I have had the honor of Your Letter of the 10th inclosing one from Mr Hughes for obtaining Captain Swan’s exchange.1 The only Rule by which equal justice can be done to prisoners, is to exchange them according to the priority of their capture. This I have invariably directed to be pursued where the circumstance of rank would apply and I can never depart from it, unless cases should arise making a departure most obviously necessary. and this Rule ought to operate as well in parole as final exchanges & so I have ordered it. It is so reasonable and so evidently just that all must feel and assent to its propriety—Any other would do injustice and be the source of a thousand well grounded complaints. If Captain Swan comes within this Rule, he will be exchanged of course; if he does not, his exchange cannot take place. I have the Honor to be with great respect Gentn Yr Most Obedt st