They have fought many Battles and bled freely.

They have lived without pay and in consequence of it, officers as well as men have subsisted upon their Rations.
They have often, very often, been reduced to the necessity of eating Salt Porke, or Beef not for a day, or a week only but months together without Vegetables or money to buy them; or a cloth to wipe on.
Many of them do better, and to dress as Officers have contracted heavy debts or spent their patrimonies.

The first see the Doors of gaols open to receive them, whilst those of the latter are shut against them.

Is there no discrimination then--no extra exertion to be made in favor of men in these peculiar circumstances, in the event of their military dissolution?
Or, if no worse cometh of it, are they to be turned adrift soured and discontented, complaining of the ingratitude of their Country, and under the influence of these passions to become fit subjects for unfavorable impressions, and unhappy dissentions?
For permit me to add, tho every man in the Army feels his distress--it is not every one that will reason to the cause of it.
I would not from the observations here made, be understood to mean that Congress should (because I know they cannot, nor does the army expect it) pay the full arrearages due to them till Continental or State funds are established for the purpose.

They would, from what I can learn, go home contented--nay--_thankful_ to receive what I have mentioned in a more public letter of this date, and in the manner there expressed.