1. The enclosed “Extract from the Minutes” of Congress, dated 13 July, reads: “The Abilities and Experience of Brigadier General du portail in the Line of his Department as an Engineer appearing to Congress essential to the effectual promotion of the Operations of the ensuing Campaign.

“Resolved, that General Washington immediately endeavour to obtain the Exchange of Brigadier General du Portail now a Prisoner of War on parole” (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 , 17:609–10).

2. See GW to Abraham Skinner, 24 July; see also GW’s second letter to Huntington, 22 July (second letter), and Skinner to GW, 9 August. Duportail was exchanged in November 1780 (see GW to Huntington, 7 Nov., DNA:PCC, item 152).