George Washington: “It has demonstrated that our prosperity rests on solid foundations.”

Satisfied, therefore, that you have sincerely wished and endeavored to avert war, and exhausted to the last drop the cup of reconciliation, we can with pure hearts appeal to Heaven for the justice of our cause.

I have finally determined to accept the commission of Commander in Chief of the armies of the United States.

I can not express how greatly affected I am at this new proof of public confidence.

I must not conceal from you my earnest wish that the choice had fallen upon a man less declined in years and better qualified to encounter the usual vicissitudes of war.