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.

PART II.] THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 235
circumstances to prescribe. But, holding myself fully
authorized, by their instructions and intentions, to avail
myself of the reasonable terms, which you are at this
time willing to adopt for the mutual relief of prisoners,
I shall explicitly close with your propositions to the
following effect;- -" That an exchange of all prisoners
now in our possession, officer for officer, soldier for
soldier, and citizen for citizen, so far as number and
rank will apply," be carried into execution, as expeditiously as the nature of the case will admit, and without regard to any controverted point, which might prove
an impediment to so desirable an end. And here, as
I may not clearly understand your meaning, when you
say, - "In the mean time I shall wait the arrival of
the British officers, whom you have released upon their
paroles, and shall without delay send an equal number
to you in return," — I take occasion to request, that
you will be pleased to favor me with an explanation;
whether you intend to consider such officers, on both
sides, as still continuing under the obligation of a parole,
or as absolutely exchanged in pursuance of the general
cartel. I see no reason why an effectual exchange
should not at once operate with respect to them.
I also agree, that two commissioners from me shall
meet a like number from you, on the 10th day of March
in Germantown, at the King of Prussia Tavern, at eleven
o'clock in the forenoon, to adjust upon equitable terms
the difference you mention, and such other matters as
they may be severally empowered to determine.
With respect to a general settlement of accounts, as
it comprehends points with which I have no authority
to interfere, it is not in my power to concur in the
measure you suggest for that purpose. I am under
the necessity of referring it to the decision of Congress.
Considering a general exchange as being finally agreed