I have to reply to your favor of the 2nd feby—With respect to the proposition of the Prisoners—tho’ in some instances it might be attended with advantage yet if once the precedent is established the applications of that nature will it is to be feared become general & that the far greatest part of them would have no other intention but to return to the Enemy especially the British; besides, tho’ from the present appearance of things we are not likely to want them as objects of Exchange, the Events of War are uncertain and it would not be proper to put them intirely out of our power however a very good judgement may be formed of the inclinations of many of them & such as fully Evince a desire of remaining in the Country may be distinguished from the rest and kept with us till the last for I only want to have something evincive.