Name/Title
Handwritten copy of Pub. Papers of Gov. Clinton, Vol VIEntry/Object ID
002024Tags
George Clinton, Philip Pell, Thomas PellScope and Content
These documents appear to be historical transcriptions or notes regarding correspondence involving Governor George Clinton of New York during the American Revolutionary War (August 1780). The text discusses the treatment and exchange of prisoners, specifically mentioning individuals at Fishkill and Poughkeepsie.
Below is the transcription of the two pages. Note that some words are shorthand or archaic, and I have preserved the original capitalization and punctuation as closely as possible.
Transcription: Page 1 (2024.jpg)
Vol VI pp 133 – 135 [no. 3168]
Philip Pell Jr. writes Gov Clinton from
Fredericksburgh, 24th August 1780
that certain others and Thomas Pell
are at Fishkill and asked whether he
“shall immediately see those persons con-
ducted within the Enemy’s lines, and
whether they may be permitted to take horses
with them, and the manner in which I
must pursue this business.” —
Gov Clinton replies Fr.
Poughk. Aug 25, 1780 says:
“It is not less my inclination than it is
my Duty by every means in my power to
endeavor to effect the liberation of the
citizens of this State who are Prisoners
with the Enemy & there is Reason to
believe, if those who profess allegiance to
the King of Great Britain in our Power
met in every Respect with similar Treatment
that an Exchange would soon be effected. —
He is therefore instructed that the persons
mentioned in your letter” X “be treated in
Transcription: Page 2 (2024a.jpg)
the same manner our friends who are Prisoners
with the Enemy are — until further orders.
“If this should produce Overtures from the enemy
for an Exchange,” he is to answer it as
formerly ordered. If necessary to confine
these Prisoners in the Provost at Fishkill
he has a note to the Commanding
Officer there — Such note is then given —
Vol 6. p 142 [3177]
Is a note from Gov. Clinton to [the name
has been struck through] directing him to convey
Thomas Pell, Prisoner of this State, to the
Common gaol at this Place & there deliver
him to the Sheriff of Dutchess Co. or his Depty,
who is hereby directed to receive & confine him
in the said gaol & be governed in his conduct
toward the said Prisoner by the orders he may
receive from the Commissary of Prisoners of this
State. Given at Poughkeepsie in Dutchess Co.
this 27th Aug’t. 1780 G.C.
Key Details Noted
Dates: August 24–27, 1780.
Locations: Fredericksburgh, Fishkill, and Poughkeepsie (Dutchess County, NY).
Figures: Philip Pell Jr., Thomas Pell, and Gov. George Clinton (G.C.).
Context: The "tit-for-tat" strategy regarding prisoner treatment. Clinton suggests that if British prisoners are treated as harshly as American prisoners are treated by the British, it might force a "move" toward a prisoner exchange.
