First, the aforementioned Official Documents and Records Lieutenant Binns has taken to Leesburg must be recovered and preserved. If necessary, seek him out or find Rev. Littlejohn or Mr. Stephen Pleasanton of the Department of State to aid you in this effort.

Second, as you know, I have labored for nearly two decades seeking Fair Restitution and a Just Annuity for The Riflemen with whom I served during our First War For Independence. When he was in Congress, General Morgan was our advocate. But since his passing in July 1802, the task has fallen to me.

Requests for compensating Widows, Orphans, and our Incapacitated Veterans have been repeatedly submitted to Congress without result. Now, with our Seat of Government in ashes, it is likely the only Complete Record of those Appeals resides in the correspondence I have accumulated, my draft Report of Service during the War For Independence and the Sworn Testimony of others with whom I served.

To preserve said Claims for Compensation and Annuity from seizure or destruction by British Aggressors or Traitors in our midst, I sealed these files, my draft Report of Service, and my personal journals and recollections about those Momentous Days in a lead chest. Included therein is information about your Dear Mother of whom you have just the slightest memories.

When we passed over the Blue Ridge on the night of the 21st, one of my Riflemen and I secreted the lead chest in the cairn beneath Washington’s Lookout atop Snicker’s Gap where we often picnicked when you were young. You all know the place.

When the time is right, I urge you to do all in your power to also recover both the Official Government Records sequestered in Leesburg and the Documents I hid in the cairn.

Please Retain my journal & recollections—particularly my correspondence with your mother which is intimate. The Volumes labeled, “Record of Service of our Riflemen,” are Official Documents. These & my Appeals for Restitution should be delivered to Secretary of State, James Monroe. Though a Republican, he is a Wounded Veteran, and Honorable Man and supports our appeals to Congress for Restitution.

I send this in hopes you will aid in preserving Documents precious to you and our new Nation, And I pray you will carry on my Work to Ensure the Widows and Orphans of The Beloved Riflemen, with whom I served during our First War For Independence, Not Be Forgotten.

Sic Semper Tyrannus,

Nathanael Newman

Rifleman, Morgan’s Rifle Company

Lieutenant, Virginia Rifle Regiment, Continental Line

Lieutenant Colonel, Virginia Militia

To the Reader

TO THE READER