Historic Scenes
War's End: The Promises of the American Revolution
As the long war drew to a close, Americans looked forward to the freedom and prosperity they believed peace and independence would bring.
Observers
-
Major General Friedrich Von Steuben
Philadelphia, October, 1783
"The soldiers engaged for the war can not on any pretence be retained against their inclination after the proclamation of Peace –those who desire to retire immediately on their accounts being settled shall receive their discharges and one months pay with Provision to carry them to their States where Officers shall conduct them." -
James Madison
April 23, 1783
"The resolution permitting the soldiers to retain their arms was passed at the recommendation of Gen'l Washington. The resolution for granting furloughs or discharges was a compromise between those who wished to get rid of the expence of keeping the men in the field, and those who thought it impolitic to disband the army whilst the British remained in the United States." Click for more info -
Robert Morris to George Washington
May 29, 1783
"I shall cause such Notes to be issued for three Months Pay to the Army and I must entreat Sir that every influence be used with the States to absorb them together with my other Engagements by Taxation. The present collections are most shameful and afford but a sad Prospect to all those who are dependent upon them." -
General George Washington
Rocky Hill, New Jersey, November 2, 1783
"the Officers and Soldiers may expect considerable assistance in recommencing their civil occupations from the sums due to them from the public, which must and will most inevitably be paid. It is earnestly recommended to all the Troops that…they should prove themselves not less virtuous and useful as Citizens, than they have been persevering and victorious as Soldiers." Click for more info
Themes
-
Getting By & Getting Ahead
The interest-bearing certificates Congress paid soldiers of the Continental Army in lieu of cash at the end of the war proved a poor substitute.
Click for more info -
We the People
In the months leading up to and following peace, Americans preferred to forget the indispensable role a professional army had played in winning independence.
Click for more info -
The Wider World
The coming of peace presented a new challenge for the United States: how would it peaceably demobilize the Continental Army?
Click for more info -
Everyday Life
By the end of the war, most rank and file soldiers in the Continental Army were young men who lacked both income and status.
Click for more info
American Flintlock
Declaration of IndependenceHistoric illustration © 2008 Bryant White.