Washington's farewell to his officers at Fraunces Tavern in lower Manhattan On December 4, 1783, about a week after the British troops evacuated New York, Washington arranged to say farewell to his officers at Fraunces Tavern on Pearl St. in lower Manhattan. The always dignified commander-in-chief was overwhelmed with emotion. He filled a glass with wine and toasted his officers saying, "With a heart full of love and gratitude, I now take leave of you. I most devoutly wish th