From David Humphreys to Robert Oliver, 25 February 1783

I have recd your favor of the 24th & laid the subject of it, with the several Papers relating thereto before the Commandr in Chief, who thinks the manner in which Sergt Fisher has been so long absent as well as his application for a discharge two or three years after his time of service is said to have expired, are very extraordinary. Before the Genl will undertake to do any thing in the matter, it will be necessy that the highest possible Evidence should be obtained not only as to the particular date & time of his Inlistment, but also respecting the reason & permission for his long continued absence—For if it appears that he was ever able to have joined, & neither did that, nor reported himself so as to be continued on the Rolls of the Regt, His Excellency does not consider himself authorized to take any measures which will entitle him to pay during that absence. I am &c.