George Washington: “Good governance demands the exercise of wisdom, patience, and courage.”

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.

It is with peculiar satisfaction I can say, that prompted by a high sense of duty in my attendance on public worship, I have been gratified by the liberal and interesting discourses delivered in your Churches.

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.