To George Washington from Major Albert Pawling, 25 February 1779
From Major Albert Pawling
Haverstraw [N.Y.] 25th February 1779
Sir
The Regiment in which I serve is now reduced to less than one hundred Men.1
Congress have thought proper to order the Pennsylvania Companies which we have had the Trouble to discipline into another Corps2—And we expect no Assistance from the Legislature of this State.
The Officers of the Regiment believe that this Measure of Congress is a previous Step to their Dismission. I also am of that Opinion, and choose to retire in a more honorable Manner.
For those, and other Reasons, I request that your Excellency will receive this as my Resignation, which I have also presented to Congress.3 I have the Honor to be with great Respect Sir Your most obedt Humle Servt
A. Pawling Major in Colonel Malcom’s Regt
Copy, enclosed in Pawling to John Jay, 25 Feb. 1779, DNA:PCC, item 152.
1. The monthly return of the Continental army under GW’s command for January 1779 shows that Col. William Malcom’s Additional Continental Regiment had 100 of 176 officers and men who were present and fit for duty. The February return shows 104 of 173 officers and men as present and fit for duty (, 100, 104).
2. Congress had resolved on 13 Jan. “That the regiment lately commanded by Colonel Patton, (Captain M’Lane, his subalterns and men raised in the Delaware State excepted,) and the independent companies raised in Pensylvania and afterwards annexed to Colonel Malcom’s regiment, be incorporated with Colonel Hartley’s regiment; the whole to form a complete battalion upon the new establishment, and be added to the Pensylvania line as the eleventh regiment of that State; that the several officers be arranged by the Board of War, and enjoy their rank according to their commissions or appointments respectively” (, 13:58).
3. See Pawling to John Jay, 25 Feb., DNA:PCC, item 152.