1From George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 2 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have this minute received a Letter from the Board of War, accompanied by a Transcript of an Act of Congress of the 28 Ulto of which the inclosed are Copies. You will observe by these—that Generals Philips & Riedsel and the Officers with them are prevented for the present, from going into New York—and that Easton—Bethlem or Reading are mentioned by the Board as the most proper places for...
2From George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 4 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased to give directions to the Commy of prisoners at Lancaster to permit Docr Paush Surgeon of Genl Knyphausens Regt and Ensign Hamilton of the 17th British—to go into New York upon parole. The former to return when demanded—the latter to remain in New York three Weeks—They are to go by the way of Easton to Elizabeth town, avoiding the Main Body and other posts of the Army. At...
3From George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 12 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed You will receive a Copy of a Letter from Mr Loring, the British Commissary of prisoners, to Yourself, of the 21st of last Month, which was transmitted me by Major General Phillips while You were absent from the Army. You will perceive by this, that Sir Henry Clinton has proposed, an exchange of All the British and German prisoners of War in our hands (by which I understand from the...
4From George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 24 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received Your Letter of the 22d Instant, inclosing a Copy of one from Mr Loring, the British Commissary of prisoners of the 19th. I find by his Letter that the En⟨em⟩y intend now, or at least wish to effect it, if they can, to connect the exchange of our officers and privates, prisoners at New York & Long Island, and to make the release of the former depend on that of the latter. This...
5From George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 17 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
It having been agreed that an interview should take place at Elizabeth Town, between Major Generals Phillips & Lincoln on the subject of their exchange —I was induced from the earnest desire I had of relieving the prisoners on both sides as far as circumstances would admit—& in compliance with the directions of Congress, to inform His Excellency Sir Henry Clinton on the 26th Ulto, that “I...
6From George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 7 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I find by Your Report of the 24th Ulto of the proceedings which took place at Elizabeth Town in your late meeting with the British Commissary, that the Enemy are willing to go substantially into the exchange of Officers mentioned in my Letter of Instructions to You of the 17th—provided the Exchange is extended to our privates, who were then prisoners of War in New York—and according to a plan...
7From George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 14 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since my Letter of Instructions to You of the 7th Instant, I have received an Answer from His Excellency Governor Jefferson of Virginia, by which I find the Exchange of Lt Governor Hamilton or Major Hay cannot take place upon the present occasion. You will particularly attend to this circumstance. A Captn Lyman, who was taken in the Mercury packet is a prisoner at Lancaster. I desire that he...
8George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 22 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Preakness, New Jersey ] October 22, 1780 . Directs Skinner to propose exchanging Brigadier Generals William Thompson and Louis Le Bèque Du Portail and Major General Benjamin Lincoln for Major General William Phillips and Baron von Riedesel. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
9George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 31 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] October 31, 1780 . Sends instructions for exchange of officers. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
10From George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 8 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have recd yours of the 7th with a report of your proceedings with the British Commissary of prisoners at your late Meeting. I have thought proper to accede to the proposals of the several exchanges offered in the Returns Numbered 5. 6. and 10 and shall take the speediest occasion to direct the Officer commanding at Charlotte Barracks to send down the Officers who are the objects of those...
11From George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 8 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favr of the 5th with a return of the Exchanges which were effected at your last meeting with the British Commissary. You are at liberty to send in the Firewood to our Officers who yet remain upon Long Island, but as we have no Agent at present in New York, you will endeavour to see that it is properly appropriated. In regard to those persons holding Commissions in the Militia,...
12George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 17 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 17, 1781 . Directs Skinner to make proposals for exchange of prisoners. Sends Governor William Livingston’s complaints concerning New Jersey prisoners. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
13From George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 17 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
You are informed of a number of officers of the Convention-troops, who have been ordered to Elizabeth Town for the purpose of going into New York to be exchanged. I am now to direct you will exchange them in the following manner: All those who have no similar ranks in possession of the enemy, you will place against such of our colonels as have been longest in captivity—the others, You will...
14George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 18 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 18, 1781 . Sends specifications of rations issued by British to all naval prisoners. Directs Skinner to issue the same to the United States naval prisoners. Asks Skinner to ascertain British prison rations for soldiers and to duplicate them. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
15From George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 18 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you will find an extract from the proceedings of a Court of inquiry held by order of Capt. Dawson into the situation of our naval prisoners in the harbour of New York, by which you will perceive the ration allowed them by the enemy. Congress having directed me to retaliate the same treatment on their prisoners in our hands, which our prisoners in their hands receive, I am to desire,...
16George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 12 April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] April 12, 1781 . Discusses exchange of prisoners. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
17From George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 12 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have examined your report of the 10th of March with the papers accompanying it. I do not see with what propriety the enemy could reject your proposition contained in No. 3 or can postpone the exchange of General Burgoigne on their own principles; two thirds of the Convention officers being now exchanged or nearly so, which was all along made by them a condition to the exchange of General...
18From George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 14 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Some instructions just recd from Congress make it improper to carry those given to you a few days ago into execution. You will therefore forbear entering into any negotiation with Mr Loring on the subject of exchanges, untill you hear further from me, which shall be in a day or two. I am &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
19George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 16 April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] April 16, 1781 . Orders Skinner not to exchange General John Burgoyne. Directs Skinner to exchange only privates. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
20From George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 16 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
By a late resolve of Congress it is become necessary to countermand that part of your last instructions, which directs you to adhere to your proposition concerning General Burgoigne. The enemy having refused to accede to it we are no longer held by our first proposal, and we are not now at liberty to renew it. This is said on the supposition, that my letter to you of the 14th instant arrived...
21From George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 1 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased to forward the inclosed to Sir Henry Clinton by the speediest conveyance—As it is to revoke the recall of General Burgoyne you may proceed fully upon the instructions of the 12th of April and endeavour to accomplish the exchange of that Officer upon the terms specified therein. I am &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
22From George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 16 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
You will give permission to John Shaddon, Elijah Williams, Edward Bugbee, Abraham Lent, Willm Ryer, & Nathaniel Conckling, (who were taken Prisoners when Genl Parsons was at West Chester last Winter) to go within the Enemy’s Lines, on their Paroles to return when called for. I am Sir Your Humble Servant. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
23From George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 14 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
Upon my return from Weathersfield I found yours of the 19th May inclosing sundry propositions of the British Commissary of prisoner’s. That of setting Genl Burgoyne against the disputed claim of the Cedars is inadmissable—nor can I say any thing to the proposed respecting the Charles town prisoners, as I have good reason to believe that a Cartel has been settled between General Greene and Lord...
24From George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 21 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Board of War having transmitted me a Copy of Mr Loring’s application to you to obtain permission for Lt Colo. Hill’s going into New York on parole. I have given my consent for that purpose; and as Lt Colo. Hill is now on his rout from the Southward, you’ll improve the earliest oppertunity of conveying him this intelligence. I am Sir, with esteem, your most Obedt Humbe Servant. DLC : Papers...
25From George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 8 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favor of the 6th inclosing Copies of the late letters which have passed between you and Mr Loring and his proposition for the Exchange of Lieut. Genl Burgoyne and all the remaining Officers of Convention, provided we will allow the Cedars prisoners to be brought into the Account. I cannot give my assent to this before I have consulted Congress upon the matter, for the...
26From George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 28 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
Having been authorized by Congress to proceed upon the exchange proposed by Mr Loring at your last meeting—you will as soon as convenient inform that Gentleman that the Prisoners taken at the Cedars will be allowed provided a proper allowance is made on his Part for the Canadian Officers taken at St Johns in 1775 and sent in 1776—you will be pleased to observe that a dispute hath long...
27From George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 25 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
Winchester Artillery 193 Guards 467 23d Regiment 205 43d Do 307 76 Do 625 2 Battalions of Anspach 948 Queens Rangers 248 Pioneers
28From George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 5 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
You will proceed immediately to Elizabeth Town, and, agreeable to Mr Lorings proposal, endeavour to effect the exchanges of such of our Officers as remain unreleased, for part of the British and Foreign lately taken at York in Virginia. Where a similarity of Rank will not apply, you will proceed, as usual, upon the modes of composition—with this reserve only, that you are, in as delicate a...
29From George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 17 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
The unjustifiable treatment and long detention of Jacob Summer the person mentioned in the inclosed representation deserve attention—You will therefore be pleased to make a point with Mr Loring of having him exchanged for some of the Characters out of the military line taken at York. I must again remind you of endeavouring to include the Officers in Canada in your present negociation—By recent...
30From George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 20 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed Resolve of Congress has been this moment transmitted to me. You will make the proposal therein directed and report to me as soon as possible whether it will or will not be acceded to. I am &c. see Resolve of this date respecting the Exchange of Govr Burke. P.S. You may throw out a hint that if the Civil Characters are not permitted to be exchanged in the above mode, we shall be...
31From George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 1 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
The Express has just handed me your Letter of the 29th Ulto—as you do not mention the circumstances under which the persons who came in the Flag are confined it is impossible for me to give any directions in the matter—I have written to Colo. Dayton by this conveyance desiring him to take the proper measures for obtaining you an intercourse with the British Commissary. Was it not that the...
32From George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 26 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
The 15th of next Month is appointed for the meeting of the Commissioners at Elizabeth Town, by which time you will prepare such papers and matters as may depend upon you. Upon your arrival at Elizabeth Town, you will secure quarters not only for our Commissioners but for the British, and as it is possible that Admiral Digby may send Commissioners also, it will be well to have a House held in...
33From George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 20 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been informed that a Certain Col. Asher Holmes of Monmouth County has been concerned in making partial exchanges, sending & receiving Flags, giving indulgences to People within the Enemy’s lines, & obtaining Paroles in consequence for some of our People in the power of the Enemy—and that when questioned for so doing by the Executive of the State he attempted to exculpate himself by...
34From George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 4 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I expected, in obedience to my order of the 20th & agreable to your Letter of the 22nd Apl that a Return of the Officers Prisoners in our possession would have been transmitted me immediately and I cannot account for your delay. You will now inclose it to Genl Hazen & deliver it to Lieut. Hywell who will be the bearer of this—and you will be particular in distinguishing in it such as are...
35From George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 5 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
You will on obtaining permission from the Enemy proceed to New York and examine into the State & accomodation of our prisoners, & report, on your return. I am sir Your Most Obedt Servant DLC : Papers of George Washington.
36From Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. to Abraham Skinner, 14 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency directs me to put the inclosed under Cover to you, and to inform—that the passports of your Duputy will not be sufficient for Prisoners to go within the Enemy’s Lines upon parole—But in the present Instance you can exchange the persons in Question on the Spot. I am &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
37From George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 4 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
The Superintendant of Finance having informed me "that several of our Officers have left behind them in New York considerable sums of Money unpaid, which had been advanced to them while they were Prisoners. The humanity of those who have made such advances; as well as the pri n ciples of Justice require that they should be repaid." In consequence of the forgoing information, and at the request...
38From George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 22 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
To prevent any confusion & irregularity in the Department of Commissy of Prisoners, which might ensue upon your leaving the Office abruptly in consequence of the late arrangement of that Department; it is my request you will continue to perform the functions of the Office of Commissy Genl of Prisoners, untill the accounts can be settled, and the business & Papers of the Department so arranged...
39From George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 22 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
By Virtue of the powers vested in me by the honble the Congress by their Resolve of the 24th of July last I have appointed Lt Colo. Smith Commissary of Prisoners to the Army in this Quarter—You will be pleased therefore to deliver over to him all the Official papers of that department which may be in your possession. There is to be a meeting of Commissioners at Tapan on the 26th of this month...
40From George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 6 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
I inclose you a Letter I have Reced from Mr Morris—and must desire that you will comply with the Contents of it without delay by sending to Mr Turner every Official Paper respecting his department Either in your possession or that of your deputies—and at the same time you will give him every information in your power of the State in which you left the Marine part of your Appointment. DLC :...