THE END OF THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR
IN NEW JERSEY
When the war ended exactly is confusing. It kind of
petered out after Yorktown into small raids. In November of 1782
the British agreed to American Independence and made a preliminary
accord with America. In January of '83 they signed the preliminary
peace treaty, with France and Spain, On April 14th, the Governor
of New Jersey issued a Proclamation that ended formal hostilities.
The British were still in New York City. Not until November 23rd,
1783 were they to leave the City.
To most historians, Washington riding into New York
City with the remainder of the army (most had been furloughed)
is the end of the war. At Fraunces Tavern, Washington took leave
of his officers, asking each to come and take his hand. It was
an emotional moment for them all- a bittersweet parting, the breaking
of a fellowship.
Governor Livingston had this Proclamation printed and
distributed to the County Sheriffs, who posted it- and probably
read it aloud, so that the people would know of the successful
conclusion of the war.
Proclamation
Trenton, April 14. 1783
William Livingston, ESQUIRE, Governor, Captain-General
and Commander in Chief in and over the State of New-Jersey, and
the Territories thereunto belonging, Chancellor and Ordinary in
the same.
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS the United States of America, in Congress assembled,
by their proclamation, (declaring the cessation of arms, as well
by sea as by land, agreed upon between the United States of America
and His Britannick Majesty, and enjoining the observance thereof)
bearing date the eleventh day of this present month of April,
have declared and made known in the words following, to wit,
WHEREAS provisional articles were signed at Paris on the thirtieth
day of November last, between the Ministers Plenipotentiary of
the United States of America for treating of peace, and the Minister
Plenipotentiary of His Britannick Majesty, to be inserted in and
to constitute the treaty of peace proposed to be concluded between
the United States of America and His Britannick Majesty, when
terms of peace should be agreed upon between their Most Christian
and Britannick Majesties: And whereas preliminaries for restoring
peace between their Most Christian and Britannick Majesties were
signed at Versailles, on the twentieth day of January last, by
the Ministers of their Most Christian and Britannick Majesties:
And whereas preliminaries for restoring peace between the said
king of Great-Britain and the King of Spain were also signed at
Versailles, on the same twentieth day of January last.
BY which said preliminary articles it hath been agreed,
that as soon as the same were ratified, hostilites between the
said Kings, their kingdoms, states and subjects, should cease
in all parts of the world; and it was farther agreed, that all
vessels and effects that might be taken in the channel and in
the north seas, after the space of 12 days from the ratification
of the said preliminary articles, should be restored; that the
term should be one month from the channel and north seas as far
as the Canary islands inclusively, whether in the Ocean or the
Mediterranean; two months from the said Canary islands as far
as the equinoctial line or equator; and lastly, four months in
all other parts of the world, without any exception or more particular
description of time or place: And whereas it was declared by the
Minister Plenipotentiary of the King of Great-Britain, in thc
name and by the express order of the King his Master, on the said
twentieth day of January last, that the said United States of
America, their subjects and their possessions shall be comprised
in the above mentioned suspension of arms at the same epochs,
and in the same manner, as the three Crowns above mentioned, their
subjects and possessions respectively; upon condition that on
the part, and in the name of the United States of America, a similar
declaration shall be delivered, expresslv declaring their assent
to the said suspension of arms, and containing an assurance of
the most perfect reciprocity on their part: And whereas the Ministers
Plenipotentiary of these United States, did, on the same twentieth
day of January, in the name and by the authority of the said United
States, accept the said declaration; and declare, that the said
states should cause all hostilites to cease against His Britannick
majesty, his subjects and his possessions, at the terms and epochs
agreed upon between his said Majesty the King of Great-Britain,
His Majesty the King of France, and His Majesty the King of Spain,
so, and in the same manner, as had been agreed upon
between those three Crowns, and to produce the same effects: And
whereas the ratifications of the said preliminary articles between
their Most Christian and Britannick Majesties were exchanged by
their Ministers on the third day of February last, and between
His Britannick Majesty and the King of Spain on the ninth day
of February last: And whereas it is Our Will and Pleasure, that
the cessation of hostilities between the United States of America
and His Britannick Majesty, should bc conformable to the epochs
fixed between their most Christian and Britannick Majesties:
WE have thought fit to make known thc same to the citizens
of these states, and we hereby strictly charge and command all
our officers, both by sea and land, and others, subjects to these
United States, to forbear all acts of hostility, either by sea
or by land, against his Britannick Majesty or his subjects, from
and after the respective times agreed upon between their Most
Christian and Britannick Majesties as aforesaid.
AND we do further require all Governors and others,
the executive powers of thesc United States respectively, to cause
this our proclamation to he made publick, to the end that the
same be duly observed within their several jurisdictions:
AS by the said proclamation may appear. I DO
THEREFORE, in pursuance thereof, cause thc said proclamation to
bc made publick in this state, to the end that it may be duly
observed within the same; and the sheriffs of the several counties
in this state are hereby required to cause this proclamation to
be made publick in their respective bailiwicks in due form of
law, as soon as may be.
Given under my hand and seal at arms in Trenton, the
fourteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord One Thousand
Seven Hundred and Eighty-three, and of the Sovereignty and Independence
of America the seventh.
WH. LIVINGSTON.
By His Excellency's Command
Bowes Reed
GOD SAVE THE PEOPLE
John Trumble picture -on the Capital Building website:
General George Washington resigned his commission
as Commander-in-Chief of the Army to the Congress, which was then
meeting at the Maryland State House in Annapolis, on December
23, 1783. This action was of great significance in establishing
civilian rather than military rule, leading to democracy rather
than potential dictatorship. Washington is depicted with two aides-de-camp
as he addresses the president of the Congress, Thomas Mifflin,
and others such as Elbridge Gerry, Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe,
and James Madison. Mrs. Washington and her three grandchildren
are shown watching from the gallery, although they were not in
fact present at the event.
http://www.aoc.gov/cc/art/rotunda/washington_resigning.htm
One of the Most amasing acts of the war: Washington,
Commander in Chief of the army, retires his commission to return
to private life. The many great things done by this man to acheive
LIBERTY for the people has this to be marked first- when called
he served, when the need ended, he surrendered his power. With
Washington's resignation, the war was really over, the army disbanded,
and civil power in command.
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Valis. last revision 12/20/01. All rights reserved