Head Quarters, Morris Town, March 30, 1777.
Sir:
The office of Adjutant General having become vacant, by the Resignation of Colo. Reed, I am induced, from the good Opinion which I entertain of your activity and Military Abilities, to make you an Offer of that Office. If you should incline to accept, I shall expect to see you without loss of time, for as the New Army is now beginning to collect, all things will run into confusion, if that department, so essentially necessary to the regulation and arrangement of the forces, is not instantly filled.2
If you should not accept, you will be kind enough to signify the same by return of this Express, that I may immediately look out for some other person. If this should be your determination, you need not mention that you have ever had the offer. The reason must be obvious to you, it may give umbrage to others.
I am etc.3
1 Of one of the 16 Additional Continental regiments. He resigned Jan. 24, 1778.
2 Sparks is authority for the statement that upon receipt of this letter Lee immediately journeyed to Washington’s headquarters to announce his reluctance to accept the proffered appointment.
3 The draft is in the writing of Tench Tilghman.