In mine of the second of the present month, written in the instant of Colonel Mathews’ delivery of your letter, I informed you what had been done on the subject of Governor Hamilton and his companions previous to that moment.  I now enclose you an advice of Council, [See Appendix, note C.] in consequence of the letter you were pleased to enclose me, from the British commissary of prisoners, with one from Lord Rawdon; also a copy of my letter to Colonel Mathews, enclosing, also, the papers therein named.  The advice of Council to allow the enlargement of prisoners, on their giving a proper parole, has not been recalled, nor will be, I suppose, unless something on the part of the enemy should render it necessary.  I rather expect, however, that they will see it their interest to discontinue this kind of conduct.  I am afraid I shall hereafter, perhaps be obliged to give your Excellency some trouble in aiding me to obtain information of the future usage of our prisoners.  I shall give immediate orders for having in readiness every engine which the enemy have contrived for the destruction of our unhappy citizens, captivated by them.  The presentiment of these operations is shocking beyond expression.  I pray Heaven to avert them:  but nothing in this world will do it, but a proper conduct in the enemy.  In every event, I shall resign myself to the hard necessity under which I shall act.

I have the honor to be, with great regard and esteem,

your Excellency’s

most obedient and

most humble servant,

Th:  Jefferson.

LETTER XII.—­TO COLONEL MATHEWS, October, 1779

TO COLONEL MATHEWS.

In Council, October, 1779.

Sir,

The proceedings respecting Governor Hamilton and his companions, previous to your arrival here, you are acquainted with.  For your more precise information, I enclose you the advice of Council, of June the 16th, of that of August the 28th, another of September the 19th, on the parole tendered them the 1st instant, and Governor Hamilton’s letter of the same day, stating his objections, in which he persevered:  from that time his confinement has become a voluntary one.  You delivered us your letters the next day, when, the post being just setting out, much business prevented the Council from taking them into consideration.  They have this day attended to them, and found their resolution expressed in the enclosed advice bearing date this day.  It gives us great pain that any of our countrymen should be cut off from the society of their friends and tenderest connections, while it seems as if it was in our power, to administer relief.  But we trust to their good sense for discerning, and their spirit for bearing up against the fallacy of this appearance.  Governor Hamilton and his companions were imprisoned and ironed, 1st.  In retaliation for cruel treatment of our captive citizens