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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Jethro Sumner to Hugh Williamson and William Blount
Sumner, Jethro, 1733?-1785
September 17, 1782
Volume 19, Pages 948-949

LETTER FROM GENERAL SUMNER.

I make no doubt but that Gen. Greene was made acquainted of Lieut. Col. Stewart’s Complaints to the War Office, of Lieut. Cols. Murfree and Dixon’s claim for the dates of their commissions issuing. I have received no order of this matter but suppose the order issued from the War Office to General Greene, and as soon as this supposition of an error in the dates of the appointments of Lieut. Cols. Murfree and Dixon is investigated I shall do myself the honor of transmitting to you a copy and of such resignations and deaths as have happened in the line since the arrangement took place, January, 1781, that those Gentlemen’s names who are entitled to a rise may be laid before Congress for their promotion.

I wish Gentlemen, that such of the resolves of the Honourable Congress as generally concern the army, could be transmitted to me. It would give me satisfaction to know such regulations as are adopted,

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and no doubt prevent any supposed neglect which otherwise would be strictly observed if known.

I am desirous to mention to you the depreciated state of the specie certificates issued to the officers and soldiers for one year’s pay. Their expectations have much fallen. Finding no supplies for the Camp could be negotiated for with these specie Bills some of the officers have indeed purchased of the confiscated property at four and five for one, the others I believe intend returning theirs next General Assembly. Willing that no suggestions of a doubt of the fund should be suspected they received them. I really was apprehensive they would not answer the good intent as at first intended.

I am satisfied you are acquainted of many of the distresses we labor under for some pay when two, three and four years are due, not a clothier that has a yard of anything, no magazine of provisions, seldom any rations. Travelling expenses, &c., &c., takes more money than we can command by any means consistant.

I have the honor Gentlemen, to assure you that
I am with respect and Esteem, yr. mo. Obedt. Servt.,
JETHRO SUMNER.