To the General Officers of the Army. assembled in Council at the New Building April 17th 1783

Gentlemen

It is well known to you that the first intimations of a general Peace have been given to us some time past by a casual conveyance, and published accordingly to the Army, and that the same intelligence has since been received by Sir Guy Carleton from the British Court, in consequence of which, a cessation of Hostilities has been proclaimed in New York. I am now to inform you, Gentlemen, that the Official Dispatches of Congress, announcing this most glorious Event, with their proclamation, prohibiting all Acts of Hostility against the King of Great Britain, were yesterday put into my hands; these Communications will be laid before you for your farther Information.

Having received no particular Instructions, respecting the Army, from Congress or any of their Ministers; being informed from various quarters that the British Troops are not making vigorous preparations for their departure from the United States; being given to understand the non commissioned Officers of our Army are beginning to make new and unusual demands of compensation for their services, and being apprehensive the Soldiers enlisted for the War, will instantly claim their discharges, and unless gratified in their Wishes, that the most disagreeable consequences will ensue, I am, under these peculiar circumstances, to request your opinions on the following Questions—viz.

lst Ought the Intelligence received yesterday to be communicated in the public Orders immediately or not?

2d In case of Communication, what conduct should be adopted at the moment, respecting the Men engaged for the War?

3d In case it should be deemed expedient to defer the publication, to what period should it be postponed?

4th Under the supposition of deferring the publication untill the Farther pleasure of Congress shall be known, what preparitory measures can or ought to be taken, respecting the disolution of the Army. I am Gentlemen Your Most Obedt Servant.