Elias Boudinot was an American Founding Father, lawyer, statesman, and early abolitionist and women's rights advocate. During the Revolutionary War, Boudinot was an intelligence officer and prisoner-of-war commissary under general George Washington, working to improve conditions for prisoners on both the American and British sides. In 1779, he was elected to the Continental Congress and then to its successor, the Congress of the Confederation, serving as President of Congress in 1782-1783, the final years of the war.
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] feby. 9th. 1778 Dear Sir, General Howe has just made a proposition, towards a general exchange of prisoners, or rather has acceded to our former propositions…
[ Valley Forge ] May 23, 1778 . Is pleased with the improved treatment of prisoners by British. Requests Boudinot to come to Camp immediately as there is to be…
[Valley Forge, June 18, 1778] Dr Sir The General has received your Billet per horseman. 1 He thanks you for your intelligence and begs you will continue to advise him…
[New Brunswick, New Jersey, July 5, 1778] My dear Sir, You will by this time imagine that I have forgotten my promise of writing to you, as I have been…
Head Quarters [White Plains, New York] July 26th. 1778 Dr. Sir, I have had the pleasure of receiving your favour of the  1 instant. Baron Steuben will do me…
Head Quarters [White Plains, New York] Sepr 8th. 78. My Dear Sir, It is a long time since I have had either the pleasure of writing to you or of…
Benjamin Franklin acknowledges receipt of Elias Boudinot's letters and the intelligence they contain, noting communication with other American commissioners abroad. He congratulates Boudinot on his successful presidency and his honorable retirement into private life, expressing respect for the peace and dignity found in stepping away from public duties.