Whereas, many Soldiers, lately inlisted in the Continental Army, not content with the generous Bounties and Encouragements granted to them by Congress, but Influenced by a base regard to their Interest, have reenlisted with, received Bounties from other Officers and then deserted; And Whereas it is presumed that many fully sensible of the enormity of their Crimes, would return to their duty, were they not detered, by an apprehension of suffering the severe punishment lately inflicted on those found guilty of desertion.
I have thought proper to issue this my Proclamation offering free pardon to all those above described, as well as to those who have deserted from other motives, who shall Voluntarily surrender themselves to any Officer in the Continental Army, or join their respective Corps before the fifteenth day of May next. And I do strictly enjoin all officers in the Army under my Command, and intreat the good people of these States, to use their utmost endeavours to apprehend and secure such Deserters, as shall not avail themselves of this indulgence offered by this proclamation.55
[Note:The draft is in the writing of Caleb Gibbs. ]