From George Washington to Major William Hudson Ballard, 13 December 1779
To Major William Hudson Ballard
Head Quarters Morris town 13th Decemr 1779
Sir,
I have received your letter of the 26th of November which with the papers inclosed I have transmitted to Governor Clinton and requested his interposition to prevent the prosecutions, if upon inquiry he has reason to believe them vexatious.1 It were however to be wished the effects taken had been reported with their owners to the Committee and subjected to their disposal. Perhaps it may be adviseable to see the Governor yourself and give him a more particular explanation—If you choose to do this, I have directed General Heath to grant you a leave of absence.2 I am Sir Your most Obedt & humble servant.
P.S. The money which arose from the sale of the effects (left in Lt Col. Whitings hands) must be subject to the Governor’s order.3
Df, in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. GW’s aide-de-camp Tench Tilghman wrote the dateline on the draft. The probable cover of the letter sent Ballard, with GW’s signature, as well as a “portion of autograph letter containing nine words in Washington’s hand,” was offered for sale by EAC Gallery, New Hyde Park, N.Y., in 2002.
1. At this place on the draft, Hamilton wrote and then struck out “and groundless.”
2. No letter from GW to Maj. Gen. William Heath related to leave for Ballard has been found.
3. See GW to George Clinton, this date.