s of
Europe!" With what patience did you submit to privations; with
what fortitude did you endure fatigue; what valour did you
display in the day of battle! You have secured to America a proud
name among the nations of the earth; a glory which will never
perish.

Possessing those dispositions which equally adorn the citizen and
the soldier, the expectations of your country will be met in
peace, as her wishes have been gratified in war. Go, then, my
brave companions, to your homes; to those tender connections and
blissful scenes which render life so dear; full of honour, and
crowned with laurels that will never fade. When participating in
the bosoms of your families, the enjoyment of peaceful life, with
what happiness will you not look back to the toils you have
borne, to the dangers you have encountered? How will all your
past exposures be converted into sources of inexpressible
delight? Who, that never experienced your sufferings, will (p. 243)
be able to appreciate your joys? The man who slumbered
ingloriously at home, during your painful marches, your nights of
watchfulness, and your days of toil, will envy you the happiness
which these recollections will afford; still more will he envy
the gratitude of that country which you have so eminently
contributed to save.

Continue, fellow-soldiers, on your passage to your several
destinations, to preserve that subordination, that dignified and
manly deportment, which have so ennobled your character.

While the commanding general is thus giving indulgence to his
feelings, towards those brave companions, who accompanied him
through difficulties and danger, he cannot permit the names of
Blount, and Shelby, and Holmes, to pass unnoticed. With what
generous ardour and patriotism have these distinguished governors
contributed all their exertions to provide the means of victory!
The recollection of their exertions, and of the success which has
resulted, will be to them a reward more grateful than any which
the pomp of title, or the splendour of wealth, can bestow.

What happiness it is to the commanding general, that, while
danger was before him, he was, on no occasion, compelled to use,
towards his companions in arms, either severity or rebuke. If,
after the enemy had retired, improper