Sir:

I have had the honor to receive your Excellency’s Letter respecting certain revolted subjects of your State, captured by our Militia of Currituck. I am sorry to inform your Excellency that it is not in my power to comply with your request, as those persons surrendered on Capitulation, the principal article of which, was, that they should be paroled to General Greene’s Head Quarters, until exchanged, where they were sent, and where I believe they still remain. I shall always be happy to have it in my power, not only to comply with what is required by the Continental federation, but to render services in every respect to the State of Maryland, for the generous assistance this State derived from your brave Troops in support of her present political Existence.