) then informed him
that "the United States in Congress assembled were prepared to
receive his communications." With a native dignity improved by
the solemnity of the occasion, the General rose and delivered the
following address:

"_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 on 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superseded by a confidence in the rectitude of our cause, the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