From George Washington to Colonel Vienne, 29 September 1778
To Colonel Vienne
Head Quarters Fredericksburgh Sepr 29th 1778
Sir,
I have received your favour of the 15 Sepr by Major DuBois. I am sorry it is not in my power to comply with your request, as I am not authorised to give any officer a furlough to leave the Continent; I am therefore obliged to refer your application, to Congress, to whom I have accordingly transmitted a copy of your letter to me1—So soon as their answer reaches me, it shall be conveyed to you.
I send you with pleasure a certificate of your conduct, so far as it has come to my knowlege.2 I am Sir Your most Obedt servant.
Df, in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
2. At this place on the draft manuscript, Hamilton wrote and then struck out the following phrase: “which I hope will not be the less agreeable from its being in general terms.” Hamilton wrote the draft of the certificate on the same manuscript page following the draft of this letter, and it is included also in the Varick transcript. The signed certificate dated 29 Sept. that was sent to Vienne is at NIC. The text of that document, which is in the writing of Richard Kidder Meade, reads: “I certify, that the Marquis De Vienne served, some time, in the army, under my immediate command, in character of Volunteer, during which, his conduct was always such as became an officer and Gentleman, having embraced every occasion, his situation offered, to give proofs of his zeal and bravery—He received an appointment by brevet to the rank of Colonel in the Army of the United States the fifteenth of July last.”