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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Nathanael Greene to Jethro Sumner
Greene, Nathanael, 1742-1786
February 02, 1783
Volume 16, Pages 930-931

GEN. NATHL. GREENE TO GENERAL SUMNER.


Head Quarters Ch. Town, Febry. 2nd, 1783.

Dear Sir:

I have been favoured with your several Letters of November the 29th and 30th and Jany. 3rd. By a Letter from Major Blount I find you had directed that Mr. McClure, surgeon to the second regiment, should be arrested and tried for disobedience of re peated orders. I do not think if he has neglected his duty in the Army, and pursued his private business in contempt of the orders of his superior officers, that he should be permitted to retire on the half pay establishment; but that he should either be obliged to resign altogether or submit to a tryal. He cannot be said to be entitled to the rights of an officer. if he has forfeited them by his own misconduct,

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and whether he has done this or not in my opinion a Court Martial is the only proper judge.

Doctor Lamas having informed Major Blount of his intention to resign, and that he might not be considered as an officer after the 19th or 20th of August last. Doctor Blythe has been arranged: But as Mr. Lamas has not sent his resignation to me, and there might be some dispute if he should hereafter change his mind. I beg to be informed whether Mr. Lamas is deranged as a resigned officer, that either Doctor Blythe’s appointment may be permanent or Mr. Lamas be obliged to join his Regiment.

I have written to Lieut. Col. Murfree to let him know that I have no objection, if his private affairs require it, to his being put upon the half pay establishment. I suppose he is apprised of a late resolution of Congress, by which Officers in his situation are precluded from the right of ever being called into service hereafter.

Were there any probability of active Scenes I should be anxious to have your services in this Army, but from the situation of your line, and the probable inactivity of the Army for some time to come, from the expence you must incur; and as I am sensible your private concerns must call for your attention, after having been so long engaged in public business, I have no objection to your continuing in North Carolina, where you can superintend the recruiting service, & your own private concerns at the same time.

The Assembly of this State have convened at this place, and the people begin to feel the happy difference between military oppression, & the mild operation of a free Government. I hope the effects of this change extend through to your State, where peace was much wanted.

I am Sir with esteem Your most Obedient
Humble Servant,
NATH. GREENE.

N. B.—Inclosed is a copy of Major Blount’s letter respecting the Surgeons, McClure & Lamas.