1. When GW was met by New Bern citizens at West’s ferry on the Neuse River on 20 April, he probably was presented with an address signed by James Coor, Mayor Joseph Leech, Federal District Court judge John Sitgreaves, Benjamin Williams, Daniel Carthy, William McClure, Samuel Chapman, and Isaac Guion: “Sir, With hearts impressed with the most lively emotions of Love, Esteem and Veneration, We meet you at this time to express the joy We feel in your visit to the State of North Carolina. We Sympathize with You in those delightful sensations, which you now so fully experience when We reflect with you on our past difficulties and dangers during a long and arduous War—and contrast these with the bright, the glorious prospects which present themselves—of our beloved Country’s enjoying in perfect peace, the inestimable blessings of Civil and Religious Liberty. Our Souls overflow with gratitude to the bountiful Dispenser of all good Gifts, that He has committed to your hands the reins of Government in that Country during peace, of which you have been so lately the defence against the Arm of Despotism and Arbitrary Sway. May Almighty God prolong that Life, which has been so eminently useful to the Human Race, for it is not America Alone—but the World shall learn from your example to what a stupendous heigth of Glory, a Nation may be elevated—whose free-born souls are fired with a sincere love of Liberty. It is our most earnest Prayer to the throne of Heavenly Grace that the divine Benediction may accompany you here and hereafter” (DLC:GW). For GW’s trip from Petersburg, Va., to New Bern, and his activities at the latter, see Diaries description begins Donald Jackson and Dorothy Twohig, eds. The Diaries of George Washington. 6 vols. Charlottesville, Va., 1976–79. description ends , 6:112–17.

2. The text from the middle of this word on is taken from the letter-book copy.