From George Washington to George Clinton, 15 May 1779
To George Clinton
Head Quarters Middle Brook May 15th 1779
Dr Sir,
It appears by the certificates in possession of Thomas Done, the bearer of this letter that he was a soldier in a company of Artillery commanded by Capt. Lamb, and that he lost his sight in the service. He has applied to me to direct him in what manner he may obtain the public provision made for persons in his situation. As the company to which he belonged was raised in the state of New York, he seems properly to come under the notice of that state, and I doubt not his case will meet, from Your Excellency, with all the attention and tenderness to which it is intitled.1 With the truest respect & esteem—I have the honor to be Yr Excellency’s Most Obedt servant
Go: Washington
LS (facsimile), in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, in private hands; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. The draft is docketed 16 May, and the Varick transcript bears the same date.
1. Hamilton wrote and then marked out the following additional text at this place on the draft: “There is a resolve of Congress directing that officers and soldiers disabled in the service should receive half pay during life to be paid by their respective states—He seems properly to come under the[.] I doubt not he will either be provided for.” GW is referring to a resolve of 26 Aug. 1776 (, 5:702–5). Thomas Done (c.1756–1826) of New York served as a matross in Capt. John Lamb’s artillery company before being blinded by the explosion of a cannon and taken prisoner during the siege of Quebec in early 1776. He was eventually placed on half pay.