To George Washington from David Stephenson, 1 January 1783

May it please your Excellency

Winchester Jany, 1. 1783

Agreeable to a resolution of Congress of the 19th of Novr last (wherein it is directed that senr officers who wish to retire shall give reasons satisfactory to the Commander in Chief) I beg leave to inform your Excellency.

That when I entered the Service my fortune was very Small, And is now entirely expended, That extravagance has been no cause of my present Situation, nor is it from interested motives I would now wish to retire; but it is as really out of my power to equip myself decently as it is to purchase the Indies. Conscious that your Excellency will never wish to Continue an officer in Service whose appearance must be so inferior to his rank I rest Satisfied of your Approbation to retire. I am may it please your Excellency, Your Excellencies Most obedient Humble Servt

D. Stephenson

Senr Majr Virga Line

DLC: Papers of George Washington.

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