George Washington issues Farewell Orders to the Continental Army

On this day in history, November 2, 1783, George Washington issued his Farewell Orders to the Continental Army as he officially retired from the service. He concludes the orders with, "May ample justice be done them (the soldiers who fought) here, and may the choicest of Heaven’s favors both here and hereafter attend those, who under the divine auspices have secured innumerable blessings for others: With these Wishes, and this benediction, the Commander in Chief is about to retire from service–The Curtain of separation will soon be drawn–and the Military Scene to him will be closed for ever."

In these orders, Washington thanks the soldiers for their service and sacrifice. He talks about how astonished he is that they actually won. He mentions God’s intervention on their behalf. He also commends the soldiers for coming together from different backgrounds and cultures and working together to form a cohesive unit.

Washington assures the troops they will be paid by the Congress as the states pony up their share of the debt incurred during the war. He tells them the same virtues of bravery, economy and prudence they exhibited in the war will assist them in being successful in private life as they return home. Lastly, Washington says there is nothing he would not do if it was in his power to assist these men to be successes in life.

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Jack Manning

Secretary General

National Society Sons of the American Revolution

www.sar.org

“If the Freedom of Speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.”
George Washington

Stamp Act officially takes effect

On this day in history, November 1, 1765, the Stamp Act of 1765 was to take effect. The protests, rioting, boycotts and threats of the colonists against stamp distributors and customs officials had already taken their toll though. When November 1st arrived, there was not a single stamp distributor left in the colonies who had not resigned his position, with the exception of Georgia’s because he did not arrive until January, and he resigned… after one day on the job!

The Stamp Act was issued in order to raise funds to help administer the colonies and to pay down the high debt incurred by Britain during the French and Indian War. It was the creation of Prime Minister George Grenville who was not particularly favorable to the colonists, who burned up any stamps they could find, boarding ships and storming government buildings to find them.

Officials in numerous towns were threatened with their lives if they attempted to enforce the acts. Some were driven from town or into hiding. Others were attacked at home or held at gunpoint until they made an oath that they would not enforce the hated Act.

All this pressure, along with an economic boycott of British goods eventually caused Parliament to capitulate. The Act was repealed in March, 1766.

http://www.revolutionary-war-and-beyond.com

Jack Manning

Secretary General

National Society Sons of the American Revolution

www.sar.org

"The God who gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time."
Thomas Jefferson