To George Washington from Darius Howe, 13 May 1781
West Point May 13th 1781
Sir,
I am compell’d from the distressed situation of my famely to solicit of your Excellency a discharge from the Service—It is with reluctance I quit a service in which I have been deeply Engaged from the first commencment of Hostilities; and nothing but the tender calls of a helpless famely could have induced me to make the request I have done. I am Your Excellencies most humble & devoted servant
Darius Howe Lieut.
DNA: RG 93—War Department.