The Address of the Officers of the Fourth Virginia Battalion to Adam Stephen, Esq. Brigadier General in the service of the United States of America
Sept. 19, 1776 (reprinted in the Virginia Gazette
Portsmouth, S.C.
Sir:
It is with heartfelt satisfaction that the Officers of the Fourth Battalion have been informed, that the honourable Continental Congress have been pleased to promote you to the rank of a Brigadier General in the Continental service.
We conceive it a promotion justly due to your merit; and please to permit us to congratulate you on this event, which we cordially hope may be attended with every possible degree of happiness to yourself, and service to the just cause in which you have so early and readily embarked.
When we reflect, sir, on the kind, the indulgent, the manly treatment we have received whilst under your immediate eye, as commandant of our battalion; when we also consider with what facility you established amongst us that discipline and order so essential to the preservation and glory of an army, we are at a loss which most to admire, the polite gentleman or the accomplished officer.
By the regulation of Congress we fear we shall be deprived of you-although it is amongst one of the most desirable wishes of our hearts to be still under your immediate direction and command; should we, sir, be so fortunate as to find our conjecture right on this occasion, we would wish you to know that the officers of the Fourth Battalion, with hearts replete with gratitude and respect, will devoutly implore the Divine Being for your safety and protection, in whatever part of America the service of the United States thereof may require your presence.
General Stephen's Answer
Gentlemen: I am sensible of the honour done me by your friendly and affectionate address. In the course of all my service, and this is the twelfth campaign, I have seldom met with officers so warmly attached to the service, or so anxious and attentive to study their duty.
It is owing to you, gentlemen, that discipline has been established in the regiment with so much felicity.
The harmony that has subsisted in the corps, and your exemplary conduct to the soldiers, has made me easy and happy in the command.
I will be ever interested in the behaviour of the Fourth Battalion, and am firmly persuaded that, when opportunity offers, they will distinguish themselves in the most honourable manner, in the service of the United States.
That your ardour may be tempered with prudence, and your efforts crowned with success, is the ardent wish of gentlemen, your most affectionate, humble servant. Adam Stephen