George Washington Papers

From George Washington to Major Noirmont de La Neuville, 4 September 1779

To Major Noirmont de La Neuville

Head Quarters [West Point] Sepr 4th 1779

Sir,

I have received your letter of this day with the two resolves of Congress.1 I believe your apprehension of the operation of the last is ill founded—’Twas intended to supply the defect of your brevet, which only gives you rank without pay and subsistence—and not to affect your rank or confine you to any particular capacity. Your brevet intitles you to be designated to command, if circumstances will permit and your rights in this respect still remain the same, with the addition of the usual appointments to your rank.

The resolution of the first of April last was confined to a local and particular purpose, and ceased to have effect when you relinquished your design of going to the Southern army.2 The present resolution was necessary to intitle you to the same provision made by the former, and as I said before, does not affect your military rights.3 It will give me pleasure if this interpretation is satisfactory as I am with much esteem Sir Your most Obedt ser.

Df, in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.

1This letter has not been found.

2This resolution authorized La Neuville to serve in the Southern Army as a major and provided for him to receive the pay and subsistence of that rank during the 1779 campaign (JCC, description begins Worthington Chauncey Ford et al., eds. Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789. 34 vols. Washington, D.C., 1904–37. description ends 13:407).

3This resolution of 23 Aug. allowed La Neuville the pay and subsistence of a major while he served as a volunteer with the army (JCC, description begins Worthington Chauncey Ford et al., eds. Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789. 34 vols. Washington, D.C., 1904–37. description ends 14:989; see also John Jay to GW, 26 Aug.).

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