George Washington's resignation as commander-in-chief

In the heart of Annapolis, Maryland, a pivotal moment in American history unfolded within the hallowed halls of the Maryland State House. Here, on December 23, 1783, General George Washington resigned his commission as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, an act that resonated with profound significance and laid the groundwork for the young nation's future. This historic event, often hailed as one of the greatest acts of statesmanship, is a testament to Washington's character and his unwavering commitment to the principles of republicanism and civilian control of the military.

The Prelude to Resignation

After the Treaty of Paris was signed on September 3, 1783, officially ending the American Revolutionary War, and the British troops had evacuated New York City on November 25, George Washington's thoughts turned to his return to civilian life. He had already bid farewell to his army at Rockingham near Princeton, New Jersey, on November 2, and to his officers at Fraunces Tavern in New York City on December 4. The final step was to resign his commission to the Congress of the Confederation, which was then convening in Annapolis.

Washington arrived in Annapolis on December 19, 1783, where he was warmly welcomed by Generals William Smallwood and Horatio Gates at the Three Mile Oak. The following day, he wrote to Congress inquiring about the method of his resignation, whether it should be done in person or through a written statement. In response, President of the Continental Congress, Thomas Mifflin, appointed a committee consisting of Thomas Jefferson, James McHenry, and Elbridge Gerry to arrange the details.

A Grand Farewell

On December 22, Washington was honored with a grand feast at Mann's Tavern, attended by between two and three hundred gentlemen. That evening, Maryland Governor William Paca hosted a public ball at the State House, where nearly six hundred guests gathered to celebrate. Washington, known for his grace and skill as a dancer, impressed the French officers in attendance with his performance of the minuet, a dance that epitomized his elegance and poise.

The Resignation Ceremony

At noon on December 23, the historic resignation ceremony took place in the Senate Chamber of the Maryland State House. Charles Thomson, the secretary of the Continental Congress, led Washington, accompanied by his aides-de-camp, Colonel David Humphreys and Colonel Benjamin Walker, into the chamber. In a solemn and poignant moment, Washington addressed the assembly with a speech that reflected his deep sense of duty and his hopes for the nation's future:

Happy in the confirmation of our Independence and Sovereignty, and pleased with the opportunity afforded the United States of becoming a respectable Nation, I resign with satisfaction the Appointment I accepted with diffidence.… I consider it an indispensable duty to close this last solemn act of my Official life, by commending the Interests of our dearest Country to the protection of Almighty God, and those who have the superintendence of them, to his holy keeping. 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.

With these words, Washington handed his commission and his speech to President Mifflin, marking the end of his military service and his return to private life. The following day, December 24, Washington departed for his beloved residence at Mount Vernon.

The Legacy of Washington's Resignation

Washington's resignation was a moment of immense historical importance, symbolizing his commitment to republican ideals and his rejection of absolute power. It established a precedent for civilian control of the military and underscored the principle that no individual, no matter how revered, was above the law. This act of self-restraint and humility earned Washington international acclaim and solidified his legacy as a model of virtuous leadership.

Brown University historian Gordon S. Wood described Washington as the perfect Cincinnatus, referring to the Roman patriot who returned to his farm after his victories in war. Washington's resignation, Wood argued, was the greatest act of his life and the one that secured his enduring fame. King George III of England, upon hearing of Washington's resignation, reportedly remarked that it made Washington the greatest character of the age.

John Trumbull, an American artist and former aide-de-camp to Washington, captured this historic moment in his life-size painting, General George Washington Resigning His Commission, which now hangs in the United States Capitol rotunda. Trumbull considered Washington's resignation one of the highest moral lessons ever given to the world, a sentiment echoed by historian Thomas Fleming, who described it as the most important moment in American history.

Artistic Depictions

The significance of Washington's resignation has been immortalized in various artistic forms. Raimondo Trentanove carved a bas-relief of the scene on the pedestal of Antonio Canova's statue of George Washington, which was installed in the North Carolina State House in 1821. Although both were destroyed by fire in 1831, their legacy endures. Enrico Causici's statue of Washington resigning his commission atop the Washington Monument in Baltimore, completed in 1829, and Horatio Greenough's 1840 sculpture of Washington returning power to the people, now housed in the National Museum of American History, are other notable depictions.

In 1858, Edwin White painted Washington Resigning His Commission for the Maryland Legislature, and it is now displayed in the Grand Staircase of the Maryland State House. Edwin Blashfield's 1903 mural, Washington Surrendering His Commission, located in the Clarence Mitchell Courthouse in Baltimore, further commemorates this defining moment in American history.

Today, visitors to Annapolis can explore the Maryland State House and stand in the very room where Washington's resignation took place. This site, steeped in history, offers a profound connection to the past and a reminder of the enduring principles upon which the United States was founded. As you walk through these historic halls, you can almost hear the echoes of Washington's farewell, a testament to his enduring legacy and the birth of a nation committed to liberty and justice for all.