The writings of George Washington; being his correspondence, addresses, messages, and other papers, official and private, selected and published from the original manuscripts; with a life of the author, notes and illustrations. By Jared Sparks.

PARTII.] THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 147
one retreat in case of a disaster, and that blocked up
by a respectable force.
My own difficulties, in the course of the campaign,
have been not a little increased by the extra aid of
Continental troops, which the gloomy prospect of our
affairs in the north, immediately after the reduction of
Ticonderoga, induced me to spare from this army. But
it is to be hoped, that all will yet end well. If the
cause is advanced, indifferent is it to me where or in
what quarter it happens. The winter season, with the
aid of our neighbours, may possibly bring some important event to pass.
I am, sincerely and respectfiully, dear Sir, &c.
TO SIR WILLIAM HOWE.
Head-Quarters, 14 November, 1777.
SIR,
I am sorry to find, by the tenor of your letter of the
6th instant, that we still unhappily differ in our ideas of
those just and reasonable terms, upon which a general
exchange of prisoners might take place, and that an
event so desirable is probably yet at a distance. This
being the case, that relief to the unhappy, where it is
practicable, may no longer be delayed, I am induced to
accede to your proposition, made through LieutenantColonel Frazer, "6 that the officers, who are prisoners of
war, on both sides should be released, and have liberty
to return among their friends on parole." I shall expect your answer as soon as possible upon this subject;
after which I shall give the necessary orders for the
return of your officers to such places as you may appoint. At the same time, I wish that their exchange
may appear to you, as it does to me, the more eligible