The New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser

By the UNITED STATES in CONGRESS assembled, August 7, 1783.

Resolved unanimously (ten states being present) That an equestrian statue of General Washington be erected at the place where the residence of Congress shall be established.

Resolved, That the statue be of bronze: the General to be represented in a Roman dress, holding a truncheon in his right hand, and his head encircled with a laurel wreath: the statue to be supported by a marble pedestal, on which are to be represented, in bass relievo, the following principal events of the war, in which General Washington commanded in person, viz. The evacuation of Boston—The Capture of the Hessians at Trenton—The Battle of Princeton—The Action of Monmouth—And the surrender of York. On the upper part of the front of the pedestal to be engraved as follows: The United States in Congress assembled ordered this statue to be erected, in the year of our Lord 1783, in honor of George Washington, the illustrious Commander in Chief of the Armies of the United States of America during the war which vindicated and secured their liberty, sovereignty and independence."

Resolved, That a statue conformable to the above plan be executed by the best artist in Europe, under the superintendance of the Minister of the United States at the Court of Versailles, and that money to defray the expense of the same be furnished from the treasury of the United States.

Resolved, That the Secretary of Congress transmit to the Minister of the United States at the Court of Versailles, the best resemblance of General Washington that can be procured, for the purpose of having the above statue erected, together with the full description of the events which are to be the subject of the bass relievo.

United States in Congress assembled. (Princeton) August 25, 1783.

According to order, General Washington attended, and being introduced by two members, the President addressed him as follows:

SIR,

CONGRESS feel particular pleasure in seeing your Excellency, and in congratulating you on the success of a war in which you have acted so conspicuous a part:

It has been the singular happiness of the United States that during a war so long, so dangerous and so important, Providence has been graciously pleased to preserve the life of a General, who has merited and possessed the uninterrupted confidence and affection of his fellow citizens. In other nations many have performed services for which they deserved and received the thanks of the public; but to you Sir, peculiar praise is due your services have been essential in acquiring and establishing the freedom and Independence of your country; they deserve the grateful acknowledgments of a free and independent nation; these acknowledgments Congress have the satisfaction of expressing to your Excellency.

Hostilities have now ceased, but your country still needs your services; she wishes to avail herself of your talents in forming the arrangements which will be necessary for her in time of peace; and 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.

To which his Excellency made the following Reply.

Mr. PRESIDENT,

I am too sensible of the honorable reception I have now experienced, not to be penetrated with the deepest feelings of gratitude.

Notwithstanding Congress appear to estimate the value of my life beyond my services I have been able to render the United States, yet I must be permitted to consider the wisdom and unanimity of our 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 effects of the Divine interposition, and the surest presages of our future happiness.

Highly gratified by the favourable 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 endeavors 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 shade of private life.