1. The enclosed extract from the minutes of Congress for this date reads: “Congress proceeded to the election of a commissary Genl of prisoners and the ballots being taken—Colo. Joseph Ward was elected” (DLC:GW; see also JCC description begins Worthington Chauncey Ford et al., eds. Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789. 34 vols. Washington, D.C., 1904–37. description ends , 16:366). Huntington wrote Joseph Ward from Philadelphia on the same date to notify him of his appointment and the need “to supply the Vacancy with as little Delay as possible” (Smith, Letters of Delegates description begins Paul H. Smith et al., eds. Letters of Delegates to Congress, 1774–1789. 26 vols. Washington, D.C., 1976–2000. description ends , 15:40). Ward declined the appointment “by reason of present circumstances” when he wrote Huntington from Boston on 3 May (DNA:PCC, item 78). Congress read Ward’s letter on 18 May (JCC description begins Worthington Chauncey Ford et al., eds. Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789. 34 vols. Washington, D.C., 1904–37. description ends , 17:435).

For the actions of Congress on 31 March to accept John Beatty’s resignation as commissary general of prisoners and to nominate his potential successor, see JCC description begins Worthington Chauncey Ford et al., eds. Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789. 34 vols. Washington, D.C., 1904–37. description ends , 16:319. The office of commissary general of prisoners remained vacant until Abraham Skinner was selected to fill it in September (see JCC description begins Worthington Chauncey Ford et al., eds. Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789. 34 vols. Washington, D.C., 1904–37. description ends , 17:770, 788–89, 18:828).