Application for commutation
Item
Type
Letterbook Copy
Title
Application for commutation
Description
John 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.
year created
1785
month created
10
day created
26
author
sent from location
New York
recipient
in image
recipient note
President of Congress
notable person/group
Richard Henry Lee
John Pierce
John Sullivan
Pennsylvania troops
congress
President of congress
Commissioner of Army Accounts
notable location
New York
notable item/thing
revolt
mutiny
insurrection
law
pay
commutation
half-pay
war
document number
1785102637101
page start
4
transcription
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 â
[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 â and am with the utmost respect
Your Excellencys
most obedient Sert
JP
His Excellency 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 â
[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 â and am with the utmost respect
Your Excellencys
most obedient Sert
JP
His Excellency the President of Congress
Item sets
Document instances
| In image | In source | Location in source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| [view document] (5 pages) | CEO07 (5 pages) | Collection: Miscellaneous Numbered Records (Manuscript file) 1775-1790's. (RG93) (M859) | B: 202 |
Document names
| Type | Name | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | John Pierce | New York | [n/a] |
| Recipient | Richard Henry Lee | [unknown] | [n/a] |