doc_id n="S5-V3-P03-sp03-D0115">

Richard Dallam to the President of Congress

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Bucks County, Pennsylvania, New-Town, December 18th, 1776.

SIR: Colonel Palfrey, the Paymaster-General, has joined the Army; and as the Flying-Camp will in a few days be discharged, my stay here will be but of little service, as the Militia may all be settled by the Paymaster-General; therefore beg the favour of you to let me know what orders Congress have for me. If they have any thing in Maryland, it would be most agreeable, as my family is there; though I shall, to render any material service to the States, give my domestick enjoyments up cheerfully.

The situation of the Flying-Camp has been such that it was impossible for the officers with regularity to draw pay for their men, which induced the General to draw several sums of money to be paid on account, which it was out of my power to settle with the officers at the time they were discharged, for then we were in the greatest confusion, and ever since I have been moving about, that I have not been able to do any thing; but I hope I shall have all ready for those that remain by the 1st January.

Our scouts bring accounts that the enemy are retreating to Brunswick, and propose going into winter quarters, but I fear it' s too good news to be true. We are daily taking off some of the enemy' s Light-Horse.

I beg your answer, and am, honourable sir, your Honour' s most obedient,

RICHARD DALLAM, D˙ P˙ M˙ Gen' l.