George Washington to the Board of War

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Hackinsack, November 15th, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: Having given my promise to General Howe, on his application, that Peter Jack, a servant of Major Stewart, who was sent to Philadelphia with the Waldeckers and other prisoners, and who has nothing to do in the military line, should be returned to his master, agreeable to the usage of war in such cases, I must take the liberty to request the favour of you to have him conveyed to General Greene by the earliest opportunity, that he may be forwarded to his master in compliance with my promise.

I also wish that you would have all the British prisoners collected that you conveniently can, and sent to me as soon as possible, with the Hessian prisoners, that I may exchange them. The return of the latter will, I think, be attended with many salutary consequences; but should it be made without that of a large proportion of other troops, it will carry the marks of design and occasion precautions to be taken to prevent the ends we have in view.

I have the honour to be, gentlemen, your most obedient servant,

GO˙ WASHINGTON