To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 24 February 1783

Some time ago I requested Colonel Humphrys to state to your Excellency, the Case of Lieutenant Sutherland of the British Artillery captured at Yorktown, who in prospect of an appointment procured for him in the East Indies was anxious to be exchanged; but peculiar circumstances preventing a partial Exchange taking place, that gentleman was acquainted of the impossibility of his request being complied with—His friends still interest themselves in his favor, and request me, to inform your Excellency, of a case to the southward between Generals Greene and Leslie, by which, Major Hearne without being exchanged or liberated from his Parole, is allowed a Letter of Service, permitting him to act as if at Liberty, untill call’d for or fully Exchang‘d on an assurance from General Greene that the favor would be properly returned when requested.

A Letter similar to the one referred to, is earnestly requested in favor of Lieutenant Sutherland, and which would be accepted by Sir Guy Carleton as a compensation for that to Major Hearne; though if the same indulgence could granted to Lieutenant Campbell of the 71st an officer nearly in similar circumstances, as it would bring the rank of the parties more to a par, would be more fully cancelling the obligation conferr’d on General Greene. I have the Honor to be Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Servt