From Alexander Hamilton to Caleb Swan, 24 March 1800
To Caleb Swan, 24 March 1800
N York March 24. 1800
Sir,
I have received your letter of the twentieth instant.
A Soldier does not, in my opinion, by the mere act of deserting, and without the interference of a Court Martial, forfeit the pay previously due to him—I recollect no principle of law that requires this, and practice, I know, is against it.
Caleb Swan Er.
(Df, in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).