[Note:All of the Fourth Continental Dragoons. ]
Gentlemen: In answer to your respective Letters without date, but presented to me Yesterday, you will please to be in form'd
First, that the pay of the Horse Officers was fixed in December last, and at the same rates now existing, and,
Secondly, that I am not conscious of ever having said, or done any thing, that cou'd lead to a belief, that the Rank of a Lieutt. of Horse was to be equal to a Captain of foot, for the obvious reasons, that neither justice, or usage, would authorize it.
How it came to pass then, that you shou'd conceive yourselves entitled to the Rank and pay of such Officer is neither my business, nor Inclination to enquire into; this however, I shall add. That if your respective application's to resign, is the effect of hasty resolutions, you may take till to morrow to reconsider and recall your Letters. But if on the other hand, you shd. then be in the same Mind, I shall be ready to receive your Commissions if they have been deliver'd, or give dismissions if they have not.
Your Wishes to resign at such a period as this (after time is allowed for reconsideration) will be sufficient evidence with me, that it is a disinclination to the Service, and not the mere disappointment of Rank and Pay, that Causes it; and therefore, it may be unnecessary for me to add, that any future application from either of you to get into the Continental Service will be improper, and, as far as it is in my power to make it so, unavailing.8 I am etc.
[Note:See Washington's letter to the same officers, Aug. 17, 1777, post . ]