James De Lancey to John Jay, 14 January 1778

Hartford Jan y . 14 th 1778.

Dr sir

I rec d . your kind Letter of the 2 d . Inst. with 100 Dollars from M r. Sam l . Broome which with the many other Obligations I am under to you will never be forgot as I have had a plentifull supply of money from home returned it M r. Broome–€” 1

The Gentlemen of the Army particularly Gen l. Parsons & some of the Inhabitants of this place have been very Civle to me. the Gen l. has made application to the Governor & Councill to have me permitted to go on parole to New-York to settle my Affairs there & to try If I could effect an Exchange between Col. Ely & myself, but could not succeed on account of a letter from Gov r. Clinton to Gen l. Putnam requesting that I might not be exchanged without the consent of the Governor & Councill of New-York State–€” I thought your letter would be of service to me in this Affair & shewed it to the Gen l. I believe from Gen l. Morris–€™s Conduct to me on my way to this place that he has been the occasion of it–€”

I have been told by several People before and since I was taken that Gen l. Morris reported I had broke my Parole to Gen l. Mifflin–€” I do assure you on my honour I never did give Gen l . Mifflin the least reason to think I would stay in West-Chester whilst the army was there for my treatment was such that I was determined to go to Long Island by the first opportunity–€” Gen l. Mifflin told me I should not go from Home without a pass from him or Col Hand to which I made no answer how that could be taken for a parole I know not–€” I do not mention this as the least disadvantage to me in this place but for fear if mentioned to you it should lessen your Friendship for me–€”

I should have been more hurt had I been neglected by you than any thing I can suffer whilst a Prisoner as my regard for you had not in the least abated on account of the difference of our sentiments. My Compliments to M rs . Jay–€” I am Dear Sir Your Sincere Friend & most obed t. humble Serv t.

James DeLancey