To George Washington from Peter Corne, 1 September 1782

To permitt me to memoriall you on the Subject of my unfortunate Situation Occasiond by having Obtaind a flag for Stanford in Connecticut my Application for it at the Commandants in New York was deliverd by my Self to Capt. SinClair the Secretary in writing & plainly Expressd the words Stanford in Connecticut—I Assure your Excellency by every tie of Honor & Honesty I was Ignorant that Dobb’s ferry was the only post where flags could be admitted I do declare to all intents & purposes I was innocent of doing any thing wrong or in the least degree infringeing on your Excellencys Orders, however I am the unhappy Sufferer as being the only Ostensive person present & have nothing to relieve me but Your Excellencys goodness in considering this Narrative in the true & impartiall State I have related it after which I flatter my Self I Shall appear to your Excellency in the light I have mentiond—& I pray your Excellency that if you find it Consistant I may be relievd as Soon as possible—I am now at the Expence of 30/ a day for hire of the Sloop—& 24/ for three men but my Absence from my family & Buisiness is Still of more Consequence which I hope & dare Say your Excellencys humane Sensations will easily point out & if your Excellency has no reason to think me blameable in this unlucky undertaking I hope I Shall be speedily relievd—I am Sorry it happend. I am Your Excellencys Most Obedt Humble Servt