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George Washington: The commander in chief inquires how he should retire
Gen. George Washington arrived in Annapolis, Maryland, on December 20, 1783, at the end of the Revolutionary War. He penned this note to the Continental Congress asking how they would like him to officially resign, "whether in writing or at an audience" so that he "may regulate his conduct accordingly." Three days later, before the assembled Congress, he announced his resignation as commander in chief. Washington set many precedents, but this resignation was a precedent in itself: many believed he could have become a king or dictator, but Washington chose to give the power back to Congress. |