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WASHINGTON, George (1732-1799). Autograph letter signed (“Go: Washington”) to François Jean de Beauvoir, Chevalier de Chastellux (1734-1788), Mount Vernon, 1 February 1784. 2 pages, 4to, very fine.
Washington on his retirement: “I am at length become a private Citizen on the banks of the Patomack; where under my own vine and Fig tree-- free from the bustle of a Camp, and the Intrigues of a Court…”
Washington’s return to life as a private citizen after seven years of warfare. In December he had relinquished to Congress his Commission as Commander-in-Chief, and bade farewell to military service and civil affairs. His satisfaction is palpable: “I have the honor to receive your favor...from L'Orient, & hope this Letter will find you in the circle of your friends at Paris — well recovered from the fatigues of your long inspection on the frontiers of the Kingdom.—”
“I am at length become a private Citizen on the banks of the Patomack; where under my own vine and Fig tree— free from the bustle of a Camp, and the Intrigues of a Court— I shall view the busy world, with calm indifference, & with that serenity of mind, which the Soldier, in his pursuit of glory; and the Statesman of a name have not leizure to enjoy.— I am not only retired from all public employments, but I am retiring within myself; and shall tread the private walks of life with heartfelt satisfaction.”
Christmas Eve at Mount Vernon. “After seeing New York evacuated by the British forces on the 25th of November, & civil Government established in the City; I repaired to Congress & surrendered all my powers, with my Commission, into their hands on the 23d. of December; and arrived at this Cottage the day before Christmas, where I have been close locked up ever since in Frost & Snow.— Mrs. Washington thanks you for your kind remembrance of her, and prays you to accept her best wishes in return. With sentiments of pure and unabated friendship...”
Letter book copy published in Papers, Confederation Series, 1:85-86.
Washington on his retirement: “I am at length become a private Citizen on the banks of the Patomack; where under my own vine and Fig tree-- free from the bustle of a Camp, and the Intrigues of a Court…”
Washington’s return to life as a private citizen after seven years of warfare. In December he had relinquished to Congress his Commission as Commander-in-Chief, and bade farewell to military service and civil affairs. His satisfaction is palpable: “I have the honor to receive your favor...from L'Orient, & hope this Letter will find you in the circle of your friends at Paris — well recovered from the fatigues of your long inspection on the frontiers of the Kingdom.—”
“I am at length become a private Citizen on the banks of the Patomack; where under my own vine and Fig tree— free from the bustle of a Camp, and the Intrigues of a Court— I shall view the busy world, with calm indifference, & with that serenity of mind, which the Soldier, in his pursuit of glory; and the Statesman of a name have not leizure to enjoy.— I am not only retired from all public employments, but I am retiring within myself; and shall tread the private walks of life with heartfelt satisfaction.”
Christmas Eve at Mount Vernon. “After seeing New York evacuated by the British forces on the 25th of November, & civil Government established in the City; I repaired to Congress & surrendered all my powers, with my Commission, into their hands on the 23d. of December; and arrived at this Cottage the day before Christmas, where I have been close locked up ever since in Frost & Snow.— Mrs. Washington thanks you for your kind remembrance of her, and prays you to accept her best wishes in return. With sentiments of pure and unabated friendship...”
Letter book copy published in Papers, Confederation Series, 1:85-86.