Details
BOUDINOT, Elias, President of Congress. Autograph letter signed ("Elias Boudinot") as U.S. Commissary General of Prisoners, to Samuel Miles, Camp, Bucks County, 14 August 1777. Folio, small punctures along folds affecting some letters text, otherwise in good condition. PRISONER EXCHANGES WITH THE BRITISH. Boudinot communicates his recent appointment (6 June) as Commissary of Prisoners, noting the "motion made in Congress for leaving the Exchange of Prisoners entirely to his Excellency the Commander in Chief [Washington]. He has been pleased to authorise me to proceed in the Business, whenever an Opportunity shall offer. As the proposals from General [William] Howe were made through you, I have mentioned to his Excellency, the Propriety of you going in to the Enemy, in order to set the matter in a proper Channell...As I know you have this Exchange much at Heart, I doubt not, but you will do every thing in your Power to expedite it, in which I shall most heartily engage."
Boudinot (1740-1821), a close friend of Washington since Valley Forge, was accorded considerable authority to effect exchanges of prisoners; he donated $30,000 from his own private funds to help care for American prisoners. He later served in Congress, and as its President (1782-1784).
Boudinot (1740-1821), a close friend of Washington since Valley Forge, was accorded considerable authority to effect exchanges of prisoners; he donated $30,000 from his own private funds to help care for American prisoners. He later served in Congress, and as its President (1782-1784).