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 1.] THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 311
first orders were issued agreeably to that idea; but unfortunately it was reported to me, that no officer of an
unconditional description was in our possession, which
laid me under a necessity of giving further orders, exceeding my original intentions, in consequence of which
the unhappy lot has fallen upon Captain Asgill, a prisoner under the capitulation of Yorktown.
I feel myself exceedingly distressed on this occasion; but, my resolutions having been taken upon the
most mature deliberation, supported by the approbation
of Congress, and grounded on the general concurrence
of all the principal officers of the army, who were particularly consulted, they cannot be receded from. Justice to the army and the public, my own honor, and, I
think I may venture to say, universal benevolence, require them to be carried into full execution. It rests,
therefore, with the British commander-in-chief to prevent this unhappy measure from taking effect. An
application is gone to Sir Guy Carleton from Captain
Asgill, begging his interposition to avert his fate. The
matter is now in agitation; and I am told that a strict
inquiry is making into the conduct of Lippencot, who
is charged as being the principal perpetrator of the
cruel murder of Captain Huddy. Should this inquiry
lead to a giving of satisfaction, by a compliance with
my original demand to Sir Henry Clinton, my feelings
will be greatly relieved, and I need not assure you,
that I shall receive the highest pleasure from such an
event. I am, &c.