To George Washington from Brigadier General John Nixon, 28 October 1778
From Brigadier General John Nixon
Camp New milford [Conn.] 28th Octor 1778
Most respectful Sir
The Circumstances of my Family Is Such—as requires my imediat attention, which Leys me under the Disagreable Necessaty of Soliciting a furlough for a reasonable Time.
It is with Grate reluctance I Trouble your Excellency at this time, and was not the Situation of my numerous Family Very Singuler, I should not have Done it. Colo. Graton—who is an able Good officer would Command the Brig[a]de in my absence.
I Shall therefore, chearfully Submit my Request, to the Candor & Benevolence of him whose Tender fealings of Humanity, will ever Prompt to every Possible Indulgence, not Inconsistant with the Publick Interest and the Dignity of his Carecter.1 I have the Honr to be with the Gratest Esteem Your Excellencys most obedt and Very Humbe Servt
Jno. Nixon B.G.
ALS, PHi: Gratz Collection; Sprague transcript, DLC:GW.
1. Maj. Gen. Alexander McDougall also made this request for Nixon in his letter to GW of this date. For GW’s granting of Nixon’s request, see GW to McDougall, 8 Nov. (LS owned [1992] by Mr. Joseph Rubinfine, West Palm Beach, Fla.).