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"Headquarters, Newburgh, April 18, 1783.

"The commander in chief orders the ceSsation of hostilities between the United States of America and the king of Great Britain, to be publickly proclaimed tomorrow at twelve o'clock at the New building, and that the proclamation, which will be communicated herewith, be read tomorrow evening at the head of every regiment and corps of the army-after which the chaplains with the several brigades will render thanks to almighty God for all his mercies, particularly for his over-ruling the wrath of man to his own glory, and causing the rage of war to cease among the nations.

"Although the proclamation before alluded to extends only to the prohibition of hostilities and not to the annunciation of a general peace, yet it must afford the most rational and sincere satisfaction to every benevolent mind -- as it puts a period to a long and doubtful contest, stops the effusion of human blood, opens the prospect to a more splendid scene, and like another morning star promises the approach of a brighter day than hath hitherto illuminated the western hemisphere. On such a happy day, a day which is the harbinger of peace, a day which completes the eighth year of the war, it would be ingratitude not to rejoice -- it would be insensibility not to participate in the general felicity!

"The commander in chief, far from endeavoring to stifle the feelings of joy in his own bosom, offers his most cordial congratulations on the occasion to all the officers of every denomination, to all the troops of the United States in general, and in particular to those gallant and persevering men who had resolved to defend the rights of their invaded country so long as the war should continue -- for these are the men who ought to be considered as the pride and boast of the American army, and who, crowned with well-earned laurels may soon withdraw from the field of glory