To George Washington from Samuel Holden Parsons, 17 May 1782

I receivd last Week a Letter from General Lincoln in Answer to mine of the 10th of April on the Subject of retiring from the Army, in which he informs me that no General Officer will be sufferd to retire on the proposd Derangment, and adds "if your Want of Health forbids your taking the Field at present I see Nothing which will prevent your being indulged—this however is solely with the Commander in Chief."

By this Letter I find myself reduc’d to the Necessity of relinquishing my Connection with the Army without prospect of any Compensation, or to request your Excellency’s permission to continue in the Country until I regain so confirmd a State of Health as I may venture on the Fatigues of military Life.

I am willing the Whole or such part as shall be tho’t just, of all Pay & Subsistance promised me by the public should be suspended whilst I continue absent: and should active Service require more General Officers in the Field than will be in Camp, I will join on Notice but in that Case I would not wish to resume the Command of my former Division as there will always be something disagreable in any Officers returning to a Command he is supposd to have quitted.

As I feel myself at present totally unfit to venture on the Fatigues of the Field, I would thank your Excellency for permission to continue in the Country. otherwise I must make my Resignation Absolute & unconditional. I am with great Esteem yr Excellency’s Obedt Servt