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Washington's farewell to his officers at Fraunces Tavern...
Washington's farewell to his officers at Fraunces Tavern...
Item # 687284
December 18, 1783
THE NORWICH PACKET of the CHRONICLE OF FREEDOM, Connecticut, Dec. 18, 1783 This must rank among the more beautiful mastheads of the 18th century with the handsome engraving of the ship.
This issue, on page 2, has an exceedingly historic report of Washington bidding adieu to his fellow officers of the war at the now-famed Fraunces Tavern in New York.
The report reads: "At Frances' tavern, last Thursday at noon, there was a numerous meeting of officers of the first distinction in the American army, to take leave of their great Commander General Washington; who on filling a glass of wine addressed his brave compatriots as follows:'With a heart full of love and gratitude, I now take leave of you: I most devoutly wish that your latter days may be as prosperous and happy, as your former ones have been glorious and honorable.''
And after this historic toast: "The respectable body convened on this important occasion, comprised the courageous soldier, the invaluable patriot, and sincere friend to the interests of society. Deeply impressed with a steadfast sensibility of his Excellency's amiable manners, and conspicuous virtues, an earnest anxiety to acknowledge them was minutely legible throughout the whole meeting, and exercised the nicest feelings of human nature...". The article continues to detail his departure from them and his plan to embark at Powles Hook, accompanied by Gen. Baron de Steuben, to proceed to Annapolis [site of the federal capital at that time]: "...where he will resign his commission of General of the American armies into the hands of the Continental Congress...immediately after which, his Excellency will set out for his seat, named Mount Vernon, in Virginia; emulating the example of his model the virtuous Roman General, who, victorious, left the tented field covered with honour, and withdrew from public life...".
Most of the front page is taken up with two lengthy documents headed: "The following is the Ratifications of the Definitive Treaty, inserted in our last." as the previous issue contained all ten Articles of the formal Treaty of Peace.
Page 2 also has an address of the citizens of New York: "...who have returned from exile, in behalf of themselves and their suffering brethren" which is an overflowing of thanks to Washington. It is followed by "His Excellency's Answer to the Citizens of New York, who have returned from Exile" and signed in type: George Washington.
Note: this issue is lacking the back leaf, so only pages 1 & 2 of 4 are present. Never-trimmed margins, a very small hole affects one word on each of pages 1 & 2, otherwise quite nice. As a complete issue this is a $6000 issue. But as such, it is priced much less.
Category: Revolutionary War
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