Lamb, John, 1735-1800 to Henry Knox

Written by Colonel Lamb to Major General Knox. Is angry about complications with his leave of absence. Says he thought his friends would help him procure the proper documentation to prove his rank, but they disappointed him. Says he has since looked into the matter and believes in the justice of his "pretentions." Says that a recent report by the Board of General Officers was wrong in its interpretation of General Washington's general order allowing state commissioned officers into the Continental Army on the same date as their state commissions. Claims it is a "mistake." As he previously complained to Congress, is concerned that applying to General Washington will be interpreted by Congress as a "want of confidence in their honor and justice." Wants Knox's advice on how to proceed. Says he needs time away from the army to deal with his private concerns, which are in disarray after he spent so much time in Philadelphia on General Robert Howe's court martial case last winter. Wants the furlough to be able to purchase the farm of the late Mr. Menzies of Fredericksburgh, New York with his certificates. The matter is before the New York legislature and he wants to be there as they meet about it.