(seq. 18)

Yesterday I have to Genl. Dearborn my defence, or [amnus?] to the
charges against me. He advised me to write likewise to you & to send
you whatever documents I thought proper. In this letter I shall
speak to touch a matter which has is not strictly speaking comprehended
in any of the charges, but which I do not wish to avoid, for
as I hope for candor from others, they have a right to expect it
from me. It is this - It had been early infused into my mind have [allegian?] believed
that the [purpose?] of our marine hospitals had a [part of autonomy?]
[retain?] or privelege in the articles of bread & beef. Beside
the practice of British hospitals, several circumstances con-
-vened to confirm me in the full belief of this representaton Idea.
I had not believed that this practice was sanctioned by custom
for who [have my doubts and they head would have?]
I should hardly risked my place & my reputation for
so very trifling consideraton, for both the articles of bread &
beef received during 17 months scarcely amount to
90 dollars. Gen D. & I agreed to estimate it at 15 or 20
pounds of beef per week but this is for our rating it; for there
never was anything like a regular supply. The butcher sent
wh generally what he pleased & when he pleased without
any direction or orders, just as his cart happened to pass
through Cambridge & as it happened to come into his
mind. I sent sometimes once a fortnight, once in three
weeks, & sometimes at still longer intervals. Had I not
been led to believe that this had been practiced before many
times I should have taken pains to conceal it. I had
doubt respecting the custom of bread & therefore I never allowed
it after the first quarter, & but [few wanted an
this transaction may give a color to all the rest of may be
pressed to my disadvantage?]