George Washington to Chastellux, 12 October 1783

My Dear Chevr

I have not had the honor of a line from you since the 4th of March last. - but I will ascribe my disappointment to any cause soever than to a decay of your friendship.

Having the appearances, & indeed the enjoyment of Peace, without a final declaration of it; I, who am only waiting for the ceremonials: or ’till the British Forces shall have taken their leave of New York, am placed in an awkward & disagreeable situation; being anxiously desirous to quit the walks of public life, and under my own vine, & my own Fig-Tree, to seek those enjoyments, and that relaxation, which a mind that has been constantly upon the stretch for more than eight years, stands so much in want of.

I have fixed this epoch to the arrival of the Definitive Treaty—or to the evacuation of my Country by our newly acquired friends. -- In the mean while at the request of Congress, I spend my time with them at this place, where they came in consequence of the Riots at Philadelphia, of , doubtless, you have been fully informed, for it is not a very recent transaction. 

They have lately determined to fix the permanent residence of Congress near the Falls of Delaware; but where they will hold their Sessions ’till they can be properly established at that place, is yet undecided.

I have lately made a tour through the Lakes George & Champlain as far as Crown Point—then returning to Schenectady, I proceeded up the Mohawk river to Fort Schuyler (formerly Fort Stanwix), crossed over to the Wood Creek which empties into the Oneida Lake, and affords the water communication with Ontario. I then traversed the Country to the head of the Eastern branch of the Susquehanna & viewed the Lake Otsego, & the Portage between that lake & the Mohawk river at Canajohario

Prompted by these actual observations, I could not help taking a more contemplative & extensive view of the vast inland navigation of these United States, fromMaps & the information of others; and could not but be struck with the immense diffusion and importance of it; and with the goodness of that Providence which has dealt her favors to us with so profuse a hand. Would to God we may have wisdom enough to make a good use of them. I shall not rest contented ’till I have explored the Western part of This Country, & traversed those lines (or great part of them) which have given bounds to a New Empire. But when it may, if it ever should happen, I dare not say; as my first attention must be given to the deranged situation of my private concerns which are not a little injured by almost nine years absence and total disregard of them.

With every wish for your health & happiness—and with the most sincere & affectionate regard,

I am, My Dr Chevr

Your most Obt Servt

G: Washington