from this engagement," above mentioned, is meant,
that the oath prescribed by the constitution was dispensed with, and many
members of Assembly were permitted to take another oath, in which they were
not bound to support the constitution._

[N] That this opinion was not entertained by Congress, may reasonably be
inferred from the following letter:

_"Philadelphia, 12th September, 1778._

"SIR,--His excellency, General Washington, having recommended
to Congress the appointment of a General of horse, the House
took that subject under consideration the 10th instant, when
you were unanimously elected Brigadier and commander of the
cavalry in the service of the United States.

"From the general view above mentioned, you will perceive, sir,
the earnest desire of the house, that you will accept a
commission, and enter as early as your convenience will admit
of, upon the duties of the office; and I flatter myself with
hopes of congratulating you in a few days upon this occasion.

"I have the honour to be, with particular regard and esteem,
sir, your most humble servant,

HENRY LAURENS,
"The Hon. Brigadier-General Cadwalader. "President of Congress,"

But not wishing to have it suggested, that I entered into the service at so
late a period of the war for the sake of rank, as the French treaty had
taken place, and I had conceived all offensive operations at an end, I
declined the appointment in these terms.

_Maryland, 19th September, 1778._

SIR,--I have the highest sense of the honour conferred upon me
by Congress, in appointing me a Brigadier in the Continental
service, with the command of the cavalry, more particularly as
the voice of Congress was unanimous.

I cannot consent to enter into the service at this time, as the
war appears to me to be near the close. But should any
misfortune give an unhappy turn to our affairs, I shall
immediately apply to Congress for a command in the army.

I have the honour to be, with the greatest regard and esteem,
your excellency's most obedient humble servant,

JOHN CADWALADER.
His Excellency Henry Laurens, Esq., President of Congress.

End of Project Gutenberg's Nuts for Future Historians to Crack, by Various

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