Rocky Hill, November 6, 1783.
Dear Sir:
The inclosed is a letter which I had written, and was about to dispatch
at the date of it; but, upon second thoughts, determined to postpone
it, and try, if, from the importance of the matter, I could not bring
forward the peace establishment previously.
I have tried in vain. Congress, after resolving, on the ---- of last
month, to adjourn upon the twelfth of this, did, equally unexpectedly
and surprisingly to me, finish their session at this place the day
before yesterday; without bringing the peace establishment, or any of
the many other pressing matters, to a decision.
Finding this was likely to be the case, I showed your letter to some
of your particular friends; and consulted with them on the propriety
of making known your wishes with my testimonial of your services to
Congress; but they advised me to decline it, under a full persuasion
that no discrimination would, or indeed, could, be made at this late
hour, as every other officer, from the highest to the lowest grades
(not in actual command), were retiring without the retention of rank;
and that the remainder, upon a peace establishment (if a Continental
one should ever take place), would come in upon the new system, under
fresh appointments; so that unless you wished to come into actual
command again (which none supposed), they saw no way by which you could
preserve your rank.
I have the pleasure to inclose you a brevet, giving you the rank of
full Colonel.
I am, dear Sir,
Your most obedient servant,
G. Washington.
To Colonel Hamilton.