General Washington to Major French

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Head-Quarters, October 25, 1775.

SIR: I now sit down to give you a final answer to your application respecting your sword. Doctor Franklin confirms what I before mentioned, that the privilege claimed was no part of the stipulation made at Philadelphia, but passed without discussion. Having made inquiry, I find the rule, with regard to the indulgence in question, is, that prisoners do not wear their swords. I therefore cannot approve of it, more especially as it gives such general dissatisfaction to the good people of the Country. To your other request, of removing to some place where you can have the benefit of attending publick worship of the Church of England, I have not the least objection, provided the place is approved by Governour Trumbull, to whom, in this case, you will be pleased to apply. Your letters, &c˙, have been all sent into Boston, and such as have been sent out forwarded. The Selectmen, at the instance of Colonel Robinson, have applied to have Mr˙ McDermott sent in, to which I have agreed, upon condition that a gentleman of Boston, most injuriously confined in jail, be permitted to come out; to which proposal I have yet received no answer.

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I wish you all the happiness consistent with your situation; and while the inhabitants of America treat you with humanity and kindness, I trust you will make a suitable return. It is not grateful to me to hear the respectable citizens of any Town treated with incivility or contempt.

I am, Sir, your most obedient humble servant,

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

To Major French.