Washington Resigns - A Most Extraordinary Event

General George Washington Resigns His Commission

 by John Trumbell. The original hangs in the Capitol 

Rotunda in Washington D.C.

“Having now finished the work assigned me, I retire from the great theatre of action, and bidding an affectionate farewell to this august body, under whose orders I have so long acted, I here offer my commission, and take my leave of all the employments of public life.” - George Washington, December 23, 1783

Those who know me well know that I love history in general and American History in particular. December 23, 1783 was a most extraordinary day in both American History and world history. An event like none other before, and perhaps since, took place. Yet, I do not ever recall being taught about this in any History class I ever took. Not at Indian Creek, not at Shawnee Mission South, not at Baylor. What was this event?

George Washington went before the Continental Congress that day in Annapolis, Maryland and resigned his military commission. He had been the Commander in Chief of the Revolutionary Forces since May 9, 1775 when he was appointed by the Continental Congress.

He had led a military campaign that overthrew British rule in the colonies. Historically, when a rebel leader overthrew the established government, he would consolidate political power around himself, purge (i.e. execute) those around him believed to be disloyal, untrustworthy and install himself as dictator. In other words, replace one tyrant with another. Washington was at the height of his power, or so it was thought. Remember that with his military victory, no one knew what was to be. There was no United States, there was no American nation. If anything, there were 13 independent nations left behind. These colonies came together for the purpose of attaining political independence from the British. Washington could have easily accomplished what so many others before him did and bring all 13 colonies under his military control. The situation was ripe for him.

But he chose to relinquish power instead. Who does this? What kind of leader relinquishes all power at the height of his power and popularity? To the best of my ability, I cannot recall any other time in history when someone overthrew the existing government, then gave up all his power. Washington strikes me as a man who has his ego in check and does not possess an inflated sense of self worth.

Ultimately, what Washington's actions did this day was ensure that the newly independent colonies would be governed by civilian rule, not military rule. This would become important as the new republic was eventually formed and the United States of America was brought together as one nation. Our beginning was truly unique. Ours was the first nation in history that was founded on an ideal - freedom. Washington's actions today ensured that the new nation(s) would be unlike any the world had ever seen. For this, what Washington did was monumental.

Washington would go on to become the first President of the newly formed United States of America. Even in this endeavor he set a great precedent by voluntarily giving up power after serving two terms. He set the example of what a President should be, including when it was time to go. Washington retired to his beloved Mount Vernon to live out the remainder of his days.

Resignation of Military Commission

General George Washington Resigning His Commission - The Painting

Washington Resigns His Commission in Annapolis, Maryland

Washington Resignation Manuscript