To George Washington from Anthony Wayne, 4 November 1781
Head Quarters 4th Novr 1781
My Dear General
I wish you to do me the Justice to believe, that I never did not nor never will, be guilty of any Conduct, that will be prejudiced to a Cause in which my life Character & property are engaged.
As a friend I told your Excellency my feelings & situation—as a soldier I will submit to every Difficulty.
I only requested leave of absence for a short time, your Excellency has put it on a ground that prevents me from accepting it.
but I am necessitated to reiterate my request, to be permitted to move on, Independant of Command, until I join Genl Greene.
At the same time I Pledge my honour, that I will execute any duty, that the Exigency of the case may require, if Circumstances will possibly permit me.
Should this meet your Excellencys Approbation it will be [conferring] an additional Obligation upon Your Excellency’s Most Obet. & very Humb. Servt
Anty Wayne
DLC: Papers of George Washington.