municated in the
public papers for the information and government of all concerned;
it only remains for the commander-in-chief to address himself once
more, and that for the last time, to the armies of the United
States (however widely dispersed individuals who compose them may
be), and to bid them an affectionate, a long farewell.

"But before the commander-in-chief takes his final leave of those
he holds most dear, he wishes to indulge himself a few moments in
calling to mind a slight review of the past: he will then take the
liberty of exploring, with his military friends, their future
prospects; of advising the general line of conduct which in his
opinion ought to be pursued; and he will conclude the address by
expressing the obligations he feels himself under for the spirited
and able assistance he has experienced from them in the performance
of an arduous office.

"A contemplation of the complete attainment (at a period earlier
than could have been expected) of the object for which we contended
against so formidable a power, can not but inspire us with
astonishment and gratitude. The disadvantageous circumstances on
our part, under which the war was undertaken, can never be
forgotten. The singular interpositions of Providence in our feeble
condition, were such as could scarcely escape the attention of the
most unobserving; while the unparalleled perseverance of the armies
of the United States, through almost every possible suffering and
discouragement, for the space of eight long years, was little short
of a standing miracle.

"It is not the meaning, nor within the compass of this address, to
detail the hardships peculiarly incident to our service, or to
describe the distresses which in several instances have resulted
from the extremes of hunger and nakedness, combined with the rigors
of an inclement season: nor is it necessary to dwell on the dark
side of our past affairs. Every American officer and soldier must
now console himself for any unpleasant circumstances which may have
occurred, by a recollection of the uncommon scenes in which he has
been called to act no inglorious part, and the astonishing events
of which he has been a witness--events which have seldom, if ever
before, taken place on the stage of human action, nor can the