AS to Henry Laurens, president of Congress
December 6, 1777
Sir
It has been my misfortune to become the Object of hatred of a Person of high Rank for no other reason that I know, but for delivering my Sentiments on the Measures pursu'd this Campaign, with that Candor & Boldness which becomes an old officer of Experience, who had the Interest of America at heart.
I have been tryd, after Serving thirteen Campaigns with reputation, for unofficer-like Behaviour on the march from the Clove to Sculkill, unofficer-like behaviour more particularly in the Battle of Germantown- & for Drunkenness.
That my Conduct in both Actions merited Applause instead of Censure. . .and other Gentlemen more Conversant with me. . .(indicates) that I have not been drunk sinc I entered the Service of the States; & that I was Sober at the very hour & place where some mistaken people Swore I was drunk.. . .that I acted like an Officer of attention & Judgement on the retreat from german town and I have reason to believe that all the officers of Experience & Judgement on the Court were of that Opinion. . .of one or two Campaigns Standing: There were four Lt. Colonels which is unprecedented in any Service. .
.Your Excellency will be pleasd to Observe that the General descends to No particular Charge, but that of Drunkeness; that instead of a Court Martial it was a Court of Inquisition, unparalleled in any Army to the Westward of Asia. Without doubt the General did not Consider how dangerous it was to himself to Establish such a Precedent.
That although I am justly disgusted with the Malevolence of Certain persons, yet I am zealously Attached to the American Cause & when to vindicate my Own Character I publish My Case to the World, I may be naturally led to Expose the Weakness & partiallity of Some Commanders-yet I hope to be Acquitted of Any Intention of hurting the Interests of America - None of her Officers are willing to go further lengths to Save her.