I consider the approbation of the Representatives of a free and virtuous People as the most enviable reward that can ever be conferred on a public Character.

A sense of duty impelled me to contribute, whatever My Sword or my Pen could effect, towards the establishment of our Freedom & Independence—The smiles of Providence on the united exertions of my fellow Citizens have compleated our successes—And it remains to be my first and most earnest desire that the United States may profit by the happy occasion, and preserve by wisdom & justice that liberty & honor they have so nobly maintained by Arms.

Anticipating the encreasing happiness & lustre of this growing Empire, I shall return to private life with a degree of satisfaction more easily to be conceived than expressed.

As this is the last time, I shall have the honor of seeing you Gentlemen in my official character, I cannot bid you a final farewell, without acknowledging the assistance I have frequently derived from your State, and the pleasure I have lately recd from a contemplation of the illustrious Example of the Legislature in adopting the recommendations of congress with so much promptness & unanimity—May the Representatives & Citizens of this Commonwealth continue to possess the same good dispositions, and may they be as happy in the enjoyment of Peace as it is possible for a wise, just, & united People to be.