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so implicitly lo comply. If you shall be of opinion, that the bare existence of a capitulation, in the case of Governor Hamilton, privileges him from confinement, though there be no article to that effect in the capitulation, justice shall most assuredly be done him. The importance of this point, in a public view, and my own anxiety under a charge of violation of national faith by the Execu tive of this Commonwealth, will, I hope, apologise for my adding this to the many troubles with which I know you to be burdened. I have the honor to be, with the most profound respect, your Excellency s most obedient,
and most humble servant,
TH: JEFFERSON.
P. S. I have just received a letter from Colonel Bland, con taining information of numerous desertions from the Convention troops, not less than four hundred in the last fortnight. He thinks he has reason to believe, it is with the connivance of some of their officers. Some of these have been retaken, all of them going northwardly. They had provided themselves with forged passports, and with certificates of having taken the oath of fidelity to the State ; some of them forged, others really given by weak magis trates. I give this information to your Excellency, as, perhaps, it may be in your power to have such of them intercepted as shall be passing through Pennsylvania and Jersey.
Your letter enclosing the opinion of the board of war in the case of Allison and Lee, has come safe to hand, after a long pas sage. It shall be answered by next post. T. J.
LETTER IX. TO HIS EXCELLENCY GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Williamsburg, October 1, 1779. SIR,
On receipt of your letter of August Cth, during my absence, the Council had the irons taken off the prisoners of war. When your advice was asked, we meant it should decide with us; and upon my return to Williamsburg, the matter was taken up and the enclosed advice given.* A parole was formed, of which the en closed is a copy, and tendered to the prisoners. They objected to that part of it, which restrained them from saying any thing to
[* Sec Appendix, note B.]
