Sir:

I received yours of 30th Nov. wherein I was ordered to join the Southern Army without delay, you say Genl. Green will Admit of no excuse in case of my not joining agreeable to those orders; which I am extremely sorry for, it being intirely out of my power to join at present, last August when I was in Warren receiving of the 18 months levies a Mr. Robeson behaved very much a miss in Camp, for which I had him confined for, and shou’d of had him punished for, had it not been for his promising his futer good behaviour, at the same time a number of Gentlemen petitioned in his behalf on his promise and on this petition I released him, (you are accuainted with the circumstances) since then he has indited me for it, and has swore the peace against me, for this I am obliged to apear at the next Court, or forfit 400 pounds, besides other damages, this excuse I hope will be thought a sufficient one.