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Subject Area: War and Peace
Topic: The American Revolution and Constitution

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. - George Washington, The Writings of George Washington, vol. X (1782-1785) [1891]

Edition used:

The Writings of George Washington, collected and edited by Worthington Chauncey Ford (New York and London: G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 1890). Vol. X (1782-1785).

Part of: The Writings of George Washington, 14 vols.

About Liberty Fund:

Liberty Fund, Inc. is a private, educational foundation established to encourage the study of the ideal of a society of free and responsible individuals.


TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Sir,

Sir,

By the last post I was honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 1st instant, enclosing the resolve of Congress directing my attendance at Princeton.

I take the earliest opportunity to inform Congress of my arrival in this city, with the intention of asking leave to resign the commission I have the honor of holding in their service. It is essential for me to know their pleasure, and in what manner it will be most proper to offer my resignation, whether in writing, or at an audience. I shall therefore request to be honored with the necessary information, that, being apprized of the sentiments of Congress, I may regulate my conduct accordingly. I have the honor to be, &c.1

Notwithstanding my horses had arrived but a day or two before, and were much fatigued, I should have set out immediately, had it not been for the indisposition of Mrs. Washington, who, during my absence, had been seized with a fever, had a return of it since, and is now in a very weak and low state. This circumstance, together with a desire of packing my papers and making arrangements for a final remove, (being uncertain of the objects Congress have in view, by my attendance, or how long I may be detained at Princeton,) will, I hope, avail as an excuse for my delay.

[1 ]A committee, composed of Jefferson, Gerry, and McHenry, prepared the following report, which was adopted by Congress:

“Resolved That the order for the public audience of General Washington be as follows:

1. The President and members are to be seated and covered and the Secy. to be standing by the side of the president.

2. The arrival of the general is to be announced by the Messenger to the Secy.—who is thereupon to introduce the general attended by his Aids to the hall of Congress.

3. The general being conducted to a chair by the Secy. is to be seated with an Aid on each side standing and the Secy. is to resume his place.

4. After a proper time for the arrangement of spectators silence is to be ordered by the Secy.—if necessary and the president is to address the general in the following words:

“ ‘Sir, The United States in Congress assembled are prepared to receive your communications.’

“Where upon the general is to arise and address Congress, after which he is to deliver his Commission and a copy of his address to the president.

5. The general having resumed his place the President is to deliver the answer of Congress which the general is to receive standing.

6. The President having finished, the Secy. is to deliver the general a copy of the answer and the general is then to take his leave.

“When the general rises to make his address and also when he retires he is to bow to Congress, which they are to return by uncovering without bowing. 22 December, 1783.”

[1 ]A committee, composed of Jefferson, Gerry, and McHenry, prepared the following report, which was adopted by Congress:

“Resolved That the order for the public audience of General Washington be as follows:

1. The President and members are to be seated and covered and the Secy. to be standing by the side of the president.

2. The arrival of the general is to be announced by the Messenger to the Secy.—who is thereupon to introduce the general attended by his Aids to the hall of Congress.

3. The general being conducted to a chair by the Secy. is to be seated with an Aid on each side standing and the Secy. is to resume his place.

4. After a proper time for the arrangement of spectators silence is to be ordered by the Secy.—if necessary and the president is to address the general in the following words:

“ ‘Sir, The United States in Congress assembled are prepared to receive your communications.’

“Where upon the general is to arise and address Congress, after which he is to deliver his Commission and a copy of his address to the president.

5. The general having resumed his place the President is to deliver the answer of Congress which the general is to receive standing.

6. The President having finished, the Secy. is to deliver the general a copy of the answer and the general is then to take his leave.

“When the general rises to make his address and also when he retires he is to bow to Congress, which they are to return by uncovering without bowing. 22 December, 1783.”