesthe happiest consequences; and while hecongratulates them on the glorious occasion,which renders their services in the field nolonger necessary, he wishes to express thestrong obligations he feels himself under forthe assistance he has received from everyClass, and in every instance.... To the various branches of the Army theGeneral takes this last and solemn opportunity of professing his inviolable attachmentand friendship. He wishes more than bareprofessions were in his power, that he werereally able to be useful to them all in futurelife.... And being now to conclude these his lastpublic Orders, to take his ultimate leave in ashort time of the military character, and tobid a final adieu to the Armies he has so longhad the honor to Command, he can onlyagain offer in their behalf his recommendations to their grateful country, and hisprayers to the God of Armies. May ample justice be done them here, andmay the choicest of heaven's favours, bothhere and hereafter, attend those who, underthe divine auspices, have secured innumerable blessings for others; with these wishes,and this benediction, the Commander inChief is about to retire from Service. The curtain of separation will soon be drawn, and themilitary scene to him will be closed for ever.

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