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.
April 13, 1776
Gen. George Washington pauses briefly in New Haven, Connecticut, on his way to New York.
While there, Washington writes to Samuel McKay, a British prisoner who had pleaded with him for relief. In a very personal letter, Washington tells McKay that he has repeatedly asked Gen. William Howe for a prisoner exchange but has not received a response.
Washington tells McKay that his confinement lies with Howe.
George Washington to Samuel Mckay
April 1776
To Samuel Mckay
New Haven [Conn.] April 1776
Sir
I receiv’d yours of the 9th Instant, and could wish that it was in my power, consistent with the Duty I owe my Country to grant you the relief you desire. I have made repeated applications to General Howe for an Exchange of Prisoners, but he has not thought proper to return me any Answer. It has been in his power to set you at Liberty, and if you are still continued a Prisoner the blame must lay entirely upon him.
ON THIS DAY: THE CONTINENTAL ARMY GATHERS LARGE CROWDS DURING NEW YORK MARCH
The Situation of your family is indeed distressing, but such is the Event of War, that it is far from being singular. The brave Collo. Allen an Officer of Rank, has been torn from his dearest Connections, sent to England in Irons and is now confin’d to the most servile drudgery on board one of the King’s Ships —Your treatment Sir, & that of the other Officers, taken in Arms against the Liberties of America, has been very different—for the truth of this I appeal to your own feelings.
Whenever it is in my power to release you by a mutual Exchange I shall do it with the greatest pleasure and am Sir Your most obedt Servt.