eglect, even whilst every thing dear in life to me, and more than
life itself, my reputation, was suffering. I thank God I have
sufficient fortitude to part with every thing in life, and life
itself, in the service of my country, without repining; but no
consideration whatever shall induce me silently to suffer my
reputation and character to be abused and vilified, whilst I have the
power either to act or speak. For ten months past I have presented
myself and my case before Congress, such as could by no means be
considered in a neutral point of light, but decidedly meriting their
approbation or censure. I have not been able to obtain either.
Justice, therefore, to my countrymen and fellow citizens, to myself,
and those great and generous personages who protected and patronized
me, and the cause I was charged with abroad, requires of me that I
justify myself before the world, by laying before them a faithful and
exact account of all my public transactions from the first, and of the
treatment I have met with.

In doing this, (if laid under the necessity,) I shall on no occasion
transgress against the strictest rules of truth and decency, nor be
wanting in that respect, which I have ever paid, and shall ever pay to
Congress, as the representative body of my fellow citizens. At the
same time, I shall with proper firmness, and the dignity becoming a
free but injured citizen, expose to public view those, whether in
Congress or out, who, to promote partial, interested, and family
views, have from the first systematically labored to prevent Congress
from deciding on my conduct as the servant of the public, though the
interest of these States called for their decision. I flatter myself I
shall not be laid under the necessity of further application, but that
Congress will relieve me from the unmerited distress I labor under by
closing this long protracted affair, or at least by immediately taking
such measures as will, without delay, do justice to my services.

I have the honor to be, with the most respectful esteem and
attachment, &c.

SILAS DEANE.

* * * * *

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Philadelphia, 18th August, 1779.

Sir,

I do myself the honor of enclosing a memorial,[22] which I beg of you
to lay before Congress as early as may be, and I flatter myself it
will be