Head Quarters, October 17, 1778.
Sir: I received your letter of the 15th. Inst. respecting a reprieve for Elisha Smith a deserter from your company. It is far from my inclination to increase the number of unfortunate sufferers, or to sign a warrant which does not appear indispensably necessary for the preservation and safety of the army. Smith has been represented to me, as an object worthy of punishment, and as a proper example to prevent the commission of crimes of a like nature. Indeed I should have been glad of a justifiable foundation of pardon to have obliged you in this instance. I am etc. 95
[Note:The draft is in the writing of James McHenry. ]