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Letter from James Young to the President of Congress

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JAMES YOUNG TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

[Read March 23, 1776.]

Philadelphia, March 22, 1776.

SIR: Permit me to address you in this manner, as I would not presume to take up your time with a tedious relation

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of disagreeable circumstances. I am the unfortunate father of a wrong-headed and deluded, though only son, who made an elopement from me the latter end of January last, and got on board the Phenix ship-of-war without my knowledge, and have not yet been able to reclaim him to the duty he owes his country. I am now informed that he is fortunately a prisoner in New-York, having been on board the ship that was cast away on Long-Island, going, as I am informed, with recommendatory letters from Governour Tryon to General Howe. This is, therefore, to implore you, with the honourable Congress, to permit him to be a prisoner on the parole of a gentleman, at the late estate of his grandfather, Dr˙ Greame, twenty miles north of this city, or where else it may be thought proper near this place; which will lay me under a deep sense of gratitude to the honourable Congress.

Being, with the utmost respect, honourable sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,

To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq.

P˙ S˙ The youth is but eighteen years of age, and an apprentice to Messrs˙ Chevalier, of this city. His name is John Young.

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