Letter from Lieutenant Barrington (prisoner) to the Lancaster Committee

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Lancaster Jail, August 5, 1776.

SIR: I applied to the President of the Committee some time ago that my baggage might be allowed me, to which I received no answer, but received some wearing apparel. I understand that by my baggage — being hurried away from Lebanon, and not being allowed either to bring it with me or pack it properly up. As I suppose the Committee can have no claim or reason for keeping my own private goods, whatever right they may allege for keeping those of the officers who are escaped, I, therefore, would be obliged to the Committee if they would order it to be restored me.

As I am in want of a bed, bedstead, and curtains, should be glad if the Committee would allow me the use of one of those which are in jail, belonging to the other officers. There are also amongst those goods a small trunk full of books and a case of liquors, and a few other things which belong to me, among the things below in this place — the Committee will oblige me by allowing me to have them.

I beg also to mention my parole to the Committee. Should be glad to have an answer, whether or not I am to be obliged so far as to be allowed to go out on that condition, (as the Committee have had full time to have an answer from Congress,) or be obliged to remain locked up in a jail for the remainder of the war.

I am, sir, with due respect, yours and the Committee' s humble servant,
W˙ BARRINGTON, Lieut˙ in Royal Fusileers.

To Wm˙ Atlee, President of the Committee of Lancaster.

P˙ S˙ If the Committee have received an answer from Congress, refusing to allow me my parole, I think it might be allowed me to have the liberty to walk at large about the jail.