Sir:—
This letter is to request of your Excellency leave to go as far as Cape Fear, to settle my business, which were I not to do, would be almost my ruin, besides being very injurious to the estate of some orphans in my care. My absence for a short time can't be of the least detriment to the 1st Regiment, as there will be sufficient officers to conduct the small number of men to the place appointed for their inoculation, (as I have had the small pox) I can join the Division before they get well. I should by no means have desired leave if it had not been that I was informed that Col. Luttrell was to march with the 1st Division to the North, and by the time the second was to go, I could have settled all my affairs, as there is no knowing when we shall return back, my going home is really necessary. I should have made application to the Commanding Officer, but did not know he would grant leave without your approbation. As I have been in the service ever since the Troops were raised, and went twice to Charles Town, and staid there a very disagreeable campaign, being at Hadral Point the whole winter, hope your Excellency will indulge me, which will for ever oblige