From George Washington to George Clinton, 28 June 1779
To George Clinton
[New Windsor, 28 June 1779]
Dear Sir.
I just now received your favor of to day.1 The Enemy are now indebted to us on the Score of privates and have been for a considerable time—or at least ever since last fall. This circumstance puts it out of my power to send in any new prisoners; but I shall cheerfully consent to apply the Militia taken the other day,2 to the credit of their Account if they will release them, and I will direct the Commissary to attempt to negotiate their exchange as soon as he can.3 This is all I can do at present.
If they cannot be liberated in this way I shall not have the smallest objection to their Friends sending them Cloathing and other necessaries—and will furnish such permits as may be proper. perhaps they had better send ’em a few necessary Cloaths immediately. I am Dr sir with great esteem & regard Yr Most Obedt sert
G. Washington
P.S. I request that You will direct a List of the prisoners to be sent me4—that the Commissary may be the better enabled to negociate the business. The Exchange can only operate as to those who were in Arms.
Df, in Robert Hanson Harrison’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. The draft manuscript is docketed 28 June.
1. This letter has not been found.
2. For this capture of New York militia, see Clinton to GW, 25 June, and n.2 to that document.
3. No letter on this subject from GW to John Beatty, who was commissary general of prisoners, has been found.
4. This list of New York militia prisoners has not been identified.