To George Washington from Colonel Seth Warner, 22 August 1780
From Colonel Seth Warner
Bennington [Vt.]
augt 22 1780
May it Please your Excellency
Capt. Gideon Brownson Capt. Simeon Smith and Lt Michael Dunning1 was Taken from my Regiment in July 1779, are Now Suffering a Close Confinement in A Neosious Goul under the Provost Gard at Quebeck which I understand Proves To them Very unhealthy and is Likely Soon to Prove the Death of Capt. Brownson, I think it a pity that men Like them who have Faithfully Served their Country Ever Since the war Began Should Pass unnotised, But if Possoble I would pray there Exchange, if you have officers that you Can Send To me of Equeal Rank Together with your orders you may Depend that I Shall Be faithfull in my Performance the officers you may Send Till the Exchange is made Shall Receive Gentlemen Like Treatment Likewise I am informed of a Lt in Colo. Van Scoock [Van Schaick] Regiment is Suffering with them Should Be glad might Share the Same favour for which purpose I have Sent Lt Eli Brownson2 Exspress who you may Depend will Bee faithfull with what Ever Business he may Be Trusted with.3 I am you Excellency obedient Humble Servant
Seth warner
ALS, PHi: Gratz Collection; Sprague transcript, DLC:GW.
1. Michael Dunning (Duning; 1730–1810) joined Warner’s Continental regiment as a lieutenant in October 1776. Dunning probably was taken prisoner with several other officers near Fort George, N.Y., in July 1779 (see Ethan Allen to GW, 16 Aug.). He became a captain in July 1779. Congress disestablished Warner’s regiment effective 1 Jan. 1781 (see GW to Warner, 12 Nov. 1780, DLC:GW). Dunning never served again in the Continental army.
2. Eli Brownson was a lieutenant in the Vermont militia. He later became a captain.
3. GW replied to Warner on 30 Aug. (DLC:GW). He gave Warner the same answer he had given to Ethan Allen’s similar appeal for the same officers (see Allen to GW, 16 Aug., and n.2 to that document).