The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745-1799. John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor.
George Washington to Continental Congress,
Head Quars., Middle Brook, June 3, 1777.
Sir: I would take the liberty of addressing a few lines to Congress, on a Matter, which appears to me of importance and which is considered in the same light by many of our Officers and others not in the Military line.
The subject I allude to, is, the condition of many persons now with the Enemy, who deluded by their Acts and a misguided attachment to their measures, fled from the protection of the States to find security with them, and who, in many instances, are in Arms against us.
It has been suggested thro' various Channels, and the suggestion seems to be credited, especially as some have already escaped, that many of those unhappy people, convinced of their error and the wicked part they have taken, would embrace the earliest opportunity of leaving the Enemy and returning among us, were they sure of being received into our friendship again, and of enjoying their Property and the rights of Citizens.
This subject, in the consideration of it, strikes me as important, interesting and delicate, involving many consequences worthy of mature deliberation and attention. As such, and deeming myself incompetent to it, I think it my duty to submit it to Congress for their discussion, to take such measures therein, as they shall esteem necessary and right.
If these people, particularly those in Arms, are ingenuous in what has been hinted, and it is their wish or that of a considerable part of them to return; I should suppose, that it would be expedient and founded in sound Policy, to give every suitable assurance, to induce them to come. Such an event would be attended with Salutary effects, would weaken the Enemy, distress them greatly, and would probably have a most happy influence, in preventing others from joining their Arms. On the other hand, the indulgence may be liable to great abuse, supposing it not to be duly regarded, or if the effects produced by it, should be partial, they will not be adequate to the ends in view; Yet, as the Enemy, on their part, are using every devise they are capable of, to seduce both Soldiers and Citizens from our Service into their's and have succeeded but too well. It is generally thought, in the Military line, that something should be attempted to counteract them. Whether Congress will be of the same Sentiment, and if they should, what and how extensive the mode and Indulgence ought to be, is entirely with them. There is one difficulty that occurs to me; supposing the measure to be adopted. What line of discrimination can be drawn upon such an occasion, tho' circumstances should differ and seem to require it? While the poor deluded, ignorant, duped by artifices and a thousand causes to lead them wrong, have a claim to their Country's Pardon and indulgence. There are many of well informed understanding, who from their early avowed hostile dispositions and inveterate disregard of her rights, and those who have taken a double and treble part, cannot have the same pretensions, whose only view in returning may be, to serve their own sordid purposes and the better to promote those plans, they have steadily pursued.
One thing more I would observe, which is, that if Congress judge an adoption of Measures eligible on the subject of my Letter, the sooner it is come into, the better, for the most obvious reasons, and the time allowed for those to return, who wish the indulgence, should be fixed at a short period; not longer, in my opinion, than till the ... day of ... next, otherwise they may avail themselves of the circumstance and wait events, to decide their choice. If any good consequences are produced, the means can be renewed and further extended.67
[Note 67: On June 4 Congress resolved: "Whereas, General Howe has, by offers of reward, endeavoured to induce the soldiers of the United States to desert and go over to him; Resolved, That General Washington be empowered to offer such rewards as he shall judge proper, to deserters from the enemy, whether horse or foot, encouraging them, by suitable offers, to bring with them their arms and horses.]
Congress will be pleased to excuse me, for thus freely communicating my Sentiments, especially when I assure them, that they are dictated by what I esteem my duty. I am &ca.
P.S. The more I consider the Subject of my Letter the more important and interesting it appears. I am inclined to think, if the measure proposed should be deemed expedient, that it will be better, that the indulgencies and assurances, for [to induce the] their return [of those with the Enemy] should be communicated thro' the medium of some Second, secret hand, qualified to offer them and to negotiate the business, rather than by an Act of Public Authority; Opportunities I should suppose, may be found, by which they may obtain due information in that way, and which will not hold out to the Enemy the same cause of Suspicion and of vigilance to prevent their escaping. Whatever mode shall be considered most advisable, should be immediately adopted. What time should be allowed in the first instance, I am at a loss to determine; If the continuance is too short, there may be danger of their not being apprized, so as to get off. If it is too long, they'll defer matters to the last and act then as circumstances of Interest dictate, to err in the former, will be least injurious.68
[Note 68: In the writing of Robert Hanson Harrison; the draft is in that of Harrison and Richard Kidder Meade. The words in brackets are in the draft and not in letter sent.]
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