1To George Washington from Charles Pettit, 9 December 1783 (Washington Papers)
We beg leave to present to your Excellency our Congratulations on the perfect Establishment of American Independance. We cannot look back upon past Events, nor compare them with present Prospects, without feeling a Glow of Gratitude and Joy. The Boldness of the Attempt and the Success of our Efforts have equally surprized Mankind. But amid the various Orders of Citizens who have contended for...