Application for commutation
Document 1785John Sullivan, an officer involved in a revolt of Pennsylvania troops, has applied for commutation after having fled the country. Due to these unique circumstances, John Pierce, Commissioner of Army Accounts, requests guidance from Richard Henry Lee, President of Congress, on how best to proceed.
To the President of Congress Oct 26, 1785, (Copied) Cornet John Sullivan 4 [undecipherable] [undecipherable] N York; October 26 1785 Sir Mr Sullivan who was an Officer of the army in the Ranks of the Pennsylvania Troops in Philadelphia who was suspected of being concerned in the revolt and who left this country in consequence of such suspicion, has applied to me for his pay and commutation — [entire ¶ below x’d out,] [Being at a loss in what light he ought to be considered, has occasioned my the at address to your Excellency and Congress my address to Congress on the subject which to do myself the Honor to address your Excellency on the subject] In answer to have I have informed him that it appeared to me on leaving this country while in the service he was an officer would be to censured construed a relinquishment of the service his appointment and that therefore he was not in the service at the end of the war, which as made necessary to entitle an officer him to the commutation, but that the pay arrears which was due to him, at the time he left the country being a debt must be paid, unless a new resolve of Congress or Law of this country debars him. At a loss in what manner to conduct myself on this occasion I do myself the honor to apply myself to your Excellency & congress for consideration — and am with the utmost respect Your Excellencys most obedient Sert JP His Excellency the President of Congress
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