Letter from General Greene to the President of Congress: Application of Captain Martindale and others, for pay during their captivity, and allowances for losses

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Camp at New-York, September 8,1776.

SIR: This will be handed you by Captain Sion Martindale and Lieutenant Moses Turner, that were taken in the brig Washington, in Boston Bay, last Fall. They were sent home prisoners to England and ordered back to Halifax, where they were confined in gaol for some time; at last they found means to cut a passage out, and made their escape, and have got safe home. There is one Lieutenant Child, that was made prisoner with them, and made his escape at the same time the others did. They apply to Congress for their wages and rations due during their captivity. They also apply for an allowance for the losses they met with, and for several advancements they made for the brig Washington and the crew, during the time they were fitting for the cruise; all which, doubtless, the Congress will take under consideration, and grant what justice and equity entitle them to. They all belonged to the Rhode —Island regiments, and while they were under my command, they discharged their duty as became good and faithful officers. How they behaved after they entered on board the brig Washington, I am not able to say. They are men who have families, and no means of support for them but their industry.

I am, with due respect, your obedient servant,

NATHANAEL GREENE.

To the Hon˙ John Hancock, Esq˙, President of the Continental Congress, at Philadelphia.