The writings of George Washington; being his correspondence, addresses, messages, and other papers, official and private, selected and published from the original manuscripts; with a life of the author, notes and illustrations. By Jared Sparks.

PART II.] THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 209
you, Sir, on a release from the fatigues and troubles
of so arduous and important a task, I beg you to accept my sincere thanks for the pleasure and satisfaction, which I have received in the correspondence with
which you have honored me, and the many interesting communications of intelligence with which you have
favored me. I am, dear Sir, &c.*
TO WILLIAM RAMSAY, WILLIAM RUMNEY, JOHN FITZGERALD, ROBERT F. HOOE, AND OTHERS,
INHABITANTS OF ALEXANDRIA.
Alexandria, 20 November, 1781.
GENTLEMEN,
I accept with peculiar satisfaction the very kind and
affectionate address of the citizens of Alexandria. The
long experience, which in former times I have had of
their sincerity and cordiality, stamps it with particular
value; and permit me to say, that, to make a peaceful
return to this agreeable society of my fellow citizens,
is among the most ardent of my wishes, and would
prove my greatest comfort for all the toils and vicissitudes, which I have experienced during my absence.
The great Director of events has carried us through
a variety of scenes, during this long and bloody contest, in which we have been for seven campaigns most
nobly struggling. The present prospect is pleasing.
The late success at Yorktown is very promising, but
on our own improvement of it depend its future good
consequences. A vigorous prosecution of this success
* President McKean, being Chief Justice of the State of Pennsylvania,
was obliged to retire from Congress for a time to attend to the duties
of that office. Mr. Hanson, of Maryland, was chosen to succeed him as
President of Congress on the 5th of November.
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