From George Washington to Brigadier General Jedediah Huntington, 25 July 1780
To Brigadier General Jedediah Huntington
Head Quarters [Preakness, N.J.] July 25th 1780
Sir
Application has been made to me on the part of Capt. Perkins of the first Connecticut Regt for a discharge from the service1—It must occur to the reflection of every person acquainted with military service, that the present time is exceedingly improper for such applications. Besides I am informed that Capt. Perkins has already left the Continent, or is about it, having obtained a Vessel for the purpose. This appears to be a very extraordinary step, previous to obtaining leave for resignation—For these reasons I cannot think of granting his request, unless you should conceive there is great occassion for it.2 I am Sir Your Most Obedt Hble Servt
Go. Washington
Df, in David Humphreys’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. On 1 July, Capt. Ebenezer Perkins wrote GW: “I cannot but with the utmost gratitude Acknowledge the honors confered on me, Since I Joind the Continental Army with my brethern in defence of the rights of Mankind and America—From the beginning of the year 1775; I have employed my whole time in the Service of my Country with the utmost chearfullness; nor have I Repined at the (Inadequate) rewards I have recieved for my Services; But finding; the bloom of youth wasting; my health decaying; and the Small Patrimony I was possesed of; almost Exhausted; and no provision made for approaching Old Age—these Reasons with others equally important Obliges me; (altho with much reluctance) to request of your Excellency that I may be honorably discharged from the Army; which I humbly desire may not be denied to him who is And ever will remain his Countrys Friend.” Col. Josiah Starr, of the 1st Connecticut Regiment, endorsed the letter: “By the desire of Capt. Perki[n]s, and under the present Cercomstances think it will be no disadvantage to the Regt, I do therefore Recommend him to your Exellency for a Discharge” (ALS, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 703).
2. No reply from Huntington to GW has been found, but Perkins resigned from the army in July.