To George Washington from J. Foy Chase, 22 December 1783

The Mayor Recorder Aldermen and Common Council of the City of Annapolis congratulate your Excellency on the Restoration of Peace and the Establishment of the Freedom and Independence of the United States of America. The Citizens feel themselves particularly happy in this Opportunity afforded them of expressing their sincere Approbation of your most disenterested and unexampled Conduct through every Stage of the War and the high sense they entertain of your excellent Virtues, Fortitude and unremitting Perseverance under the Pressure of the greatest Difficulties; To you they esteem themselves principally indebted under the Favor and Smiles of Providence for the inestimable Blessings of Peace and Freedom; this Acknowledgment flows from Hearts filled with Gratitude and the most perfect Respect and Veneration for your Person and Character.

In your Retirement to the peaceful and pleasing Scenes of domestic Tranquility may America long experience the benign Influence of your Example and benefit by the salutary Suggestions of your Wisdom, and may you Sir, long enjoy your Health and the heavenly Sensations arising from a consciousness of having done every thing for your Country and wrested her from oppressive Hand of unrelenting Tyrany without the Hope of any Reward but the Approbation of a free People. We are with every Sentiment of Esteem and Respect Your Ecellencys Most obedient Servants