y
probably ever happen again. For who has before seen a disciplined
army formed at once from such raw materials? Who that was not a
witness could imagine that the most violent local prejudices would
cease so soon; and that men who came from different parts of the
continent, strongly disposed by the habits of education to despise
and quarrel with each other, would instantly become but one
patriotic band of brothers? Or who that was not on the spot, can
trace the steps by which such a wonderful Revolution has been
effected, and such a glorious period put to all our warlike toils?

"It is universally acknowledged that the enlarged prospects of
happiness, opened by the confirmation of our independence and
sovereignty, almost exceed the power of description; and shall not
the brave men who have contributed so essentially to these
inestimable acquisitions, retiring victorious from the field of war
to the field of agriculture, participate in all the blessings which
have been obtained? In such a republic, who will exclude them from
the rights of citizens, and the fruits of their labors? In such a
country, so happily circumstanced, the pursuits of commerce and the
cultivation of the soil will unfold to industry the certain road to
competence. To those hardy soldiers who are actuated by the spirit
of adventure, the fisheries will afford ample and profitable
employment; and the extensive and fertile regions of the West will
yield a most happy asylum for those who, fond of domestic
enjoyment, are seeking personal independence. Nor is it possible to
conceive that any one of the United States will prefer a national
bankruptcy, and dissolution of the Union, to a compliance with the
requisitions of Congress, and the payment of its just debts; so
that the officers and soldiers may expect considerable assistance,
in recommencing their civil operations, from the sums due to them
from the public, which must and will most inevitably be paid.

"In order to effect this desirable purpose, and to remove the
prejudices which may have taken possession of the minds of any of
the good people of the states, it is earnestly recommended to all
the troops that, with strong attachments to the Union, they should
carry with them into civil society the most conciliating
disposit