George Washington Papers

From George Washington to Captain Francis Wade, 1 June 1777

To Captain Francis Wade

Head Quarters Middle Brook 1st June 1777

Sir

I have yours in May without any particular date. I am very certain that when Balser made his Escape he called upon me and got a Reward for his Services and the Risque he run. Having sent away many of my old papers I cannot tell the Sum that was paid to him, but you may depend upon it that something has been paid. Be kind enough to put this Matter closely to Balser and endeavour to come at the Truth.

Major Morris was once thought of as Adjt General, but upon enquiring into his political Sentiments, they were found, by his own confession, to be such as would not warrant our employing him in the military line.1 I am Sir yrs.

Df, in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.

1In the draft Tilghman first wrote: “Major Morris might at one time have come into the Service had he been inclined, but he has lately wrote me a letter in which he seems to wish to withdraw any offers which he formerly made.” Tilghman then struck out that sentence.

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