Bauman, Sebastian (1739-1803) to George Washington
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.02241 Author/Creator: Bauman, Sebastian (1739-1803) Place Written: West Point, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 July 1783 Pagination: 1 p. ; 32.5 x 20.3 cm. Order a Copy
Major Bauman of the artillery corps asks General Washington to discharge four older German men under Bauman's command. Says that the Board of Inspectors of Invalids told him to go to Washington as the men did not "come under the description of men in bad health." Says the Germans are all in their 60s and worn out and want to go back to Germany; they and their families seek discharge. The Germans said "from their short service they have rendered this Country, they could never Expect or demand any bounty from it, and their sphere of live being passed to labour, consequently would become a burdon to individuals, or pine out the remaining part of their lives in an inglorious or despicable manner." Says that Washington is already familiar with how these men came to America and will not elaborate on it.
[draft]
West Point, 5 July 1783
Sir,
I have been desired by the Board of inspectors of invalids to lay before your Excellency the case of four germans, by name Christian Rietz, Casper Kruse - Diederich Engler - and Christian Detmer Soldiers in the corps of Artillery under my present Command. These men are all near Sixty years old, yet seemingly healthy, but worn out by this & former Wars, and wish to be discharged in order to get to their native country where they have left their fammilies with a number of Children; Besides this, they have most honestly declared to me, that from this short service they have rendered this Country, they could never Expect or demand any bounty from it, and their sphere of live being passed to labour, consequently would become a burden to individuals, [or pine] out the remaining part of their lives in an inglorious & despicable manner. I directed them to appear before the Board, but the Board [would] not determine as they did not come under the description of men in bad health, nor having received any hurt in our service Could therefore not discharge them, but refered them to your Excellency.
The manner these men came to America, and lately into our service, your Excellency no doubt is well acquainted with, I need therefore enlarge no farther, but remain with profound respect
your Excellencies
most obd & very humble
Servt.
S Bauman Major Artillery
General Washington
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