The Honble. Brig. Genl. Sumner,
Sir:
I have empowered Major R. Blount to receive my certificate for pay from the Commissioners appointed by the Hon. the Assembly; as the Board of officers who sat after you left Head Qrs. could not justify themselves in arranging me as Surgeon to any of the regiments. I have accepted the appointment of Surgeon’s mate to the first regt. but have acted ever since by order of the Commanding Officers as Surgeon pro Temporary.
I flatter myself, you will conceive me deserving Surgeon’s pay from the time you honoured me with a certificate to act in that office, in consideration of the severity of my duty on first entering the Army; but if my claim is irregular or not allowed by the precedents of the Army, or will deprive any other gentleman of his full pay, I am ready to relinquish it with chearfulness. I have therefore taken the liberty to refer Maj. Blount to you for his Government. Please to accept my wishes for your health and happiness.