The writings of George Washington; being his correspondence, addresses, messages, and other papers, official and private, selected and published from the original manuscripts; with a life of the author, notes and illustrations. By Jared Sparks.

46 WASHINGTON'S WRITINGS. [AET. 22.
mate prudence, and all his actions have sufficiently
testified his readiness to serve his country, which I
really believe he looks upon Virginia to be. He was
sensibly chagrined, when I acquainted him with your
pleasure, of giving him an ensigncy. This he had twelve
years ago, and long since commanded a company.
He was prevailed on by Colonel Fry, when he left
Alexandria, to accept the former commission, and assist
my detachment, as I had very few officers, till we all
met on the Ohio, which commission he would now have
resigned, and returned to Virginia, but for my great
dissuasion to the contrary. I have promised to solicit
your Honor to appoint him adjutant, and continue him
ensign, which will induce a very good officer to remain
in the regiment. The office of adjutant, Sir, is most
necessary to a regiment, in distributing the daily orders,
receiving all reports, and seeing orders executed. In
short, an adjutant is an indispensable officer. Should
you be pleased to indulge me in this request, I shall
look upon it in a very particular light, as I think the
personal merit of the gentleman, his knowledge of military duty, and his activity will render him highly worthy
of the favor. An ensign is still wanting, whom I hope
you will send, if you know of any one suitable for the
office. A young man in the camp, who came with
Captain Lewis, has solicited, but I am yet ignorant of
his character and qualities. He is a volunteer, and
recommended by Captain Lewis.
In a letter by Mr. Ward, you acquainted me, that
you had given orders to Colonel Fry to examine into
the proceedings of Captain Trent, and his lieutenant,
Frazier, by a court-martial. I shall be glad if you will
repeat your orders and instructions to me, or rather
to Colonel Innes; for an officer cannot be tried by those
of his own regiment only, but has a right to be heard