Circular to the States

What it is

This is a letter written by George Washington on 8 June 1783 from his headquarters at Newburgh, sent to the governors of the states as he prepared to give up his command of the Continental Army. It survives in his collected writings, edited from the original manuscript sources.

Why it matters

Washington calls this his 'last official communication' as a public figure, written just as the war was ending. In it he shares his hopes for the tranquility and union of the United States before returning to private life. The letter shows how Washington thought about his own power — choosing to step back from command rather than hold onto it — and what he believed the new country needed to survive.

Look closer

• Why might Washington want to make a public statement before giving up his command?
• What does his wish to retire to 'domestic retirement' tell you about how he saw his role?
• What is left out of a letter like this — whose voice or experience might be missing?