Washington's famous Circular Letter from the end of the Revolutionary War, in which he tenders his resignation as Commander-in-Chief... Much more on the war's end...

"A Circular Letter from his Excellency George Washington, Commander in Chief of the Armies of the United States of America" dated June 18, 1783. (The actual document is dated June 8th, however, the British reports note the 18th.)

The letter is datelined from his headquarters at Newburgh, New York, and begins: "The great object for which I had the honour to hold an appointment in the service of my country being accomplished, I am now preparing to resign it into the hands of Congress and return to that domestic retirement which, it is well known, I left with the greatest reluctance...". It closes with a fervent prayer "...I now make it my earnest prayer, that God would have you, and the State over which you preside, in his holy protection; that he would incline that hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to Government; to entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another, for their fellow-citizens of the United States at large, and particularly for their brethren who have served in the field; and finally, that he would most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind, which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion; without an humble imitation of whose example, in these things, we can never hope to be a happy nation..." Signed in type: G. WASHINGTON.
Yet still more American content with: "Present State of Government at Philadelphia" and: "Mutiny at Philadelphia" and; "American Manifest & Intercourse Bill" and then in the news reports near the back is a letter signed by: Guy Carleton concerning events at the end of the war.
Complete in 80 pages, full title/contents pages, 5 bay 8 1/4 inches, very nice condition.

AI notes: On June 18, 1783, General George Washington issued a Circular Letter to the governors of the states, addressing the critical issues facing the Continental Army and the fledgling United States following the Revolutionary War. In this letter, Washington emphasized the urgent need for states to honor their commitments to the army, including the payment of back wages and pensions owed to soldiers, while urging a smooth and orderly disbandment of the forces. He stressed that the nation’s stability depended on a cooperative relationship between state governments and the military, highlighting the importance of civic virtue, public trust, and adherence to the principles fought for during the war. Washington also used the letter to reinforce the necessity of unity among the states under the Articles of Confederation, cautioning that the sacrifices of the army would be meaningless if the new nation descended into disorder or disunity. The Circular Letter reflects Washington’s foresight and leadership, laying the groundwork for a culture of civilian control over the military and responsibility to the republic, principles that would become central to American governance.