JAMES DE LANCEY TO JAY. - John Jay, The Correspondence and Public Papers of John Jay, vol. 1 (1763-1781) [1890]
Edition used:
The Correspondence and Public Papers of John Jay, ed. Henry P. Johnston, A.M. (New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1890-93). Vol. 1 (1763-1781).
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JAMES DE LANCEY TO JAY.
Hartford, Jany. 14th, 1778.
Dr. Sir:
I recd. your kind Letter of the 2d Inst. with 100 Dollars from Mr. Saml. Broome which with the many other obligations I am under to you will never be forgot; as I have had a plentifull supply of money from home returned it Mr. Broome.
The gentlemen of the Army particularly Genl. Parsons & some of the inhabitants of this place have been very civil to me; the Genl. has made application to the Governor & Councill to have me permitted to go on Parole to New York to settle my affairs there & to try if I could effect an exchange between Col. Ely & myself, but could not succeed on account of a letter from Genl. Clinton to Genl. Putnam requesting that I might not be exchanged without the consent of the Governor & Councill of New York State. I thought your letter would be of service to me in this affair & showed it to the Genl.
I believe from Genl. [Lewis] Morris’s Conduct to me on my way to this place that he has been the occasion of it.
I have been told by several People before and since I was taken that Genl. Morris reported I had broke my Parole to Genl. Mifflin—I do assuere you on my honour I never did give Genl. Mifflin the least reason to think I would stay in West-Chester whilst the Army was there for my treatment was such that I was determined to go to Long Island by the first opportunity.
Genl. Mifflin told me I should not go from Home without a pass from him or Col. Hand to which I made no answer; how that could be taken for a parole I know not. I do not mention this as the least disadvantage to me in this place but for fear if mentioned to you it should lessen your Friendship for me.
I should have been more hurt had I been neglected by you than anything I can suffer whilst a Prisoner, as my regard for you had not in the least abated on account of the difference of our sentiments. My compliments to Mrs. Jay.
I am Dear Sir,
Your Sincere Friend & most obdt. humble Servt.
James De Lancey.
See note to preceding letter.
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