I laid a Petition from Capt. [James] Campbell before Congress, they declined having any thing to say to it. all persons taken by the Ships of War or privateers of any State, are deemed the prisoners of such State, and are generally applied to the Redemption of their own Subjects; on the Contrary all persons taken by Continental V essells are deemed the prisoners of the Congress & subject to their Disposal. —

The Georgia Delegates object to the Discharge of the Gentlemen, whose Cases You referred to Congress.

Unless in future all prisoners taken by Vessells of our State are detained, such of our People, as fall into the Enemies Hands, cannot be redeemed. this Subject is of Consequence & demands the Attention of your Board — Yr [&c.]