Washington resigned his commission as Commander-in-chief to Congress, then sitting at Annapolis, Maryland, at noon on December 23, 1783, a public entertainment having been given in his honor the day before. General Mifflin, its President, responded to his address with reverent courtesy and deep regard. Congress remained seated and covered; the vast assembly of spectators, standing and uncovered. The consul-general of France, and many of the public functionaries of Maryland were present. " Few tragedies ever drew so many tears from so many beautiful eyes as the moving manner in which his Excellency took his leave from Congress." In the picture, we can almost hear him feelingly utter the words of his only surrender : " I have now the honor of offering my sincere congratulations to Congress, and of presenting myself before them, to surrender into their hands the trust committed to me, and to claim the indulgence of retiring from the service of my country".