George Washington Papers

From George Washington to John Hancock, 21 August 1776

To John Hancock

New York Augt the 21st 1776

Sir

Inclosed I have the Honor to transmit you a Copy of my Letter to Lord Howe as well on the Subject of a Genl Exchange of prisoners in the Naval Line, as that of Lieutt Josiah in particular, and of his Lordships Answer, which for Its matter and manner, is very different from Genl Carletons Orders which were forwarded Yesterday.1

The Situation of the Armies being the same, as when I had the pleasure of addressing you last, I have Nothing special to communicate on that head, nor more to add, than that I am with all possible respect Sir Your Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington

LS, in Robert Hanson Harrison’s writing, DNA:PCC, item 152; LB, DLC:GW; copy, DNA:PCC, item 169; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. Congress read this letter on 23 Aug. and referred it to the Board of War (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 , 5:698).

1See GW to Lord Howe, 17 Aug., and Lord Howe to GW, 19 August. Congress on 23 Aug. directed the Board of War to publish both letters (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 , 5:698).

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