The circumstance of receiving my appointment at a very late period, & being unexpectedly ordered to leave Vermont, at such a distance, with only a day or two notice, renders it indispensible that I should pay immediate attention to my domestic concerns or suffer great inconvenience & loss—

I must therefore solicit the favor of your permission, sir, that I may be absent from the Regiment four or five Weeks—

I have consulted Colo. Graves on the subject who wishes me to be indulged—and the command of the Regiment I think will be safe with Capt. Dunham or Tillinghast who will be present—

I have the honor to be sir, with the most respectful Consideration your Obedient Servt.