Henry Waldegrave Archer to the American
Commissioners
ALS: American Philosophical Society
<Paris, June 14, 1778: I want to join the American Army and
become a citizen. Although I am an Englishman I did not enter
the King’s army, because it would have meant fighting my conscience;
that army will probably become the instrument of despotism.
In the United States, on the contrary, the disciplined
soldier and the free citizen are compatible. I want to get to
America as soon as possible, at my own expense, to be a volunteer
in the cavalry. My reasons for troubling you are first
that passing through Paris without seeing you might rouse
suspicion, and second that I should appreciate your advice and
assistance. I shall call next Tuesday.>
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