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. 241
be considered, that few or none of the naval prisoners
in New York and elsewhere belong to the Continental
service. I however feel for the situation of these unfortunate people, and wish to see them relieved by any
mode, which will not materially affect the public good.
In some former letters upon this subject I have mentioned a plan, by which I am certain they might be
liberated nearly as fast as captured. It is by obliging
the captains of all armed vessels, both public and private, to throw their prisoners into common stock under the direction of the commissary-general of prisoners. By these means they would be taken care of
and regularly applied to the exchange of those in the
hands of the enemy. Now the greater part are dissipated, and the few that remain are applied partially.
I shall be obliged to your Excellency for obtaining and
transmitting to me the sentiments of Congress upon.
these subjects as early as convenient.
I have the honor to be, &c.
TO LIEUTENANT-COLONEL JOHN LAURENS.*
Philadelphia, 18 February, 1782.
MY DEAR LAURENS,
I have had the pleasure to receive your favor of the
10th of December, and also the report of the judicious
and successful movement of General Greene, by which
he compelled the enemy to abandon their out-posts.
This brilliant manceuvre is another proof of the singular abilities which that officer possesses.
Since my last despatches from South Carolina I have
been informed, by way of Virginia, of the intelligence
* Colonel Laurens joined the southern army shortly after the capitulation at Yorktown.
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