Head Quarters, New Windsor, March 22, 1781
Sir:
Your Excellency's favor of the 18th ulto. came to Head Quarters during my visit to Count de Rochambeau at Newport from whence I only returned two days ago. You may be assured that every attention shall be paid to the Exchange of Colo. Marbury1 in his due turn, more than that I cannot promise without deviating from a rule of conduct which I myself had ever observed and which has lately been confirmed by an order of Congress. I have however the pleasure to learn that Colo. Marbury is admitted to parole and as he is, I believe, the oldest Officer of his rank unexchanged, I hope his final release will ere long be accomplished. I do not know what Officers were taken at Kings Mountain or in any part of the southern Quarter, but should a general exchange take place, due consideration will be had to the remaining prisoners at New York.
I am etc. 2
1 Col. Luke Marbury, of the Maryland Militia.
2 The draft is in the writing of Tench Tilghman.