This Day in History: February 10

"That an Exchange of all Prisoners now in our possession, Officer for Officer, Soldier for Soldier and Citizen for Citizen, so far as number and rank will apply," be carried into execution, as expeditiously as the nature of the case will admit, and without regard to any controverted point, which might prove an impediment to so desireable an End. And here, as I may not clearly understand your meaning when you say "In the mean time I shall wait the arrival of the British Officers whom you have released upon their paroles, and shall without delay send an equal number to you in return"; I take occasion to request, that you will be pleased to favor me with an explanation; Whether you intend to consider such Officers on both sides, as still continuing under the Obligation of a parole, or as absolutely exchanged in pursuance of the General Cartel. I see no reason why an effectual exchange should not, at once, operate with respect to them.