The following is an installment of “On This Day,” a series celebrating America’s 250th anniversary by following the actions of Gen. George Washington, the Continental Congress, and the men and women whose bravery and sacrifice led up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Jan. 30, 1776
Cambridge, Massachusetts
From Cambridge, Gen. George Washington writes to Maj. Gen. William Howe, proposing a prisoner exchange. Washington does so under explicit orders from Congress.
Howe came from a prominent and well-connected family. He was educated by tutors, then spent four years at Eton College, and subsequently followed both of his brothers into military service to the crown. Howe spent extensive time in both Canada and the Caribbean during the French and Indian War. Ironically, that conflict, also known as the Seven Years’ War, was initiated by a young Washington, then serving the British as a colonial officer in the Virginia militia. Now, Howe and Washington are opponents.
Howe climbed the ranks of the British Army during the French and Indian War, eventually assuming his deceased brother’s seat in Parliament in 1758, placing him at the center of power and wealth.
King George III dispatched Howe to Boston as second-in-command in the early spring of 1775.
In his brief letter to the British commander, Washington offers Philip Skene, a royal governor, in return for James Lovell, a prominent Boston patriot imprisoned by the British.
To Major General William Howe
Cambridge 30 January 1776
Sir,
I have a Command from the Honble Continental Congress to propose an Exchange of Governor Skene for Mr James Lovel & Family—If the Proposition is agreeable, you will please to signifie as much to me, & Mr Lovel that he may prepare for his Removal, whilst I cause Mr Skene to be brought to this place. I am Sir Your mo[st] humble s[ervan]t
George Washington
Negotiations with Howe, who refused to even address Washington as “General,” over this prisoner exchange, or any prisoner exchange, would prove to be a challenge.
ON THIS DAY: WASHINGTON TO READY TROOPS TO NEW YORK
Washington also writes to Maj. Gen. Charles Lee, noting that British Gen. Henry Clinton has left Boston and is now bound for New York, where he expects Loyalists to rally. Washington urges Lee to act decisively and hints that Congress may soon call him north to command in Canada.
Initially, Lee, a former British army officer who retired from that service before joining the American rebellion, was a trusted member of Washington’s army. But after his capture by the British in the fall of New York City, Lee would write several notes to Howe on the best strategies to defeat the Americans.