To George Washington from John Morin Scott, 4 June 1782

The immediate departure of the Post leaves Me barely the Opportunity of a few Moments to trouble your Excellency on a Subject of a delicate Nature. Your Letter to the Secretary at War of the 28th last contains a passage, which he at your Request has laid before Congress, "that such Measures may be taken thereon as they shall think proper to direct." The passage to which I allude, is that which—respects those Inhabitants of the State of South Carolina which in defiance of good Faith, & breach of the Capitulation of Charles town, have been exiled from their Habitations by the Enemy. This Passage together with a Copy of Sir Guy Carlton’s Letter in answer to yours of the 21st last on that Subject have been referred to a Committee, of which I have, the Honor to be Chairman, to report thereon. The committee are ignorant on what Grounds You—placed your Application to the British Commander in Chief; and are the more anxious for information from your Excellency from a due attention to certain Strokes in passage alluded to, expressive of your Feelings on this delicate Subject. They will therefore be much obliged by a Copy of your Application to the British Commander in Chief in Behalf of the injured Capitulants; should such a Communication render itself proper in your Judgment, that they may be enabled to report on the fullest Information concerning a Matter which so nearly concerns the Honor of these united States. I have the Honor to be with the greatest respect Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant