On this date in history, December 4, 1783, Washington bids his troops farewell at New York City’s Fraunces Tavern.

On this day in history, December 4, 1783, George Washington said his last farewell to his army as the Revolutionary War came to an end.

According to History.com, Washington, the Continental Army’s then-commanding general, gathered his armed men at Fraunces Tavern in New York City.

Then, he told his men that in order to return to civilian life, he would be resigning from his commission.

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Following the successful Battle of Yorktown in 1781, when British General Lord Charles Cornwallis finally surrendered, the future first president of the United States led his army through six years of combat with the British.

The Revolutionary War was officially over as a result of this triumph.

According to the Fraunces Tavern Museum, the majority of the Continental Army was dissolved in 1783 after the signing of the Treaty of Paris.

Washington had to wish his forces goodbye after he received word that the last of the British troops had left Staten Island and Long Island.

Washington’s thanks on the day of his departure was sincere, even though he had privately criticized his soldiers for being unruly and unwell.

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Washington was “suffused in tears” according to onlookers during the incident at the renowned Lower Manhattan pub.

Colonel Benjamin Tallmadge provided a thorough description of the incident, which was captured on the Fraunces Tavern Museum website.

According to Tallmadge’s report, “his excellency had only been there for a little while when he entered the chamber. The General replenished his glass with wine after taking a small sip in almost breathless silence before turning to the officers and saying, “With a heart full of love and appreciation I now take leave of you. I really hope that your latter years will be as successful and joyous as your earlier years have been.

General Washington replied, “I cannot come to each of you but will feel obliged if each of you would come and hold me by the hand,” after the officers had each had a glass of wine, according to the narrative that follows. The moment General Knox, the officer standing closest to Washington, approached him, the two embraced and kissed as tears streamed down their cheeks.

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“Every officer in the room marched forward and separated from the commanding general in the same kind way. I had never previously seen such a spectacle of grief and tears, and I really hope I won’t ever be required to see it again.

About 30 of his troopers were given individual hugs by Washington before he departed for Annapolis, Maryland.

According to the exhibit, many of these guys wouldn’t see one other again after almost eight years of war and conflict.

On December 23, in front of the Continental Congress, after giving an impassioned speech, the general formally resigned his position.

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Having completed the task at hand, he stated, “I now retire from the great theatre of action and bid a fond farewell to this august body, under whose orders I have so long served, I here offer my commission, and take my leave of all employments of public life.”

Washington eventually made his way back to Mount Vernon, Virginia, where he planned to live out his days as a gentleman farmer.

However, in 1789, Washington was convinced to return to politics and became the country’s first-ever commander-in-chief.

Up until 1797, he would serve as president.