Many of them do better, and to dress as Officers have contracted
heavy debts or spent their patrimonies. The first see the Doors of
gaols open to receive them, whilst those of the latter are shut
against them. Is there no discrimination then--no extra exertion
to be made in favor of men in these peculiar circumstances, in the
event of their military dissolution? Or, if no worse cometh of it,
are they to be turned adrift soured and discontented, complaining
of the ingratitude of their Country, and under the influence of
these passions to become fit subjects for unfavorable impressions,
and unhappy dissentions? For permit me to add, tho every man in
the Army feels his distress--it is not every one that will reason
to the cause of it.
I would not from the observations here made, be understood to mean
that Congress should (because I know they cannot, nor does
the army expect it) pay the full arrearages due to them till
Continental or State funds are established for the purpose. They
would, from what I can learn, go home contented--nay--_thankful_
to receive what I have mentioned in a more public letter of this
date, and in the manner there expressed. And surely this may be
effected with proper exertions. Or what possibility was there of
keeping the army together, if the war had continued, when the
victualls, clothing, and other expenses of it were to have been
added? Another thing, Sir, (as I mean to be frank and free in my
communications on this subject,) I will not conceal from you--it
is the dissimilarity in the payments to men in Civil and Military
life.
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