In this letter, dated December 20, 1783, from Annapolis, Maryland, Gen. George Washington informs Congress that he is officially resigning his commission as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, and is”desiring to know their pleasure in what manner it will be most proper to offer his resignation; whether in writing or at an audience.”
Letter from Washington to the Continental Congress re resignation. Old Military and Civil Records RG 360 12/20/1783 06935_2006_001 (National Archives Identifier 5757421)
In a stroke, Washington, who could have pulled a Ceasar, instead hung up his sword and pistols.
The old warhorse did later return as President, where he personally led militia forces in 1794 at age 62 while in uniform during the Whisky Rebellion (the first and only time a sitting American president commanded troops in the field), and, while Adams was in office, serve as the titular head of the military during the Quasi-War at age 68, and still loved to visit with veterans and fellow soldiers.
In 1787, the fine gentlemen of the Philadelphia Light Troop of Horse (which still exists today) hosted Washington and others at City Tavern for a get together during the Constitutional Convention and the 55 attendees drank: 54 bottles of Madeira, 60 bottles of claret, eight of whiskey, 22 of porter, eight of hard cider, 12 of beer, and seven bowls of alcoholic punch.