It is with the greatest reluctance that I now apply to your Excellency on a Matter which has given you much trouble, nothing but real injury would have urged me to this application—On the 1st of April 1781. was commanded to Boston where continued ’til last March when join’d the 10th Massachusetts Regiment found Mr Cary Rank’d as Capt. Lieut. of the late Colonel Marshall’s Regiment and myself as the next Lieut.

I came into Service the 1st of January 1777 as Paymaster to Colonel Marshall’s Regiment and agreeable to Resolve of Congress of Novemr 76 was intitled to the Rank of a Lieut—Mr Cary came out in the same Regiment as Serjeant was Promoted to an Ensign the 10th of Augt following—when the Commissions came in 1779 Mr Cary’s came as Lieut. and antecedent to mine Major Winslow who then commanded the Regiment declared it was a mistake and Should be rectified—was absent when the last Board Sat to Settle the Rank of the Massets line therefore had not an opportunity to give in my pretensions.

have applied to Genl Paterson—President of the Board who informs me that they have completed the business and that all the Papers are refured to your Excellency’s decision. was Sensible of the mistake but could make no alteration without your Excellency’s direction—It is so grose an injury that it Sensibly affects my honor as well as Rank.

Therefore Pray your Excellency’s interposition and to direct such Measures as you in your wisdom may think proper. Am with all respect Your Excellency’s Obedient Servt