"George Washington Resigns His Commission"

[Newsletter]

"George Washington Resigns His Commission"

By: AH1Tom

In December of 1783, George Washington resigned his commission. By voluntarily relinquishing his authority as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, Washington inaugurated the principle of civilian supremacy over the military and illustrated his steadfast adherence to republican values rather than personal glorification.

The American Revolutionary War basically ended in October 1781 with the surrender of British forces at Yorktown. Nevertheless, peace was only officially declared at the ratification of the Treaty of Paris in September 1783. In the interim, General Washington retained command of the Continental Army, stationed in New York, awaiting directives from Congress.

The decision by Washington to surrender his command was extraordinary, particularly within a historical context wherein victorious military leaders frequently assumed political control. The young American republic was apprehensive regarding the possibility of a military dictatorship such as had transpired in earlier revolutions of other nations. Washington, however, sought to reassure both its compatriots and the international community that the United States would pursue a different course.

On December 23, 1783, General Washington entered the Maryland State House in Annapolis to present himself before the Continental Congress. In the assembly were dignitaries and congressional representatives, Washington delivered a concise yet moving address. He conveyed his gratitude for the trust that had been vested in him, lauded the sacrifices made by his soldiers, and formally tendered his resignation as commander-in-chief.

Among the notable remarks of his address was the following: "Having now finished the work assigned me, I retire from the great theatre of action, and bidding an affectionate farewell to this august body under whose orders I have so long acted, I here offer my commission, and take my leave of all the employments of public life."

The resignation was received with esteem both domestically and abroad. King George III of the United Kingdom purportedly commented that, should Washington surrender his power voluntarily, "he would be the greatest man in the world." Through this act, Washington firmly established the doctrine that the military is subordinate to civilian governance, which has since become a foundational principle of American democracy.

This precedent facilitated Washington's subsequent election as the first President of the United States. His conduct has served as an example to subsequent generations of American leaders, epitomizing the virtues of humility, dedication to the public good, and respect for constitutional government.

The resignation of George Washington as commander-in-chief constitutes a defining chapter in the annals of American history. It heralded a peaceful transition from war to peace and underscored the new nation's dedication to republican ideals.




Image Description: General George Washington Resigning His Commission: depicts George Washington's resignation as commander-in-chief of the Army to the Congress, which was then meeting at the Maryland State House in Annapolis, on December 23, 1783. This action was of great significance in establishing civilian, rather than military rule, leading to a republic, rather than a dictatorship. Washington stands with two aides-de-camp addressing the president of the Congress, Thomas Mifflin, and others, such as Elbridge Gerry, Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and James Madison. Mrs. Washington and her three grandchildren are shown watching from the gallery, although they were not in fact present at the event.

Image Source: John Trumbull - Architect of the Capitol; Public Domain; "General George Washington Resigning his Commission"; Commissioned in 1817, placed in the rotunda in 1824. Prints published by 1870