The New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser

Dec. 8. At Frances's tavern last Thursday at noon, there was a numerous meeting of officers of the first distinction in the American army, to take leave of their great Commander, General Washington; who, on filling a glass of wine, addressed his brave compatriots as follows:

"With an heart full of love and gratitude, I now take my leave of you: I most devoutly wish that your latter days may be as prosperous and happy, as your former ones have been glorious and honorable."

The respectable body convened on this important occasion, comprised the courageous soldier, the invaluable patriot, and sincere friend to the interests of society. Deeply impressed with a steadfast sensibility of his Excellency's amiable manners, and conspicuous virtues, an earnest anxiety to acknowledge them was minutely legible throughout the whole meeting, and exercised the nicest feelings of human nature.

An affection so laudable and sincere on the part of the community, could not be enhanced by the highest finished eloquence: yet it must in strict justice be allowed, that they received his Excellency's concise and characteristic address with indescribable emotions of admiration and unfeigned esteem; and replied to it in animated terms, which reflect the highest honor on men vying with each other to express their veneration for so dignified a commonwealth, and its illustrious founders. His excellency the Governor, the attendant officers of state, and many citizens of repute, gave the most conspicuous proofs of their regard for the General's true merit, in a sincere and affectionate farewell.

The corps of light infantry was drawn up in a line; the Commander in Chief, about two o'clock, passed through them on his way to Whitehall, where he embarked in his barge for Powles Hook. He is attended by General the Baron de Steuben: proposes to make a short stay at Philadelphia; will thence proceed to Annapolis, where he will resign his commission of General of the American Armies into the hands of the Continental Congress from whom it was derived: immediately after which, his Excellency will set out for his seat named Mount Vernon, in Virginia; emulating the example of his model, the virtuous Roman General, who, victorious, left the tented field, covered with honor, and withdrew from public life, to enjoy otium cum dignitate.