George Washington Papers

To George Washington from Abraham Kinney, 8 February 1783

Pompton Feby 8th 1783

Dear General

I beg leave to inform your Excellency that on the 3d Instant, I went to Bergen at the Solicitation of my Mother, who has been unwell a long time for the purpose of giving her the Benefit of procuring a few Oysters, which was recommended to her by a Physician to be the only relief for her Indisposition. I left her at the House of Mrs Brown were she wished to remain for a few days, and on my return was solicited by a Mr Caleb Brewen of New Ark, to take in a Bed which he said belonged to a Man who had lately made his escape from New York, and for which he had Governor Livingston[s] pasport, I took him & his Bed into the sleigh and proceeded for New Ark, shortly after he fired a pistol which he said was by accident, uppon which I was stopped by Lieut. Stewart of General Hazens Regmt who informed me; that in Consequence of the Pistols being fired, several sleighs had turned about & Drove back, which he suspected were loaded with contraband Goods, I informed him I knew nothing of them, and urged to drive on, he refused; He however made me his prisoner, and sent me to Genl Hazen (Under the Charge of a Corporal) from whom I have in vain solicited leave to go to my Fathers, at New Ark in Order to procure Evidences in my favor, to prevent the Condemnation of my sleigh and Horses—I concieve my Treatment to be exceeding hard and unprecedented—If their was any Crime to be laid to my charge—If going to Bergen was a Civil, or Military Offence, I am willing to answer. I refer my case to your Excellency and doubt not but I shall recieve perfect Justice. I beg leave further to acquaint your Excellency my Furlough is nearly expired. at the expiration of which I should wish to Join my Regiment. I have the Honor to be Your Excellency’s Very Obedt Servant

Abrm Kinney

Lieut. 2nd Regt Dragoon

DLC: Papers of George Washington.

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