To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 12 January 1781
From Jonathan Trumbull, Sr.
Lebanon [Conn.] 12th Jany 1781.
Sir
James Wilson a soldier of this State on duty at Horseneck, was placed a Sentinel over Nathan Frink a notorious traitor to the States, who had been taken in arms against the same.1 Frink found means to bribe Wilson to suffer his escape—and both went off together—After this Wilson was taken from the enemy—tried by a Court martial, and sentenced to suffer death—While this sentence was sent to me for confirmation—Wilson again escaped, I believe after his sentence was confirmed—Some time after this Wilson comes to our lines under a flag to procure his family to be removed within the lines of the enemy—under the lastmentioned circumstance he was detained by General Silliman, and remains in custody2—The question to Your Excellency is whether the protection of a flag is to be deemed so sacred as to screen a villain from the execution of a sentence which he has so justly merited? I shall be much obliged by a Resolution of this Query; the rather as a Capt. Saml Marsh of this State Militia, who was going into New York under sanction of a flag, to make some inquiry for the welfare of his Son who was lately wounded and taken by the enemy is now detained under a pretence of being treated in the same line as we shall deal with Wilson.3
If Your Excellency should be of opinion that the sanction of a flag is not sacred, as to protect Wilson from death—I will be much obliged if you will be pleased to write by the bearer of this to Genl Clinton—stating the circumstances—and desiring the release of Capt. Marsh—If a flag is to be deemed so sacred as to screen the villain as well as the honest man, this state must take their measures accordingly.4 I am, with the highest Esteem & Consideration Your Excellency’s Most Obedt hble servant
Jonth; Trumbull
ALS, DLC:GW. Trumbull wrote on the cover: “Forwarded ⅌ Capt. [James] Marsh.”
1. Before absconding to the British lines, James Wilson, of New Milford, Conn., had served in the 4th Brigade of the Connecticut militia commanded by Brig. Gen. Gold Selleck Silliman.
Nathan Frink represented Pomfret in the Connecticut legislature during its October, November, and December 1776 sessions, as well as its May-to-June 1777 session (see , 1:2, 61, 90, 221). The legislature also named Frink a justice of the peace for Windham County in 1777, 1778, and 1779 (see , 1:225 and 2:8, 256). In February 1778, the council of safety had granted Frink permission to cross into New York City under flag of truce to transact business (see , 1:567–68). On 13 Jan. 1781, the council of safety ordered his “confiscated and forfeited” estate in Pomfret sold, and on 1 March did the same with his property in Killingly (see , 3:290–91, 343–44).
2. On 21 Nov. 1780, the council of safety, upon a request by Silliman as to whether Wilson should be executed, ordered his transfer from Stamford to the jail at Hartford, “there to be kept in irons and safe custody untill further orders” (, 3:229).
3. Trumbull mistakenly wrote “Saml” Marsh instead of Daniel Marsh. For more on the detention and imprisonment of Capt. Daniel Marsh (c.1732–1818), of Hartford, see , 3:295–96.