496 Journal and Correspondence.

December
20
Liber C. B.
No. 24
p. 470

this City, with hearts full of Gratitude and Affection. As long, Sir,
as Mankind shall retain a proper sense of the Blessings of Peace,
Liberty, and Safety, your Character in every Country, and in every
Age, will be honored, admired and revered; but to a Mind elevated
as yours, the consciousness of having done great and illustrious Deeds,
from the purest Principles of Patriotism, of having by your Wisdom
and Magnanimity, arrested the Arm of Tyranny, saved a Dear Coun-
try and Millions of Fellow Citizens, and Millions yet unborn, from
Slavery, and all the Horrors and Calamities of Slavery, and placed
their rights and Liberties on a Permanent Foundation, must yield a
Satisfaction infinitely superior to all the Pomp and eclat of applaud-
ing Ages and admiring Worlds. —
Attached to your Excellency by the strongest Obligations; and
feeling the most lively impressions of your unequalled Worth and
public usefullness; We beg you to accept of our Warmest Wishes that
your life may be prolonged to a far Distant period, and that it may
be as happy in your retirement as it has been Glorious in the field.
With every Sentiment of respect & regard
We have the honor to be
Your Excellency's most obedient
His Excellency and most humble servants
General Washington. — W^m Paca —

To which His Excellency returned the following answer
Sir,
I shall ever cherish a pleasing rememberance of the welcome re-
ception I have experienced from your Excellency, and the Council,
on my return to this City, after the happy termination of the War.
The flattering Sentiments you entertain of my exertions in Defence
of our Country, and the favorable point of light in which you place
my Character, too strongly demonstrate your Friendship, not to claim
the most grateful return from me. — Convinced from Experience of
the Wisdom and Decision which have signalized the Government of

p. 471

Maryland, I cannot form a better wish for the future prosperity of
the State, than that the same Spirit of Justice, and Patriotism, which
actuated its Councils during a long and Eventful War; may Continue
to dictate its Measures through a Durable and happy peace.
With the most perfect consideration,
I have the Honor to be
Sir
Your Excellencys most obedient
and most humble servant
Annapolis Decem^r 1783. G Washington

December

22

Liber C. B.
No. 24
p. 471

Monday 22^d December 1783.

Present The Honorable Gabriel Duvall, John H Stone & James
Brice Esq^rs