e
anticipates the happiest consequences: and while he congratulates
them on the glorious occasion which renders their services in the
field no longer necessary, he wishes to express the strong
obligations he feels himself under for the assistance he has
received from every class, and in every instance. He presents his
thanks, in the most serious and affectionate manner, to the general
officers, as well for their counsel on many interesting occasions
as for their ardor in promoting the success of the plans he had
adopted; to the commandants of regiments and corps, and to the
officers, for their zeal and attention in carrying his orders
promptly into execution; to the staff, for their alacrity and
exactness in performing the duties of their several departments,
and to the non-commissioned officers and private soldiers for their
extraordinary patience in suffering as well as their invincible
fortitude in action. To various branches of the army the general
takes this last and solemn opportunity of professing his inviolable
attachment and friendship. He wishes more than bare profession were
in his power; that he was really able to be useful to them all in
future life. He flatters himself, however, they will do him the
justice to believe that, whatever could with propriety be attempted
by him, has been done. And being now to conclude these his last
public orders, to take his ultimate leave, in a short time, of the
military character, and to bid a final adieu to the armies he has
so long had the honor to command, he can only again offer, in their
behalf, his recommendations to their grateful country, and his
prayers to the God of armies. May ample justice be done them here,
and may the choicest of Heaven's favors, both here and hereafter,
attend those who, under the Divine auspices, have secured
innumerable blessings for others! With these wishes, and this
benediction, the commander-in-chief is about to retire from
service. The curtain of separation will soon be drawn, and the
military scene to him will be closed for ever."

Chapter III.

BRITISH TROOPS LEAVE THE CITY OF NEW YORK--AMERICAN TROOPS AND CIVIL
AUTHORITIES ENTER AND TAKE POSSESSION--THE BRITISH AND AMERICAN
TROOPS CONTRASTED--PARTING SCENE BETWEEN WASHINGTON AND HIS
OFFICERS--WASHINGT