Dear General:
I am exceeding sorry to find both by report and a letter to Major Blount, that you are impressed with an unfavorable idea of my Conduct. I have to the utmost of my power endeavoured by every opportunity to satisfy you concerning my delay. This is the fifth letter I have sent to you upon the Subject. I have always informed you of my indisposition, which has been the chief cause of detaining me. I am now better than I have been for some time past, but am still in a bad state of health, which would by no means bear the fatigue of a campaign. If I find that my constitution will bear
it, I will be ready to join the army with the troops that are now to be raised. But if my cough, & other complaints still continue, it will be better for me to resign at once than to run the risque of shortening my days.I expect to see you about a month hence.