We are told that the members sat covered to show the sovereignty of the Union, a quaint touch of the thought of the time.

The little town made a brave show and "the gallery was filled with a beautiful group of elegant ladies." With solemn sincerity Washington commended the country to the protection of Almighty God and the army to the special care of Congress.

Passion had already subsided for the President of Congress in his reply praised the "magnanimous king and nation" of Great Britain.

By the end of the year Washington was at Mount Vernon, hoping now to be able, as he said simply, to make and sell a little flour annually and to repair houses fast going to ruin.

He did not foresee the troubled years and the vexing problems which still lay before him.