Home > Back to Search Results >
Washington proclaims the end of the Revolutionary War to his troops...
Washington proclaims the end of the Revolutionary War to his troops...
Item # 618903
Currently Unavailable. Contact us if you would like to be placed on a want list or to be notified if a similar item is available.
May 03, 1783
THE INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE, Boston, May 3, 1783
* General George Washington
* End of the Revolutionary War
A nice feature of the masthead is a great engraving taken after one done by Paul Revere, showing a patriot soldier with a sword in one hand and a scroll reading "Independence" in the other (see).
Certainly the most notable content takes half of page 3, headed: "GENERAL ORDERS, Head Quarters, Newburgh, April 18, 1783" and which begins: "The Commander in Chief orders the cessation of hostilities between the United States of America and the King of Great Britain to be publickly proclaimed to morrow at 12 o'clock...and that the proclamation which will be communicated herewith, be read to-morrow evening at the head of every regiment and corps of the army; after which the chaplains with the several brigades will render thanks to almighty God for his mercies, particularly for his over-ruling the wrath of man to his own glory, and causing the rage of war to cease among the nations..." with much more. Included also is the famous quote from Washington: "...Happy, thrice happy shall they be pronounced hereafter, who have contributed any thing, who have performed the meanest office in erecting this stupendous fabrick of Freedom and Empire on the broad basis of Independency; who have assisted in protecting the rights of humane nature and establishing an Asylum for the poor and oppressed of all nations and religions." Also another notable quote from Washington: "...nothing now remains but for the actors of this mighty scene to preserve a perfect, unvarying, consistency of character through the very last act; to close the Drama with applause; and to retire from the military theatre with the same approbation of angels and men which have crowned all their former virtuous actions." (see for the full report).
Included also is: "An extra ration of liquor to be issued to every man to morrow to drink Perpetual Peace, Independency, and Happiness to the United States of America." And a note from Trenton begins: "Yesterday being the day fixed upon by the gentlemen of this town & neighbourhood to celebrate the glorious peace lately concluded..." which includes a list of thirteen: "Toasts for the entertainment inn celebration of PEACE." (see).
One-third of the front page is taken up with: "A PROCLAMATION" signed by Mass. governor: John Hancock, for: "...a day of public fasting and prayer..." for God's guidance & blessing during the Revolutionary War. Page 2 has a lengthy letter headed: "A Concise View of the Rise & Fall of the British Republic". Another item mentions: "As exhibited at Room's tavern...New York...in consequence of the arrival of the Packet with (to them) the dreadful tidings of Peace and Independence to his country. A committee was chosen for the sold purpose of determining the fate of those miscreants who have avowedly been enemies to their country..." (see).
There is more fine end-of-war content on page 3 (see photos) but it pales in comparison to the report of Washington announcing the end of the war to his troops.
Complete in 4 pages, never bound nor trimmed with wide margins, very small archival mend, very nice condition.
Category: Revolutionary War
No Longer Available
