What attack had Washington been preparing for before the Battle of Yorktown?

Although the war persisted on the high seas and in other theaters, the Patriot victory at Yorktown ended fighting in the American colonies. Peace negotiations began in 1782, and on September 3, 1783, the Treaty of Paris was signed, formally recognizing the United States as a free and independent nation after eight years of war.

in 32-page handwritten address, washington urged americans to avoid excessive political party spirit and geographical distinctions, in foreign affairs he warned against long-term alliances with other nations. the address was printed in philladelphia's american daily advertiser on september 19, 1796