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New-York, August 15, 1775.
SIR: I had the honour of receiving by Col˙ Campbell your letter of the 20th of July last, enclosing me a commission as Deputy Adjutant-General to the Continental Army, with the rank of Colonel.
As your honourable House has been pleased to confer this honour on me unanimously, and without my solicitation, I consider with respect and gratitude this mark of their confidence in my zeal for the publick service.
I lament, extremely, that it has not been in my power to officiate immediately in this necessary department; but my appointment being totally unexpected, I have not been able to arrange my connexions with my brothers in the Island of Dominica, so as to prevent the risk of their fortune by my political conduct; were I to neglect this point, I should be insensible to honour, and consequently unworthy of the trust reposed in me. I have, therefore, proceeded to Town on the immediate receipt of your letter, in order to submit my engagements with my brothers to the opinion of such friends whose candour and judgment are most likely
Be assured, Sir, that my bosom glows with the warmest zeal for the cause of America, and that I will strenuously support it at the risk of every thing except honour and virtue.
I am, with great respect, your obedient humble servant,
W˙ DUER.
Peter Van Brugh Livingston, Esq.
William Duer to New-York Congress
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to assist me, and entreat the favour of your Convention to grant me an indulgence of three days, before I declare whether or not I can accept of the commission you have been pleased to nominate me for.