To George Washington from Rachel Holly, 21 June 1782

sir	New Haven June. 21. 1782

Will you Permit a Distressed Mother to Tell your Excellency that she has on Board the Jersey Prison Ship in New York her Only Son who from his Own Account and from others left [on] the Ship—suffers without Releif, no help from these Parts can be sent him as Flags are not to pass—I am Confident could I be permitted to pass. to LongisLand or New York, my Connexion are Such—I could be happy enough to Obtain his inlargement at least on Parole—Where must I apply For this Licence but to your Excellency may I look up to your Excellency at this most Critical Period For that assistance (by a Flag) which is so necessary to save the only Male Branch of my Family and on Whom I much Depend—my Sons Name is Joshua Sears a Nephew of Colo. Sears of Boston. I am with Constant Wishes for your Excellencys Protection, very Respectfully your Excellencys most Obedt Servant

Rachel Holly

P.S. Honnoured Sir this Son of mine has been a prisoner in England Since the year 1778 ’til december the 3: three years and one day was then Exchanged to france & traveled [4] hundred mile[s] & at last got a Pasage to Philadelphia in a letter of mark the Ship St James[.] She on her way fell in with and took a brig belonging to great Britton my son was Sent on board her and she was orderd into the Same Port: was taken again and Brought into Newyork where he is confind without mony or friends: I therefore would Pray your Excellency to grant the above Request. most Obed. Servant

Rachel &c.

DLC: Papers of George Washington.

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