1782.
Sir:
I need not observe to your Excellency, that respect for the opinion of
Congress will not permit me to be indifferent to the impressions they
may receive of my conduct. On this principle, though I do not think
the subject of the inclosed letter of sufficient importance to request
an official communication of it, yet I should be happy it might in
some way be known to the members of that honorable body. Should they
hereafter learn, that though retained on the list of their officers,
I am not in the execution of the duties of my station, I wish them
to be sensible, that it is not a diminution of zeal which induces me
voluntarily to withdraw my services, but that I only refrain from
intruding them, when circumstances seem to have made them either not
necessary or not desired; and that I shall not receive emoluments
without performing the conditions to which they were annexed. I also
wish them to be apprised upon what footing my future continuance in
the army is placed; that they may judge how far it is expedient to
permit it. I therefore take the liberty to request the favor of your
Excellency to impart the knowledge of my situation in such manner as
you think most convenient.
I have the honor to be,
With perfect respect,
Your Excellency’s
Most ob’t and humble servant,
A. Hamilton.
General Washington.