I consider my self in duty bound to explain to your Excellency the reason of my not waiting on you previous to my leaving the Army and alth’o it was not owing to any neglect in me, it has caused me much uneasiness lest your Excellency should impute it to inattention to or disrespect for your person which I beg leave to assure your Excellency was far from being the case.

I came to head Quarters the 2d day of January to take my farewell of your Excellency but was very unhappy in being informed that your Excellency was confined to your bed; on the 4th of January I set out for Boston and calling at head Quarters was informed that your Excellency was dining—I had dined before, and therefore concluded to go to the Ferry and return to head Quarters after dinner as it was very difficult passing the River and my Finances so low that had I been detained ’til the River had shut up, and not been able to have carried my horses over on the Ice, I should not have reached Boston without the utmost difficulty it not being in my power to draw provisions.

when I came to the ferry I found that in case I did not embrace the first oppertunity of crossing I should be liable to be detained perhaps three days—necessity therfore obliged me not to leave it a moment until I found an oppertunity of crossing.

Thus was I unhappily deprived of paying my last respects to your Excellency personally but neither length of time nor distance of place will ever impede the respect and Friendship which I owe to your Excellency while life shall last.

Hope this will find your Excellency and Lady and the gentlemen of the family in perfect health and Tranquillity.

I am in a better state of health than when I left the Army am greatly encouraged that altering my diet will restore my health; for the want of which no other enjoyment in life can compensate.

we have accounts that the enemy at Penobscot are making preparations to establish a Post at Falmouth Casco Bay but whether those accounts are Official am not able to inform your Excellency.

Hope your Excellency will pardon me for the freedom I take in Troubling you with this letter but my knowledge of your Excellencys candor [and] my own sincerity encourages me that the la[tter] will appologize for me. I have the Honor to be with every sentiment of esteem and respect your Excellencys most obedient humble servant