From George Washington to Major Thomas Massie, 25 June 1779
To Major Thomas Massie
Head Ors New Windsor June 25: 1779
sir
I have received Your Letter of the 11th Instant—and I am extremely sorry to hear, that you have been so much afflicted with the Rheumatism.1 Your situation will not permit me to refuse your request to retire from the service; and I have only to regret the circumstance, which deprives the States of an Officer of your merit.
You will be pleased to accept my wishes for your recovery. I am sir with great esteem Yr Most obedt servt
Go: Washington
Df, in Robert Hanson Harrison’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. GW enclosed the letter sent Massie, which has not been found, in his letter to the Board of War of this date (see the postscript to that document).
1. Massie’s letter to GW, written at Philadelphia on 11 June, reads: “From a late rhuematick illness, I have been detained in Virginia, and still find Myself incapable of Military Service, therefore request Your Excellency’s permission to retire from the Army—I have had no Commission since the arrangement of the Virginia Line, otherwise, should have inclosed it, My present indisposision, increased by the fatigue of travelling, prevents My waiting on Your Excellency, in Person” (ALS, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 31324).