To His Excellency, Richard Caswell Esq.
Dr. Sir:—
I beg leave to return your Excellency sincere thanks for the honour conferred on me in granting me the Lieut. Col.'s Commission of the Wake Regiment of Militia; and was I disposed to act in a military office, it would give me great pleasure to serve under so worthy a commander as your Excellency. But being conscious of my own inability, and the little experience I've had in a military life, I think it my duty to resign the Commission, hoping your Excellency will not take it amiss, nor think it's from a disaffection to the cause in dispute, or your Excellency: for I do affirm there is no man readier, at all times, to do anything in their power for the good of the State, than myself, and I'm sure there is nothing could give me more pleasure than to oblige your Excellency in any thing that's in my power.