To George Washington from Thomas McKean, 18 August 1781
Philadelphia August 18. 1781.
Sir,
Enclosed you will receive a Letter from Lieut. Abijah Hammond, which is referred by Congress, by an Act of the 13th instant, to your Excellency.
Your favor of the 8th instant was handed to me by the Commissary of Prisoners only yesterday; it was read in Congress and referred to a special Committee. I have the honor to be, with the utmost regard Your Excellency’s Most obedient Servant
Thos M:Kean President
DLC: Papers of George Washington.
Enclosure
Boston June 29th 1781.
The Petition of Lieut. Abijah Hammond Humbley sheweth that he is in a very ill state of Health, and that it is the oppinion of the Physicion (as may be seen in the Certificat) that a Voyage to sea will be the only way by which he can obtain his Health again. He therefore begs Congress will Indulge him so far as to grant him Permission to comply with the advice of the Physicions and there Petitioner shall ever pray.
A. Hammond
Lieut. 3rd Regiment Arty.
Enclosure
Boston June 29th 1781.
Sir
Inclosed is a certificat from the Physicions that I am unfit for duty & also a Petition to Congress for Liberty to go a Voyage to Sea; which I should be much obliged to you if you would lay before them, and if in your power procure me said Liberty—I should esteam as a very great favour if you will git it, and forward it to me by the next post as my situation is extreemly bad, and I am desirous of recovering from my present Indisposition, & again returning to my duty in the army. I am Your Honors very Humble Servant
A: Hammond