From George Washington to the Georgia Delegates in Congress, 15 September 1780
To the Georgia Delegates in Congress
Head Quarters Bergen County 15th Sepr 1780
Gentlemen
I have been honored within a few days with yours of the 2d of Augt inclosing a letter from Governor Burt of Antigua to General prevost relative to an exchange of John Burke Esq: of Antigua for Lieut. Thomas Morris of the Georgia Artillery.1 I have transmitted this letter to Sir Henry Clinton and have informed him that should he think proper to accede to the proposed exchange, I will upon his signifying the same, transmit a full release discharging Mr Burke from any obligations of parole which he may have entered into when he was permitted to return to the West Inds. When I receive Sir Henry Clinton’s answer I will communicate it to you.2 I have the honor to be with great Respect and Esteem Gentn Yr most obt humble Servt
Df, in Tench Tilghman’s writing with revisions in Robert Hanson Harrison’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
2. GW wrote Gen. Henry Clinton from headquarters in Bergen County on 17 Sept.: “I have the honor to inclose You a Letter from Governor Burt of Antigua to General Prevost, relative to the exchange of John Burke Esq. of that Island for Lieutenant Morris of the Georgia Artillery. Should the proposed exchange be agreable to Your Excellency, I will, on your communicating the same, transmit a release for Mr Burke, discharging him from any obligation of parole he may have entered into after he was captured & previous to his returning to the West Indies” (LS, in Robert Hanson Harrison’s writing, P.R.O.: 30/55, Carleton Papers; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW). Clinton replied to GW on 29 Nov. consenting to the exchange (DLC:GW).