Autograph letter signed : Kent County, Maryland, to an unidentified recipient, 1782 Mar. 1.

Concerning Mr. [Samuel] Chase's appointment to Congress from Maryland and his wish to have him removed from that seat; reiterating the charge made against Mr. Chase in 1778 concerning the purchase of flour for public use; telling him that he was told by Mr. Allen Thomas "who saw you at General Washington's Quarters in Virginia in October last, we were informed that you Said in Conversation with him 'that you was clear in your opinion that Mr. Chase was guilty : that you would be at Annapolis & would refresh your Memory by looking over your papers; - that you would give Information in Public or private; - that he had your leave to mention what you had said ; & that you would bring the papers with you, to account for your Belief of his Guilt'. From the above Information & from having often heard that you knew something material concerning this transaction, I am induced to request that you will be kind enough to furnish me with the Knowledge you have of this affair. If this was a matter of a private & personal nature between Mr. Chase & myself, I should be very loth to make such a Request of an intimate acquaintance much more of a Gentleman to whom I am scarce known. But when the Character & Conduct of a person is called in Question, for a Breach of Trust in the great Representative Body of America, in which every individual of every State is concerned; more especially at this important Crisis when Matters of infinitely greater moment than any which have yet engaged their attention, may probably soon be submitted to their consideration, we should be very cautious how we Suffer a Person even under the Imputation of Guilt, to hold a Seat in that Assembly. - In such Circumstances, then, I flatter myself you will be of opinion with me that the Request I have made is neither improper for me to make, or you to comply with."