Sir:

Your order of 17th Sept., 1782, written by Capt. Armstrong never came to hand ’till this day; I was informed by Doctor Williamson at Philadelphia about one month ago, that letters from Carolina had been set to the Northward for me, but where or by what accident it has been detained I know not.

The State of affairs are so changed since the date of your order, that I presume you would not with I should consider it obligatory at this time.

The close of operations in the Southern States, the universal opinion that peace is at this time concluded, together with the uncertainty of my being included in the arrangement now making out, will I think justify me in waiting ’till I hear farther from you.

Tho’ I am very sensible that private interests or particular views ought never to be permitted to come in competition with public duty, yet Sir when you hear that I have Parents and a numerous connection living on Long Island who may probably want my assistance when our army takes possession of that Country (which event is expected to take place in six weeks or two months at farthest). I persuade myself you will easily forgive me for permitting that circumstance to have some weight with me.