To Alexander Hamilton from Staats Morris, 18 June 1799
From Staats Morris, 18 June 1799
Fort McHenry June 18th 1799
Sir
Two men having this day surrendered themselves to me as deserters from Fort Pinckney in South Carolina, and there being a sufficient number of Officers at this post, and in its vicinity to constitute a Genl. Court Martial for their trial, I have to request your order for the purpose, or, that you would be pleased to grant them your pardon—
They are young men respectably connected in this State, and ignorant of military duty.
With great respect I have the honor to be Sir Your Obedt. Servt
Staats Morris
Capt. Commdg
(ALS, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress). On the cover H wrote a draft of his reply: "I take it for granted the men he mentions belong to some Company stationed in the southern Extremity. In this case he will send the persons he mentions by water to ⟨—⟩ Charleston with a letter to General Pinckney stating the situation & the circumstances of their surrender. If they are of the corps of Artillerists the letter will be addressed to"