I am sorry to be under the necessity of troubling Your Excellency on so trivial an Affair, but I hope its consiquence to me will atone for the liberty.

After the Capitulation at York Town, a Black Servant whom I brought from the West Indies was allowed me by General Hazen, and not inserted in my Parole as not being a Soldier, at the same time I was allowed a Servant from the New York Volunteers as being an Officer of that Corps. General Lincoln in his Pass only mentions one Servant; Major Forman the Commanding Officer at this Post is therefore under the necessity of detaining my Servant belonging to the Army, till Your Excellency’s pleasure should be known.

I flatter myself my request will meet with Your Excellency’s approbation as Major Forman has promised to forward this immediately. I have the honour to be Your Excellency’s Most obedt humble Servant