From Rufus Putnam to David Humphreys, 7 February 1783

Sir	Huts, 3d Mass: Brigade February 7th 1783

Agreeable to the Directions of the commander in chief in your official letter of the 4th Inst; the court of enquiry appointed respecting the Negro man claimed by Mr Hobby have revised their former proceedings, the result of which you have enclosed. I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedient Humble servant

R. Putnam B. Genl

DLC: Papers of George Washington.

Enclosure

Feby, 7. 1783

The Court met again agreeable to order And having reconsidered their former opinion together with such further reasons as Mr Hobby had to offer in support of his claim to the discharge of his negro, And altho’ the court cannot think his right of demanding it because the Negro is his slave can be considered as valid Any other way than through the authority of the State; yet as they are Sensible it will be Severe on Mr Hobby to put his interest as an Individual in a scale with that of the public and as a process in the State will be attended with delay and expence in pitty to Mr Hobby they Submit the matter to the General to do as he shall think proper.

Moses Knapp Major and President

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