To James Madison from Ebenezer White, 14 April 1813
From Ebenezer White
Pittsfield April 14th. 1813
Sir,
Since being so fortunate as to be commissioned as an officer in the United States Army, my health has proved so poor and still is that I think that I cannot be of any service to the army, therefore, I ask my discharge. Having a strong desire, still to assist in service of my Country, I have perform’d a march of three hundred miles, tho’ with great pain & fatigue and I am now under the Doctor’s hands and obliged to keep my room. I shall go home to New Gloucester District of Maine, as soon as my health will permit and I wish to have my discharge sent to that place. I am, with respect, Your Most Obedient and Very humble servant
Ebenr. White Lieut
21 Regt U.S Infantry
RC (DNA: RG 94, Letters Received, filed under “White”). Appended at the foot of the letter is the following note in White’s hand: “I think the above to be a true sta⟨tem⟩ent of the health and patriotism of Leiut. Ebenr. White, and that his request may be granted with propriety—Ebenr. Thompson Capt. 9th Redgt Infantry.” Docketed with a note in an unknown hand: “Resignation accepted from 1st. May. next.”