Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library

Washington Taking Leave of the Officers of his Army
1848
Nathaniel Currier, publisher (1813-1888)
USA: New York, New York
Colored lithograph on paper
sheet: 10"h x 14"w
Gift of Dr. William L. and Mary B. Guyton Collection
86.62.4

Hand-colored lithograph titled "Washington Taking Leave of the Officers of his Army." Image shows several men in blue and white military uniforms, from left to right: Steuben, Knox, Washington, Gov. Clinton, and Hamilton. George Washington stands at center with right hand over heart. Printing along the bottom reads "LITH. & PUB. BY N. CURRIER. / Entered according to Act of Congress in the years 1848 by N. Currier, in the Clerk's office of the District court of the Southern District of New York. / 152 NASSAU ST. COR. OF SPRUCE N.Y. / Steuben. Knox. Washington. Gov. Clinton. Hamilton. / WASHINGTON TAKING LEAVE OF THE OFFICERS OF HIS ARMY, / AT FRANCIS TAVERN, BROAD STREET, NEW YORK, DECr. 4th 1783. / 'With a heart full of love and gratitude, I now take leave of you. I most devoutly wish that your latter days may be as prosperous and happy, as your former ones have been glorious and honorable.'"

Nathaniel Currier produced and sold hundreds of affordable lithographs depicting American history, genre scenes, and current events throughout the 1800s. In 1848, six decades after the event, Currier offered this interpretation of George Washington resigning his commission with the Continental Army on December 4, 1783 at Fraunces Tavern, New York.