### February 24 On February 24, 1783, I, Alexander Hamilton, officially resigned my commission as a Captain in the Continental Army. It was the end of an era for me as I had been serving in the army since I was only sixteen. Even though I was resigning, I couldn’t help but feel a little pride and humor during the ceremony. The commanding officer, General George Washington, asked me to give an impromptu speech at the ceremony. So I began with some well-known quotes of my own: “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.” Then I said, “I have made it my business to pursue courage, and through it, I have found success.” These wise words reminded me of how far I had come since I first joined the army. I had gained experience and distinction, but I was also ready for a change. The ceremony ended with a cheer from the ranks, proving that my decision was respected by my peers. As I left the grounds of my former regiment, I walked away with a sense of accomplishment and pride for all that I had accomplished.