1. The enclosed copy of a letter from Brig. Gen. William Irvine to John Jay, dated 15 May at Philadelphia, reads: “The Honourable Congress having been pleased to promote me to the rank of Brigadier General the 12th Instant—I beg your Excellency’s indulgence a moment to state a claim of Rank. Genl Hand was promoted while I was a Prisoner in Canada–’tho I was an older Colonel, as well by the date of my Commission as by the Arrangement of the State. I believe the Committee of Arrangement last August also thought I had a right to the preference, sundry Brigadiers have been lately appointed, who I conceive I have also a right to the rank of, on every principle. The resolution of Congress of 24th November 1778 I think clearly in my favour—and yet it will not answer any purpose, unless my Commission is antidated. As I am anxious to proceed to Camp, and wish some decision in this matter previous thereto, request your Excellency’s attention” (DLC:GW).

The Pennsylvania Supreme Executive Council had in January 1779 recommended the promotion of colonels Robert Magaw and William Irvine to brigadier general, criticizing the promotion of Edward Hand as irregular; but although Congress approved the promotion of Irvine on 12 May, he remained junior to Hand (see GW to Joseph Reed, 9 Feb., n.3). GW wrote to the Board of War on 22 May criticizing Irvine’s claim to seniority, but Irvine refused to back down until a Board of General Officers reviewed the case in July 1780 and decided not to antedate his commission (see GW to a Board of General Officers, 4 July 1780, and General Orders, 7 July 1780, both DLC:GW; and Pa. Archives description begins Samuel Hazard et al., eds. Pennsylvania Archives. 9 ser., 138 vols. Philadelphia and Harrisburg, 1852–1949. description ends , 1st ser., 8:409).