It is with the most affectionate Feelings of Respect we are informed the Commander in Chief is soon to leave the Army & uncertain whether he will return to this Post—as he has not publickly announced his Departure we are not at liberty formally to take our Leave of him—We cannot however in justice to our Feelings reconcile his Departure without giving him the liveliest Testimonials of our Sentiments & Esteem, & wish you to communicate them to him in such Manner as under the present Circumstances, is thought most proper—Language is too imperfect to express the warmth of our Attachment; & to enumerate the particular Ties of our Obligations would include every Circumstance of an Eight Years War—We beg him to accept the fullest Assurrances, we feel all that Gratitude, Affectionate [   ] as a Citizen, as a Soldier, as a Friend to Mankind, as the Commander in Chief, to the Wisdom of whose Counsels, to the Prudence, Magnanimity & Fortitude of whose Conduct, these United States (under the Direction of Providence) owe their present existence. We have the honor to be with Sentiments of Esteem Dear Sir your very huml Servt on behalf of the officers of the Connt. Regiment