I wrote your Excellency some Time since for the Exchange of my Officers, Prisoners in Canada, to which I receiv’d your Excellency’s Answer that there were many Officers of equal Rank made Prisoners of prior Date standing in the Roll before those Officers of mine taken July 15th 1779, who would claim a Right to a prior Exchange.

Hearing of several Exchanges being made, moves me to again ask the Exchange for them (if possible without interfering on some prior Claim) as Capts. Brownson & Smith, if not called for in the Army have necessitous Families at Home, who are suffering in their Absence—Lt Dunning is a Gentleman who is single in Life, but cannot be more chagrined than in a Captivity that renders him so long bound from the Service of his Country.

If Officers of equal Rank can be spared for them, Capt. Eli Brownson (the Bearer) will accompany them to me.

Upon which I can obtain a Flag, & I can effect the Exchange without Loss of Time.

If the favour can be granted, it will be greatly acknowledged by their friend And your Excellency’s Most Obedt Humbl. Servant.