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Farewell to the Army
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Farewell to Army







Farewell to the Army
by George Washington

 

It only remains for the Comdr in Chief to address himself once more, and that for the time, to the Armies of the U States . . . and to bid them an affectionate, a long farewell....

It is universally acknowledged, that the enlarged prospects of happiness, opened by the conformation of our independence and sovereignty, almost exceeds the power of description. And shall not the brave men, who have contributed so essentially to these inestimable acquisitions, retiring victorious from the field of War to the field of agriculture,participate in all the blessings which have been obtained; in such a republic, who will exclude them from the rights of Citizens and the fruits of their labour?

To those hardy Soldiers, who are actuated by the spirit of adventure the Fisheries will afford ample and profitable employment,and the extensive and fertile regions of the West will yield a most happy asylum to those,who, fond of domestic enjoyments are seeking for personal independence....

The Commander in Chief conceives little is now wanting to enable the Soldiers to change the military character into that of the Citizen,but that steady and decent tenor of behavior which has generally distinguished, not only the Army under his immediate command,but the different detachments and separate Armies through the course of the war. From their good sense and prudence he anticipates the happiest consequences; and while he congratulates them on the glorious occasion,which renders their services in the field no longer necessary, he wishes to express the strong obligations he feels himself under for the assistance he has received from every Class, and in every instance....

To the various branches of the Army the General takes this last and solemn opportunity of professing his inviolable attachment and friendship. He wishes more than bare professions were in his power, that he were really able to be useful to them all in future life....

And being now to conclude these his last public Orders, to take his ultimate leave in a short time of the military character, and to bid a final adieu to the Armies he has so long had the honor to Command, he can only again offer in their behalf his recommendations to their grateful country, and his prayers to the God of Armies.

May ample justice be done them here, and may the choicest of heaven's favours, both here and hereafter, attend those who, under the divine auspices, have secured innumerable blessings for others; with these wishes,and this benediction, the Commander in Chief is about to retire from Service. The curtain of separation will soon be drawn, and the military scene to him will be closed for ever.

 

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