New Salem July 26^th 1779
Worthy S^r

From Long acquaintance with Lt. Felton, We mean to
to Let you know, our opinion concerning his present case= viz.-
that We apprehend him to be a Person well attached to Liberty, and
always has been; that his Bodily Infirmities (and that only) is the
Sole cause Why he cannot comply with his Superior officers Re=
=quest at this Time. His former conduct; convinces us, that it is his
ill State of Health which is y^e only reason of his declineing War Campaigns-
he has ever appeard forward, in hirring men for Publick Service:-
and now Stands foremost of any man in this place, according to his
worth; he has Likewise; offer^d yesterday: in our hearing, very generously
to any officer, who would take his place at this time;---
he has often told us, that he ment to do his full Share in y^e War, by
paying: as he never Expected, to be in person, able to perform the
duty of a Soldier;---

We therefore Pray your Hon^rs. to take his case into your
Serious consideration; and Excuse him; at this time for the Reasons above
mentioned, if more was necessary to be said in his favour, then we have
said, we could do it with truth and Sincerity= but a word to y^e Wise
is enough.---

We are with the utmost Respect, your most obedient Humb:
Servents=

Dan.^llShaw
Israel Richardson

To Col.ⁿ Williams

P:S:
we make no doubt, by but y^e Lieut. will personally, make his
Curcumstances known to your Hon^rs. in a much more convincing
manner, then we are able to Write : if able of Body, to go to
your House---

N:B: He has been more Infirm for Some months past, then
formerly he was; as we Suspect, that he would have gone
this Short turn; although he Exposed himself very much; &c.

(c) Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, Deerfield MA. All rights reserved.
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There is currently no available "Beginner" label. The following is the default level label: This letter to Colonel Williams is from Daniel Shaw and Israel Richardson of New Salem, Massachusetts. They are writing in support of Lieutenant Felton, who they believe is too infirm to serve in the Continental Army. Shaw and Richardson ask that Felton be excused from service. They mention that Felton offered to pay someone to take his place because of his health. The law stated that any man between 16 and 60 was required to serve if he was called.

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