New Salem July 26th 1779
Worthy Sr
From Long acquaintance with Lt. Felton, We mean to
to Let you know, our opinion concerning his present case= viz.-
that We apprehend him to be a Person well attached to Liberty, and
always has been; that his Bodily Infirmities (and that only) is the
Sole cause Why he cannot comply with his Superior officers Re=
=quest at this Time. His former conduct; convinces us, that it is his
ill State of Health which is ye only reason of his declineing War Campaigns-
he has ever appeard forward, in hirring men for Publick Service:-
and now Stands foremost of any man in this place, according to his
worth; he has Likewise; offerd yesterday: in our hearing, very generously
to any officer, who would take his place at this time;---
he has often told us, that he ment to do his full Share in ye War, by
paying: as he never Expected, to be in person, able to perform the
duty of a Soldier;---
We therefore Pray your Honrs. to take his case into your
Serious consideration; and Excuse him; at this time for the Reasons above
mentioned, if more was necessary to be said in his favour, then we have
said, we could do it with truth and Sincerity= but a word to ye Wise
is enough.---
We are with the utmost Respect, your most obedient Humb:
Servents=
Dan.llShaw
Israel Richardson
To Col.n Williams
P:S:
we make no doubt, by but ye Lieut. will personally, make his
Curcumstances known to your Honrs. in a much more convincing
manner, then we are able to Write : if able of Body, to go to
your House---
N:B: He has been more Infirm for Some months past, then
formerly he was; as we Suspect, that he would have gone
this Short turn; although he Exposed himself very much; &c.
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