At last the time came when the army was disbanded. A few of the troops only and their officers went with Washington to New York when the British left the city. There was rejoicing everywhere; but it was a sorrowful moment when Washington took leave in person of the officers who had stood by him through the long, dreary years of the war. He was about to leave the city to be ferried across the North River to the Jersey shore, and his old friends gathered to say good-bye at Fraunces’ Tavern, in Broad street. When he entered the room he could scarcely command his voice. He said a word or two, and they all drank a farewell toast, as the custom was in those days. Then Washington said: “I can not come to each of you to take my leave, but shall be obliged if each of you will come and take me by the hand.” General Knox stood nearest, and he held out his hand. The tears were in Washington’s eyes as he turned to his old comrade and grasped his hand. He drew the strong man to him—Knox was nearly twenty years younger than Washington, and very dear to him—and kissed him. Not a word could either of them speak. Another general followed and another, each greeted with the same affection; and then Washington left the room, passed through the corps of infantry which stood on guard, and walked to Whitehall, followed by the whole company, a silent procession. He entered the barge, turned as the boat pushed off, and waved his hat in silent adieu. The officers returned the salute in the same way, and then turned and in silence marched back to Fraunces’. Washington went to Philadelphia. Congress was in session at Annapolis, but the Treasury was in Philadelphia. On receiving his commission as Commander-in-Chief, Washington had announced that he would receive no money for services, but would keep an exact account of all his expenses. That account he had kept as carefully and scrupulously as any book-keeper in a bank, and he now rendered it to the Comptroller of the Treasury. It was in his own handwriting, every item set down and explained. I know of few incidents in Washington’s career which show the character of the man better than this. He held that a sacred trust had been reposed in him, and he meant to be faithful in the least particular. On December 23, 1783, Congress was assembled at Annapolis. The gallery was filled with ladies. The Governor, Council, and Legislature of Maryland, several officers, and the Consul-General of France were on the floor. The Members of Congress were seated and wore their hats to signify that they represented the Government. The spectators stood with bare heads. General Washington entered and was conducted by the Secretary of Congress to a seat. When all was quiet, General Mifflin, who was then President of Congress, turned to Washington and said: “The United States, in Congress assembled, is prepared to receive the communications of the Commander-in-Chief.”