Simonds, J., fl. 1782 [Request to Samuel Shaw from Captain J. Simonds, and Samuel Shaw's reply]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01641 Author/Creator: Simonds, J., fl. 1782 Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 4 October 1782 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 33.9 x 20.9 cm. Order a Copy
Written by a Captain J. Simonds, possibly James or Jonas (both were apparently members of the 4th Continental Artillery). Document contains a letter to Samuel Shaw from Captain Simonds, dated 4 October, as well as Shaw's autograph signed reply, dated 9 November, from West Point, New York. Simonds mentions that he understands "the officers are to Continue in service from the oldest agreable to the Proportion of men, if so I now stand the fifth in our Regiment. And believe we shall not be able to muster more than four companys compleat, In consequence of which I expect I must go." Comments that the "distance from home is great and if Deranged must travel that without money or clothes Beggar like." Asks Shaw to talk to the General [likely Henry Knox] and see if he may have preference over the younger Captains in his regiment for a berth or passage home. In Shaw's reply, he declares that unfortunately Knox will not be able to help him. Comments that the individual states are in charge of appointments and Knox is only able to command people once they are in the army. Writes, "It is a hardship upon an officer after seven years of faithful service to be discharged the army in the mode that is now adopted, but your case is not a singular one, as a large proportion of Captains in the New England Lines are going home under the same predicament."
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