From George Washington to General William Howe, 20 January 1777
To General William Howe
Head quarters Morris Town 20th Jan. 1777
Sir,
I take the liberty to propose the Establishmt of an Officer to reside in New York, under parole to transmit no Intelligence but what belongs to his Office; whose business it shall be to provide Necessaries for such Prisoners as fall into yr Hands. Perhaps the Establishmt of such an Officer with proper Credits may put a Stop to the many Complaints which I am daily under the necessity of hearing; some probably without foundation, & others arising from the want of many things which You are not obliged to furnish the Prisoners.
The Gentleman I would beg leave to recommend as a proper Agent is Mr Lewis Pintard the bearer, a person well known in New York, and of long established Reputation as a considerable Mercht. The Council of Safety of Pennsylvania have desired Liberty, when the Weather permits, of sending a Vessel under a Flag, with a Supply of Meet & Flour for our prisoners in New York1—I shall be glad to be favoured with your Answer and am with due Respect Sir Yr most Obdt Ser.
Df, in George Johnston’s writing, DLC:GW; two copies, P.R.O., 30/55, Carleton Papers; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. For the Pennsylvania council of safety’s proposal to establish a resident commissary of prisoners in New York to provide provisions for American prisoners of war held in the city, see its letter to GW of 15 January.