From George Washington to George Martin, 10 August 1783

So long a Course of Time as you mention, had indeed obscured the Remembrance of our former Acquaintance, ‘till the Letter you have favored me with, bthe recollection of your Name to my Mind—Your good Sense has furnished me an Apology, should any be needed—and the Occasion which introduces this renewal of former Times, is most plea[s]ing indeed—Your Congratulations to our happy-fated Country, are very agreable, and your Expressions of personal Regard for me, claim my sincerest Thanks—as do your Exertions in favor of our righteous Cause, now so happily terminated.

I cannot but join with you in my most earnest p[r]ayers, that these States may be blessed with Wisdom equal to the arduous Task of rightly formg the Establishment of their new Empire—And while I thus express my Wishes in favor of my Native Country, I would felicitate the Kingdom of Ireland on their Emancipation from British Controul—and extend my pious Entreaties, that Heaven may establish them in a happy & perpetuated Tranquility—enjoying a freedom of Legislation & an unconfined Extension of Trade, that connecting Link, which binds together the remotest Countries.

It is at present very uncertain how far the Connection of these States with distant Courts, may be extended, or what Appointments of this Nature may be made; their poverty, with the heavy Debt contracted during the Period of their Troubles, must for a Time, lead them to Oeconomise in every Way possible—nor can I say how far I may be instrumental, should Appointments be necessary, in procuring what you wish—I only wait the arrival of the Definitive Treaty to bid adieu to Public life and in the shades of retirement to enjoy undisturbed that tranquility and repose which is necessary to unbend & give relaxation to a Mind wch has been embarrassed by a thousd perplexing circumstances during a painful contest of 8 years.

Your poem is very acceptable, as it not only displays your Genius, but exhibits Sentiments favorable to the Liberties of Mankind, & expressive of the Benevolence of your Heart. I am &c.