Sir: Since I had the Pleasure of Addressing you last, no material Occurrence has happened in our Camp.
Dy Governor Griswold was desirous of taking the Minutes of the Conference with the Delegates of the Continental Congress with him; but they were so lengthy the Time did not admit of it. As soon as they can be copied fair they shall be transmitted.
I was somewhat Surprized to find that in one of the Regiments lately from Connecticut, a Doctor Chiney 56 had been Commissioned as a Surgeon. As I am persuaded he must have obtained this Appointment by some Misrepresentation, I think it proper to apprize you of his Conduct and Behaviour last Summer being suspected of fraudulent Draughts upon the Commissary Store and other Malpractices, it was proposed to bring him to a Trial, which he evaded by requesting a Dismission which was granted him. After which I am very Credibly informed he returned to his Colony, where he has propogated the most infamous Reports of some of the General Officers. Reports tending to impress the Minds of the Soldiery and Country with prejudices, which would dissolve that Confidence which ought to subsist between Troops and their Officers. Since he has returned to Camp, he has renewed his Draughts upon the Stores, but being immediately detected, I have ordered him under Arrest, and hope Sufficient Evidence may be had to convict him, so as to rid the Army of him intirely. -- But I beg leave to intimate to you, the Propriety of Observing some Caution in giving Commissions to Persons who have been discharged, before you are apprized of the Reasons of their leaving the Army.
[Note:Dr. Penuel Cheeney, surgeon's mate, of the Third Connecticut Regiment. ]
I am glad to hear the Commissary General 57 is in a fair way of Recovery; I hope it will not be long before we have the Pleasure of seeing him in the Camp. I am Sir etc.
[Note:Col. Joseph Trumbull. ]
P.S. have you heard anything of the Lead proposed to be sent from Albany in August, allow me to call your attention to this important article.