51To George Washington from General Henry Clinton, 30 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
From Your Excellency’s Letter of this date, I am persuaded the Board of General Officers, to whom You referred the case of Major André, can’t have been rightly informed of all the circumstances on which a Judgement ought to be formed. I think it of the highest Moment to Humanity that your Excellency should be perfectly apprized of the State of this Matter before you proceed to put that...
52To George Washington from General Henry Clinton, 4 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I conceived I could not better or more fully explain my Sentiments in Answer to your Excellency’s Letter of the 30th September, respecting Major Andrè, than by Sending Lieutenant General Robertson to converse if possible with you Sir, or at least with some confidential Officer from You. I Cannot think Lieutenant General Robertson’s Conversation with General Green has entirely answered the...
53From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 6 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
Congress having received information that there were good grounds to beleive that a number of respectable Citizens of South Carolina, prisoners of War by the capitulation of Charlestown, had been seized upon and confined on board a Ship of War, have directed me to enquire of Your Excellency, whether such arrests and confinement have been made, and for what reasons. You will oblige me by making...
54George Washington to Sir Henry Clinton, 16 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Preakness, New Jersey ] October 16, 1780 . Complains about severity with which Charles, Earl Cornwallis, and Francis Rawdon-Hastings punish inhabitants who assist British deserters. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Francis Rawdon-Hastings, Marquis of Hastings.
55From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 16 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received your two letters of the 9th and 13th. On the same principle upon which that of the 9th is founded, it has been my endeavour to conduct the correspondence between us on the terms which politeness and the nature of the intercourse demanded. In the affair to which you allude, I persuade myself all the attentions were observed, which the peculiarity of the circumstances would...
56George Washington to Sir Henry Clinton, 21 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Preakness, New Jersey ] October 21, 1780 . Discusses proposal for a resident commissary of prisoners. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
57From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 22 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
In answer to my proposals for a Resident Commissary with the respective Armies, Major General Phillips has transmitted me another set of proposals substantially the same; except that they require these Commissaries to be appointed by the Commanders in Chief, each by his own authority. It is impossible for me to enter into such an agreement, as I have no power to act but by a derived authority...
58To George Washington from General Henry Clinton, 4 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received Your Letter of October the 22d respecting the Appointment of Commissaries of Prisoners residing with the British & American Armies. I shall have no Objection to receive a Commissary of Prisoners to reside at New York under a Commission or Warrant Signed by You. Neither have I any Objection to the Proposals; and the Matter may be concluded upon whenever You Chuse. Major General...
59From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 16 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have to request a passport for the Sloop Carolina packet, Burthen Eighty Tons, John Durry sailing Master —Sheftall Shaftall Flag Master —One Mate and six Seamen, from the port of Philadelphia to Charlestown in South Carolina, laden with provision and Cloathing for the American Troops, prisoners of War there—and also a permit for her return to the port of Philadelphia. I have likewise to...
60George Washington to Sir Henry Clinton, 20 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Passaic Falls, New Jersey ] November 20, 1780 . Proposes a meeting of commissioners for the exchange of prisoners. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
61From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 20 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am authorised by Congress to propose a meeting of Commissioners for the purpose of “effecting an exchange of all Continental prisoners of War, now in your possession, and of the hostages given in Canada, as well as of all officers on parole, and officers violators of parole, and militia actually taken in arms and remaining prisoners of war, for an equal number of The Convention troops, and...
62To George Washington from General Henry Clinton, 29 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your Letter of the 20th Inst., informing me that you are authorised to propose a meeting of Commissioners for the purpose of effecting an exchange of all Continental prisoners of War now in my possession, and of the Hostages given in Canada, as well as of all Officers on parole, and Officers Violators of parole, and Militia actually taken in Arms and remaining prisoners of War,...
63From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 9 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of the 29th November by Brig. Genl Irvine and the Officers who accompanied him. As you have proposed that all accounts respecting prisoners of War, from the commencement of the dispute to the present time, as well as the accounts of the troops of Convention, shall be adjusted by the Commissioners when they meet, I have written to Congress upon the subject, and have...
64Extracts from Correspondence of British Officers, 1781 (Washington Papers)
Sir Hry Clinton to Ld G. Germain 9th & 12th of June 1781. Informs of the reinforcement of 1500 Men under the Comd of Colo. Marsh of the 43d Regt going to join Ld Cornwallis in the Chesapeake at that time. Sir Hry Clinton to Ld G. Germain 7th Sepr 1781—had embarked 4000 Troops with which he shd proceed to relieve his Lordship, as soon as he new the passage was open. that instead of 3 Battns...
65George Washington to Sir Henry Clinton, 25 January 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] January 25, 1781 . Is now empowered to exchange Convention officers for American officers. Proposes John Franklin as the American agent to reside in New York. Asks Clinton to investigate complaints of naval prisoners. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
66From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 25 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
Major General Phillips in a Letter of the 23d of December transmits a list of Officers of the Convention Troops, whom he wishes to have sent into New York to be exchanged for an equivalent of our Officers in your hands—I am now authorised to comply with this proposal, and have dispatched an order accordingly for permitting the Gentlemen named to proceed to Elizabeth Town. General Phillips...
67To George Washington from General Henry Clinton, 2 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received Your Letter of the 25th Ultimo, and have communicated to Major Genl Phillips that part of it which relates to him. With respect to the admitting Mr John Franklin to reside here as Agent, I am to inform you, Sir, that his Conduct was so very exceptionable, when he lived in this City before, that the Commandant found it requisite to remove him, and his Family, without the Lines....
68George Washington to Sir Henry Clinton, 16 April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] April 16, 1781 . Demands the return of General John Burgoyne who is on parole in England. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
69From George Washington to Henry Clinton, 16 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
By the inclosed Act of Congress of the 3d instant you will perceive, I am directed to demand the immediate return of Lieutenant General Burgoyne and all other British or German Officers prisoners of War now absent from America on their Paroles. As the late exchanges have released all those who were under this description except Lt General Burgoyne, I am only to require his return agreable to...
70From George Washington to Henry Clinton, 1 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been authorised, since my letter of the 16th of April, to revoke the demand, then made, of the return of Lieut. General Burgoyne to America. If letters of recall have not been already transmitted to him, you will be pleased to suspend them: If they have, you will be so obliging as to take the earliest opportunity to countermand them. I have the Honor to be Your Excellencys Most obt and...
71From George Washington to Henry Clinton, 16 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am directed to enquire whether permission will be granted to ship 600 Hhds of Tobacco from the States of Virginia and Maryland to Charles Town in South Carolina, to be there sold, and the proceeds applied to the support of the American prisoners of War. Should this proposition meet your Excellency’s approbation, I will transmit the names of the Vessels and Masters and apply to you for the...
72To George Washington from Henry Clinton, 21 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received Your two Letters upon the subject of Lieutenant General Burgoyne’s Recal, and also that dated the 16th Instant; the second of which fortunately reached me, before I had an opportunity of Communicating to him the Contents of the first. In answer to that of the 16th, I am to acquaint you that altho’ I was willing to allow Certain Articles (as mentioned in a proposal carried out...
73From George Washington to Henry Clinton, 1 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
In Compliance to a Resolution of Congress, I take the Liberty to inclose to you Copies of 16 setts of Bills of Exchange drawn by British Officers while Prisoners within these States, in Payment of the allowance of two dollars per week allowed them by Congress—which Bills have been protested & remain yet unpaid, in Consequence of Orders given by the Officers for that purpose—as appears from the...
74To George Washington from Henry Clinton, 24 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to propose that your Commissary General of Prisoners may be authorised to meet mine as soon as convenient either at Elizabeth Town or Staten Island, in order finally to adjust the Exchange of Lieutt General Burgoyne, for which Proposals have been made some time since; and likewise to treat for the Exchange of Lieutt General Earl Cornwallis, and such other Officers of this Army as...
75To George Washington from Henry Clinton, 30 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
Having occasion to remit Two Thousand Pounds Sterling in Specie to the British Officers at Frederick Town, and Winchester, I am to request a Passport for a Deputy Paymaster to proceed thither by land with the above Sum, who, after the delivery thereof will return to this Place. I am Sir Your most obedient humble Servant DLC : Papers of George Washington.
76From George Washington to Henry Clinton, 6 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am induced to mention a subject which has already occasioned many discussions. The situation of those Men ought to be attended to, who, by the chance of War, are subjected to the authority of your Sovereign or mine. It is much to be wished that all difficulties in Exchanges be obviated—the expences of maintaining prisoners liquidated—and solid arrangements made to provide for them in future....
77To George Washington from Henry Clinton, 14 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
It being requisite that a Supply of Clothing, Necessaries, & Money should be sent to the British & German Prisoners confined in different parts of Pennsylvania; I am to request a Passport for two subaltern Officers, two Quarter Masters, and six Serjeants, to proceed to Philadelphia, Lancaster, & Reading, or any other adjacent Places, where the said Prisoners at present reside, with such...
78From George Washington to Henry Clinton, 31 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to inclose the duplicate of a letter, which I had written to your Excellency on the 6th of this month. I have reason to beleive the original miscarried between this place and Elizabeth Town. I must entreat such attention to it as the importance of the subject requires. I have been honored with your Excellencys favor of the 14th, and should have transmitted the passports...
79To George Washington from Henry Clinton, 2 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
As it has been always my earnest wish to pay every attention to the situation of Prisoners, and to facilitate their Exchange; I have only to repeat the Assurances I have already made You in my Correspondence on this Subject—that I am ready to send Commissioners properly Authorised by me to treat with those you shall Appoint for the accomplishment of so desireable a Purpose. And as I think no...
80From George Washington to Henry Clinton, 11 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
I had, yesterday Evening, the honor of receiving your Excellency’s favor of the 2d. I am apprehensive that you have misunderstood the full meaning of my letter of the 6th of December, as I infer from yours that you suppose the meeting of Commissioners is intended principally to facilitate the exchange of prisoners. That will undoubtedly be one of the objects: but the primary one will be "to...
81To George Washington from Henry Clinton, 23 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Letter of the 11th Instant in Answer to mine of the 2d and as it was my Intention to accede to your Proposal of appointing Commissioners properly authorised by me to meet those you should appoint for the Purposes of obviating all Difficulties in Exchanges, liquidating the Expences of maintaining Prisoners, and making solid Arrangements to provide for them in future, I...
82To George Washington from Henry Clinton, 10 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
Having occasion to send an Officer belonging to the Quarter Master Generals Department with a Sum of Money for the British and German Troops, Prisoners of War at Lancaster and its Neighbourhood, I am to request a Passport for his proceeding thither, and return to this place, after he has finished that Business and that you will be pleased to give directions that he may be furnished with a...
83To George Washington from Henry Clinton, 11 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
In the late Treaty between Your Commissary of Prisoners and mine for affecting a general Exchange, Major Skinner objected to the exchange of Lieut. General Earl Cornwallis from want, as he says, of proper Authority to enter upon the same, I thought it right to direct Mr Loring to reserve His Lordship’s Value from the highest in Rank of the American Officers unexchanged; But Major Skinner has...
84To George Washington from Henry Clinton, 11 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
In my Letter of the 14th December I applied to you for a Passport to send Clothing for the British and German Prisoners in your Possession, but as it appears from your Answer of 31st same Month, that their Destination was to be changed, it becomes necessary to alter the Mode of Transportation—I am therefore to request you will be pleased to furnish me with a Passport for a Vessel to proceed...
85From George Washington to Henry Clinton, 26 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellency’s Letters of the 10th and 11th Inst. I enclose a passport for the Gentleman in the Quarter Master Department, whom you propose sending with Money for the British and German Prisoners of War at Lancaster &c. I have left a blank for his name which you will be pleased to fill up—I have no objection to the Person, for whom the former passport was granted,...
86To George Washington from Henry Clinton, 7 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
Agreeable to Your Desire I send You herewith the Description of the Vessels which I propose sending into the Delaware and Chesapeake with Clothing and other Necessaries for the Prisoners of War; and I request that the Passports may be made out & transmitted to me as soon as may be convenient. In Consequence of the Meeting of our respective Commissioners having been so long delayed, many...
87From George Washington to Henry Clinton, 14 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
I late last evening received your Excellency’s Letter of the 7th—My Commissioners had sat out for Elizabeth Town on Tuesday. As it will be inconvenient for them to remain in that neighbourhood—untill the 10th of next Month, the time to which you wish the Meeting may be post-poned, and as returning and having the Journey to repeat at this Season of the Year will be a disagreable circumstance, I...
88To George Washington from Henry Clinton, 18 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
Mr Skinner, your Commissary of Prisoners brought me Yesterday Your Letter of the 14th Instant, together with one from Brigadier General Knox & Mr G. Morris, By which I am sorry to find that mine to You of the 7th did not reach Philadelphia before the 13th, and that those Gentlemen were in Consequence exposed to the Inconvenience of an earlier Journey than there was occasion for. As this must...
89To George Washington from Henry Clinton, 23 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
A Flag of Truce Vessel, which was dispatched from hence with Money for the Prisoners of War in Pennsylvania, having been Boarded by a Party of Armed Men in Whale Boats on the Night of the 14th Instant, as it lay at Anchor close to Elizabeth Town Point, and a Hessian Officer, whom His Excellency Lieutenant General Knyphausen had sent in Charge of a Sum of Money for the Use of the Hessian...
90From George Washington to Henry Clinton, 21 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed representation from the Inhabitants of the County of Monmouth, with testimonials to the facts, which can be coroborated by other unquestionable evidence, will bring before your Excellency the most wanton, unprecedented, & inhuman Murder that ever disgraced the arms of a civilized People. I shall not, because I conceive it altogether unnecessary, trouble your Excellency with any...
91To George Washington from Henry Clinton, 22 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
The Proposal You made to me in Your Letter of the 6th of last December, that Commissioners should be appointed on our respective Parts for the Purposes of obviating all Difficulties in Exchanges, liquidating the Expences of maintaining Prisoners, and making solid Arrangements to provide for them in future, appeared to me so very reasonable that I did not hesitate to come into it, without...
92To George Washington from Henry Clinton, 25 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of the 21st Instant with the inclosed Testimonials respecting Captain Huddy’s Execution was delivered to me Yesterday. And tho I am extremely concerned for the Cause, I cannot conceal my Surprise & Displeasure at the very improper Language You have made use of, which You could not but be sensible was totally unnecessary. The Mildness of the British Government does not admit of Acts...
93To George Washington from Henry Clinton, 27 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Being this Morning informed that an Officer under the Flag of Truce has been detained, and sensible that all Persons so circumstanced are to be held sacred, I have, without entering into a Discussion of the Pretence for his Detainer, directed that he be set at Liberty. I am Sir your most Obedient & Most humble Servant DLC : Papers of George Washington.