Dear Sir:

I received your favour of the 19th & 27 & do not recollect to have done myself the Pleasure to answer either of them. My great Indisposition must plead my excuse; I received from Colo. Clark the dates of the Colo's Commissions now in Camp belonging to the North Carolina Brigade. You or he is mistaken in a day; you say the 15th he the 16th Apr. 1776. This will be easily rectified by having recourse to the Commis. Mr. Penn & myself while he was here moved Congress several times to have the Brigadiers recommended by our General Assembly immediately commissioned; but as there are several other Colonels, in other Brigades, who are also to be appointed, Congress have postponed the matter until the Gents are fixed upon, in order that they may rank agreeable to the dates of their Commissions as Colonels.

This measure must very soon take place, & hope to have it in my power to congratulate you & Col. Clark on your appointment. Mr. Burke says he will not Stir in it.

I would advise you on receiving the Commission, to get leave of Absence for a few Months to return to the Southward which I hope will effectually restore your health, & enable you to return to the Army in the most Vigourous part of the Campaign. I shall set out from hence about the 15, or between that & the 20 Instant, at furthest, & shall be very happy to travel with you if Convenient. I am with great esteem, Dr. Sir,