View source for PA Archives Series I, Vol. 8, p.343 Board of War Letter to Pres. Reed 1780

BOARD OF WAR TO PRES. REED, 1780<br>War Office, June 21, 1780.<br>Sir,<br>There are dispersed thro' the States, but principally in this State, many prisoners of war, part of them, both British & German, but more of the latter; had license from this board to work with the farmers and others in the country during the last winter, when it was difficult to maintain them at this post: All these have some time since been ordered into confinement; but the people who have had the benefit of their services are unwilling, & delay to deliver them.  Other prisoners have escaped from their places of confinement, and are scattered thro' the country, where some of them doubtless mean to fix their abode; others are working along from town to town till they shall find opportunities of getting into New York.  Many have very improperly been allowed by the magistrates to take the oaths of allegiance, & others have passports or certificates (some true & some counterfeit) by means of which they are enabled to pursue their designs unmolested.<br>As your Excellency expressed a readiness to give orders to the lieutenants of the counties to apprehend all such prisoners, we thought it best to communicate the above mentioned facts & circumstances; and to inform you, that there are no prisoners out of confinement, with our consent, except officers on parole,- the servants of such officers actually attached to their persons, & for whom the officers have respectively given their paroles.  All others, whether they were of Burgoyne's army or absolute prisoners of war, we wish may be taken up and confined in the nearest goals (where these are sufficiently strong) or brought to the New Goal in this city; as shall be most convenient.  And your Excellency will greatly oblige us as well as do an important public service, by issuing the necessary orders for tht purpose.   Any necessary expenses occasioned by the execution of such ordres, it apears to us will be a proper charge against the United States.  We have the honour to be, very respectfully, your Excellency's most obedt. Servants,,<br>In behalf & by order of ye board,<br>Tim. Pickering
<br>Directed, His Escellency Joseph Reed, Esq.r

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