On this day in 1783, one week after British soldiers evacuated America for the final time, George Washington gathered with his officers at Fraunces Tavern in present day Manhattan to bid his fellow Patriots farewell.

“I most devoutly wish that your latter days may be as prosperous and happy as your former ones have been glorious and honorable.”

After his valediction, Washington took each of his officers by the hand for a personal word.

Washington was chosen three years to the day after parting with his brothers in arms to lead the Virginia delegation to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia for the purpose of revising the Articles of Confederation.

Although he initially declined over concerns of its legality, Washington later agreed to attend upon consulting with, among others, Henry Knox and James Madison.

The Constitution of the United States was the result of their convention. It was ratified on June 21, 1788 and took effect on March 4, 1789. Washington would be inaugurated as our first President the following month.

Painting: “Washington’s Farewell to His Officers” by Alonzo Chappel