From George Washington to John Carlile, 30 April 1783

Gentlemen

Head Quarters. 30th April 1783

It having been suggested to me that such a Measure would be agreeable to many Officers.

I had, Some Time before I received your Letter & Memorial of the 26th instant, written to the Secty at War, making the same proposition as is mentioned by you, exclusive of the Idea of Emoluments (which Idea was particularly hinted); and grounded the propriety of the Measure upon the principle of its involving no additional Expence in the Execution; at the same Time that it would prove an agreeable Reward to Merit, and be a gratifull Satisfaction to many deserving Officers.

This proposition is probably now under Consideration—to extend it therefore at this Time, so as to embrace the Emoluments of Compensation, would I confess, be going beyond my own Ideas, & would perhaps be a means of preventing the Attainment of the Rank I have solicited—I would advise therefore to a suspension at least, for the present if not a suppression of the Memorial, which has been handed me. I am &c.

G.W.

DLC: Papers of George Washington.

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