Head Quarters, New Windsor, December 28, 1780.

    Dear Sir: The Honable, Mr. Johnson of Frederick Town in Maryland (late Govt. of that State) will transmit you, with this letter, sundry papers respecting the proceedings of Capt. Eggleston of Colo. Lees Legion, in the case of Peter Bainbridge a soldier of the Legion, who was apprehended for desertion. It appears from the papers which have been laid before me, but which as they were not authenticated I could not regard, that Capt. Egglestons conduct has been highly unmilitary and unwarrantable in extorting from the Father of the Lad, not only a valuable horse, but a promise to pay for a parcel of leather Breeches, to procure ten able Recruits and to secure three deserters, provided he would spare the life of the deserter. These matters, if true, reflect highly not only upon Capt. Eggleston, but upon the Army, and you will therefore take the proper mode, to give him an opportunity of acquitting himself honorably, if innocent, or if guilty to bring him to that punishment which such conduct deserves. I am &c. ⁵⁰

[Note:The draft is in the writing of Tench Tilghman.]