Lot #5

[George Washington] Extracts from Washington's Newburgh Headquarters Orderly Book, with the 'Newburgh Address' and Peace Proclamation: "An extra ration of liquor to be issued to every man tomorrow, to drink perpetual peace"

Description

"The Commander in Chief orders [the cessation] of Hostilities between the United States of America and the King of Great Britain to be publickly proclaimed...An extra ration of liquor to be issued to every man tomorrow, to drink perpetual peace, Independence and happiness to the United States of America"

Manuscript extracts from the original Revolutionary War-dated orderly book kept at Gen. George Washington's headquarters at Newburgh, New York, totaling 30 pages on 16 leaves, all accomplished in a clerical hand, circa March–April 1783, including the text of his important 'Newburgh Address,' information on the desired boundaries of the United States, and the proclamation of peace resulting in the independence of the United States.

Fourteen-page extract, headed "Head Qrs., Newburgh, March 15, 1783," containing the historic 'Newburgh Address,' delivered by George Washington in an effort to calm tensions among Continental Army officers frustrated with Congress over unpaid wages. In it, he aims to bolster their morale by appealing to their patriotism. In small part: "You will defeat the insidious designs of our Enemies, who are compelled to resort from open force to secret Artifice. You will give one more distinguished proof of unexampled patriotism and patient virtue, rising superior to the pressure of the most complicated sufferings, and you will, by the dignity of your Conduct, afford occation for posterity to say, when speaking of the Glorious example you have exhibitted to man kind—had this day been wanting, the world had never seen the last stage of Perfection to which human nature is capable of attaining." The transcriber has penned Washington's name at the conclusion.

Ten-page extract, headed "Head Qrs., Newburgh, April 18, 1783," containing Washington's general orders proclaiming the cessation of hostilities in the Revolutionary War, following the preliminary peace treaty with Great Britain. In the orders, Washington expresses deep gratitude to his troops for their steadfast service and sacrifice throughout the conflict and encourages his troops to transition peacefully back to civilian life, emphasizing the importance of unity and virtue in the new republic. In part: "The Commander in Chief orders [the cessation] of Hostilities between the United States of America and the King of Great Britain to be publickly proclaimed tomorrow at 12 o’clock…after which the Chaplains with the several Brigades will render thanks to almighty God for all his mercies, particularly for his overruling the wrath of man to his own glory, and causing the rage of war to cease amongst the nations…The Commander in Chief far from endeavouring to stifle the feelings of Joy in his own bosom, offers his most cordial Congratulations on the occation to all the officers of every denomination, to all the troops of the United States in General, and in piticular those gallant & persevering men who had resolved to defend the rights of their invaded country so long as the war should continue—For these are the men who ought to be considered as the pride and boast of the American Army and who crown'd with well earn'd Laurels, may soon withdraw from the field of Glory, to the more tranquil walks of civil life…An extra ration of liquor to be issued to every man tomorrow, to drink perpetual peace, Independence and happiness to the United States of America."

Six-page extract, containing a brief outline of the proposed "Boundaries of the United States," in part: "From the North west angle of Nova Scotia…to the norwest head of Connecticut river: thence down along the middle of that river to the 45 degree of north Latitude; from thence by a line due west…into lake Ontario." The description continues to outline boundaries through the Great Lakes and down the Mississippi River to the 31st parallel north. In overall fine condition, with burn marks to the left edges.

Ex. Charles Hamilton Galleries, Inc., Sale No. 126, The Waldorf Astoria Hotel, February 28, 1980.

Auction Info

• Auction Title: Fine Autographs and Artifacts Ft. Rev/Civil War, and The Collection of Dr. Joseph Matheu Part 1
• Dates: #721 - Ended 07/09/2025