George Washington to Thomas Sim Lee

I think it necessary to inform your Excellency, that I have granted permission to the sloops Mary and Leith to proceed from New York to Baltimore, with Cloathing and Necessaries for the British and German Prisoners of War at Frederick Town and other places in the state. Should there be any impropriety in those Vessells going up to the Town, you will lodge orders to have them stopped at any convenient place below it. The Officers who have the Goods in charge will have occasion for Waggons to Transport them from the place of debarkation to the places of Cantonment. They will pay for the hire of them, and I could wish that no imposition may be put upon them and that they may have passports under your Excellencys authority for their safe conduct thro' the Country.

I have the honor etc.¹