To George Washington from Benjamin Day, 11 May 1778

From Benjamin Day

Fredericksburg Virga May 11th 1778

Sir,

I have lately had an offer made me in the civil Department of this State, which I think to my Interest to accept. The post I held in the Army, is for several Reasons undisirable to me: I therefore beg Leave Sir to decline a Continuance of it. From the frequent Applications on this Subject, I fear it is troublesome to you: but the Concurrence of many Circumstances I hope may plead my Apology for the Rise of it on this Occasion. If my Exertions were at any Time serviceable in the Army, under the new Regulations they may be dispens’d with, without the least Inconvenience to it, as I never have had the Honour of holding a Commission in the Line. I am with great Respect Your Excellency’s most obedt Servt

Benja. Day

ALS, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 31182.

GW replied on 23 May from Valley Forge: “I received Your favor of the 11th inclosed in a letter from Gen. Woodford. I always accept the resignation of a good officer with reluctance However at you[r] desire I cannot but receive it. I wish your expectations in the civil Department of the State which you mean to choose may be answered” (DLC:GW).

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Source Project: Washington Papers
Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Day, 11 May 1778
Author: Day, Benjamin
Recipient: Washington, George
Date: 11 May 1778

Reference

Cite as: “To George Washington from Benjamin Day, 11 May 1778,” Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-15-02-0087. [Original source: The Papers of George Washington, Revolutionary War Series, vol. 15, May–June 1778, ed. Edward G. Lengel. Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 2006, p. 100.]