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. 279
not, however, lessen in my estimation the merit, which
is due to the unwearied assiduity for the public good,
and the benevolent zeal to alleviate the distresses of
the unfortunate, which seem to have actuated you on
every occasion, and for which I entreat you will be
pleased to accept my most cordial thanks; and at the
same time believe that I am, Gentlemen, with the
highest sentiments of regard and esteem, &c.
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
HIead-Quarters, 30 April, 1782.
SIR,
I have the honor to transmit to your Excellency
copies of the minutes of proceedings and the report
of my commissioners appointed to meet commissioners
on the part of the British general, Sir Henry Clinton,
for the purposes mentioned in their instructions, a copy
of which is herewith communicated. A private letter
from my commissioners, and a letter from Sir Henry
Clinton, both written in consequence of this negotiation, are also enclosed for the consideration of Congress.
After this exposition of the subject it is unnecessary, and it might be improper, for me to make any
observations on these papers. I submit them to the
wisdom of Congress, and have only to beg for my
own direction, that I may be early informed of their
determination, how far any future exchanges of prisoners of war shall be continued, under the practice
which has been formerly adopted for that purpose. I
beg leave to point the attention of Congress particularly. to that part of the commissioners' letter to me,
which mentions the extension of a pardon to the refugees in the service of the enemy. Their ideas on this