To George Washington from the Board of War, 26 May 1780
From the Board of War
War Office [Philadelphia] May 26. 1780
Sir
Lt Colo. Connolly has a son about ten years old who is an ensign in the 17th regt British. His parents are anxious to get him into New York to put him to school. His father wrote a letter to your Excellency requesting your permission for his going in on parole:1 but as that letter may have miscarried, and the lad’s mother has repeatedly importuned us on the subject,2 We beg leave to ask your decision in the case, and that you would favour us with your determination. If a parole exchange of an American ensign can be obtained in lieu of the lad, it would doubtless be highly eligible.3 We have the honour to be with great respect your most obedt servants
Tim. Pickering by order
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. See John Connolly to GW, 18 May.
2. The communications of Connolly’s wife with the board have not been identified.
Susanna Semple Connolly was the daughter of Samuel Semple. GW had lodged at his tavern while at Fort Pitt, Pa., in 1770 (see
, 2:292, 325). Following her husband’s capture in late 1775, Congress passed a resolution directing Susanna “not to leave Philadelphia” without congressional approval ( , 4:366). She petitioned Congress in September 1776, and a committee allowed her “to go to her family in Cumberland County, in the State of Pensylvania” (DNA:PCC, item 19; see also , 5:748; and Susanna Connolly to Congress, 9 Sept. 1776, in DNA:PCC, item 78).