To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 15 July 1780
From Brigadier General William Maxwell
Pracaness 15th July 1780
Permit me Sir
To lay a few observations before Your Excellency Viz. I earley enterd the Service of my Country in the present dispute with the King of Great Britain upon such princeples as I am confident will bear the strictest scrutiny and have exerted my self to promote it’s interest to the utmost of my abilities which I hope was not without some good effect; however I find at length that my command is disagreeable to the Corps with which I am serving and therefore must beg a removal or permission to retire from the service.1 I should be happy in serving this campaign as the prospects appears so glorrous should Your Excellency point out a mode where I might be of service to my Country; but be ashured whether in a civil or millitary Line no exertions in my power shall be wanting to promote the interest of my Country.2 I am Sir with the utmost respect Your Excellencys Most Obedient Humble Servant
Wm Maxwell
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. The exact nature of Maxwell’s disagreements with his officers is not known, but see Maxwell to GW, 23 July; see also , 161–66.
2. For Maxwell’s subsequent resignation, see Maxwell to GW, 20 July; see also GW’s second letter to Samuel Huntington of that date.