The intelligence of this important event filled the union with joyous exultation. Public thanks were voted by congress to Washington, the Count Rochambeau, the Count de Grasse, and all the forces employed in the expedition. Trophies were presented to the three commanders as testimonials of gratitude : a marble column was ordered to be erected at Yorktown to the glory of the allied arms, and the thirteenth of December was appointed as a day of general thanksgiving to Divine Providence. State legislatures, corporations and learned institu tions presented addresses of congratulation to the commander-in-chief, in which the public veneration for his character was warmly and strongly ex pressed.
Washington was anxious to secure the further aid of the French fleet in an expedition to be directed against Charleston or Wilmington: but the engagements of the admiral in the West Indies, prevented him from joining in any operations except the transportation to the head of Elk river of the eastern troops under General Lincoln and the cannon of the army. This division was can toned in New York and New Jersey. The French forces remained in Virginia, so as to be in readi ness the next campaign for either a northern or southern movement.
The conquest of York was the crowning glory of the war, and shed its beneficial influences upon every department. General Greene was in the midst of a skilful and active campaign, marked by the sanguinary battles of Hobkirk's hill and the Eutaws, in which the fortune of America was gra dually advancing to the ascendant. Wilmington was immediately evacuated by the British, who were now restricted to their posts in the neighbour hood of Charleston and the sea-coast: and civil government was thus again restored to the re conquered state of South Carolina.
Great apprehensions were entertained by Wash ington, that the glorious achievements of the last campaign would prevent the necessary preparations for the next. His own mind was deeply impressed with the advantages to be derived from a vigorous improvement of the victory. Towards the end of November, he proceeded to Philadelphia; where conferences were held with Congress and the prin cipal officers of the government. The usual difficulties of an empty treasury were to be con tended with, and the most judicious efforts pro duced none but the most inadequate results.
The British nation had now become wearied of a disastrous and expensive war, in which their feel ings had never been engaged. The public senti ment reflected in parliament produced a change of ministry, and instructions were issued to the seve ral commanders to desist from offensive operations. Mr. Grenville was sent to Paris for the purpose of treating on the basis of a general.pcace. These pacific dispositions, combined with the derange ment of the American finances, produced in 1782 a campaign of inactivity so far as regarded the main armies of both belligerents. Early in 1783, the
definitive treaty of peace was signed, acknowledg ing the independence of the United States of America.
The disbanding of the army by a government unable to settle arrears, or to furnish one month's pay to transport the soldiers to their homes, was an extremely delicate operation, which could not have been executed without the aid of the high confidence reposed in the commander-in-chief. Some disturbances arose in the line of the army, and a jealous dissatisfaction at the measures of Congress was exhibited very generally among the officers; but all was at length appeased by the de cisive weight of character possessed by a single citizen. On the 4th of December, in the city of New York, Washington took leave of his gallant and devoted army. His own emotions on an oc casion so interesting. were too strong to be con cealed. Tears stood in every eye, and not a word disturbed the solemnity of this sublime spectacle. After he had affectionately saluted all his officers, the war-worn commander embarked in a barge and waved his hat; the assembled veterans an swered with the same respectful and affectionate farewell, and returned to their homes in silent melancholy.
Washington then proceeded to Annapolis, in order to resign into the hands of the assembled Congress the power with which he had been in vested. The 2Scl of December was the day fixed for his public audience. The members and an immense crowd of spectators stood uncovered, while the president announced to the American hero, that " the United States in Congress as sembled were prepared to receive his commu nications." With the dignity that belonged to his character and the occasion, Washington delivered a brief address, and returned his commission to the presiding officer. An answer was given, in which the thanks of the nation were strongly and sincerely expressed to him, " the glory of whose virtues was not to terminate with military command, but would continue to animate remotest ages." Washington retired to Mount Vernon, followed by the veneration and love of his grateful country men. In his own language, '' he felt himself cased of a load of public care, and hoped to spend the remainder of his days in cultivating the affec tions of all good men, and in the practice of domestic virtues." His time was devoted to the pursuits and the study of agriculture, the pleasures of intercourse, and the advancement of great works of internal improvement. As president of the Po tomac navigation company, he laboured assidu ously in this important department of public wel fare.