Heaven.

The successful termination of the war has verified the most
sanguine expectations, and my gratitude for the interposition of
Providence and the assistance I have received from my countrymen
increases with every review of the momentous contest.

While I repeat my obligations to the Army in general, I should do
injustice to my own feelings not to acknowledge, in this place,
the peculiar services and distinguished merits of the Gentlemen
who have been attached to my person during the war. It was
impossible that the choice of confidential officers to compose my
family should have been more fortunate. Permit me, sir, to
recommend in particular those who have continued in service to
the present moment as worthy of the favorable notice and
patronage of Congress.

I consider it an indispensable duty to close this last solemn act
of my official life by commending the interests of our dearest
country to the protection of Almighty God, and those who have the
superintendence of them to His holy keeping.

Having now finished the work assigned me, I retire from the great
theatre of action, and, bidding an affectionate farewell to this
august body, under whose orders I have so long acted, I here
offer my commission and take my leave of all the employments of
public life."

The great master of English fiction, writing of this scene at
Annapolis, says: 'Which was the most splendid spectacle ever