LS, one page both sides, 8 x 12.25, September 4, 1781. Letter to Governor George Clinton of New York. In part: "An instance that I think somewhat alarming has lately intervened in this departm't & which I think is a design of no less consequence than the dissolution of the Army. The plan seems to be, to try the superior force of the Civil Government over the Military, in seizing, imprisoning, and detaining a Soldier from his duty, at a time when the public are under the necessity of giving such enormous prices to induce men to enter the Service, and the demand for their Service is pressing. This instance happened in this City on the body of one Haas a Soldier in the Massachusetts line, (but detained here in the usefull work of an Armourer), he was seized, on a pretended debt of about six pounds, that it was said he owed a tavernkeeper as a Tavern bill, The Tavernkeeper took the advice of a young fubble of a Lawyer, who willing to undertake anything that would make him popular in knavery, and perhaps possessed of some glimmering hopes of future favours from the Torys Sovereign, for the bold & daring attempt, readily ingaged in the design, granted a writ, by force of which he now lies in jail. I need not relate to your Excellency the fatal consequences resulting in such a procedure. They are too plain to need a moments consideration. However I am not under any apprehentions of Imminent danger from the loss of a single soldier, (tho a very usefull man,) but the precedent I must own alarms me. Pray Sir tell me what shall hinder a number of Enemies to this Country, to either trust or pretend to trust Soldiers, and then commence actions against them? The answer to this, 'They are immediately laid in jail' and the same authority that puts one in, can put a Brigade in, & if a Brigade goes, I know nothing to prevent the Army from sharing the same fate.-And further, Sir I am fully confident that George the Third of Great Britain, has may subjects in this City, who would willingly lay down half, nay even the whole of their fortunes in this Service, and trust to his Royal Clemency for the repayment of money, laid out so much to his advantage.-But it is unnecessary to enlarge on a subject so explicit." In very good condition, with a detached but present address leaf.
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