To George Washington from Marinus Willett, 9 August 1783

Agreeable to directions received from your Excellency (through Colonel Humphrys) I have enquiered into the cause of the punishment Inflicted by Captain Brown Commanding the Rhode Island troops at Saratoga, on one Jenkins a furloughed Soldier from the Rhode Island regiment, And find from the Concurrent testimony of the officers who have the present charge of those troops Corroborated by General Schuyler, That altho Jenkins was one of the furloughed Soldiers, yet that he remained in one of the Hutts among the Soldiers at Saratoga—That his behaviour at that place was disorderly and Insolent—And tended to destroy that Subourdination and respect due from the Soldiers (at present doing duty at that place) to their officers—This being the case, I am Inclined to think the punishment was necessary, and not improper, as it appears that Jenkins, when he was ordered by Captn Brown refused to leave the hutt wherein he resided which was within the particular limits of Captain Browns Command. I have the honor to be with every possible regard & respect—Your Excellencies most Obedient and very humble Servant