From George Washington to Henry Clinton, 31 December 1781

Sir	Philadelphia 31st Decemr 1781.

I do myself the honor to inclose the duplicate of a letter, which I had written to your Excellency on the 6th of this month. I have reason to beleive the original miscarried between this place and Elizabeth Town. I must entreat such attention to it as the importance of the subject requires.

I have been honored with your Excellencys favor of the 14th, and should have transmitted the passports therein requested, by this oppertunity, but for the following circumstance. It has been determined to make a change of disposition in the Cantonments of the British and German prisoners of War. The British are all to be collected at Lancaster and Philadelphia. The Germans in other Towns of Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. They are now moving their Quarters, and the moment they are settled in them, the passports shall be forwarded. I have thought it needless to renew that mentioned in mine of the 6th for the reasons just mentioned. I have the honor to be with due Respect Your Excellency’s Most obt and hble servt

Go: Washington

PRO.

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