Letter from the President of Congress to General Washington

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Philadelphia, July 24, 1776.

SIR: I do myself the honour to enclose sundry resolves, to which I must entreat your attention. The Congress, you will there find, reposing the most entire confidence in your judgment, have left the disposition of the troops at New York, the Flying Camp, and Ticonderoga, wholly with you, being fully assured you will make such an arrangement as in your opinion will conduce most to the publick good.

The Commissioners appointed to audit the accounts of the Army in the York department have been with me. They are preparing to set out as soon as possible, and I expect will be at New York in a few days.

You will observe that the Congress have empowered the Commander-in-Chief in each department to negotiate an exchange of prisoners, which you will please to conduct agreeably to the enclosed system.

I have written to General Schuyler, and forwarded a copy of the enclosed resolves.

I have the honour to be, with the highest esteem and respect, sir, your most obedient and very humble servant,
JOHN HANCOCK, President.

To His Excellency General Washington.