Letter from Lancaster Committee to the President of Congress

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In Committee, Lancaster, January 22, 1776.

SIR: Pursuant to the directions of Congress, the Committee of this place communicated their resolves to the officers, prisoners of war in this town, and received from them the enclosed answer.

The Committee will, with cheerfulness, execute the orders of the Congress, but they are under some difficulties in this case, as we have reason to believe the officers will insist to remain with the privates, and will make no choice of residence. It will then fall on the Committee to fix the places for them; and, as those places, or some of them, may be in other Counties, we cannot compel the Committees to receive and take them into their charge, without particular direction from Congress for that purpose. But, should the Congress direct the places of their residence, they will be most punctually obeyed; and, as it is probable that, when they are removed from hence, they will refuse to give their parole, agreeable to the former resolves of Congress, we beg the Congress will direct in what manner the Committees shall proceed with them.

The bearer of this is one of the members of the Committee; his private business will detain him a day in Philadelphia, and by him we hope to receive the directions of the Congress.

I am, sir, with great esteem, your very humble servant,

By order of the Committee:

George Ross,
Chairman of the Committee.

To the Honourable John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress.