The same private Circumstances which led me to request your Excellency’s permission to be absent, a few Weeks, from Head Quarters now constrain me, either to relinquish the Service, or beg for a further Extension of your Indulgence. The former being extremely repugnant to my Feelings, I cannot but hope your Excellency will gratify me in the latter. Two or three Months will probably be decisive; I shall then be able either conveniently to join the Army, or shall be compelled to quit it forever.

Should your Excellency wish to have your Family complete, I would by no Means be considered as an Obstacle; for it would be very wrong in me to desire to be a Bar to your receiving from another that Service, which it is impossible for me, at this Distance, to render. I have the Honour to be, With the most respectful Attachment Your Excellency’s Very Humble Servant