… Having now finished the work assigned me, I retire from the great theatre of Action; and bidding an Affectionate farewell to this August body under whose orders I have so long acted, I here offer my Commission, and take my leave of all the employments of public life.

~ George Washington from, http://www.emersonkent.com/speeches/resignation_speech.htm

December 23, 1783, from the Resignation Speech of George Washington

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