Delegates to Congress . Letters of delegates to Congress, 1774-1789, Volume 16, September 1 1780-February 28 1781
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Charles Thomson to To: Richard Peters


Sir,
Jany 11. 1781

   Baron d'Arendt preferred a memorial to Congress, desiring to have an act passed approving the reasons of his absenting himself over the time allowed by his furlough.' This was referred to the board of War. He now complains that the board has not reported on that matter and he desires to know whether Congress will continue him in service and employ him in negotiating between the United States & the court of Prussia or in the line of the Army or in both. As to


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the matter of negotiatg. the Baron having no letters of credence nor other documents to prove that he is authorised to act in behalf of his court I believe Congress will not deign to take any notice of his pretentions. As to his Staying over his time & being imployed in the Army they expect a report from your board. He claims to be paid for the time he was absent in silver or bills of exchange. You can easily judge whether the situation of our affairs & the justice due to the officers who have been exposing their lives in the service while he was absent will admit of a compliance with this demand.

   In short he appears to be a man who by importunity & bold pretensions wishes to make himself a man of Consequence & to get what he can from the U.S. The board therefore will judge whither it may not be best as the army is arranged & he cannot be employed &c, to give him his dismission.


Note:

    (PHi: Anthony Wayne Papers). In Thomson's hand though not signed. Endorsed by Richard Peters: "11th Jany 1781. Chas Thomson-about Baron Arendts Application for Continuance in the Army & pretended Mission from."



1 For the claim of baron d'Arendt, see Virginia Delegates to Thomas Jefferson, January 1, 1781, note 3.