dignified manner, and clear, rich voice, said:--

"Mr. PRESIDENT: The great events on which my resignation depended,
having at length taken place, I now have the honor of offering my
sincere congratulations to Congress, and of 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superseded by a confidence in the rectitude of our cause, the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 life."

President Mifflin replied: "SIR--The United States, in Congress
assembled, receive with emotions too affecting for utterance, the solemn
resignation of the authorities under which you have led their t