[Maj. Jno Burnham] Philadelphia Decem. 24. 99 Sir Such are the embarrassments of my private affairs, and the military establishment of the united States in which I have the honor to hold an appointment, and such the nature of the service, that it is not in my power to do justice to the public and to myself, in the office I find I sustain. I am therefore compelled to request your acceptance of my resignation of it. In doing this I conceive the public will suffer no injury, convinced that others will be brought forward better able to serve them than I am. of course no sacrifice of patriotism will be made, had I ^the vanity to think otherwise it would give me extreme pain to make the request. especially at this time when the operations of our army are so unfortunate. The particular affairs of my own refered to is the Scioto business, to settle which, in all probability, will require more indulgence than I could expect from the public whilst in their favour — I have the honor to be with the highest respect & your Obedrant Ser Servant John Burnham Major 2. Reg.^t [The honorable Secretary of the department of war]