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Sir:

I received your favor of the 9th inst. last night with the list of officers to your Battalion enclosed. Those gentlemen who wish to remain longer in the State, surely do not well consider the nature of the service they are engaged in, or consult rather their own ease, than the good of their country, in which cases I consider them as persons who may be spared from their appointments without much prejudice to the State. The paymaster promised a week ago to proceed immediately to Halifax, what may have been the cause

of his delay I know not. I shall thank you for the return you mention, but really I wish every man to be discharged who is unable to perform the duties of a soldier, and I fear there are too many among your Drafts, put there not from such motive as you or I approve and who will by no means answer the purposes intended. I send you enclosed a commission for Mr. Nutall to be Ensign in your Battalion.

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