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. 305
stage to which the matter has been suffered to run,
all argumentation on the subject is entirely precluded
on my part; that my resolutions have been grounded
on so mature deliberation, that they must remain unalterably fixed. You will also inform the gentlemen,
that, while my duty calls me to make this decisive determination, humanity prompts a tear for the unfortunate offering, and inclines me to say, that I most devoutly wish his life may be saved. This happy event
may be attained; but it must be effected by the British Commander-in-chief. He knows the alternative,
which will accomplish it; and he knows, that this alternative only can avert the dire extremity from the
innocent, and that in this way alone the manes of the
murdered'Captain Huddy will be best appeased.
In the mean time, while this is doing, I must* beg
that you will be pleased to treat Captain Asgill with
every tender attention and politeness (consistent with
his present situation), which his rank, fortune, and connexions, together with his unfortunate state, demand.
I am, dear Sir, &c.
TO COLONEL ELIAS DAYTON.
Head-Quarters, 11 June, 1782.
SIR,
You will inform me, as early as possible, of the present situation of Captain Asgill, the prisoner destined
for retaliation, and what prospect he has of relief from
his application to Sir Guy Carleton, which I have been
informed he has'made through his friend Captain Ludlow. I have heard nothing yet from New York in
consequence of this application. His fate will be suspended till I can be informed of the decision of Sir
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