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General George Washington Resigning His Military Commission Before Congress, December 23, 1783

Kevin Woest, 2014
Watercolor
MSA SC 1545-3479


General George Washington resigning his  commission before Congress

This depiction of General George Washington resigning his commission before Congress was completed by artist Kevin Woest (2014) as part of the Maryland State House's Old Senate Chamber restoration and exhibits. The full size mural is displayed downstairs in the Committee Room.

This watercolor is the result of efforts to create the most accurate depiction of the resignation ceremony to date. It captures the moment Washington entered the Old Senate Chamber at noon on December 23, 1783 to resign his commission as commander-in-chief, thereby reinforcing civilian control of the military, in one of the most significant events to happen in early American history.

Specific known attendees are highlighted in the scene, including President of Congress Thomas Mifflin, Secretary of Congress Charles Thomson, the three Maryland delegates (James McHenry, Edward Lloyd IV, and Jeremiah Townley Chase), the last proprietary governor Sir Robert Eden, and, in the gallery, Molly Ridout, an Annapolitan who provided the only known citizen account of the resignation.

Governor's Office
Works of art

George Washington Resigining
Wye Oak Desk