Answer of General Washington to the Address

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The President Informed the Congress, that to prevent mistakes, he had obtained a copy of the answer of General Washington to the Address of this Congress. The same was read and filed, and is in the words following, to wit:

GENTLEMEN: At the same time that, with you, I deplore the unhappy necessity, of such air appointment as that with which I am now honoured, I cannot but feel sentiments of the highest gratitude for this affecting instance of distinction and regard.

May your warmest wishes be realized in the success of America at this important and interesting period; and be assured that every exertion of my worthy colleagues and myself will be equally extended to the re-establishment of peace and harmony between the Mother Country and these Colonies, as to the fatal but necessary operations of war. When we assumed the soldier we did not lay aside the citizen; and we shall most sincerely rejoice with you in that happy hour when the establishment of American liberty, on the most firm and solid foundations, shall enable US to return to our private stations in the bosom of a free, peaceful, and happy Country.

GEO˙ WASHINGTON.

June 26, 1775.

Ordered, That the Address and Answer be published.