To George Washington from the Board of War, 24 June 1780
From the Board of War
War office [Philadelphia] June 24. 1780
Sir,
The Board have the honor to inclose the extract of a letter from Genl Woodford, respecting the situation of his health, and his desire to be removed to a more Northerly climate:1 as the Board are satisifed of the truth of what the General alledges, they are much surprized that Sir Harry Clinton should be so wanting to humanity as to refuse so reasonable a request.
The terms on which the General Officers of the Enemy have been favored with indulgences, are best known to your Excellency, to whom the Board beg leave to submit the case of Genl Woodford.2 I have the honor to be with the highest respect Yr Excellency’s Most Obedt Servt
by ord.
Ben. Stoddert secy
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. The enclosed extract of Brig. Gen. William Woodford’s letter to the Board of War of 2 June, written at Charleston, S.C., reads: “My health still continues bad, and I dread the approaching season, unless I can get leave to go farther North, which there seems no prospect of, at present. I have applyed to have my parole extended to Virginia, or if that indulgence was inadmissible, to be sent to N. York; or any other Northern Post in the Kings possession: this has been refused.
“I believe it is unprecedented on our side to refuse such indulgence, upon the score of health, to any officer of theirs.
“If a representation of this affair will be likely to extricate me from my present disagreable situation I will thank you to do what you can for me.” A note at the top of the document gave the date and location from which Woodford wrote the letter and also indicated that it came to the Board “by the flagg” (DLC:GW).