I intended to have had the honor and the happiness of personally acknowledging to you, Sir, at your Head Quarters, the very grateful sense I have of the favor of your Excellency’s interest in Congress, to which I consider myself principally indebted for my late promotion in the Army; but being detained longer at Philadela than I expected, I hastened to this place lest the general Assembly should break up before I cou’d settle a little buisiness in which I have an Interest; And I desired to have an opportunity of Petitioning them to make some Provisions for great numbers of unfortunate Soldiers of the Maryland line who are now beging their way from the Southern Army. It is unnecessary to give your Excellency a painful description of their wretchedness, the want of Subsistence alone is enough to distress them, in so long a journey Even if they were cloathed, and their wounds healed.

General Smallwood has aided my address with his influence and we are flattered with a hope of success.

Tho’ the want of money, and other inconveniencies do not admit of a prospect of much success in the recruiting Service I propose to remain in Maryland ’till Summon’d by General Greene, and, as his numbers are now very inconsiderable, I do not suppose I can be serviceable in that quarter soon, unless General Gist shou’d desire to return again to Maryland, Therefore, if any vacancy happens in the Northern Army where my abilities can be rendered useful, I hope your Excellency will please to command me and be assured of my affectionate Attachment.

I beg you sir, to present my most respectful compliments to Mrs Washington, and my friends at Head Quarters. With the highest respect, esteem and gratitude, I am, Your Excellency’s most obliged, and Obedt, Humble Servant