To George Washington from Captain Nicholas Ruxton Moore, 20 December 1778
From Captain Nicholas Ruxton Moore
Baltimore Decemr 20th 1778.
Sir
It is with the greatest reluctance I now address your Excellency on a subject which to me is exceedingly disagreeable, that of Quiting the Army.
Two years have now elapsed since I have had the Honor of serving in the Army during which time having no person to take care of my Bussiness, I find it in such a perplexd, confused situation, that was I to gratefy my inclination by serving only one Campaign more, it woud be making a sacrifice of allmost every thing I have in the world.
your Excellency will readily concieve my uneasiness on this occasion when I do assure you upon my Honor it is with the greatest regret that I shall leave the service.
my Commission as Capt. of Lt Ds I shoud have inclosed but I have not received it—as a state of suspence is very disagreeable, I must beg the favor of your Excellency to forward your permission for my resignation as conveniently possible—while I Remain Your Excellency’s most obtt Hbl. Svt
Nich. Ruxton Moore
ALS, DLC:GW.
James McHenry replied for GW from Middlebrook, N.J., on 27 March 1779: “Your letter to his Excellency of the 20th December Ultimo—came to hand the 25th instant.
“The general desires me to express his unwillingness to loose an officer who has given proofs of zeal and ability, during the time of his service. But as you have taken the resolution to leave the army, his Excellency cannot withold his permission. It will be necessary, however that you should transmit a certificate of your having no accounts unsettled in the regiment, or with the public—previous to its acceptance. I wish you much honor and reputation in your new pursuits” (DLC:GW).