"Whatever care I should take not to employ the precious instants of
Congress in private considerations, I beg leave to lay before them my
present circumstances, with that confidence which naturally springs from
affection and gratitude. The sentiments which bind me to my country, can
never be more properly spoken of, than in presence of men who have done so
much for their own. As long as I thought I could dispose of myself, I made
it my pride and pleasure to fight under American colours, in defence of a
cause which I dare more particularly call _ours_, because I had the good
fortune of bleeding for her. Now that France is involved in a war, I am led
by a sense of duty as well as by patriotic love to present myself before my
king, and know in what manner he judges proper to employ my services. The
most agreeable of all will always be such as to serve the common cause
among those, whose friendship I had the happiness to obtain, and whose
fortune I had the honor to follow in less smiling times. That reason, and
others, which I leave to the feelings of Congress, engage me to beg from
them, the liberty of going home for the next winter.

"As long as there were any hopes of an active campaign, I did not think of
leaving the field. Now that I see a very peaceable and undisturbed moment,
I take this opportunity of waiting on Congress. In case my request is
granted, I shall so manage my departure, as to be certain before going, the
campaign is really over. Enclosed you will receive a letter from his
Excellency, General Washington, wherein he expresses his assent to my
obtaining leave of absence. I dare flatter myself, that I shall be
considered as a soldier on furlough, who most heartily wants to join again
his colours, and his most esteemed and beloved fellow soldiers. Should it
be thought I can be any way useful to America, when I shall find myself
among my countrymen, I hope I shall always be considered as one most
interested in the welfare of these United States, and one who has the most
perfect affection, regard and confidence for their representatives. With