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To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 16 April 1783

Sir Dobbs’s ferry April 16th 1783

The Boundaries of the United States as settled by the Treaty of Peace, are I immagine more extensive than what we originally claimd.

That grant of additional Territory, must consequently be considerd and guarded as the property of the United States independant of any particular Claim—As the Fortress of Detroit is comprehended in the Limits referred to and I suppose will be possessed and Garrisond by Troops raised by Congress independant of any State—Should the Garrison be respectable—I take the Liberty of requesting that your Excellency will consider me, as a Candidate for the command.

Not doubting but Congress will apply to your excellency to nominate an officer for that Station I shall mention the Circumstances which urge me to enter the Lists (for reasons which I would not wish to commit to Paper). I am willing to spend the remainder of my Life in millitary Service[.] The more Eccentric my position the more agreable to my wish & not being particularly attached to the Troops of any State, (upon these principles) I consider myself a proper Candidate for the Post—Other reasons I rest entirely with your Excellencys better Judgement, and flatter myself—if the nomination of the Officer rests with Your Excellency—I shall be honour’d with the appointment—provided no other better quallified is held up to view. I am your Excellency’s Most Obedt Servt

W.S. Smith Lt Colo.

DLC: Papers of George Washington.

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