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. 475
Notwithstanding Congress seem to estimate the value of my life beyond any services I have been able to
render the United States, yet I must be permitted to
consider the wisdom and unanimity of our national
councils, the firmness of our citizens, and the patience
and bravery of our troops, which have produced so
happy a termination of the war, as the most conspicuous effect of the Divine interposition, and the surest
presage of our future happiness.
Highly gratified by the favorable sentiments, which
Congress are pleased to express of my past conduct,
and amply rewarded'by the confidence and affection of my fellow citizens, I cannot hesitate to contribute my best endeavours towards the establishment
of the national security, in whatever manner the sovereign power may think proper to direct, until the
ratification of the definitive treaty of peace, or the final
evacuation of our country by the British forces; after
either of which events, I shall ask permission to retire
to the peaceful shades of private life.
Perhaps, Sir, no occasion may offer more suitable
than the present, to express my humble thanks to God,
and my grateful acknowledgments to my country, for
the great and uniform support I have received in every
vicissitude of fortune, and for the many distinguished
honors, which Congress have been pleased to confer
upon me in the course of the war.
services. She wishes to avail herself of your talents in forming the
arrangements, that will be necessary for her security in the time of
peace. For this reason your attendance at Congress has been requested.
A committee is appointed to confer with your Excellency, and to receive your assistance in preparing and digesting plans relative to those
important objects."