George Washington to Chastellux, 1 February 1784

Mount Vernon 1st Feby 1784.

My Dear Chevr

I have had the honor to receive your favor of the 23rd of August from L'Orient. I hope this Letter will find you in the circle of you friends at Paris, well recovered from the fatigues of your long inspection of the Frontiers of the Kingdom.

I am at length become a private Citizen of America on the banks of the Potomac; where under my own Vine and my own Fig tree—free from the bustle of a Camp and the Intrigues of a Court, I shall view the busy world, with calm indifference & with that serenity of mind which the Soldier, in pursuit of glory, and the Statesman of a name, have not time to enjoy. I am not only retired from all public employments; but  am retiring within myself & shall tread the private walks of life with heartfelt satisfaction.

After seeing New York evacuated by the British forces on the 25th of Novembr, & Civil Government established in the City; I repaired to Congress & surrendered all my powers, with my Commission into their hands on the 23d of December and arrived at this Cottage the day before Christmas, where I have been close locked in Frost & Snow ever since. -- Mrs Washington thanks you for your kind remembrance of her, & prays you to accept her best wishes.

With sentiments of pure and

unabated friendship,

I am - My Dr Chevr

Yr. Most Affect &

Obed. Serv.

G: Washington