JAMES [undecipherable] Fort [undecipherable] [undecipherable] 29 1796 The Hon the Sec of War Sir In forwarding you my commission I anticipated very inconvenience & yet it is probable [it] will result from this step. But fully convinced that [undecipherable] would [undecipherable] the character of my non compliance with his orders of reg, or when had been made for this essential [undecipherable], than if so [undecipherable] had been made I was determined to consult the interest of the U. S. in this instance it coincided with justice to myself. I have therefore given back to my country what I [rec'd?] from it fully convinced of its readiness to do justice to the [undecipherable]. The only alternative was which was solely to [undecipherable] the U. S., given [undecipherable] as [undecipherable] full and [undecipherable] as its conduct now. [undecipherable] from Col [undecipherable]'s [undecipherable] of his abundance and malevolence I have never [undecipherable]. I avow it. [undecipherable] [undecipherable] being communicated [undecipherable] interpreted his order on mentioning it to [undecipherable] but he informed me on it was obliged [undecipherable] one. But his [undecipherable] and his own [undecipherable] [undecipherable], may have convinced him to the contrary. On the 20^th inst I was ordered by [undecipherable] to be in readiness to depart the 27^th for [undecipherable] on the evening of the 26^th [undecipherable]'s instructions to that effect from Col [undecipherable]'s [undecipherable] representing the information he had giving one of it being [undecipherable] from [undecipherable] to him the order [undecipherable] which is on at 12 [undecipherable] the answer to which I said a 7 or [undecipherable] which [undecipherable] my [undecipherable] here in the [Oaks?] [undecipherable] 20^th [undecipherable] at the time anticipating this letter. I stand [undecipherable] upon the only mode of transportation I thought possibly free [undecipherable] [undecipherable] the [undecipherable] I expected and for the large to [undecipherable] to do or even across the river a canoe was with me [undecipherable] worse than a position expresses [undecipherable] [undecipherable]. From [undecipherable] of [undecipherable] in the morning to 12 the [undecipherable] was allotted for my being at [undecipherable] and [undecipherable] the in a [undecipherable] I could carry [undecipherable] my own I was to receive in the inconveniencies of a [undecipherable] [undecipherable] by inclement [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] dispatched at [undecipherable] at — [undecipherable] at Whitestown to make me comfortable in the open air or five nights at last Can it be supposed that the [undecipherable] of a Surp^t Mate can support this or without these conveniences can it be supposed common constitutions can undergo the severity of winter nights in the open air. I was to be furnished with many lobe sure but this was due me and my daily pay and subsistence^e has not supported me and furnished me with the necessary aids for the discharge of my duty — It appears to me (and it is not my opinion alone) that no measure has been taken to make it impossible for one to comply with these orders— If I am capable [serving?] the United States I am happy to do it so long as I can do it with justice to myself and I should in this instance sacrifice my own ease to their interest were it possible to do it in the manner demanded — Col Rochefontaine partiality is too evident his presumption and insolence insupportable and in the unconsistency of the present measure uncountenanceable by [the U States?]. When I intended complying with the Col orders to proceed up the river I requested but the delay necessary for the settlement of some business in the Garrison and the arrangement of my books and other baggage too short a time was allowed and my enquiries were made of the Col to delay if possible but he was [undecipherable] [granting?] [undecipherable] this was superseded by the orders — to depart in the [Oackskill?] stage — and what is extraordinary all his orders have been either ante dated or delayed until the close of the day of date his conduct towards me [undecipherable] can be no [undecipherable: was] accounted for but by his disposition to revenge and on whom he [undecipherable] his malignity he is not particularly choice I can therefore charge to his insatiable thirst of power the revenge when others have [undecipherable: experienced] only — — [undecipherable] ought to be experienced only from actual aggression —