To George Washington from William Moore, 7 December 1781

The Trustees and Faculty of the University of Pennsylvania, deeply impressed with a sense of the many important services you have rendered to America, happy in the protection which this seminary of learning, in common with others, has obtained by your exertions, and elated with the pleasing prospect of the progress of science and the establishment of peace and Independence, beg leave to testify their participation of the general joy that is felt by all the friends of their country, on the capture of Lord Cornwallis and his army. Penetrated with the most lively sentiments of gratitude to Heaven for the preservation of your important life, they feel an additional pleasure in the reflection, that it has pleased the Most High, who superintends and directs the Counsels of States and Princes, to accomplish this glorious event under the immediate auspices of Your Excellency, in conjunction with the United Counsels and forces of America & France; an event which must tend to humble the pride of Britain, while it cements the union and strengthens the affection of the confederate nations, and encircles with unfading glory the head of that Magnanimous Prince, to whom we are so much indebted, and which will transmit to posterity with honor, the names of his intrepid officers, particularly the Counts De Grasse and Rochambeau, who with distinguished wisdom alacrity, zeal and abilities, have seconded the Wishes of their sovereign by uniting their exertions in the execution of Your Excellencys well concerted and judicious plan.

By order, and in behalf of the Board of Trustees