When I was last at New York on enquiry, I find the Prisoners in possession of the Enemy (in the Military Line) amount to about forty in number, who are proper Subjects of Exchange and taken in Arms; the greatest part of those Men, were made prisoners by Colo. DeLancey’s Corps, and the Enemy wish to Release them for an equal Number of DeLancey’s Men confined at Fish Kill and West point.

The Ballance of 495 Men still remains due from the Enemy, and they ought to send out every prisoner they have towards the payment of it, but it seems Sr Henry Clinton has allowed Mr DeLancey the liberty to exchange his own Prisoners: Those in the Sugar House at New York are in this situation—they are healthy and their place of Confinement is roomly and tolerably Comfortable: As soon as they are Exchanged, that prison will be appointed for the Sea Prisoners and considering those circumstances I beg leave to Submit to your Excellency’s determination, whether I may give an equal Number of DLanceys Men for those in the Sugar House—The moment I am Authorized to do this, the business can be compleated at Dobbs Ferry, and the Exchange made upon the Lines, as I would not wish to send those prisoners first, and thereby put it in the power of the Enemy to take an undue advantage which I am Convinced they are disposed to do. I shall thank your Excellency for your Commands and remain Your Mo. Obt Servt