Washington’s Circular Letter to the States

Modern Language Edition | June 8, 1783

📜 A Personal Farewell and National Blessing

To the Governors of the States—

The purpose for which I was appointed to serve this country has been fulfilled. The war is won. Independence has been secured. I am now preparing to resign my command to Congress and return to private life—a life I left reluctantly, and one I’ve missed deeply during these long and painful years of absence.

Before I do, I believe it’s my duty to offer this final communication. I want to congratulate you on the extraordinary outcome we’ve achieved, share a few reflections on what I believe are critical issues for the peace and future of our nation, and officially say farewell—not just as a commander, but as a citizen who has spent the best years of his life in your service.

The Blessings of Victory

Let us take a moment to reflect on what’s been accomplished.

When we consider the odds we faced—the immense prize we fought for, the uncertainty of victory, and how favorably it all ended—we have every reason to be grateful. This is a moment of celebration for every honest, thoughtful citizen, whether you look at it through the lens of immediate joy or long-term promise.

We have been given a rare gift.

The American people now stand as sole proprietors of an immense and richly resourced continent. Our independence is recognized. We enjoy freedom—absolute and undisputed. And we’ve been placed on a stage clearly designed by Providence for the demonstration of human potential, prosperity, and self-government.

We are surrounded by every blessing needed for private happiness and national greatness.

And the timing couldn’t have been more perfect.

Our nation wasn’t born in an age of superstition or ignorance. We were established in an era when human rights were better understood and more clearly defined than ever before. We have access to the collective wisdom of philosophers, scientists, and lawmakers who have devoted generations to understanding liberty and justice. Their knowledge is available to us as we craft our own form of government.

The flourishing of education, the expansion of commerce, the refinement of culture, the growth of tolerance, and above all, the guiding light of divine revelation have softened and improved the human condition. And at this auspicious time, the United States came into existence.

If our people do not end up free and happy, it will be no one’s fault but our own.

The Test Before Us

This is where we stand: at a place of profound opportunity and deep responsibility.

The blessings are right in front of us—but they are not guaranteed. It’s still our choice whether we become a strong and respected nation, or a weak and disgraced one. It depends entirely on our actions from this point forward.

This is our political test. The eyes of the world are watching.

Right now, we are setting the tone for what kind of government we will have. We can either give shape and strength to our Union—or weaken it, destroy our cohesion, and make ourselves vulnerable to foreign manipulation and internal collapse.

The path we choose now will determine whether the Revolution becomes a blessing or a curse—not just for us, but for countless generations yet to be born.

That’s why I cannot stay silent. It would be wrong to hold my tongue.

Speaking Openly Before I Step Away

Some may say I’m overstepping by offering these opinions as a military leader. Some might accuse me of arrogance or political ambition.

But I speak now because:

• I have no intention of returning to public life.
• I want nothing more than to retire in peace.
• I’m motivated by a genuine love for this country—not any personal agenda.

So I’ll speak plainly and sincerely.

Four Pillars for a Lasting Republic

There are four things I believe are absolutely essential—not just for the well-being, but for the survival—of the United States as an independent nation:

1. A strong and unbreakable Union under a central federal government.
2. A sacred commitment to justice, especially the repayment of public debts.
3. The creation of a well-prepared peace-time defense system.
4. A spirit of unity and goodwill among citizens, placing national interest above personal or regional gain.

These are the pillars that must support the structure of American liberty and identity. And liberty itself is the foundation. Anyone who tries to weaken or destroy these pillars—no matter how noble their reasoning may sound—deserves condemnation and rejection by the people.

Let me briefly explain the first three, and leave the fourth to the good sense of the American people.

1. The Power of Union

I won’t debate every detail about the structure of the Union here. But I believe every true patriot must firmly support the following principles:

• Congress must be allowed to exercise the powers already granted to it. If not, our nation will quickly descend into confusion and chaos.
• There must be one supreme authority to manage the affairs of the entire country. Without it, the Union won’t last.
• Every state must comply fully with Congress’s financial and structural proposals. Refusal will lead to devastating consequences.
• Any effort to weaken or violate the authority of Congress should be seen as a direct attack on American liberty and independence.
• If we can’t make good on the Revolution and enjoy the rewards of civil society under a free and fair government, we’ll have to face the fact that all the blood, suffering, and sacrifice was for nothing.

Let me add one more thing:
Only as a united country do we have any standing among foreign nations. That’s how our independence was recognized. If the Union dissolves, so will our treaties. We’ll be thrown back into a state of nature—and from there, it’s a short path from anarchy to tyranny.

2. Public Justice Must Be Upheld

Congress has already spoken at length about the need to repay our public debts, and they’ve done so with both clarity and authority. Any honorable American should feel compelled to support those recommendations.

If their arguments don’t convince us, I don’t know what will.

If we don’t act quickly, the consequences will be dire. National bankruptcy will arrive before a new plan can be put in place.

Our country is capable of repaying what it owes. And I believe it’s willing. The right path is clear. Honesty is always the best policy.

Let us, as a nation:

• Keep the promises made by Congress to creditors and soldiers alike.
• Encourage every citizen to take responsibility for their work and duties.
• Create a society where people can enjoy the fruits of their labor without fear or interference.

In a country that’s truly free and secure, who would object to giving a small portion of their property to support the common good?

Many said at the start of the war they’d gladly give half their wealth just to save the rest. Now is the time to prove it.

Who would dare accept the protection earned by the blood of others without offering anything in return?

Who could, without shame, deny a soldier his rightful compensation? Such injustice would not only spark national outrage—it would invite divine judgment.

And if any state refuses to meet its obligations—if old rivalries or stubbornness resurface, undoing the good that unity has achieved—then that state alone will bear the blame for the consequences.

3. A Strong, Disciplined Militia

Congress will likely recommend a permanent peace-time military structure. And I strongly support that.

We don’t need a large standing army. But we do need a disciplined and uniform militia system across all states. Every state should train and equip its citizens in the same way. Every region should be prepared in case of future threats.

If you’ve never had to manage the logistical chaos of war, you can’t imagine the confusion and waste caused by inconsistent military systems. Let’s not repeat that mistake.

4. A Spirit of National Unity

Let me end with a final appeal to the hearts of the American people:

We must let go of narrow interests and old rivalries. We must care more about the nation than our individual gain.

Freedom depends not just on laws and governments, but on the character of the people. We must choose to see each other as fellow Americans first, and treat one another accordingly.

A Final Request

I’ve spoken freely. I’ve said what I believed I had to say before stepping down from this post. The responsibility now belongs to you.

Please share this letter with your state legislature. Consider it a parting gift from someone who has always tried to serve his country—and who will, even in retirement, continue to pray for its success.

A Prayer for the Nation

It is now my sincere and final prayer that:

• God will protect you and the state you lead;
• He will incline the hearts of citizens toward unity, obedience to just government, and love for one another;
• He will bless especially those who fought for liberty, both officers and soldiers;
• And He will guide us all to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly, following the example of Christ—the Divine Author of our faith.

Without following His example, we cannot expect to be a truly happy nation.

With the deepest respect and enduring gratitude,
I remain your humble and obedient servant,

George Washington
Commander in Chief
Continental Army
June 8, 1783