he compelled the British forces to
evacuate Boston, for which Congress gave him a vote of thanks and a
gold medal. He was commander-in-chief throughout the War of
Independence, and resigned his commission as such, December 23, 1783,
when he retired to Mount Vernon. He was delegate from Virginia to the
National Convention which met in Philadelphia in May, 1787, to frame
the Constitution of the United States, and was chosen its president.
He was afterward unanimously elected first President of the United
States, and was inaugurated in New York city, April 30, 1789. He was
re-elected, and inaugurated a second time, March 4, 1793; refused a
third term of office, and issued a farewell address, September 17,
1796. When a war with France was expected, in 1797, he was
re-appointed commander-in-chief. General Washington died at Mount
Vernon, December 14, 1799.

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ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.

_Resolution of Congress Voting a Medal to General Washington._

IN CONGRESS.

_Resolved_, That the thanks of this Congress, in their own name,
and in the name of the thirteen United Colonies, whom they
represent, be presented to His Excellency General Washington, and
the officers and soldiers under his command, for their wise and
spirited conduct in the siege and acquisition of Boston; and that
a medal of gold be struck in commemoration of this great event,
and presented to His Excellency; and that a committee of
three[28] be appointed to prepare a letter of thanks and a proper
device for the medal.

Monday, March 25, 1776.

[Footnote 28: The members chosen were Mr. J. Adams,
Mr. Jay, and Mr. Hopkins.]

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_General Washington to the President of Congress._ (p. 004)

To
John HANCOCK, Esq., HEADQUARTERS, Cambridge,
President of Congress. March 19, 1776.

Sir: It is with the greatest pleasure I inform you that, on
Sunday last, the seventeenth instant, about nine o'clock in the
forenoon, the ministerial army evacuated the town of Boston, and
that the forces of the United Colonies are now in actual
possession thereof. I beg leave to congratulate you, Sir, and the
honourable Congress, on this happy event, and particularly as it
was effected without endangering the lives and property of the