George Washington Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-26-02-0125

To George Washington from the Board of War, 26 May 1780

From the Board of War

War Office [Philadelphia] May 26. 1780

Sir

Lt Colo. Connolly has a son about ten years old who is an ensign in the 17th regt British. His parents are anxious to get him into New York to put him to school. His father wrote a letter to your Excellency requesting your permission for his going in on parole:1 but as that letter may have miscarried, and the lad’s mother has repeatedly importuned us on the subject,2 We beg leave to ask your decision in the case, and that you would favour us with your determination. If a parole exchange of an American ensign can be obtained in lieu of the lad, it would doubtless be highly eligible.3 We have the honour to be with great respect your most obedt servants

Tim. Pickering by order

ALS, DLC:GW.

2The communications of Connolly’s wife with the board have not been identified.

Susanna Semple Connolly was the daughter of Samuel Semple. GW had lodged at his tavern while at Fort Pitt, Pa., in 1770 (see Diaries description begins Donald Jackson and Dorothy Twohig, eds. The Diaries of George Washington. 6 vols. Charlottesville, Va., 1976–79. description ends , 2:292, 325). Following her husband’s capture in late 1775, Congress passed a resolution directing Susanna “not to leave Philadelphia” without congressional approval (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 , 4:366). She petitioned Congress in September 1776, and a committee allowed her “to go to her family in Cumberland County, in the State of Pensylvania” (DNA:PCC, item 19; 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 , 5:748; and Susanna Connolly to Congress, 9 Sept. 1776, in DNA:PCC, item 78).

3GW replied to the Board of War on 5 June.

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